When I told my friends I was packing for a 10-day winter trip in a carry-on suitcase, they looked at me like I’d lost it.
“But how will you fit your coats? Your boots? Your scarves?”
Truth is—I used to be a chronic overpacker. But this time, I wanted less stress, lighter luggage, and no airport baggage queues. So I challenged myself: one suitcase, no checked bags.
Here’s exactly how I pulled it off—and the travel gear I actually used.
🎒 The Right Bag Makes All the Difference
I used the Flightmode Aluminium Cabin Case, which I’ve had for over a year now. It’s lightweight, sturdy as hell (survived a rainy Melbourne tarmac + three train rides), and has these smooth spinner wheels that glide over anything.
The hard shell kept my laptop and camera gear protected, and the built-in lock meant I didn’t have to stress in transit. Honestly, it felt like traveling with a tiny fortress.
Bonus: it looks really sleek, so I didn’t feel like a backpacker in a business hotel.
🧥 Smart Layering > Packing Everything
Instead of stuffing three chunky coats, I packed one good insulated jacket and layered thermal tops underneath. Pro tip: wear your bulkiest items on the plane.
Inside my suitcase, I used Flightmode Packing Cubes to organize by category—tops, bottoms, socks, electronics. They made unpacking at the hotel insanely easy (I just transferred the cubes straight into drawers).
I also brought the Foldaway 16L Backpack, which I kept flat inside the case and popped out for day trips. Perfect for carrying snacks, water, gloves, and my camera without hauling my main luggage around.
😴 Comfort on the Move
I had two long-haul flights on this trip, so the Flightmode Compact Travel Pillow became my best friend. It doesn’t take up space, inflates in seconds, and actually supports your neck instead of flopping around uselessly.
I paired it with their Memory Foam Eye Mask—I’m not usually a sleep mask person, but in hotel rooms with sheer curtains or on bright flights, it helped me knock out fast.
🧼 Keep It Clean, Keep It Light
Winter trips = wet shoes, muddy paths, and hotel laundry queues. I packed the Flightmode Shoe Bags to keep my shoes separate from clothes, and a Laundry Bag that I used halfway through the trip when I did one laundry session.
That one wash let me re-wear half my wardrobe without bringing more clothes. Total lifesaver.
✈️ What I Didn’t Bring—and Didn’t Miss
A second coat
A full-size toiletry bag
“Just in case” shoes
Too many socks (you’ll always re-wear the comfiest pair anyway)
Final Thoughts
10 days. One case. No regrets.
What I learned? Packing light doesn’t mean being unprepared. It means choosing smart, multi-use pieces and trusting your gear. For me, Flightmode gear didn’t just save space—it saved time, stress, and sore shoulders.
If you’re planning a winter escape or heading home for the holidays, don’t underestimate how much you can do with a well-packed cabin case.