For Serious Packing List and Carry On Fans :)

If you haven't done so already, I'd recommend you get out the scale. That always helps me decide between items I want to bring. I'm thinking of your denim-look pants and the rip skirt (I'm not familiar with these, but they don't look lightweight in the ads). Also, I'm seeing three items that maybe could be combined: tote, backpack and duffel. Can you use one of these as your personal item? Are they really going to weigh your personal item? You can pack your pockets full of the protein bars. They won't weigh you. You don't say it, but the fact that you're considering the Briggs and Riley bag suggests you are not doing any overland hiking, only day hikes (and not very long ones if you're relying on a packable backpack), so is a full first-aid kit really necessary? Could you not just take some of the essentials? Also, a flannel sleeping bag liner has to weigh half a pound or more.

Wow, thank you for the suggestions. I used all my characters on the packing vs. the trip! It's an escorted tour, and the hikes are day hikes from that location, then onto the next. For hikes I only need a small lightweight option for a water bottle, snacks, etc.
A challenge is how to dress for a home visit ( say, with a Berber host) in the middle of a hike. I want to be respectful (leggings are not!) and the rip skirt seems a great solution. They are super light and pack down to almost nothing.
https://ripskirthawaii.com/collections/shop-by-length/products/black-length-4?variant=33330461704280
The (Rag and Bone Miramar "jeans" are heavier.
https://www.rag-bone.com/womens/pants/miramar-terry-wide-leg-pant-WCW23F70018201_435.html?ref=womens-miramar&list=Category%20-%20womens-miramar
(I do use a scale.) They are awesome though. I am thinking either those or the lightweight hiking pants in case something happens with or on a camel, or anywhere else (!), as backup.

I haven't been to Morocco but I've dealt with packing for 2 disparate activities or climates in a carryon. What I would question:

8lb is really heavy for an international carryon. Find a lighter weight/cheaper one to buy?

It isn't clear how many days are hiking vs city but you seem to have an excess of "bottoms". 2 skirts/2 pants to match with 5 T shirts? I generally assume bottoms can be worn more times than tops. I am familiar with the ripskirts and know they are very light and compact so a great idea. The merino leggings for hiking/sleep can be easily washed and dried, so can you use the leggings/ripskirt also for city time? In my experience almost all midi skirts use a lot of fabric -therefore lots of space and weight. I also assume the harem pants will be heavier if they are skirt like. If the denim like are chambray I actually guess they might weigh less than the others?

Personally, I would just go with the 2 pants (and the ripskirt/leggings for hiking). Or just the favorite "denim" pants with 1 skirt.

I just saw your reply.

If it is an escorted tour I would not worry about the first aid kit. The guide should have something re: bandaids,etc. They often are not allowed to dispense medication, even aspirin so I would take any of that.

I meant to say- definitely take the protein bars!!! With your dietary restrictions I would want to have them for security!

I just saw the rag and bone "jeans". Those are pretty interesting! But in cotton jersey they are also bulky. Also your "lounge pants?" I missed the lightweight hiking pants- they are a must. They would be washable if needed. And you are right on about camels, I was on one in Egypt and would not wear those pants again until washed. Fortunately it was at the end of our trip:)

And another thought :) Is this your first organized tour to a non westernized country? In my experience on trips that include lots of hiking or nature activites, many people will just wear their lightweight hiking pants/long sleeve hiking shirt "explorer uniform" almost the whole trip- hiking and city (and I'm talking high end companies). For example, most visitors to Cairo don't dress up, less than they do in Europe. (of course dressing modestly).

Those influencer travel blogs with women in flowing dresses is NOT what the typical tourist wears. I admit I don't like the to wear the "explorer" uniform constantly, I like to take a light weight skirt for a change some evenings but you have a lot of nice clothes here and I wonder if you are overdressing? I also wonder how dusty, dirty the cities are in Morocco- I'm not saying filth dirty- just not able to control all that dirt when you are near a dessert! I wouldn't have wanted white sneakers/socks in Egypt. They might never be white again.

Also have not been to Morocco, but I love these kind of questions! I would also dump the first aid kit, and probably half the protein bars, especially if you have made your tour aware of your dietary restrictions (unless they said they cannot accommodate?). If you are already taking the rip skirt, do you need two midi skirts? Maybe get rid of the duffel, if it's adding much weight, might be pretty cheap to buy a bag if you need to (and you may be tempted by something handmade and colorful in a market - had friends who did this in Africa, they took the new bag (full of souvenirs and a change of clothes) as their carry-on for the return trip, checked their original bag). You also seem to have 5 pairs of pants? Do you need that many?

What stood out to me in the list was the large number of bags and bottoms compared to what I would carry. I assume you have already contacted the tour and found out there is no laundry facility access during your trip?

If you are highly motivated to travel carry-on only, you could try wearing a lot of your clothes (multiple layers) during the check-in process when they weigh your bags, and stuff your pockets full of the heaviest things - toiletries, breakfast bars.

Silk is a lightweight, warm material so swap the flannel sleeping bag liner for a silk one. Also maybe one or more of your t-shirts for city wear. Silk also dries very quickly.

Weigh all the "containers" you are taking - eg the first aid kit bag, packing cubes. Find lighter ones if necessary (ziploc bags?)

May I ask which tour you are taking? I hope to make it to Morocco some day.

Best wishes!

Thank you, Syd! So helpful. Certainly you got me out of my dispirited moment and ready to have another round!
It's an Interpid tour, in their "higher end" category, but there's such some question about hot water availability along the way as well as if those glamping tents are actually heated! (Intrepid's packing list includes a sleeping bag!)
I absolutely don't care what the other tour members think about my clothing but do want to dress modestly. I can't count on sink washing clothes since only 2 of the stops are 2 nights. And I don't know besides the 2 camel sessions how actually dirty ( vs sand that brushes off) the hikes could be.
Good point about the first aid. Still, my kit is my security blanket :) so thanks to you I'll try to jettison a few things.
Lastly, maybe a help to others with dietary restrictions is that- who knew- food doesn't count in your carry on weight on its own bag. Yes, Air France says they count combined weight of carry on AND personal items, so going on the assumption they will and to meet it.
More thanks!

We did an OAT safari last fall. The "glamping" tents varied considerably, but all had the same amenities - electricity, lights, bed with blankets and linens, fans, private bathroom w/shower. Water was all solar heated, which may be why they can't guarantee hot water? Your tour leader should be able to tell you specifically what the amenities are. Now we were in Botswana/Zambia, in the fall, so it was HOT - but no AC and I think no heat in the cooler months, although they may deploy space heaters (not sure)...if there are cooler months lol. For deodorant, consider one of the "whole body" types (Lume is one) for days when you want to skip a cold shower!

I’ve not been on an Intrepid tour nor to Morocco BUT I would keep the first aid kit in, lol. How much does it weigh? Does it include meds or just stuff like bandaids/paper tape (which I use in place of moleskin), neosporin, etc?

A few years ago I was concerned about meeting the AF combined weight limit for carry on and personal item. There were a number of folks on this forum who had had their bags weighed at the gate in Paris on a 2nd leg of a trip. I made sure I was under the limit. I do like the suggestion to stuff your bars in your pockets if you encounter that situation. Also might be worth it to consider stashing heavier electronic chargers/cables in pockets. They may weigh more than the bars.

Thanks more to Ordinary Rebecca and Pam! I was reinspired to try again after my slump that inspired my post because of the Forum support!
I am using the "blue jeans" pants in lieu of the black harem- style pants and also not taking the merino leggings unless the last-minute weather report shows below freezing temps. (I'm going to have to be very careful on and around my camel!)
I can just about squoosh my first aid kit into my moto coat pocket, but does stay in there! And if I keep all the protein bars (3+ lbs!) in the small tote that I will later also use for my hikers on the trip, my heavy B&R is now reduced to 25 lbs! Yay!
I wear the (personal item) backpack on my back, it's black and so's my coat, so don't know if I'll get asked to weigh it at check in or boarding.
With my new motivation I can try getting rid of more from it, but it really is stuff I need for health and safety.
Thank you all so much for sharing your tips, experiences and suggestions!

Yep. When you are cutting it close and struggling to meet very tight size and weight limits, the old switcheroo trick can work wonders.

Remember, they're going to weigh/measure your bags, not you or what you are wearing or what you have in the clothing you are wearing. You can configure your bags specifically (and briefly) for the critical weigh-in/measurement ritual, then once you have passed muster, once on the plane you can reconfigure things a bit. That reconfiguration is not infinite, but does allow you some extra sneaky flexibility - if you go through the inspection regimen with pockets stuffed and bulging with as much of the bulky and/or heavy stuff, you can empty those items, stuff them into a bag (you know, many bags have an expansion zipper...) and then get comfortable for the actual flight. Be reasonable (don't pull out a full-sized duffel bag you have collapsed into your pocket and then fill it up, taking all the overhead space) but you can get creative (personally, I think cargo pants are awesome for such times...). You need to practice your transformation enough so that you can do it quickly and without badly inconveniencing others; you also need to be able to re-do it later if you have connections. But you can work minor miracles when needed. Been there, done that.

BUT I would keep the first aid kit in, lol. How much does it weigh?

First Aid kit (1.4 lbs)

if I eliminate my first aid Sea-Summit (1.5)

In an earlier thread, it was described as 1.2 pounds.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing/what-s-in-my-1-2-lb-first-aid-kit

And Air France definitely makes you weigh stuff and put it in the sizer. I know this isn't your case, but when departing from Paris, they literally send you to a separate line that has a scale and a sizer before you can make it to emigration if your boarding pass is AF.

We joined an OAT trip to Morocco for three weeks last February-March and had a wonderful time. Your packing list sounds very extensive to try carry on. Frankly, it seems to me you have way too many clothes for a trip where you will be moving around so frequently. My mantra is "If I cannot carry my luggage around, then it's too heavy and time to lighten up."We spent two nights in a tented camp in the Sahara and it was warm during the day and cold at night. Amenities were fine. Do remember that women dress modestly in Morocco. Are you sure you need hikers? I wore the same pair of Taos leather sneakers the entire time and they were perfect. Pair of flip flops for hotels/camp. I concur that you should have a scarf so you can have it wound into a turban for the desert times. We had access to laundry services at several of the hotels where we stayed in the larger towns and we paid for that to cut down on the clothes we carried. There was lots of white dust everywhere, especially in the desert so white sneakers may get dirty pretty quickly. I wore a down vest and a rain jacket for wind because many days were quite chilly and windy. It's helpful to remember that Casablanca is on the same latitude as Atlanta so it isn't really tropical or humid. I packed a couple of camisoles to layer under the Columbia/Eddie Bauer synthetic shirts and wore Eddie Bauer pants. In black and navy so they looked like trousers. If in Casablanca, do try for reservations for dinner at Rick's Cafe- it's touristy but we really enjoyed our dinner there and did not need to dress up. Enjoy Morocco - it's amazing!

Thank you, Lynda! It's really helpful to have your Morocco- specific personal experience and the two companies (my first with Intrepid, but OAT had a similar itinerary) seem on a par for your experience with the camping, although I've got just one night.
Hotel laundry could be an option but looking at the daily itinerary there's only two days where we are two nights in the same hotel/riad. I don't want to count on having laundry done, but it would be a great option if I can. The trip itself is 15 days + 3 1/2 days on either side for getting there. So I figured wearing each thing 3-5 times? My hikers aren't my heavier hardcore real ones, they are lightweight with good traction. There's the option of a 10k hike one of the days described as "moderate"? And a few others TBD. I do wonder if I have warm enough clothes as far as the down vest/ wind and rain jacket. I will need to readjust if the weather pattern seems to change prior to departure, it seems to be clear, sunny days into the high 60s and nights in the 40s as of now.
I can carry up stairs/roll the suitcase just fine. What was (is!) weighing me down is the protein bars. Intrepid was clear in the FAQs that dietary limitations would be a challenge and I understand that !
I do appreciate your suggestions based on your own trip! I don't think my bright white sneakers will look the same when home again! They're the ones I know I can wear comfortably day after day, though.

When we were on safari, most of the camps offered same-day laundry, often free (but cheap if not). Put things out in the morning, they were returned that evening, clean and perfectly folded. We also did sink wash every evening (they would not do "smalls" aka underwear), and everything was dry in a couple hours, but it was hot - still, I would think your lightweight items would dry overnight, or be close anyway. Again, your guide should know what the amenities and options are - hopefully you will get a call or an email prior to the trip? I second what Lynda said - bring a scarf, and some face masks, for the dust. I also took off-white Skechers slip-on sneakers, let's just say they blended very well after the first few days lol

Hi there, what a fun trip! I not ridden a camel, but did cross a river on an elephant, which was fabulous. Lots of good advice already about not doubling down on so many bottoms, 3 bags, and that way too heavy 8 lb bag. I'm sorry but I am stuck on a 1.2 or 1.5 lb first aid kit - Perhaps you can take out what you really don't need?

I would be concerned about having enough warm clothing on this trip. You mentioned a 'light weight sweater', & elsewhere 'loose weave lightweight cardigan' (take another shirt you can put on over your shoulders, Columbia have nice SPF shirts that look dressy, or bring a larger scarf if that's all you need?) I would leave the sweaters, instead take a Uniqlo or similar packable puffer coat. Seriously the first time I saw women taking them out of carryons as we left a plane, I've never looked back! Someone else mentioned a rain coat, yep, add it because 40F in the dessert will be chilly at night, rain coat over puffer coat will stop the wind & keep you warm. (These 2 items will weigh less than a pair of pants!) And I would only take one skirt, skip the second pair of backup shoes? The "Peak backpack is easier, obviously, but stuffed so full in its expanded form I worry about the zipper"- Yep, if it's chock full now, you run the risk of it breaking on the trip, just not worth it. Have a fabulous trip!!!

More thanks! That would be amazing as far as laundry- for the most part we arrive afternoon, though, leaving early a m. but there are 2 overnights with an additional day when it could happen!
Intrepid has been really responsive, should anyone be wondering about the company. You can always reach a human but the chat feature (also with a human!) was great in the initial stages.
I don't meet the tour leader till the orientation meeting. And I haven't gotten specific info as far as amenities because for one, it's not always the same hotel as the itinerary and also, some chat or phone reps have actually been to Morocco while others just restate from the FAQs!
I can speak and read French pretty fluently to the extent that will be helpful, and which is coming with me and thankfully doesn't weigh anything:) !!

More good advice, Sanansisco, thank you!
You have me reconsidering and bringing a lightweight, warmer coat vs the sweater I usually use. It really is 3 desert days vs just making do if it were just one. have 2 options that could work.
More thanks!

I've hiked many trails in Europe, although not Morocco, and the one thing I always pack is a base layer of silk for hikes. They are light and take up little room. The moisture wicking of silk is amazing. I can sink wash if necessary as they dry quickly. Silk wicks the moisture even better than Merino wool in my experience although many people prefer merino. Airplanes are chilly sometimes so I even wear this layer on the flight. As others have mentioned weigh everything you are taking. It's surprising how one shirt can be twice as heavy as another even when they look identical. You can use slides for shower slippers too if they are rubber so no need to take flip flops too. I would stay away from cotton because it takes forever to dry and also denim because it is so heavy. I don't take a separate bag for laundry for the flight back since everything is going to be washed anyway. One thing I don't see on your list is a bathing suit. Those come in handy and don't take up much room. Have a wonderful trip!

I also take a packable puffer jacket pretty much everywhere for fall/winter/spring travel and have never regretted it. Uniqlo has nice ones, but if you want something less expensive (i.e. you won't cry if it gets wrecked or you need to leave it behind for space), check 32 Degrees, they are probably on sale right now (and are usually about $25 regular price). Costco also sells them, although maybe not in stock right now.

Great reminder about 32 degrees puffer coat Rebecca, yep lots of things on sale on their site! Just bought this one - https://www.32degrees.com/products/womens-lightweight-recycled-poly-fill-packable-jacket?variant=41827693723737. Although it's polyfill, not down so don't know how warm it will be....

And even more thanks! I do own a very old ON super lightweight version of this, plus it has a hood and is water resistant. All this good advice and the 60- 70 degree days with the 40 degree nights 10 day forecast and I'm (eye roll) going to repack. Again! Great suggestion.
As far as silk for a base layer, it didn't work for me, either the "feel" or the function, compared to merino (which some find itchy) although silk certainly dries quickly.
And yes, I have hauled that heavy first aid kit all over the world, although not for day outings. (I have a very small mesh pouch for that purpose.) For me, it's just so worth it for the peace of mind that I have products for my specific needs that I know work and that I won't have unexpected reactions to. I'm also still very Covid careful and the oximeter is about a third of its weight.
A successful packing for me is if I wore or used every single item- except opening the first aid kit :)
I hope to report back in a few weeks just that! More thanks and safe and happy travels in the new year!

GREAT tweaks! So are you taking the "Peak Design 35 liter expandable backpack ( 2 lbs)" I have a 10% empty rule - its going to fill up just with dirty laundry! BTW, you mentioned flying back with Lufthansa & checking your duffel bag, have you looked at their carryon restrictions? FYI, LH carryon is 8KG INCLUDING your personal item which I know from recent experience, they're making you weigh along with your bag.

Sandancisco, ha! Now that I lost 8 lbs :) taking out every last protein bar (including the ones stuffed in my white sneaks) and my first aid kit I actually just had an urge to give the Peak backpack another try! But the wheels are really nice...
I have an ancient Eddie Bauer duffel that folds flat in the suitcase bottom, about an 8" square. My return Lufthansa flight has a 14 hour layover so I have a hotel "airside". A rep told me they can check one bag (1 is included free) all the way to SEA. So I will stuff that with my laundry, etc and hopefully see it, eventually. The carry on should be ok since I've got 17 pounds you mentioned.
Thanks more for the great tips!

Hi, I am also a seriously lightweight packer - 13 pounds on my back. I will just share how I work my clothing items and hope that helps. I plan on being able to wear an item at least every third day regardless of how many weeks the trip lasts. The exception is one pair of warm pants. I take four outfits but only one is dirty on any given day. No one cares or pays attention to how many times you’re wearing something as long as it is clean & respectful to the culture. ….oh, and before I forget to mention it, pack an extra bra. I had an underwire break during a trip and was so glad I had more than two!

32 degree t-shirt style & long sleeve scooped neck micro thin shirts will dry within a few hours. Many options of regular clothing will dry overnight. Usually the weight of a garment will give an indication but not always. Bring a colorful scarf for a little color if you want, and yes, the ripskirt is a good option. I would concur to dropping all of the extra pants/midis others have mentioned.

We had a trip that went from very cold down to ending in Rome when it was hot. Packing a pair of grocery store tights was a lightweight solution to wear under my pants.

Lastly, prioritize your health. If you need the protein bars, then those are the beginning of your planned total weight and go from there. Have a great time!