What Fits in The Topside Bigger Carry-On? Packing Guide

Quick answer

The Topside Bigger Carry-On holds enough for a 4–7 day trip if you pack in layers, use the top-lid laptop sleeve for quick access, and treat the zipper expansion as a backup rather than a default. Start by packing the deepest items first and keep the narrow, deep silhouette in mind so the bag stays easy to maneuver.

Step-by-step packing process for the Topside Bigger Carry-On

1. Start with a 4–7 day capsule plan: Lay out clothing for the number of days you’ll be gone, then cut it by about a third. Aim for pieces that mix and match, and plan to do laundry if the trip runs longer. A common mistake is packing for every possible scenario; instead, choose a small color palette and stick to it. Checkpoint: your clothing pile should fit in one vertical stack that matches the depth of the bag.
2. Pack the deepest items first: Place folded clothes in a column along the deepest part of the main compartment. Use packing cubes if they help you compress, but avoid rigid cubes that fight the narrow shape. Roll softer items to fill gaps along the sides. Checkpoint: the bag should close without forcing the zipper; if it doesn’t, remove one bulky item.
3. Use the top-lid sleeve for your laptop only: Slide your laptop or tablet into the 16-inch sleeve in the top lid. Keep chargers, cables, and notebooks in the main compartment or a small pouch. A common mistake is overstuffing the lid, which can make it hard to zip and put pressure on the screen. Checkpoint: the lid should close flat with no bulge.
4. Fill shoes and odd-shaped items around the edges: Pack shoes heel-to-toe at the bottom or along the sides, and stuff socks inside them to save space. Use the narrow gaps for small items like a belt or umbrella. Avoid placing hard items where they can press against the laptop sleeve. Checkpoint: shake the bag gently; if items rattle around, fill the gaps with soft clothing.
5. Decide on expansion before you zip up: Try closing the bag without expansion first. If you need extra room for souvenirs or a bulky layer, open the zipper expansion, but remember it changes the bag’s footprint. For outbound travel, keep expansion closed if possible so the bag stays nimble in tight spaces. Checkpoint: if you expand, re-check that the bag still fits your airline’s carry-on limits.
6. Do a final weight and access check: Lift the packed bag by the handle to gauge whether you can manage it comfortably. Make sure your laptop is in the top-lid sleeve and any liquids or travel documents are easy to reach. A common mistake is packing heavy items at the top, which makes the bag feel unbalanced. Checkpoint: heavy items should sit near the bottom or center of the bag.

Product facts

• Topside Bigger Carry-On in: The Topside Bigger Carry-On is designed for 4–7 day trips and features a narrower, deeper silhouette to navigate tight plane aisles, train corridors, and cruise cabins. Knowing the intended trip length and shape helps you pack a realistic amount and arrange items vertically for easier maneuvering.

  

• Topside Bigger Carry-On in: It has a dedicated 16-inch laptop sleeve in the top lid for fast access on the go. Reserve the lid sleeve for your laptop only, so you can reach it quickly without unpacking the main compartment.
• Topside Bigger Carry-On in: Zipper expansion adds capacity when needed. Use expansion as a backup for extras, not as a default, to keep the bag compact and easy to handle.