For years, airlines have quietly transformed the simple act of packing into a profit machine, squeezing passengers for every penny by charging extra for checked luggage and even more if overweight. What once seemed like the realm of budget carriers—who cheekily offered the illusion of cheap tickets—has now spread to premium airlines. Yes, even British Airways, SAS, and Virgin Atlantic are guilty of the surcharge game, demanding fees not only for checked baggage but even hand luggage. Add to that the financial strain of rising living costs, high airfare prices, receiving less whilst paying more, and a reported figure of 26 million mishandled bags (in 2022), it’s no wonder travellers are frustrated.
But why play into their hands? We decided that enough is enough and were on a mission. Avoid the hassle of sky-high fees and the time-sucking wait at baggage carousels by embracing the art of minimalist travel: packing everything you need into a backpack—or, for longer trips, a smart combination of carry-on luggage and a sleek backpack.
To test this, our team initially decided to trial the "rucksack rule" for a three-day getaway to Stockholm. Having seen many viral videos of airport hacks, some a little more daring than most (yes packing your clothes into a pillow) we decided on a more sophisticated and legal option. With packing cubes in tow, we managed to fit the essentials—makeup, hair straighteners, a laptop, and enough outfits to cover every occasion—into a single backpack. The result? A seamless journey. We breezed through security, bypassed the carousel crowd, and hopped into an Uber headed to Stockholm's Norrmalm while others waited for their suitcases to emerge on the carousel.
Encouraged by our Stockholm success, we upped the ante for our next mission. For a week-long escape to Mexico—Cancun and Tulum, specifically—we researched every single smart luggage company with luxury and convenience in mind. Stumbling across MONOS, experts in premium luggage, we chose the brand to test how far strategic packing could go. We opted for a complete luggage set but planned to take their compact carry-on and a backpack to the Mayan Riviera, proving that even a week in the sun doesn’t have to mean surrendering to checked luggage chaos. With 20kg of carry-on allowance and no limits for the backpack, we were ready to see how Monos would fare.
The Monos Edit
When choosing gear for this experiment, we turned to Monos due to the brand's reputation, celebrated for its focus on practical, high-quality travel essentials. Their approach to design is refreshingly understated luxury (just what we love)—no flashy logos or fleeting trends, just well-made luggage built to last. With durability and functionality in mind, we picked the Hybrid Carry-On, the Metro Backpack, and their packing cubes. This selection promised the perfect balance between style, efficiency, and space-saving ingenuity.
The Hybrid Carry-On offered a sturdy yet lightweight option for flying hassle-free, while the packing cubes ensured every item was organised in a compressed manner and easy to access. The sleek Metro Backpack complemented the setup with clever compartments ideal for tech, travel documents, and daily essentials. Beyond their sophisticated aesthetic, these items helped us pack smarter and avoid checked baggage chaos.
The Packing List Edit
After an 11-hour flight, with our Monos luggage snugly stowed in the overhead compartment, we breezed through security and a queue of passengers stuck staring at the infamous carousel, and were whisked away by our concierge to Nizuc Resort and Spa—a Forbes favourite and possibly the most Instagrammable hotel in the world.
You might be wondering: how did we fit everything we needed for a week into just a carry-on and a backpack? Here’s the answer, complete with a breakdown of most of the items that made the cut (and we have pictures to prove it). The packing cubes were key to this formula, the backpack had many hidden compartments and the carry-on allowed for a generous amount of luggage.
With versatility in mind, we curated a wardrobe and essentials that AI later calculated could create an impressive 3,528 outfit combinations.
Footwear & Accessories
- Isabel Marant sandals, Moschino sliders, trainers, and a Gucci belt.
- Chloé eyewear, a hat, hair bows, and two silk foulards (Gucci and Louis Vuitton).
Clothing
- Day & Evening: 6 trousers, 5 shorts, 10 tops, 2 day dresses, 2 going-out dresses, and 2 bikinis.
- Favourites: Brunello Cucinelli silk wide-leg trousers, an Ashish x Bluebella slip dress, and the trusty Balenciaga Cassette bag in teal.
Beauty & Tech
- A fully stocked cosmetics bag with makeup, SPF, hair tools, skincare, and fragrance.
- Electronics: 2 cameras, a laptop, and film.
Other Essentials
- Workout gear, Fussy deodorant, black soap, and an inflatable flight pillow.
Space-Saving Hacks
To maximise space, we packed our Dr. Sturm Enzyme Cleanser, which arrived in powder form to save space with liquids. Travel-sized fragrances were our best friend, and face mask samples from Aesop were a godsend. We also managed to find hyaluronic acid in powder sachet form, activated with water. With these compact solutions, we had every single item we needed to perhaps travel for more than a month, let alone a week. We didn't even wear most of the outfits in the end due to having far too many options.
Every piece was carefully chosen for its ability to mix, match, and elevate, proving that smart packing makes anything possible—even skipping checked luggage.
Why We Loved Monos
Travelling light doesn’t mean compromising on style or functionality, and Monos proved to be the ultimate companion for our week-long getaway. The luggage’s copious hidden compartments were a revelation, with ingenious features like the removable front pouch on the backpack and a discreet laptop compartment at the back, keeping everything organised and easy to access.
The sleek, minimalist design garnered admiration everywhere we went, while the whisper-quiet wheels glided so effortlessly it felt like pushing a trolley on butter. Even with an estimated 40kg of packed items, we didn’t feel the weight, thanks to the clever design that allows the backpack to securely slide onto the carry-on. No strain, no hassle—just seamless travel.
Finally, the Monos aesthetic was the pièce de résistance. Marrying luxury with practicality, this luggage not only redefined how we pack but also elevated our travel experience. Whether breezing through security, heading to a Forbes favourite hotel, or strolling cobblestone streets, Monos made travelling light feel effortlessly chic.
Total Looks Summary
From Dresses:
- Dresses: 4
- Footwear Options: 4
- Accessory Options: 7
- Calculation: 4 x 4 x 7 = 112 Looks
From Bottoms & Tops:
- Bottoms: 12
- Tops: 10
- Footwear Options: 4
- Accessory Options: 7
- Calculation: 12 x 10 x 4 x 7 = 3360 Looks
From Swimwear:
- Bikinis: 2
- Footwear Options: 4
- Accessory Options: 7
- Calculation: 2 x 4 x 7 = 56 Looks
Grand Total: 3,528 Looks
With smart packing, the possibilities are endless.
For more information visit MONOS
Words by Jheanelle Feanny
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