8 Lightweight Travel Must-Haves for Your Carry-On, Starting at $10

As an avid traveler with over 7 years of experience backpacking through Europe, Asia, and the Americas, I’ve learned how to efficiently pack everything I need into a single carry-on bag. The key is finding versatile, lightweight gear that serves multiple purposes. Read below about “8 Lightweight Travel Must-Haves for Your Carry-On, Starting at $10”.

I’ve compiled my top 8 travel must-haves that I never leave home without. The best part? They all pack down small and cost $10 or less. I discovered most of these items through trial and error on my travels. I wish I had this packing list years ago!

8 Lightweight Travel Must-Haves for Your Carry-On, Starting at $10

Packable Daypack – $9

A foldable daypack has been a total game changer for me. No matter your destination, you’ll likely take small regional trips that require only the essentials. Unpacking your entire suitcase whenever you leave your hotel can be a hassle.

I learned this lesson the hard way when I hauled my overloaded backpack on a day trip to Machu Picchu. Not fun! Now I always pack this lightweight daypack that folds down to the size of a sandwich bag. I stash my camera, snacks, sunscreen, and layers inside and easily carry everything I need.

My Favorite: Gonex Packable Backpack, $9 on Amazon

Microfiber Towel – $9

Most hostel rooms don’t provide towels, so having your own lightweight, quick-dry towel is essential. After testing different travel towels over the years, I found microfiber to be the perfect blend of absorbency, compact size, and fast drying.

Microfiber towels are ultra lightweight and pack down much smaller than regular cotton towels. I use mine for everything – the beach, hostel showers, washing up – then hang it to dry for the next day. It has lasted through years of rugged, constant use.

My Favorite: Rainleaf Microfiber Towel, $9 on Amazon

Packing Cubes – $10

I’ll be honest – I used to just shove everything loose into my backpack. It worked fine until I needed to dig around for something and made a mess of my carefully (or not!) packed bag.

Packing cubes changed my life! Now I organize by category – shirts, pants, underwear, etc. I can instantly grab what I need without unpacking everything. The cubes compress clothes smaller, helping me fit more in my carry-on.

Get a small set with different sized cubes to organize your gear. You’ll be amazed at how much easier packing and finding things is. They take up almost no space, so I always use cubes now, even for shorter trips.

My Favorite: Veken 6 Piece Packing Cubes, $10 on Amazon

Water Bottle with Filter – $10

Staying hydrated is crucial, especially when traveling to hot or high-altitude destinations. Buying plastic water bottles everywhere you go isn’t just expensive, it’s terrible for the planet.

I avoid plastic bottle waste by carrying a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter. My current one filters out 99.99% of waterborne bacteria and protozoa. I’ve safely refilled it from streams, lakes, questionable tap water, you name it.

Having filtered water on demand helps me stay healthy abroad plus cuts down on plastic waste. For the ultralight traveler, they make collapsible water bottles to save more space.

My Favorite: LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle, $10 on Amazon

Universal Sink Stopper – $5

Hostel sinks often don’t have stoppers, making simple tasks like washing your face a messy ordeal. I used to waste so much clean water waiting for sinks to fill up halfway before washing.

Now I always pack this tiny universal stopper that fits most sinks. It makes washing up, doing laundry in the sink, or creating a makeshift bath for personal grooming much easier.

This basic item ended up being one of my most useful budget travel purchases ever.

My Favorite: OXO Good Grips Sink Stopper, $5 on Amazon

Clothesline and Clothespins – $6

Whether you’re backpacking SE Asia in monsoon season or road tripping around the US in a campervan, having good drying solutions for wet gear is a must. I’ve been caught one too many times with wet clothes, towels, and linens that just won’t dry in humid hostel rooms.

That’s why I always pack a small travel clothesline and clothespins now. I can easily wash small items in the sink, hang them up, and they’re dry within a few hours. It keeps my pack lighter by avoiding excess liquid weight and saves money because I can wash clothes myself.

My Favorite: Coghlan’s Clothesline Kit, $6 on Amazon

Portable Charger – $9

As a travel photographer and avid Instagrammer, having my devices die mid-trip is my worst nightmare. I’ve missed capturing amazing moments all because my phone or camera ran out of juice.

Now I never leave home without my slim 10,000 mAh power bank. It holds multiple phone charges and saves me every time my battery dies in a remote area with no outlets in sight.

I choose slim, lightweight models that easily fit in any pocket. Some come with built-in charging cables so I don’t have to pack extras. Set a reminder to charge your power bank fully before each trip.

My Favorite: INIU Portable Charger, $9 on Amazon

Packing Cubes – $10

I’ll be honest – I used to just shove everything loose into my backpack. It worked fine until I needed to dig around for something and made a mess of my carefully (or not!) packed bag.

Packing cubes changed my life! Now I organize by category – shirts, pants, underwear, etc. I can instantly grab what I need without unpacking everything. The cubes compress clothes smaller, helping me fit more in my carry-on.

Get a small set with different sized cubes to organize your gear. You’ll be amazed at how much easier packing and finding things is. They take up almost no space, so I always use cubes now, even for shorter trips.

My Favorite: Veken 6 Piece Packing Cubes, $10 on Amazon

I hope this list of my must-have carry-on items helps you pack smarter, travel lighter, and have an epic trip! Let me know if you have any other budget-friendly travel gear I should try. I’m always testing new products as I backpack the world. Safe travels!