Category: Packing Tips

Toiletries are one of the trickiest parts of packing for a flight. Liquids rules limit what you can carry on, bottles can leak and full-size products take up valuable space. With a little planning, you can pack everything you need and pass through security smoothly.

This guide explains liquids rules, travel bottles, solid alternatives and packing tips. Rules differ by country and change over time, so check the TSA and your departure airport’s guidance before you fly.

The TSA 3-1-1 Rule

For flights from US airports, the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule applies to liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes in carry-on bags:

• 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per container
• 1 quart-sized clear, resealable bag
• 1 bag per passenger

Containers must be 3.4 ounces or less even if they are only partly full. Many other countries use similar limits. Some airports with newer scanners have changed screening procedures, but rules vary, so check before you go.

Exceptions

The TSA allows certain items in larger amounts, such as medically necessary liquids and baby formula, breast milk and juice for infants, subject to screening. Declare these items at security. Check TSA guidance for details.

What Counts as a Liquid?

Many items count, including:

• Shampoo and conditioner
• Lotions and creams
• Toothpaste
• Liquid makeup and mascara
• Gels and hair products
• Aerosols like dry shampoo and deodorant sprays
• Peanut butter and similar spreads

When in doubt, put it in your liquids bag or pack it in checked luggage.

Travel Bottles

Types

• Silicone squeeze bottles: Flexible and easy to use, though they can leak if overfilled
• Hard plastic bottles: Durable and good for thinner liquids
• Pump and spray bottles: For lotions and sprays
• Small jars: For creams

Tips

• Label bottles clearly
• Fill only partly to leave room for pressure changes
• Test for leaks before you travel

Solid Toiletries

Solid products do not count toward liquid limits under TSA rules, saving space in your liquids bag:

• Shampoo and conditioner bars
• Bar soap
• Solid deodorant sticks
• Toothpaste tablets
• Solid perfume
• Lotion bars

Store solids in tins or containers so they dry between uses.

Preventing Leaks

• Squeeze out air before closing soft bottles
• Place plastic wrap under caps of full bottles
• Tape caps closed
• Pack liquids in a zip bag even in checked luggage
• Pack liquids upright where possible

Medications

• Keep medications in your carry-on
• Use original containers or bring labels where possible, especially internationally
• Bring copies of prescriptions if traveling abroad
• Check destination rules for medication imports

This is general information; talk with your pharmacist or healthcare professional about travel with specific medications.

Toiletry Bag Types

• Hanging toiletry bags with hooks are handy in small bathrooms
• Flat organizers pack easily in carry-ons
• Clear bags speed security screening

Keep your liquids bag separate so you can remove it at security if required.

What to Leave at Home

• Full-size products you can buy at your destination
• Hotel-provided items like shampoo and soap, if available
• Duplicates

Checked Bag Toiletries

Full-size liquids are generally allowed in checked bags, with limits on some items such as aerosols and flammable products. Check TSA and airline rules. Pack liquids in sealed bags to protect clothing.

Toiletry Checklist

Category	Items
Hair	Shampoo, conditioner, brush
Body	Soap, deodorant, lotion
Dental	Toothbrush, toothpaste
Face	Cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen
Extras	Razor, hair ties, cotton swabs
Health	Medications, bandages

Toiletries for Kids

Pack kid-friendly sunscreen, toothpaste and bath items in travel sizes. Baby items like formula follow special TSA guidance. See luggage for families.

Refilling on the Road

On long trips, buy toiletries locally and refill travel bottles.

Building a Ready-to-Go Toiletry Kit

Frequent travelers often keep a toiletry kit packed at all times. Fill travel bottles with your usual products, add a spare toothbrush, deodorant and basic first-aid supplies, and refill items after each trip. A ready kit saves time and reduces forgotten items.

Sustainable Options

• Refillable bottles instead of disposable travel sizes
• Solid bars that reduce packaging
• Reusable containers for creams and cotton pads

Common Mistakes

• Packing full bottles that leak during pressure changes
• Forgetting that toothpaste and lip gloss count as liquids or gels
• Burying the liquids bag deep in the carry-on
• Packing medications in checked luggage

Toiletries for Long Trips

On trips longer than a week or two, your travel bottles may run out. Plan to buy toiletries at your destination, or use solid bars that last longer than small liquid bottles. Pharmacies and supermarkets abroad often carry familiar brands, though products and labels may differ. Keep enough of any specialized product you rely on.

Security Line Tips

Have your liquids bag ready at the top of your carry-on. Wear easy-to-remove shoes and keep pockets empty. If you are enrolled in an expedited screening program, check its current rules, since procedures can differ from standard lanes.

Keeping Toiletries Organized at Your Destination

Hang your toiletry bag on a hook or towel bar in small bathrooms to keep counters clear. Return items to the bag after each use so nothing is left behind at checkout. Before leaving a hotel or rental, check the shower, counter and drawers for forgotten items, especially chargers and small bottles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much liquid can I bring in a carry-on?

Under TSA rules, containers of 3.4 ounces or less in one quart-sized bag per passenger.

Are solid toiletries allowed?

Yes, solids do not count toward liquid limits under TSA rules.

Can I bring full-size shampoo in checked luggage?

Generally yes. Pack it in a sealed bag.

Is toothpaste a liquid?

Yes, toothpaste counts as a liquid or gel for security purposes.

Do medications count toward liquid limits?

Medically necessary liquids may be allowed in larger amounts. Declare them at security.

The Bottom Line

Follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule for carry-on liquids, use quality travel bottles, switch to solid toiletries where possible and prevent leaks with careful packing. Keep medications in your carry-on, check current rules and leave items you can buy at your destination.

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Editorial note: Trail Packed is independent and reader-supported. This guide is based on research into manufacturer documentation, published specifications and widely accepted best practices; we have not been paid to mention any product. If we add affiliate links in the future, they will be clearly disclosed per our Affiliate Disclosure.

Packing cubes are fabric containers that organize the contents of a suitcase or backpack. Fans say they make packing and unpacking faster and keep bags tidy. Skeptics say they add weight and cost without saving space. The truth depends on how you travel.

This guide explains the pros and cons of packing cubes, the different types and how to use them well.

What Packing Cubes Do

Packing cubes group items into separate compartments, such as tops in one cube and underwear in another. Instead of a jumble of clothes, your bag holds a few organized blocks.

Benefits of Packing Cubes

Organization

Cubes make it easy to find items without digging. You can grab the cube you need and leave the rest packed.

Faster Unpacking and Repacking

At a hotel, you can put cubes straight into drawers or leave them in your bag. Repacking is quicker, which helps on multi-stop trips.

Keeping Clean and Dirty Separate

Many travelers use one cube or a laundry bag for worn clothes.

Family Packing

Families can give each person a different colored cube in a shared suitcase. See luggage for families.

Compression

Compression cubes have an extra zipper that squeezes contents. This can save some space, especially with soft clothing.

Drawbacks of Packing Cubes

• Added weight, usually small but noticeable with weight limits
• Cost
• Wasted corners, since rectangular cubes may not fill every space in a bag
• Overstuffing with compression cubes, which can make bags heavy and strain zippers

Standard cubes save little space on their own. Their main benefit is organization.

Types of Packing Cubes

Standard Cubes

Simple zippered cubes, often with a mesh top so you can see contents.

Compression Cubes

These have a second zipper that compresses the cube once packed.

Double-Sided Cubes

Two compartments, often used to separate clean and dirty clothes.

Slim or Shoe Cubes

Thin cubes for tops, and shoe bags to keep dirt off clothing.

Toiletry Organizers

Toiletry bags with hanging hooks and compartments. Keep liquids in a separate clear bag for security screening. See travel toiletries and liquids.

Choosing Sizes

Most sets include small, medium and large cubes. Measure your bag’s interior and choose sizes that fit together. Some bag brands make cubes sized to their bags. For carry-on travel, a set of two medium cubes and one small cube often works well.

Materials

• Ripstop nylon is lightweight and durable
• Polyester is common and affordable
• Ultralight fabrics save weight but may be less durable

Check zipper quality, since zippers often fail first.

How to Pack With Cubes

1. Plan your outfits first. See our carry-on packing list.
2. Assign categories: For example, tops in a medium cube, bottoms in another and underwear and socks in a small cube.
3. Roll or fold clothing to fit the cube’s width.
4. Fill cubes firmly but do not overstuff.
5. Place cubes in your bag, heaviest near the wheels or your back.
6. Use gaps around cubes for shoes, chargers and small items.

Rolling vs. Folding in Cubes

Rolling soft items fits neatly into cubes, while folding structured clothing to the cube’s width reduces wrinkles. Experiment to see what works for your clothing.

Do You Need Cubes for a Backpack?

In clamshell backpacks, cubes help organize the main compartment. In top-loading packs, cubes make it easier to pull out groups of items. Some travelers prefer compression sacks or stuff sacks instead. See how to choose a travel backpack.

Alternatives to Packing Cubes

• Stuff sacks and dry bags
• Reusable zip bags
• Folding boards for business clothing
• Built-in organization in some suitcases

Who Benefits Most

• Multi-stop travelers
• Families sharing luggage
• Business travelers who want organized outfits
• Anyone who likes to unpack quickly

Who Might Skip Them

• Ultralight travelers counting every ounce
• People who pack very little
• Those whose bags already have many compartments

Caring for Packing Cubes

Most cubes can be hand washed or machine washed on gentle cycles. Check labels. Air dry to protect coatings and zippers.

Packing Cube Strategies for Different Trips

Weekend Trips

One medium cube for clothing and a small cube for underwear and socks is often enough. Keep toiletries and tech in separate pouches.

Multi-City Trips

Pack a separate cube with the next day’s outfit and sleepwear. When you arrive late, you can open one cube instead of unpacking everything.

Mixed Climates

Use one cube for warm-weather clothes and another for cold-weather layers so you can reach the right items as conditions change.

Business Trips

Fold dress shirts to the cube’s width and place them on top of the bag to reduce pressure and wrinkles.

Common Mistakes With Packing Cubes

• Buying a set before measuring your bag, leading to cubes that do not fit together
• Overstuffing compression cubes until zippers strain
• Using too many cubes, which adds weight and makes packing slower
• Mixing categories, which defeats the purpose of organization
• Forgetting a laundry bag for worn clothing

Start with a small set and add cubes only if you find you need them.

Do Packing Cubes Help With Security Screening?

Cubes do not change security rules, but they can make bag searches tidier. If an officer needs to inspect your bag, organized cubes are easier to remove and repack than loose clothing. Keep your liquids bag and electronics outside cubes so you can reach them if your airport requires removing them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do packing cubes save space?

Standard cubes mainly organize. Compression cubes can save some space.

Are compression cubes worth it?

They can help with soft clothing but may add weight and strain zippers if overstuffed.

What size packing cubes should I buy?

Measure your bag and choose a set that fits together.

Do packing cubes reduce wrinkles?

Packing items snugly can reduce shifting and some wrinkles.

Can I use cubes in a backpack?

Yes, especially in clamshell backpacks.

The Bottom Line

Packing cubes are worth it for many travelers because they make organization, unpacking and repacking easier. They do not save much space unless you use compression cubes. Choose sizes that fit your bag, avoid overstuffing and decide based on how you travel.

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Editorial note: Trail Packed is independent and reader-supported. This guide is based on research into manufacturer documentation, published specifications and widely accepted best practices; we have not been paid to mention any product. If we add affiliate links in the future, they will be clearly disclosed per our Affiliate Disclosure.

Traveling with only a carry-on can make trips simpler. You skip the baggage carousel, avoid checked bag fees on many fares and move through stations and streets more easily. The trade-off is that every item has to earn its place.

This guide gives you a flexible carry-on packing list, a simple clothing formula and tips for fitting everything in. Rules vary by airline, fare type and route, so always check your airline’s size and weight limits before you pack.

Start With the Rules

Before you choose what to pack, confirm:

• Carry-on size limits. Many US airlines list carry-on limits around 22 x 14 x 9 inches including wheels and handles, but limits differ, especially on international and budget carriers.
• Weight limits. Some airlines, particularly outside the US, set carry-on weight limits.
• Personal item allowance. Many fares allow a small personal item that fits under the seat. Some basic fares do not include a full-size carry-on.
• Liquids rules. In the US, the TSA 3-1-1 rule applies to most liquids in carry-on bags. See our guide to travel toiletries and liquids.

Knowing these limits shapes everything else, including which bag you bring. See carry-on vs. checked bag if you are deciding between the two.

Choose the Right Bag

A carry-on can be a wheeled suitcase or a travel backpack.

• Wheeled carry-ons roll easily through airports and keep weight off your shoulders.
• Travel backpacks handle stairs, cobblestones and crowded trains better.

Pair your main bag with a personal item for things you want at your seat. See how to choose a travel backpack and our personal item bag guide.

A Simple Clothing Formula

Clothing takes up most of the space. A formula keeps you from overpacking. For a trip of about one week:

• Tops: 4 to 5
• Bottoms: 2 to 3
• Underwear: 5 to 7, or fewer if you plan to wash
• Socks: 4 to 5 pairs
• Sleepwear: 1 set
• Layer: 1 sweater or fleece
• Outer layer: 1 jacket suited to the weather
• Shoes: 2 pairs, one worn and one packed

For longer trips, plan to do laundry rather than packing more. Many travelers pack for about a week and wash as needed.

Choose a Color Palette

Pick two or three base colors that work together so every top matches every bottom. Neutral colors hide wrinkles and stains and mix easily.

Favor Versatile Fabrics

Fabrics that resist wrinkles, dry quickly and handle odors well, such as merino wool and many synthetic blends, can be worn more than once and washed in a sink. Heavy denim and bulky knits take more space.

Wear Your Bulkiest Items

Wear your heaviest shoes and jacket on travel days to free up space in your bag.

Toiletries

Keep toiletries minimal:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Shampoo and conditioner, or solid bars
• Face wash and moisturizer
• Sunscreen
• Razor, following airline and TSA rules
• Hairbrush or comb
• Any medications, in original containers where possible
• Small first-aid basics such as bandages

Many hotels provide basics like shampoo and soap, so check before you pack them. Solid toiletries do not count toward liquid limits in many places.

Tech and Chargers

• Phone and charger
• Charging cable for each device, or a multi-device charger
• Power bank, carried in the cabin, since most airlines prohibit spare lithium batteries in checked bags
• Plug adapter for international trips
• Headphones
• E-reader or tablet if you use one

See travel adapters and chargers for help choosing.

Documents and Essentials

• Passport or ID
• Boarding passes, digital or printed
• Credit or debit cards and some local currency
• Travel insurance details if you have a policy
• Copies of important documents stored separately or securely in the cloud
• Accommodation and transport confirmations
• Pen for arrival forms

Personal Item Essentials

Keep these within reach at your seat:

• Documents and wallet
• Phone, charger and headphones
• Medications
• A light layer for cold cabins
• Empty water bottle to fill after security
• Snacks
• Comfort items. See our long-flight comfort kit.

Packing Techniques

Rolling vs. Folding

Rolling works well for soft, casual clothing and can reduce some wrinkles. Folding works better for structured items like button-down shirts. Many travelers combine both.

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes group items and make unpacking easier. Compression cubes can save some space. See are packing cubes worth it?

Fill Empty Spaces

Stuff socks inside shoes and use gaps along the edges of the bag for small items.

Pack Heavy Items at the Wheels or Back

In wheeled bags, place heavy items near the wheels. In backpacks, keep heavy items close to your back for better balance.

What to Leave at Home

• “Just in case” outfits
• More than two pairs of extra shoes
• Full-size toiletries
• Bulky towels, unless your lodging does not provide them
• Items you can easily buy at your destination

Laundry on the Road

For trips longer than a week, plan laundry:

• Sink washing with a small amount of travel detergent
• Laundromats in many cities
• Hotel or lodging laundry services
• Vacation rentals with washing machines

Quick-drying clothing makes sink washing easier.

A Sample One-Week Carry-On

Category	Items
Tops	4 to 5 shirts
Bottoms	2 pants or shorts, 1 optional skirt or dress
Layers	1 sweater, 1 jacket worn
Underwear and socks	5 to 7 each
Shoes	1 worn, 1 packed
Toiletries	Liquids bag plus solids
Tech	Phone, chargers, power bank, adapter
Documents	ID, cards, confirmations

Adjust for climate, activities and how often you plan to wash.

Adjusting the List for Different Trips

Business Trips

Add one or two outfits suited to meetings and choose shoes that work with both business and casual clothing. A garment folder can help keep shirts and blazers smoother. Pack your laptop, charger and presentation materials in your personal item.

Cold-Weather Trips

Wear your heaviest coat and boots on the plane. Thin base layers made of merino or synthetic fabrics add warmth without bulk. A hat, gloves and a scarf take little space and make a big difference.

Beach Trips

Swimwear, sandals and lightweight clothing pack small. Pack sunscreen as a solid stick or in travel-size containers, or buy it on arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really pack for two weeks in a carry-on?

Many travelers do by packing for about a week and doing laundry.

What size carry-on should I buy?

Check the limits for the airlines you fly most often. Limits vary.

Do packing cubes save space?

Compression cubes can save some space, but their main benefit is organization.

Can I bring a power bank in my carry-on?

Most airlines require power banks to be carried in the cabin. Check airline rules for capacity limits.

How do I avoid wrinkles?

Choose wrinkle-resistant fabrics, fold structured items and hang clothes in a steamy bathroom on arrival.

The Bottom Line

Carry-on travel comes down to knowing your airline’s limits, choosing a versatile clothing formula, minimizing toiletries and planning laundry. Pack for about a week, wear your bulkiest items, and keep essentials in your personal item for an easier trip.

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Editorial note: Trail Packed is independent and reader-supported. This guide is based on research into manufacturer documentation, published specifications and widely accepted best practices; we have not been paid to mention any product. If we add affiliate links in the future, they will be clearly disclosed per our Affiliate Disclosure.