How We Packed for Two Weeks in Singapore, in a Single Carry-on

January 24, 2012 at 11:15 AM | by JetSetCD | Comments (2)

Last week when we hopped off to Singapore on the inaugural run of the Singapore Airlines A380 JFK-FRA-Sin, we tweeted a quick photo of our baggage before boarding. This is it. Yes, that's all of it for two full weeks of both business and fun; everything we need is there in an 18" four-wheel Titan hardshell carry-on and a lightweight "personal item" purse from Y-3, which comfortably fits both our laptop and DSLR.

Immediately after sending the pic, we were blasted with replies and emails wondering how we could pack so light and not be a backpacker or weekender. It's quite simple, really; practice makes perfect and we recently returned from three weeks around Thailand with almost the same set, except swapping a larger Filson Field Duffel for the Y-3 purse. See a pic of it for proof here.

In addition to practice, we pack by two rules: never roll or bunch anything (we fold flat and stack in a Flight 001 Spacepak) and if it all can't comfortably fit spaced out on a double bed, then some things still must be cut. Here's a full list of all that made it with us to Singapore in those there bags:

a. Macbook in a thinly padded MUJI sleeve
b. A statement necklace & a white, 48-page Field Notes memo book with pen
c. Plug adapters, Macbook Magsafe plug, toothbrush
d. A repurposed airline amenity kit bag full of makeup
e. Cheapie, lightweight umbrella I won't be sad if I lose
f. Sunglasses, hard sunglass case, iPhone charger
g. Leather wallet and passport
h. iPhone 4S
i. 3 pairs of socks in basic colors (black, grey, white)
j. 2 pairs of black nylons
k. Stack of comfortable Uniqlo underwear
l. Stack of bras (including one for exercise)
m. Black rope belt
n. Headband, deodorant, assorted liquid toiletries in a baggie, earbud headphones
o. Plain black sleeveless jersey dress*
p. Plain black, lightweight three-quarter-sleeve v-neck cardigan*
q. Lightweight, racerback black tank top
r. Gauzy, lightweight long sleeve navy blue blouse
s. DKNY patterned sleeveless shirtdress
t. Gauzy, lightweight cap-sleeve black blouse
u. Swimsuit
v. Lightweight, patterned sleeveless dress
w. Olive Cotton drapey cardigan with short sleeves
x. Black-and-white print gauzy sleeveless blouse
y. Sleep shorts (with a nifty airplane schematic print)
z. 2 v-neck, short sleeve sleep shirts, both Uniqlo heattech
aa. Yoga/exercise pants
bb. Denim shorts
cc. Lightweight, gauzy button-down grey/white polka dot blouse
dd. Hairbrush and thin black totebag
ee. Flexible, easily crushable beige fabric shoes
ff. Slip-on black Keds*
gg. Silver Havaianas flip-flops
hh. Water resistant Y-3 messenger bag made of tarpaulin
ii. DSLR camera charger (camera used to take this photo)

* = worn on flights, not packed
Not pictured: The DSLR used to take the photo and a select few other toiletries.

What I would have changed: I would have removed item v. (patterned dress) and replaced with a lightweight skirt. That's it.

We're not going to walk you through the packing of each item within the bag; you're smart and we have confidence that you're skilled at Tetris. But do notice we said "lightweight" a lot. Sure, that's for ease of packing but also because it's like 88 degrees in Singapore and in Thailand, and whatever you wear in Southeast Asia will be sweat in, so keep it simple and thin. About 1/3 of these items we'll end up having to hand-wash in hotel room sinks during the trip, but that beats adding the bulk of a bag of dirty laundry.

Of course drop any specific packing questions in the comments, and we'll answer 'em!

[Photo: Jaunted]

Comments (2)

Return to » How We Packed for Two Weeks in Singapore, in a Single Carry-on

evening shoes? Are the beige fabric shoes Day-to-Night Barbie appropriate? Or does your itinerary not have any fancy schmancy shindigs? That's my downfall and that's when I start adding sparkly things and heels. But, I agree, the dress is crucial for travel. Buy many. They are easy peasy.

I actually wear the Keds to events--and yes, I've usually got business dinners and schmancy things to hit. The Keds are all-over black sparkly and so that helps their dressy factor. I used to bring low, low heels but found out it doesn't really matter to anyone if I wear flats. When these Keds finally give out, I will probably replace them with patent leather, feminine oxford.

Jaunted

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