Over the years, I've managed to pare down my carry-on travel crap quite a bit. I've learned that I really don't need 5 novels, or 2 portable gaming systems, or 2 sets of headphones. I don't need a change of clothes for every day, if I plan a little. But I do need the following essentials in my carry-on bag, in no particular order:
1.
Inflatable travel pillow. It packs very small, and in this new era of airline cutbacks, one can never be sure that the little pillow you get on the plane is REALLY clean. Eew.
2.
Bose Quiet Comfort headphones. Expensive, yes, but if you travel frequently you'll appreciate the way they eliminate the jet roar and they way they muffle your chatty seatmate.
3. My
iPhone. Music, games, movies, and communication device all in one. And with AT&T, the ability to call from almost anywhere on the planet.
4.
Travel documents in a slim case. These include my passport, health insurance cards, emergency contact info, drivers license, credit cards. I leave the wallet at home, because I'm pretty sure I'm not going to need my Shop-Rite card.
5.
Water. Buy the biggest bottle you can find once you get past the security checkpoint. Buy two. You can never have too much water.
6.
One book. This is usually the hardest thing for me to pack. I try and go for the smaller novels, ones I can leave behind so I don't have to carry them twice.
7.
Bare minimum toiletries - must include moisturizing lotion, toothpaste, mini toothbrush, lip balm, deodorant. These pretty much ensure that I'll feel like a human being, no matter how long the delay. Unless I'm on some trip to an exotic locale, I can buy the other stuff (shampoo, etc) when I get to my destination.
8.
Baby wipes. You just never know when you might need these.
9.
Protein bar. Most short-hop flights don't give you ANYTHING, so be prepared. Protein bars are my favorite to carry - a meal in a bar, and they pack easily.
10.
Spare undies. Usually quick-dry. I think this is self-explanatory.
I most frequently pack all of this in
here. The
Osprey React pack is very lightweight and has lots of useful pockets. With two mesh water bottle pockets, and a large outer pocket, everything I need is easily accessible. Sometimes I carry my
North Face Recon pack instead, mostly if I'm bringing my MacBook along. Other than these essentials, I usually have one clean shirt, a rain jacket, two 1-gallon ziploc bags, a small camera, and sometimes a laptop. I'm heading to Florida next week for a 5-day stay, so when I pack, I'll post some pics.
