How I learned to pack smart during my hectic summer trip to Turkey – and why the right clothes made all the difference
Sitting on the floor for hours on an overcrowded ICE train to Frankfurt. Rushing through airports with only a 30-minute layover in Istanbul. During my chaotic trip to Cappadocia, I realized how crucial smart clothing choices are for carry-on travel in summer.
Sitting there on the sweltering train with only my carry-on backpack, I was so grateful for every light and breathable clothing choice I had made. Because if there's one thing I didn't want to miss during that trip to Turkey, learned: the right travel clothes can make or break your trip.
Why Hand Luggage Travel Clothes Are Different
Carry-on travel doesn't simply mean "bringing less." It means strategically choosing clothing that works harder than usual. Each item in your backpack should have multiple functions, be usable in different situations, and take up minimal space.
The Reality of Limited Space
My LIVVO backpack gives me 35 liters of space—including toiletries, electronics, and other essentials. That means clothes should take up a maximum of 60-70% of your space. For 10 days of summer travel, that means packing like you're packing gold.
My Carry-On Clothing System: The 5-4-3-2-1 Rule
After years of experimenting and that memorable Turkey experience, I developed a system that always works:
5 Underwear + Socks Sets
Why 5 instead of 10? Quick-drying merino wool or synthetic materials dry within 4-6 hours. Wash every other day, and you're guaranteed clean underwear.
My choices:
-
Merino underwear: Smartwool or Icebreaker (odor-resistant, temperature-regulating)
-
Lightweight socks: Darn Tough by Falke (quick-drying, breathable)
-
Weight: Only 400 grams together
4 T-shirts/Tops
The secret: Choose one base color as a foundation, add accents.
My formula:
-
2x neutral colors (navy, gray)
-
1x accent color (e.g. olive green or terracotta)
-
1x sporty/outdoor shirt
-
Material: 100% merino or merino blend
-
Weight: 150 grams per shirt
3 Pants/Shorts
The basics of flexibility – from city to beach, from sightseeing to hiking.
My trio:
-
1x Travel chino: Lightweight, wrinkle-free
-
1x Shorts: Patagonia Baggies or linen shorts (also suitable for swimming)
-
1x Extra trousers: Thin linen or airy cotton trousers for warm evenings
2 Layers for Temperature Differences
Even in summer, air conditioning, night buses, or heights can feel chilly.
My system:
-
Lightweight merino wool sweater: breathable and thin
-
Windbreaker or thin jacket: against air conditioning and cool evenings
1 Statement Piece
That one piece of clothing that completes your look and makes you feel good.
Examples:
-
Airy blazer for a city trip
-
A striking shirt for dinner or a night out
-
A linen cardigan or kimono for a summery style
Smart Packing Techniques for Summer Clothes
Roll, Don't Fold
Rolling technique saves 30% space and prevents wrinkles.
Use Your LIVVO Vacuum Section
Especially useful for compressing sweaters or a towel .
Carry Your Heaviest Items
During my Turkey chaos, I wore my Salomon Quest Forces 4D boots on the plane. They saved space and weight in my backpack, provided immediate stability during long layovers, and were handy for hikes in Cappadocia.
The Teva or Sinner slippers were in the bag and came in handy every day in the heat — perfect for city walks, the beach and casual evenings.
Clothing Choices by Destination Type
Warm Destinations (like Turkey summer)
-
Focus on light, breathable fabrics
-
Linen shirts and shorts
-
Thin merino wool shirts for air-conditioned rooms
-
Swimwear that can also be worn casually
-
Comfortable slippers/sandals (such as Teva or Sinner) for everyday use
Cold Destinations
(for other seasons or destinations) layering remains key.
Business/City Trips
-
Versatile formal wear
-
Travel chinos that look professional
-
Polo shirts that can be dressed up/down
-
One statement blazer
Complete 10-Day Carry-On Clothing List
Tops (4 items):
-
2x merino t-shirt (navy, gray)
-
1x polo shirt (can be up-dressed)
-
1x light sweater/cardigan
Bottoms (3 items):
-
1x travel chino
-
1x shorts (multifunctional)
-
1x casual linen trousers
Layers (2 items):
-
1x light jacket/windbreaker
-
1x thin merino sweater
Underwear (5 sets):
-
5x underwear + socks
-
2x sports bra (for women)
Shoes (2 pairs – 1 worn):
-
Salomon Quest Forces 4D boots – sturdy, rugged terrain, hikes
-
Teva or Sinner slippers/sandals – airy, comfortable, everyday use
Extras:
-
1x swimsuit/bikini
-
1x sportswear set
-
Sleepwear (or use a t-shirt)
Why This Approach Works
On that hot, stressful day in Turkey—from sweaty train stations to air-conditioned rooms in Cappadocia—I had exactly what I needed. No unnecessary items, no missing essentials. Everything fit perfectly in my carry-on, and I had the right clothing for every situation.
The freedom this gives is priceless. No worries about lost suitcases, no limits on spontaneous changes of plans. Just you, your backpack, and the adventure that awaits.
Discover here how the LIVVO backpack perfectly compresses your summer clothes
What shoes do you always take with you when you travel? Share your experience in the comments!
More Hand Luggage Expertise: