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Packing for 5 Weeks in Europe with 7kg Carry-On – Too Ambitious?

Hi everyone,
We’ve bought carry-on luggage bags because we don’t want to travel with big suitcases. Our airline allows 7kg of carry-on, and we’re wondering if it’s realistic to pack for a 5-week trip to Europe within that limit.

Would you recommend trying to stick to the 7kg allowance, or is that too ambitious? Another option would be to use the same bag but pack heavier and check it in, though that will make flights (e.g., Munich to Rome) more expensive.

Has anyone managed a long trip like this with just 7kg? Any tips or advice would be really helpful!

Posted by
90 posts

Pack enough for 1 week and wear on repeat, washing as necessary. Or you could choose a capsule wardrobe--either a 3 x 3 (3 of of each top, bottom, layer--all that mix and match) or a 5-4-3-2-1 (5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 dresses (for women), 2 shoes, 1 midlayer and 1 accessory--that all mix and match) plan. Travel outfit would be included in both of those--not separately. I personally like the 3 x 3 and add 2 dresses for a total of 11 items with at least 2 of the layers being able to wear with each dress. I wear the heaviest shoes, pack 1 other pair good for walking, and 1 pair of flipflops for hotel/pool, etc. I think it would be doable in 7 Kg, but it would really depend on whether you take a second pair of shoes and what other items you need to take--laptop, book, meds, toiletries, etc.--which can really add to the weight. Take 3 pair of undies, 1 spare bra, 3 pair of socks--if all of these are made of merino wool then you can wear the socks and bras for days with no stink--undies I would sink wash at night or in the shower. Merino wool dries fast so should be dry by morning. Once you have determined what clothing items you want to take, get a kitchen scale and weigh your clothing items--that should tell you if it is reasonable for you. Good luck and let us know what you decide

Posted by
352 posts

Is that weight limit for your personal item, too? If not, your electronics and heavier items can go in there.
Regardless, have you weighed the suitcase? At an average of likely 2-3 kgs that's heading towards half your limit before even putting anything in!
I have accomplished this, but only with a lightweight duffel or backpack and packing, as noted above, as if for a week and rewearing clothing in a rotation (hang inside out overnight and spray with a lovely fabric spray). The other consideration is time of year, you don't say? As well as if you have specific activities (hikes? opera/fancy meals? mostly city sightseeing...etc).
Can you provide a little more context? You're in good company here :). The kitchen scale suggested is really helpful, stuff always weighs more than you expect!

Posted by
1365 posts

Maybe some people can do it but we can't. Our carry-on bags come in at around 10-12kg (22-25lbs) and trust me, we're not bringing everything plus the kitchen sink. Our electronics (chargers, adapters, iPod mini, etc) and the pack along probably get us to 5kg. So we fly carriers that have a size but not weight limit, or at least a generous weight limit. Note that many carriers, and probably all the budget carriers, will weigh your personal item together with the carry-on. Best of luck!

Posted by
71 posts

Thank you, it is next April and this is the list of places for 5 weeks:

Sydney, Tokyo, Munich, Rome, Castiligion D'Orcia Castiligion D'Orcia (wedding) Rome, Budapest, Vienna, Cesky Krumlov,Prague Prague, Nuremburg,Rothenberg, Paris, Seine Cruise( Paris to Honfleur) last place Amsterdam.

Wont take a laptop.

Posted by
71 posts

I have also noticed that some carriers such as Easy jet you have to pay extra for a cabin bag anyway. The only free is under the seat bag. This is a flight from Munich to Rome.

1 personal item
Included
Fits under the seat in front of you

Add 1 cabin bag
+ AUD61.99
25 x 45 x 56 cm · 15 kg

Add 1 checked bag
+ AUD67.93
15 kg

Posted by
17802 posts

Every airline is different. It's usually Asian/Australian carriers that limit to 7 kg. Other airlines, like Easyjet force you to pay if you want to bring a "normal" size carry on.

Make a packing list of everything you want to take then weigh each item including the bag. (Or just pack it and weigh the it all at once.) There are plenty of videos online on how to pack light. Sarah Murdoch, who was once a guide or RS, has a couple for ultra-superlight packing.

The other important point is whether or not you will take a personal item and is it included in the 7 kg limit or separate?