Travel packing list

The easiest way to pack light is to start with clothes. Pick a small set of pieces that mix and match, dry fast and can be worn more than once. This list covers what to pack, carry-on limits, liquids rules and documents.

Build a small travel wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe is a short list of clothes that all work together. For trips of a week or more, pack about a week's worth and plan to wash.

• Layers, not bulk. Two thin layers pack smaller than one thick one and cover a wider range of weather.
• Quick-dry fabrics. Synthetic travel fabrics can be washed in a sink at night and worn the next day. Cotton and denim stay damp for much longer.
• Re-wearable pieces. Clothes with odour control can be worn a few times between washes, so you pack fewer.
• One colour palette. Neutral colours mean every top goes with every pair of pants.
• Wear the bulkiest items on the plane. Your heaviest shoes and warmest layer take up no room in your bag if you're wearing them.

Clothing packing list

• 2 pairs of travel pants, one of them convertible
• 1 pair of shorts, or skip them if your pants zip off
• 3 or 4 tops, at least one long sleeved for sun and insects
• 1 warm mid layer, such as a fleece or light jumper
• 1 light waterproof jacket
• Underwear for 4 or 5 days
• 3 pairs of travel socks
• 1 hat for sun
• Sleepwear and swimwear
• 1 pair of walking shoes and 1 pair of sandals or light shoes

Hot and tropical trips

Loose long sleeves and long pants cover skin from sun and mosquitoes.

• Light, breathable shirts and tops in sun protection clothing. Read what UPF means before you buy.
• Insect repellent clothing for anywhere with mosquitoes.
• A wide-brimmed hat for full days outdoors.
• A light top that covers your shoulders, and long pants or a longer skirt, for temples and religious sites. Smartraveller suggests checking for cultural sensitivities about clothing, particularly at religious sites.

Heading to Bali, Thailand or Vietnam? See what to wear in Southeast Asia. Going to Africa? Read what to wear on safari.

Cold trips

Pack in layers you can add and remove through the day:

• A base layer that wicks moisture
• A warm mid layer, such as a fleece
• An insulated jacket for the coldest days
• A waterproof outer shell
• A warm hat, gloves and thicker socks

Merino blend socks, like the NosiLife Travel Wool Socks, add warmth without much bulk.

How Craghoppers helps you pack less

• NosiLife has a plant-based insect repellent, Eucalyptus citriodora oil, built into the fabric, along with odour elimination. Both last for the life of the garment.
• SolarShield+ is rated UPF 50+ and blocks 98% of UVA and UVB. The protection is built into the fabric.
• Convertible trousers zip off to shorts, so one pair does the job of two. See all convertible pants.
• Quick-drying fabrics mean you can wash in a sink and hang clothes overnight. The Men's NosiLife Pro Trouser III and Women's NosiLife Pro Trousers III have drying loops for this, plus an RFID and Zip'n'Clip security pocket for cards and a passport.

Not sure of your size? Check the fit guide.

Carry-on baggage limits

Allowances depend on the route, cabin and fare, so always confirm what's on your booking.

Jetstar is changing. From 2 February 2027, Jetstar Airways flights move to size-based allowances with no 7kg limit. Every booking includes one underseat bag up to 40 x 30 x 20cm. An overhead bag needs an upgrade or a select bundle, and no single bag can weigh over 10kg.

Carry on packing list

Keep these in your carry-on, not your checked bag:

• Passport, boarding pass and printed copies of bookings
• Phone, charger and any spare batteries or power banks. Smartraveller notes these must only go in carry-on.
• Medication for the trip, with prescriptions and a doctor's letter
• Your liquids bag
• A warm layer for the plane
• A change of underwear and a spare top, in case your checked bag is delayed

Liquids rules for international flights

The Australian Government limits liquids, aerosols, gels and certain powders in carry-on baggage on international flights. According to the Department of Home Affairs:

• Each container must be 100mL or 100g or less, even if it's only partly full.
• All containers must fit in one transparent, resealable plastic bag. The four sides of the sealed area must add up to no more than 80cm, for example 20 x 20cm.
• You can bring one bag per passenger.
• Aerosols need a fitted cap or locking device.
• Inorganic powders, like salt scrubs and some talcum powders, are limited to 350mL or 350g in total. Organic powders, like coffee and baby formula, aren't limited.

These rules apply when you depart Australia, transit through Australia, or take the domestic leg of a flight from an international terminal. They don't apply to checked baggage or most domestic flights. Medicine you need for the flight is allowed in reasonable amounts, but you may need to show proof, such as a doctor's letter.

Documents, insurance and health

Smartraveller's checklist covers the essentials:

• Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of your trip.
• Check visa requirements for every country you visit or transit through.
• Photocopy your passport ID page, visa, prescriptions and insurance policy. Take a copy and leave one with someone you trust.
• Tell your bank you're travelling and carry more than one way to pay.
• Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers every country on your trip, including stopovers and transit points. Read the Product Disclosure Statement. Activities such as hiking may need extra cover.
• See your doctor 6 to 8 weeks before you go about vaccinations and health risks.
• Take enough of your regular medicine for the whole trip, and split it between your carry-on and checked bag in case one goes missing.

For destination advice, check Smartraveller.

FAQs

How do I pack light for travel?

Pack a small wardrobe that mixes and matches, choose quick-dry fabrics you can wash in a sink, and wear your bulkiest layer and shoes on the plane. Clothes with odour control let you re-wear items between washes.

What clothes should I pack for a 2 week trip?

About a week's worth: two pairs of pants, three or four tops, a warm layer, a waterproof jacket, underwear for four or five days and three pairs of socks. Plan to do laundry once or twice.

What is the carry-on limit for Qantas?

On Qantas international flights in Economy, it's one overhead bag and one personal item, up to 7kg. On domestic flights, it's 14kg in total with a maximum of 10kg per item. Check your booking for your exact allowance.

Can I take liquids on an international flight from Australia?

Yes, in containers of 100mL or less, all in one transparent resealable bag. Larger amounts need to go in your checked baggage.