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I’m trying to pack for a two-week trip that includes city sightseeing and a few days of hiking, but I can’t seem to fit everything into my carry-on backpack. I really want to avoid checking a bag, but I’m struggling to choose versatile layers and shoes that work for both parts of the trip.

I did two weeks with only a carry-on once, city days and a few hikes. I wore my heaviest layer on the plane and packed a thin base layer, a lightweight fleece, and a compact windbreaker. A packable puffer doubles as a pillow, which saves space. For shoes I took one pair of waterproof trail runners and wore them most days to save room.

Color palette was my friend. I kept three tops, two bottoms, and a lightweight dress I could dress up or down. Rolling and squishing into packing cubes helped, and I could unzip a cube and swap outfits without digging through the whole bag.

I learned merino socks are a lifesaver. They stay fresh and dry fast, so I could get away with fewer pairs. I squeezed in a thin towel that dries quick too, and it helps with laundry tempo.

Test packed and weighed it; stayed under 7 kg and under the airline size limit. Toiletries were travel-size and I used a bar soap and tiny shampoo bars to save room.

I did drift off thinking about a coffee shop near the trailhead and forgot my laundry plan, but I remembered to focus on layering. The hiking days felt windy despite the sun, so I kept the windbreaker handy.

One pair of shoes only, and I wore gaiters for mud to avoid extra socks and stuff. I swapped laces and kept my soles in good shape, and I used a compact umbrella to cover sudden showers instead of a bulky rain jacket.

Maybe the real problem isn't the layers but how much you need for the city days. Do you actually need a second formal option or could you rewear the same outfit? Not sure.

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