Checked to Carry-on Only (with room to spare!) • Her Packing List


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Skyler recently took the HPL Packing Method course and was able to go from checking in a 24 inch suitcase to traveling carry-on only. 

All she took with her for an 8 day trip to Boston, Massachusetts in the middle of winter was a 16 inch rolling suitcase that fit underneath the seat in front of her and a backpack.

This is the lightest she has ever packed for this kind of trip!

Find out all about Skyler’s packing transformation in this article. Plus you might even find some inspiration to take the HPL Packing Method and downsize your own luggage.

The following downsizing story was written by Skyler Kennemur. See all of our downsizing stories in one place!

The Problem: Too much luggage, back pain, and packing just in case items

I’ve always wanted to pack light to have more control over my belongings and the situation when traveling. I do have some chronic back pain through work so lugging a big suitcase and a backpack around was getting pretty challenging. 

I tend to forget that stores exist in other places and want to bring everything just in case and to save money.

I knew packing light was possible for other people because I had seen blog posts about it, watched “pack with me” YouTube videos, and seen light packers at the airport.

I was just never one of them until I decided that it was taking too much of a physical and mental toll to bring so many of my things, most of which I could have done without. 

HPL packing method suitcase comparison: from checked baggage to carry-on onlyHPL packing method suitcase comparison: from checked baggage to carry-on only
Skyler used to bring the large 24 inch suitcase and a backpack with her on her travels. Now she is able to bring a 16 inch suitcase and her backpack.

The Solution: Mindset shift, pack only the essentials, and choosing to actually take the smaller bags

I realized that I needed to change my mindset if I wanted to pack simpler and save my back. I needed to pack only the essentials plus leave some breathing room.

I kind of jumped in feet first after the HPL Packing Method and decided to just go for it and take the smaller bags. I made my normal travel planning/schedule papers and then pre-planned every item on my packing list. 

This time though I sorted them into their categories as taught inside HPM. I experimented with the best way to pack and to see how much I could reasonably bring compared to what I considered essential.

Ultimately I ended up packing my underseater rolling luggage full and had half of my backpack empty so I had room to bring back some souvenirs.

Skyler’s Packing List

I was pretty happy with what I brought. I had plenty of options for clothes and was able to mix and match.

Overpacked luggageOverpacked luggage
Before: Skyler’s 24 inch suitcase filled to the brim.
Carry-on only suitcase for travelCarry-on only suitcase for travel
After: Skyler’s much more manageable 16 inch carry-on suitcase

Outerwear and Accessories: I only own one winter coat, brought one scarf, and had a pick of 2 toboggans (a kind of wool beanie) which were plenty of options for outerwear. I was able to bring my crossbody purse and all of the essentials that I like to have with me when going exploring for the day.  

Base Layers: I was able to pack 3 long sleeve shirts, 2 sets of long johns, 1 pair of thick leggings, a PJ set, 4 Darn Tough merino wool socks, 8 pairs of underwear, and 2 bras. I did use a compression packing cube because I like to pack my clothes flat, but it all fit when file folded to the height of the suitcase without a packing cube. 

Travel Outfit: I wore a long sleeve, jeans, snow boots, vest, and a fleece jacket to travel in, and I carried my scarf and winter coat on my lap during my flights.

Toiletries: I tried to keep my travel toiletry kit minimal and packed all of my items in a clear toiletry bag. I packed a small toothpaste and mouthwash and bought more halfway through the trip. 

Carry-on only toiletry bagCarry-on only toiletry bag
Skyler’s carry-on toiletry kit

I wore all of my clothes except for the fleece jacket which I only wore on the plane and sometimes in the hotel. 

Final Thoughts

It wasn’t as scary or nerve-wracking as I thought it would be to go without all of my just in case items. I was still able to create new outfits each day and wear my jewelry and a little bit of makeup to feel put together. I had all of my necessary everyday items and didn’t feel like I had to sacrifice too much to pack light. 

After the HPM course, I felt better and more at ease to bring fewer items and potentially buy the things that I needed for any emergency that popped up. At the end of the trip, the only extra items I bought were snacks, toothpaste, and mouthwash. 

Now I feel more confident that I will be able to navigate airports, boarding and unloading on the plane, and transportation around a new city much easier. 

If you wish this was your packing situation, but think it sounds too good to be true, the HPL Packing Method (HPM) may be perfect for you! You could go from being overpacked to traveling for a week in a personal item sized bag or even a handbag! Even if you’ve spent years stuffing your suitcase to the brim. 

My next trip is to Buffalo, NY in March for 6 days and I plan on packing even less. I want to bring my underseater suitcase plus a smaller tote bag than my backpack. My next goal is to look this carefree for all trips not just a mild weather weekend.  

Skyler traveling carry-on onlySkyler traveling carry-on only
Skyler on her way to Nashville

Skyler’s downsizing story is amazing but it isn’t unique! She is just one of the many women who have been through the HPL Packing Method (HPM) and downsized their luggage to make traveling so much easier, cheaper, and less stressful.

“I am so proud of myself and grateful for all of your tips and tricks I’ve learned through the blog and the class.” – Skyler

This is one of the best compliments to receive about the HPL Packing Method. If packing light is possible for Skyler and so many other women, it’s possible for you too!

Do you also struggle with packing just in case items like Skyler did? What do you do to prevent overpacking? Let us know in the comments below.


About Skyler: Skyler works in the healthcare field as a registered nurse. She likes to spend her free time traveling to see friends, concerts, and women’s professional hockey games. She has traveled mainly around the east coast of the US, Canada, and once to Guatemala. You can find her on Twitter.

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