The Packing Battle- Round 3: International Carry On Bags

When traveling overseas, I give a lot of thought to my carry on bag. I know I will be lugging it around for long periods of time, so I want it to be comfortable to carry and not too heavy. I like it to have compartments so items stay organized are are easily retrieved.

The purpose of the carry on bag is to hold those items that should stay with me at all times like meds, money, travel docs. It is also for having easy access to what I’ll use while on the plane or train.
When I get to my destination, the bag functions as a “dresser drawer” to keep the items in one place and to hold souvenirs and miscellaneous stuff; I don’t use it as a day bag. Valuable items I keep in the room safe, not just in this bag.
Some people like to use a backpack for traveling and I have done that, too, but I get nervous that someone can be behind me getting into the zippers without me knowing. I will often use a backpack for shorter, domestic travel when I might also use it as a day bag. Aesthetically, a backpack isn’t a nice as a tote, in my opinion, so the other bags win out.
I have 2 different carry on bags for International Travel.
 The top picture is an Eagle Creek Brand bag that measures 17″ L x 12.5″ H x 4.5″ D. It has 2 straps that fit comfortably on the shoulder. It has a zippered slip pocket so it will fit over the suitcase handle. It has multiple outside and inside zipper compartments and pouches, with space on both sides for umbrella or small water bottle.  Its smaller size makes it easier to carry, but it does get full. It  has a more “tech” look with all the zippers and compartments.
The bottom picture is an EBags Brand bag that measures 20″L x 13″H x 8″D with one adjustable shoulder strap, 3 outside zipper pockets and only one inner zipper pocket with two pouches. I took this bag to a luggage repair shop and had a strap attached across the back so I could slip it on the suitcase handle. Its larger size makes it not so full when I travel, but the one shoulder strap makes carrying it unwieldy at times.
I’ve had both of these bags for years, and they are showing the wear and tear for sure. A search of each website doesn’t show either bag currently for sale.
Contents:
From the top clockwise: pajama pants, inflatable neck pillow, folding hairbrush with mirror, tech bag showing power cords and adapters, travel wallet, socks with tread for plane, compression socks, camera, extra glasses case, magazine, travel docs folder with journal, laptop, ear buds, pashmina-type shawl.
All these items fit in both bags. When they are filled, they each weigh about 5 kg, or just over 10 lbs. It would be nice if it weighed a little less, of course, so if you have suggestions for paring down, send them along!
Item Rationale:
Extra glasses case: I have 2 pairs of glasses and usually carry only one case, switching them out as needed. The extra case is handy to keep the second pair glasses safe while sleeping on the plane. Once my glasses got smashed in the magazine holder pocket and just slipping them in the carry on bag is dangerous, too. When I get to my destination I carry one eyeglass case and the second one stays in the carry on.
Magazine: Sometimes you can’t use electronics and it’s great to have something to read.When I finish the magazine, I leave it behind for someone else to read. I do read books on my iPhone, so I make sure they are loaded. I also download a bunch of podcasts to listen to offline.
Meds Bag and Tech Bag: I keep these handy and easy to get to. I only bring power cords for the laptop and phone in the carry on, along with a small charger and adapter. Other cords and adapters go in suitcase. Also a good idea to bring extra earbuds.
 Pajama Pants: If the flight is over 8 hours, I take these along.  I like not worrying if food or drink gets spilled and having relatively clean clothes when I arrive at my destination.  They give out pjs in business class, so why not wear them in economy class?
No Purse: I do not bring a purse on board, but pack a cross body bag for day wear in my luggage. This means I only deal with a suitcase and one tote bag while on the plane.
Other Items: I usually carry a few snacks like almonds or granola bar, chewing gum, plenty of pens and a pencil. A pack of tissues is also handy. I try to keep these to a minimum to save space and weight.
If you have special tips for what to pack for international travel, let me know!