Why I Don’t Pack Clothes in My Carry-On (And What I Do Instead)

Most people will tell you to pack a change of clothes in your carry-on.

Just in case your luggage gets lost.

Just in case something happens.

Just in case you need it.

I don’t.

On purpose.

And after almost losing our most important dive gear on the way to the airport…

I definitely don’t.

For me, my carry-on isn’t about replacing my suitcase.

It’s about making sure my trip keeps moving.

I don’t pack my carry-on to survive without my luggage.

I pack it so losing it doesn’t slow me down.

🧳 What I Actually Carry

My carry-on is set up for function.

Not backup outfits.

Not “just in case” scenarios.

Function.

I have:

My computer (sometimes two)

Mouse

Phone

A full tech bag with cords, Apple Watch charger, power packs, headphones

A small medicine kit with allergy meds, electrolytes, tissues, Motrin, DayQuil, NyQuil

Travel blanket

Seat cushion with its little pump

Wallet

Glasses

Passport and passport holder

Hair clips and ties

QR code tag and contact tag

And yes—an AirTag, hidden

Everything in that bag has a job.

Nothing in that bag is “just in case.”

🚫 What I Don’t Pack

Clothes.

Not even one “backup” outfit.

Because here’s how I look at it:

If I really need something, I can buy it.

Anywhere.

And I have.

More than once.

I’ve needed a shirt here and there.

One time I got sick mid-travel.

Another time I spilled a drink all over myself.

Not ideal.

But also not a crisis.

I bought a shirt at the airport.

Problem solved.

Those shirts?

They’re now my Las Vegas and Phoenix sleep shirts.

💡 Why This Works for Me

I’m not trying to prepare for every possible scenario.

I’m making sure I can function immediately.

My essentials are covered.

My tech is covered.

My documents are covered.

My health is covered.

Everything else?

Replaceable.

🌊 The Dive Trip Exception (That Isn’t Really an Exception)

When we travel to dive, I already have:

Flip flops

Bathing suit

Shorts

They’re in my full-face mask bag.

So even if:

The room isn’t ready

The bags are delayed

Something goes sideways

I’m not stuck.

I’m at the pool.

That’s the goal.

🔄 The Real Difference

Most carry-on advice is built around fear.

“What if something goes wrong?”

Mine is built around flexibility.

“What do I actually need to keep going?”

And those are two very different strategies.

🧡 Final Thoughts

Could I pack an extra outfit?

Sure.

But I’d rather carry less, move easier, and solve problems as they come.

Because at the end of the day…

I can replace a shirt.

I can’t replace time.

You can see all the gear I actually use in my Luxe Gadget Girl Picks.