After a few collaborations with Level8, I told them (cheekily) they were missing a proper backpack. Their response? “Have you not seen our Atlas Backpack?” I hadn’t. So they kindly gifted it to me so I could put it through its paces and see if it was actually suitable for my style of travel: minimalist, practical, and laptop-heavy. And what better way to test it than by using it as my only luggage for a 10-day European trip?

In this article, I’ll share my best packing tips for carry-on only travel, including exactly how I used the Level8 Atlas Backpack to make it work.

Disclaimer: This post also contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). 

So, if you’re looking for packing tips for carry-on only travel, this is your blueprint. It’s how I do 10-day trips across Europe with just one backpack, and a 16” laptop.

Why the Level8 Atlas Backpack Works So Well for Smart Packing

The Atlas Backpack by Level8 isn’t your average carry-on. It’s structured, sleek, and, best of all, it fits under the seat while still holding everything I need for 10 days. It has become my go-to for smart, minimalist travel, and it’s the foundation for every one of my packing tips for carry-on only trips.

Key features I love:

• A padded laptop sleeve that comfortably fits my 16” MacBook Pro
• High-quality, smooth-gliding zips that feel incredibly durable
• A structured, water-resistant outer shell
• Plenty of internal pockets for organised packing
• A rear strap to hook it onto a roller suitcase if I do decide to check one

No, it doesn’t come with packing cubes, but I still recommend using ultra-thin ones inside (more on that below). And while it’s impressively versatile, there’s one honest limitation I’ll share further down.

What I Pack for a 10-Day Carry-On-Only Trip

This is what years of trial and error have taught me to pack, and what I swear by when using just my Level8 Atlas Backpack.

Clothing: Capsule Wardrobe Goals

Here’s what goes into my slim packing cubes:

• 3 tops
• 2 bottoms (trousers + shorts or skirt)
• 1 dress (that works day-to-night)
• 1 jumper or fleece
• 1 lightweight waterproof jacket
• 5 sets of underwear and socks
• 1 swimsuit
• 1 scarf or sarong
• 1 pair of sandals
• 1 pair of trainers (worn on the plane)

Tip: Stick to one colour palette and layer. You don’t need more, you just need smarter combinations. Rolling your clothes and packing vertically makes a huge difference too.

Tech: The Mobile Office Must-Haves

Because I always travel with my 16” laptop, I need a backpack that keeps my tech protected. The Level8 Atlas Backpack nails this, and it’s also featured in my full breakdown of the best laptop backpack for MacPro users, if you want a deep dive into how it holds up under real travel conditions.

My tech essentials:

• 16” Dell Laptop
• Portable charger
• USB-C hub + SD card reader
• Multi-port charging cable
• International adapter
• Notebook + pen

All of this fits beautifully into the Atlas’s well-designed compartments. There’s no digging, no jostling, and, unlike previous bags, no fear that the zips will explode mid-transit.

Toiletries: If It Doesn’t Fit, I Don’t Pack It

If I’m not going to Africa or somewhere remote, my 100ml versions are all I need:

• Conditioner, moisturiser, and SPF in refillable bottles
• Solid shampoo bar
• Toothbrush + toothpaste
• Razor
• Stick deodorant (hello Wild!) 
• Lip balm and a dab of makeup

But if I’m travelling for longer, especially in countries where “John Frieda Curl Conditioner” is not readily available, or I need plenty of Incognito insect repellent, I simply check in my Level8 Luminous Textured 24” Bag instead. No guilt, just practical decisions.

One Honest Limitation: Camera Gear

Here’s the truth: while the Atlas is exceptionally padded for laptops and general travel use, it’s not ideal for expensive photography equipment.

I’ve packed my Canon X6 DSLR with a lens, and although it survived thanks to some makeshift padding, the bag wasn’t designed for that kind of kit. It’s fine in a pinch, but if camera protection is your priority, you’ll want to add a dedicated insert, or choose a camera-specific bag.

That said, for every other situation, especially if your tech load is laptop-based, it’s brilliant.

When I Need a Bit More: The Road Runner Cabin Bag

While my ex-husband now proudly rolls around with the Level8 Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On (he’s in the Rolex-selling, Range Rover-driving league), my go-to when a backpack alone won’t cut it is the Level8 Road Runner 20” Cabin Bag. 

It features:

• Silent spinner wheels that glide like a dream
• A front-access laptop compartment
• TSA locks for added security
• Smart interior organisation and sleek design

It’s the perfect in-between for when I want a cabin case with laptop access, without the bulk of a full suitcase. You can read more about it in my full Level8 luggage review.

Final Packing Tips for Carry-On Only Travel

If you’re serious about travelling lighter without sacrificing your essentials, here are my best tips:

• Use thin packing cubes even in a backpack: game changer!
• Plan your outfits so everything mixes and matches
• Wear bulky clothes (like jackets and trainers) while travelling
• Skip “just in case” items, you’ll rarely need them
• Don’t compromise on quality, especially with zips

One of the things that immediately stood out with the Atlas Backpack was the zip quality. My previous backpack was fine… until it wasn’t. You could feel the zips starting to fail after a year. With the Atlas, I don’t worry about that at all. It’s built to last, and it’s backed-up by a lifetime guarantee. 

Want to Travel Smarter?

If you’re looking for the best packing tips for carry-on only travel and a bag that can actually make them happen, the Level8 Atlas Backpack is your answer.

Want to see how the Atlas fits into a broader packing setup? I included it, alongside some of my other go-to suitcases, in my best luggage for digital nomads roundup, where I compare everything from spinner wheels to suitcase structure based on real-world travel.

Shop the Level8 Atlas Backpack

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Not sure which Level8 bag is right for you?

Check out my full Level8 luggage review or read my thoughts on the Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On, which, while not mine anymore, still deserves a moment in the spotlight.

Because packing less doesn’t mean travelling with less. It means travelling smarter, and feeling more prepared, more mobile, and a lot more stylish while you’re at it.