Packing for a strict 7kg (15.4 lbs) carry-on limit—common on budget airlines like AirAsia, Jetstar, and Ryanair—requires a "minimalist" strategy focused on weight distribution. First, choose a lightweight bag; a hard-shell suitcase can weigh 2.5kg empty, leaving you with only 4.5kg for your gear. A high-quality travel backpack usually weighs under 1kg. The "gold standard" trick is to wear your heaviest items: put on your bulkier shoes, jeans, and jacket for the flight, as airlines only weigh the bag, not your person. Use travel-sized toiletries or buy them upon arrival, and limit yourself to 2 pairs of shoes (one worn, one packed). For clothing, utilize the "Rule of 3": 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 sets of underwear, focusing on quick-dry, lightweight fabrics that can be sink-washed. Digitalize everything; leave physical books and heavy laptops behind in favor of an e-reader or tablet. By using compression cubes and being ruthless about "just in case" items, you can easily fit 7–10 days of clothing into a 7kg allowance without ever paying for a checked bag.