A packing list for two weeks in one carry-on

Two weeks in a carry-on is not about minimalism — it's about doing laundry once. Here's the exact system.

The bag

A 40L front-loading travel pack. Peak Design, Tortuga, Osprey Farpoint — all good. Wheels add weight and break; skip them unless mobility matters.

The 23 items

Clothes (15): 5 t-shirts (merino if you can afford it), 2 button-down shirts (linen or cotton), 1 pair shorts, 2 pairs trousers (one technical, one nice), 1 light jumper, 1 packable rain shell, 5 pairs underwear, 5 pairs socks. Yes, 5 not 14. You'll do laundry on day 7.

Shoes (2): trainers you can walk 20km in, sandals you can swim in.

Tech (3): phone, charger with the right plug adapter, a small power bank.

Other (3): toiletry kit (decanted to under 100ml), a small first-aid pouch, a Kindle or paperback.

The laundry rhythm

Most hotels above £60/night will do laundry for £15–20. Do it on day 7. If you're in a hostel, find a self-service launderette — every European city has one within walking distance.

Wash a pair of underwear and socks in the sink every other night with a bar of soap. Hang on a travel clothesline. Dry by morning. This is the trick.

What not to pack

A "just in case" outfit. A second pair of jeans. Bulky toiletries you can buy at any pharmacy in the world. A travel pillow (use the rolled-up jumper). A money belt (use a card you can cancel).