In recent years, Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs) have made international travel possible at affordable rates. However, behind these attractive prices lies the challenge of strict baggage restrictions. Most LCCs set carry-on baggage weight limits at 7kg, and exceeding this limit requires expensive additional fees. In some cases, these extra charges can cost more than the round-trip airfare itself.
However, this isn’t just limited to LCC travel. When luggage is light and compact, any trip becomes smoother with significantly increased freedom of movement. Whether navigating stations with many stairs, crowded trains, or sudden schedule changes, light travelers can handle situations with ease. Particularly when exploring Europe’s old towns or Asia’s narrow alleyways where elevators and escalators are scarce, being light on your feet won’t become a burden.
Through my numerous international trips using LCCs, I’ve developed techniques for staying within 7kg even for week-long trips and business travel. Based on this experience, I’ll share practical packing tips that anyone can implement.
1. Choose Ultra-Lightweight Mobile Batteries
Mobile batteries surprisingly take up significant weight. Even 10,000mAh class products can differ by over 100g depending on the manufacturer. Choosing the latest lightweight models allows you to maintain capacity while reducing weight. Products using GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology achieve significant weight reduction compared to conventional products. Additionally, fast-charging compatible products allow efficient charging in short periods, making it possible to choose lower-capacity models. With increasing charging spots at airports and cafes in recent years, there’s no need to carry unnecessarily high-capacity units.
2. Carefully Select Clothing with “Mix-and-Match” in Mind
For travel clothing, unify colors and choose items that allow various combinations. For example, clothes based on navy or black expand coordination possibilities with fewer pieces, while reversible items provide versatility with minimal quantity. Additionally, choosing wrinkle-resistant materials eliminates the need for irons. Polyester-blend materials are particularly ideal for travel as they resist wrinkles and dry quickly after washing. With 3 tops and 2 bottoms, you can adequately handle a week-long trip. Planning with laundry in mind can significantly reduce clothing quantity.
3. Strategic Use of Compression Bags
Compression bags for clothing not only reduce volume but also help organize luggage. However, the key is not compressing all clothing but focusing on bulky items. Manual compression bags can also be useful for packing on the return trip. Thin clothing like underwear and t-shirts can be substituted with lightweight bags like Ziploc bags. Since compression bags themselves have weight, use them minimally.
4. Adopt Multi-Use Items
Choose products that can serve multiple purposes. For example, a large scarf can function not only as cold weather protection but also as an in-flight blanket, beach wrap, or modest covering at tourist sites. USB hub chargers eliminate the need for multiple chargers. Foldable eco-bags are useful not only for shopping but also for transporting laundry or as backup bags for sudden luggage increases. Using single items for multiple purposes reduces total luggage volume.
5. Minimize Toiletries
Maximize hotel amenity usage and minimize toiletries brought from home. Since most hotels provide shampoo and body soap, use local products unless you have specific preferences. For necessary items, use refillable containers with only the minimum required amount. Folding toothbrushes save even more space. For cosmetics, use all-in-one products to reduce item count.
6. Utilize Chamois Towels
Regular towels dry slowly, are bulky, and heavy. Bringing chamois towels instead enables significant weight reduction and storage space savings. Chamois towels have excellent absorbency and quick-drying properties while folding compactly, making them ideal for travel. After use, lightly wring and hang them to dry quickly, reducing concerns about carrying them wet. One face towel-sized chamois can handle most situations. With improved materials in recent years and better-feeling products available, I recommend physically examining them before purchase.
7. Digitize What Can Be Digitized
Guidebooks and maps can be replaced with smartphone apps. Take screenshots of necessary information in advance or scan/PDF them for offline viewing. Keep paper copies of itineraries and booking confirmations to a minimum, storing them on your smartphone instead. Using e-books prevents boredom during long flights and travel time without carrying bulky books. However, prepare for smartphone loss or malfunction by bringing printed copies of important documents.
8. Bag Selection Is Also Important
To keep luggage light, the bag’s own weight is also a crucial factor. While backpacks are typically lighter, many lightweight suitcases under 1kg are now available. Soft-type bags enable even greater weight reduction. When selecting, verify material durability, zipper strength, and wheel performance. Additionally, bringing a small foldable bag separate from your main bag proves convenient during sightseeing and shopping. Thoroughly check reviews and choose reliable manufacturer products for long-term comfortable use.
9. Consider Shopping at Your Destination
Allow margin space for souvenirs on the outbound trip. It’s wise to deliberately not bring items purchasable at your destination. Particularly for stationery and daily necessities, bring only the minimum required and procure shortfalls locally for better efficiency. For bulky souvenirs, consider using direct shipping services from your destination. Think of empty space in bags and suitcases as margin for increased return luggage.
10. Strategic Boarding Attire
To maximize weight limit usage, think strategically about boarding attire. Layer wearable clothes like coats, sweaters, and shirts. However, keep it to a comfortable degree. Wearing clothes with many pockets helps store frequently used small items like smartphones and wallets. Since cabin temperatures vary greatly, easily removable layered styles are practical.
Summary – Benefits of Light Travel
Lightening carry-on luggage makes all travel more comfortable, not just LCC use. Traveling with minimal necessary luggage increases mobility freedom and enables flexible responses to unexpected situations. Train and bus travel becomes easier, and sudden schedule changes at destinations become simpler.
Combining the above techniques makes packing within 7kg quite feasible for trips of about one week. However, I recommend starting with some margin and finding your personal packing style through repeated travel experiences. Please use this as reference for freer and more comfortable travel.
