How To Pack In A Personal Item Bag Only (Ryanair Small Bag)

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you make a purchase using my link, at no extra cost to you. I hope you find the information here useful! 

How to pack Ryanair hand luggage for a week?

Packing for a week in a personal item bag means you will be traveling ultra-light. You should only be taking the essentials.

Firstly, start with the right bag. Check your airline’s free luggage allowance, and make sure your bag fits the dimensions. 

So far, I have brought the backpack in the photo as a free personal item on Ryanair, EasyJet, Volotea, Croatia Airlines, KLM, Sky Express, and many more.

Is a backpack a personal item on budget airlines?

Yes, a backpack is generally considered a personal item on budget airlines, including Ryanair and EasyJet.

It is crucial that it fits under the seat in front of you and that you respect the size limitations.

I always take a small backpack as a personal item when the airline only allows a small cabin bag/personal item for free on board.

What is the best personal item backpack to use on budget airlines?

Many different backpacks fit the free Ryanair personal item dimensions. However, you don’t need to spend a fortune to buy a backpack to use as a personal item.

Think of the backpacks you used to take to high school; they work perfectly! The one I use is under 15€ – Decathlon’s Quecha NH ARPENAZ 100. 

The backpack’s dimensions are 47 x 25 x 14 cm when full. 

You might notice that it is a little bit bigger than what most airlines allow for a small carry-on bag. It still fits nicely under the seat in front of you, and you can squeeze it into the sizer if you don’t overfill it! 

Personal item Packing List

Ok, the trick to packing in a personal item for a trip is to follow a packing list and take only what you’ll need.

• The essentials – Phone, wallet, and documents
• Travel Cosmetics bag
• Minimal travel makeup bag
• Minimal clothes packing list for a week
• Water bottle
• Laptop

1. Packing essentials

First and foremost, you need to pack your wallet and documents. 

• ID/passport
• phone + charger
• 2 cards
• Emergency cash
• Visa documents
• Boarding pass (can be on your phone)
• Vaccination certificates (can be on your phone)
• Passenger locator forms (can be on your phone)

You need an ID or a passport, depending on where you travel. Bring at least 2 cards, preferably a different type.

2. Cosmetics bag

You can only take liquids under 100 ml that fit into a 1L zip-lock bag. Therefore, get some travel-size bottles and pour your favorite full-sized products into them.

• Face cream
• Face sunscreen
• Facewash
• Shower gel
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Deodorant
• Toothpaste 

+

• Toothbrush
• Hairbrush
• Hair ties + a hair claw
• Nail file

Some cosmetics you can buy when you arrive at your destination.

For example, a full-sized body sunscreen. The same goes for shower gel.

If you don’t think 100ml will be enough, just grab one when you reach your destination.

TOP TIP: To save space in your liquids bag, choose solid alternatives like a solid shower bar, solid shampoo, or solid deodorant! I usually take a shower bar that lasts me longer than 100 ml of shower gel.

3. Make-up bag

You will need to keep your make-up routine minimal.  Everything you bring takes up valuable space, so be sure it is essential.

My travel makeup routine is simple and consists of:

• Concealer
• Powder foundation + brush
• Blush/Bronzer (depending on whether I travel in the summer or winter)
• Eyebrow gel + pencil
• Mascara
• Black liquid eyeliner
• Lipstick

4. Packing Clothes

The essentials for a week

• 7 pairs of underwear
• 7 pairs of socks/ 3 pairs if it’s summer and you are also bringing sandals
• 2 bras/bralettes 
• 1 PJ 
• 1 travel towel
• 1 canvas tote bag

I absolutely love packing cubes. They make it so easy to stay organised, especially when you’re traveling with only a backpack! Compression packing cubes like these ones make it easier to fit more in a personal item.

Summer clothes packing list for a week

• 1 midi dress
• 1 short dress
• 1 pair of shorts
• 1 skirt
• 1 pair of long thin pants/leggings (in case it gets cold)
• 5 tops
• 1 T-shirt
• 1 cardigan
• 1 bikini
• 1 pair of sneakers
• 1 pair of flat sandals/flip-flops

I wear my linen midi dress, sneakers, and a cardigan on a flight as they take up a lot of space. All the other items are thin, small, and take up little space.

When backpacking Europe in summer, it will be easier to pack more clothes, as summer clothes are generally smaller and take up less space.

Winter clothes packing list for a week

• 2 pairs of pants (mom jeans and black, skinny jeans)
• 1 dress + tights
• 1 pair of leggings (optional, if you plan on doing any sports)
• 1 big jumper
• 3/4 short-sleeved shirts (to wear under your jumper and sweater dress)
• 2 long-sleeve shirts/thin jumpers
• 2 nicer blouses
• 1 pair of boots/sneakers
• 1 jacket + scarf/hat/gloves

Winter clothes take up more space than summer clothes. Thus, backpacking in winter means you can pack fewer options.

However, if you are at a cold destination, your outfits will be under your jacket anyway.

Usually, I can’t fit two pairs of shoes unless I pack my thin running shoes/low Converse.

I wear my big jumper, bulkier mom jeans, and boots on the flight.

5. Water bottle

I always take my reusable water bottle when traveling.

Yes, you can take a water bottle on board. The trick is to empty it before passing through security, and then refilling it.

My bottle fits nicely in the side pocket of my backpack. However, you can hold it in your hand if it doesn’t fit and nobody will say anything!

6. Laptop and other electronics

I am adding a laptop to this list as some of you might need to work on your trip. I found that I can sometimes fit my laptop when packing, as I did on my recent 5-day trip to Belgium. 

However, I definitely could not fit it in my bag during my 2 weeks backpacking the Cyclades. 

Can you bring a small cross-body bag or a fanny pack along with the personal item bag?

Technically, you are not allowed to bring another bag on board when you are travelling with just a personal item/ small carry-on bag. 

However, I always take a small cross-body bag that fits my wallet and phone, and nobody ever says anything.

Some people claim that fanny packs are not bags, as you wear them on your body as personal attire. 

If the flight attendants on your flight look particularly strict, hide your small bag under a jacket.

It works like a charm!

Does a handbag count as hand luggage on Ryanair?

Yes, a handbag is a separate piece of luggage according to Ryanair and other budget airlines.

I don’t suggest trying to pass with an additional handbag if your ticket includes only a personal item.

Why not? It is hard to hide, and you will almost definitely be asked to pay for the bag if you can’t fit it in your backpack.

Best tips on how to pack in a personal item bag for a week

1. Plan your outfits and pack items that go together

The first step is to make sure that you have a cohesive travel capsule wardrobe. Have an idea of your itinerary and what you want to wear each day of your trip. 

If you are considering a top that only goes with specific pants or the other way around, don’t take them.

Take only versatile pieces of clothing that you can mix with others. Think of colour palettes and patterns that go with each other. 

You want a fully interchangeable capsule wardrobe.

2. Prepare to be a little bit unfashionable 

If you are not an Instagram travel blogger, you don’t need to pack 5 full-length dresses and 15 different outfits for a week-long trip. 

When you travel with only a personal item, you probably won’t be able to fit another pair of shoes, apart from flat sandals.

Your clothes need to be practical, as you will wear the same clothes again during the trip.

If you go through my travel blog, you will notice I always pack the same clothes. They are tried and true. I know they work, and I feel comfortable in them.

3. Wear your largest items of clothing on the flight

Your bulkiest items will differ depending on the season. However, you should always wear them on a flight, regardless of how unfashionable they might look.

If you travel in winter, it will be your boots, a coat and a jumper.

If you are traveling in summer, it might be sneakers, a pair of jeans or a bulky dress. 

For me, it is always my midi-length linen dress that would otherwise take up half of my backpack. I also carry a cardigan in my hand.

4. Separate your clothes with bags or packing cubes

You will have limited space, so make sure that you are organized. 

Some people swear by packing cubes to stay organized. They are a nice thing to have. However, they are not crucial.

As my backpack is not square-shaped, I feel like I can better make use of space when I don’t use rectangular packing cubes.  However, I LOVE them when packing my big backpack for longer trips.

I separate my clothes, shoes, and underwear by putting them in different bags.

Remember to bring a bag you will use to keep your dirty clothes!

5. Should you fold or roll your clothes?

The ultimate question is whether it is better to roll or fold the clothes to save the maximum amount of space. Weirdly enough, this is so personal. You can try both and see what works for you. 

I prefer to fold my clothes when I travel with a small cabin backpack. I don’t feel like rolling helps me save space, especially with bulkier items, like jumpers and jeans.

6. Pack a travel towel

If you are going to stay in a hostel, you need to bring a towel. 

Make sure to get a microfibre travel towel that packs up super small. I have this large microfibre towel, and I highly recommend it!

7. Pack a canvas tote bag

A canvas tote bag takes up almost no space, and it can be very useful on your trip. 

You can use it as your day bag or a shopping bag at your destination.

8. An umbrella does not count

Did you know that most airlines allow you to take an umbrella and don’t count it in your luggage allowance?

Thus, if you travel to a rainy destination, bring an umbrella and hold it in your hand!  

9. Accept that sometimes you won’t be able to pack in a personal item only

While I love packing in a personal item only and recommend it to everyone, sometimes you might not be able to do it. 

For example, if you have a trip to multiple destinations with different climates or you have specific events on your trip.

Also, if you plan on doing some serious hiking and need the proper equipment. 

Finally, if your clothes simply take up more space. I know I can put an additional pair of shoes in my bag, while my boyfriend, with his 45-size shoes, can’t.

The personal item backpack is small, so don’t feel like a failure if you can’t do it! As a solo female traveler, it is just important that you can carry your own luggage!