July 2024
Packing in a Carry On: Summer in the Dolomites, Italy
After two summers of packing in a personal item, having a full carry on bag for our summer trip to the Dolomites was a piece of cake! We used a similar formula that allowed us to pack super light here are some core principles to evaluate if you are thinking about the limiting your packing:
- One activity only – In the summer, the Dolomites are not as warm as other euro summer destinations and with the high elevation, it is quite comfortable. Since this was an outdoor adventure trip, layers were important to ensure we stayed warm in the mornings and comfortable as it warmed up throughout the day. The catch was in the evenings, Europeans dress nicely so the goal was to find items that could work in both scenarios.
- Wear one, pack one for shoes – And wear the bulkier shoe to save room on packing. For us, we relied on our trusty Xero hiking shoes and packed a lightweight sneaker for non-hiking activities.
- Laundry is a must – Look for accommodations with a washer, and if you are lucky a dryer. Europe does not routinely have dryers and it is really not necessary when you can hang your clothes outside to dry. We love Airbnb for this reason since having a washer in Europe Airbnbs is quite common. Since we did not use Airbnb for this trip, we used a laundry mat downtown which was very easy.
- As always, use packing cubes!
- Do not waste space packing sunscreen – Europe truly has the best sunscreens and just purchase it when you get there.
The bag: EBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Convertible
Packing cubes (Amazon or Ebags) size small, medium and large
Walker Family Goods Toiletry Bag
- Medications (Ibupofen, Meclizine, Tums)
- Deodorant
- Bar of solid soap
- Contacts
- Solid sunscreen
- Lush solid shampoo
- Toothbrush with sanitizer pod / floss
- Hair Brush
- Razor / Spare razor head
- Band-Aids / first-aid and Q-tips
- Hair accessory bag (headband, hair ties, hair clips)
- Lip balm
Quart Bag for 3 Ounce Liquids
- Reusable bag
- Tooth paste
- Travel size body lotion
- Travel size conditioner
- Travel size face wash
- Face moisturizer in repurposed container
- Aquaphor
- Hand sanitizer
- Contact solution
Medium Packing Cube: Small Clothing Items
- Bathing suit (Albion Fit)
- T-shirt and athletic shorts
- Adventure Bands
- Darn Tough socks / underwear / socks
Large Packing Cube: Clothes
- Active shirts – Smartwool Women’s 250 Base Smartwool Women’s 150 Base
- Two active leggings
- Three t-shrits
- Joggers and Jeans
- PJs
Electronics Bag and Camera Bag
- Phone power bank charger
- Various chargers
- Outlet adapters
Front Compartment
Laptop Compartment
- Chromebook
- Notebook/Paperwork/Pen
Pack it Up
Sling
What I wore on plane
- Xero sneakers
- Jean jacket
- Leggings
- Active shirt
Bag weigh in
And it worked like a charm. Everything fit nicely, the bag was not too heavy, the bag fit under the seat in front of us, and worked so well for hiking. Laundry was timed perfectly and we had plenty of clothing!