How to pack very light

[TessTickle0]

We are going to Prague in a week for 4 nights,returning home tea time the fifth day.
We have hand luggage only(under seat bags)
There are four of us,my partner and two teens.
How do you all do it?do you pack outfits for both the day and night?
What about teens...my youngest is renowned for getting grubby so he will possibly need extras?
What about.shoes?and toiletries?
Will I need to.condense it right down? Ina way I'm looking forward to doing just that as I always take too many clothes and never wear them 🙃

Do people really take PJs on holiday with them? When they’re trying to travel light?!

Just a light shorts set. I'd prioritise pyjamas over make-up if space was that much of an issue.

I’d go for mix‑and‑match basics. Roll your day‑to‑day and evening pieces into packing cubes so everyone can layer up or dress down as needed, and sling a spare top in for the teen (or grab a couple of laundry sheets to freshen things en route). Stick to one versatile pair of trainers and maybe lightweight slip‑ons, and decant toiletries into travel‑size bottles in a clear pouch under the seat. If you want a bag that fits perfectly under Ryanair’s seat and still holds a week’s worth of gear, check out the 30 L Urban Assault pack a - super comfy and organised!

Nooooo
I do yoga in my pjs. Also I can’t sleep naked. If I was doing 3 days/2 nights just one pair. For 4 night 2 pairs. They are v thin :)

Nice for lounging around the accommodation too.

If you have a washing machine then you’re laughing.

There is something very liberating about taking a capsule wardrobe- I haven’t done hand luggage only but DH and I did two weeks in Costa Rica on cabin bags only as we were transferring to a lot of locations and I still had too many clothes. It felt ridiculous when we used our BA avios free companion flights to Sardinia and had 23 kg, I brought a ludicrous amount of clothes and shoes.

The bum bag will count as your bag on most airlines. Certs Ryanair and also I had to put a handbag in my mcarryon with easyJet as well. So you need any extra handbag to use while there to fit into your carryon.

Agree re PJs for Air BnB lounging

4 of you?

That's 30 litres each! Easy!

https://cabinmax.com/collections/45x36x20-suitcases-and-bags/products/manhattan-backpack-30l-45x36x20cm-easyjet-compatible-under-seat-bag

Building on my earlier tip about mix-and-match basics and using packing cubes, I totally agree that versatile layering pieces make all the difference for packing light. Adding to that, investing in compact, multi-use gear really helps save space without sacrificing function. For example, I’ve been checking out some outdoor basics, gear is tough yet lightweight, perfect for keeping your pack light but reliable on trips.

Solid advice. I’d add a good bushcraft knife and a tarp to that setup - versatile for shelter, fire prep, and more. Merino wool layers are also a game-changer for temp control. Lightweight but tough gear is key for moving fast in the backcountry.

That 30 L Urban Assault pack sounds really good – compact but still roomy enough for a week’s trip, which is a big plus. And if it’s comfy and well organized, it’ll definitely make travel easier. It’s even better if it has some MOLLE straps for attaching extra gear, making it even more versatile.

I have 2 day outfits and two evening outfits, everything gets worn twice. Take sandals, wear trousers and trainers. If very warm i sometimes just take 4 dresses, jersey packs really small. You definitely can’t take 4 day and 4 night with just underseat bags! Could you buy one checked case between you?

I don't wear make up, so very easy. Wear runners and heaviest jeans/trousers. Spare trousers plus two tops. A dress. Sandals and underwear. Very light cardi or scarf. Job done.

Forgot small toothpaste and toothpaste brush, kindle and chargers

It’s really liberating travelling super light. I don’t like paying for bags as I am on a tight budget. You can get special Ryanair/ other airline-shaped cube bags for this very purpose.

Shoes on feet, one pair each. Buy cheap flip flops there if needed.

camping towel if accommodation doesn’t supply.

No toiletries, you can buy those airside as airside doesn’t usually count toward your allowance (but do check).

Those thin cellular running tee shirts pack down really small. Dresses are great for females- take up barely any room. Bottoms you can wear the same thing most days unless you’re really filthy abd spill food down them! Roll everything up in your bags, it’s the most efficient way of packing and saves creases.

If you want to take physical books then just take a couple and carry them on separately as you board the plane. Ditto headphones, iPads, etc.

Great addition! A tarp and a good bushcraft knife are absolute essentials so many uses it’s hard to overstate. And merino wool really is a game changer, especially with changing weather. Do you have any favorite brands or specific gear for layering and lightweight setups you’d recommend?

Totally agree, the 30L Urban Assault pack hits the sweet spot between capacity and comfort. MOLLE straps are a solid bonus for attaching gear on the fly. A few internal organizers would be perfect for keeping smaller items easy to find. Do you use any packing accessories or tricks that help you stay organized and quick on the trail?

Why do people go through all this angst when you can pay a little extra and check in a suitcase??????

I never check in if I can possibly help it bc the lasty time I did, BA lost my bag for about three days. Plus if you are carryon only you are quicker in and out. I hate the airport faff with a passion. Plus it’s liberating not to take loads of stuff you don’t need.

I think it’s a modesty thing incase a fire alarm goes off in the night , best not to flee your room in the nuddy

I have done several long weekends with an under the seat bag, I use the kanken rucksack. I think that’s what they’re called!
Last time I was able to pack 6 dresses with 6 pairs of tights, several long sleeve base layers, underwear, wore one pair of trainers that I knew would look fine with all my dresses. Wore a sweatshirt on the plane.
I sleep naked so no need for pyjamas wasting space 😂
I’m very low maintenance, had a lipstick, a cleanser and moisturiser and spf, I usually do way more steps but happy to pare it right back on holiday.
Straightened my hair before I left and made do, didn’t even pack a brush, it was up in a clip by day 3. Shower gel was provided at the accommodation. Oh, deodorant and toothpaste obviously but we were travelling as a group so a couple of people packed one of each and we just shared so we didn’t all need to pack it.

I’d just pull on some clothes Takes seconds

Unless there's an outdoor activity aspect where you need specific gear, I would go with dresses that don't fit close to the armpits (probably 2 and wear one). Darker colours. Layer (s) according to the forecast, and wear what you can on the flight. Everything to mix and match.
Crossword book. Wear trainers on flight, and put in footbed sandals.
No make up, good stick antiperspirant and minimal other toiletries.

Don’t take jeans! It’s unlikely to be properly cold. Thin trousers if necessary. Jeans are bulky.

Tshirt dresses w cycling shorts under, pack up small. Leggings. Loose viscose or thin cotton trousers/shorts or dresses
Take 1 pair of summer trainers that dont need socks, and some lightweight sandals such as https://www.regatta.com/womens-brooklyn-double-strap-sandals-island-green/