What I packed for my weekend trip to Montana (+ a full packing checklist)

Call me crazy, but I always pack a (very full) carry-on for flights, ONLY. There’s something about missing luggage that really turns me off to checking any bags, especially for trips that require a fancy dress code. I couldn’t imagine losing my wardrobe, makeup, and accessories for fancy trip where all these items/materials are required. Nonetheless, I thought I would share what I packed for my trip to Montana (using only a carry-on).

If you’ve just started following me, you may not know that I grew up in Montana. It was a blessing in disguise — always one of those situations of wanting what you can’t have. I wanted a city while the mountains were my home. Now, I dream of the mountains after chasing skyscrapers for two years. 

Needless to say, going back home for a weekend this July was just what I needed. And, hopefully, I will be able to do it again before winter hits the northwest. 

Now, for what I packed in my carry-on luggage

By all means, you want to keep this down to the bare minimum if you’re staying a while. For instance, my trip to Montana was only Wednesday through Sunday. While I needed a lot of items for a wedding I was in, I had some wiggle room for the rest.

I knew I would need chunky heels and a long dress for the big day. Aside from that, I needed a few “going out” outfits (country style) and the rest of the clothes could be comfy. And I’m known to re-wearing my fav comfy fits, keeping my picks to the basics.

Here’s what you could find in my carry-on:

• Comfy pullovers: My favorites are all Aerie
• Biker shorts: Aerie 7 incher’s
• Bridesmaid dress: Brides choice (don’t have the link)
• Heels (similar): For the wedding
• Pair of jeans: BIG fan of Zara’s right now
• Tank tops: Used these as night out tops
• Undies: Fav Amazon’s
• Socks; Long Nike + no-shows (similar)
• Workout shoes: Not needed, but a good thought
• Platform Air Force Ones (similar): Wore these to the airport and a few nights out

… And what took over my carry-on tote bag

You must strategically think about what you have in your carry-on tote. Considering your carry-on luggage is filled to the brim, you need to have everything needed at the tip of your fingertips. For instance, if you have to pull out your liquids for security, you may not want to dig to the bottom of your carry-on whilst in the anxiety-driven security line. 

At the same time, you don’t want to carry around an overfilled bag on your shoulder. Talk about throwing your back out. With that being said, here’s what I packed in my tote bag for efficiency and entertainment. 

• Laptop; Used this for personal work and to watch use for entertainment
• Book: I got a few before my trip; Rich Dad, Poor Dad and Bring Me Back
• Airpods: Pretty self-explanatory  
• Phone: Again, self-explanatory  
• Daily vitamins; Too long of a laundry list to type out here. But, you can check out my most recent vitamin blog post here!
• Snacks; I bought fruit leathers and protein bars that I threw in my bag for the trip.
• Empty water bottle (or buy a water when I get inside): Yah don’t want to get dehydrated on the plane.  
• Passport, ID, wallet: Self-explanatory here 🙂
• Regular plug in headphones: I always have these on hand while flying for in-flight movie watching.
• Gum: Fav is Spearmint by Extra.
• Apple watch: I don’t always wear this, but I did this trip to ensure I was fully up to date with texts/notifications.
• Vlogging camera: I had high hopes of vlogging this trip; never happened.
• Masks + extras: ~ self-explanatory ~
• Laptop connectors (USB Type-C Hub Pro): Used these to plug in my phone if needed and transfer footage obviii.

I could be crazy for only packing a carry-on every trip that I go on. But, all I have to say is, I don’t have to worry about luggage being lost or ruined. When I arrive at my destination, I get off the plane (with my heavy~a*@~ luggage) and make my way right out the door. No worries about grabbing bags or considering it lost when it doesn’t arrive from the gate. 

If you’re like me and are wanting to only pack what you need in a few carry-on bags, here’s a checklist. Ensure you have everything you need without your luggage busting at the seams. That’s not a fun situation either.