I used to think I love packing, and I did. Until my last trip to Thailand where I had a 37 kg baggage allowance. Yes, you read that correctly.

Of course I took advantage of that and filled my luggage with all unnecessary items, from dresses to swimsuits I never used. During my 15 days stay in Thailand I had to repack my bags at least 5 times, it was so exhausting and so time consuming to the point I was annoyed. But it made me think of my extreme minimalist packing style, it made me remember the time I packed for WINTER (-20C) and all my clothes fit in just one carry-on. 

Now let’s go back some months ago, when I planned my trip to the Arctic Circle. I found some cheap flights and good connections so I immediately booked them (I have no second thoughts when it comes to booking flights)… who else is like me?

There is only one problem – the round trip had a total of 6 flights and each flight had a different luggage policy so I decided to fly only with a 10kg check-in bag.

Yes, I’m that crazy! Before you say anything, I was aware that without adequate cold weather gear the expedition would be without a doubt compromised… however when it comes to packing I’m an absolute expert.

Here is my packing list and my packing secret – I also spent 2 days in Helsinki so everything needed to fit in the same carry-on.

The packing List:

Clothes

• thermal long underwear
• pyjama
• one jacket – TIP: Choose a jacket with inside pockets that are big enough for you phone, go pro, wallet
• waterproof ski jacket
• waterproof ski pants
• leggings and trousers to wear under the ski pants
• blouses and sweaters for layering
• bathing suit
• normal socks to layer up and wool socks
• waterproof ski gloves
• normal gloves
• one wool scarf
• a woolen hat
• a trapper hat with ear flaps that buckle under your chin to keep your ears extra warm

Shoes

• waterproof boots
• flip flops
• sneakers

Toiletries

• Shampoo in small 100ml container
• hair mask (I usually buy one hairmask that will fit perfectly in my carry-on, it is so much simpler and you can throw it away after one use making more room in your luggage)
• sheet mask – same principle
• moisturiser – as much as I hate to bring lots of creams with me, this is a must have when traveling somewhere cold
• sunscreen – just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you can’t get a sunburn.
• makeup
• deodorant
• chopstick
• makeup remover
• micellar water
• toothbrush and toothpaste
• deodorant, perfume
• vitamins
• medicine
• pain relievers

Miscellaneous

• wallet
• keys
• notepad
• pen
• tissues
• a small bag
• sunglasses
• hand and toe warmers (they literally take up a minimal space in your suitcase and also a lifesaver for cold weather)

Electronics

• external batteries
• camera
• go pro
• memory cards
• headphones
• chargers

Believe it or not, I managed to fit everything in my carry-on bag.

Are you familiar with the Rock, Pebbles and Sand analogy/ Metaphor? well this is what I use for packing, not to mention I occasionally adopt the sit-on-the-suitcase method.

My favourite packing method is the military style roll, that combined with packing cubes will reduce the volume in your bag significantly.

After traveling with a heavy bag, I learned my lesson, I will never complain about taking less stuff with me on a trip. I survived the coldest winter vacation having all my clothes in a carry-on, believe me, it’s not that bad.

Would you rather travel light or with a heavy luggage?