How I Packed 18 Items into a the Cabin Vest

How I Packed 18 Items into a the Cabin Vest

If you’ve ever searched for Ryanair packing hacks, carry-on only travel, or how to avoid cabin baggage fees, you already know the pain:
cheap flights, expensive bags.

So I tested something different.

Using the Cabin Vest (Size S) which weighs just 250g empty, I packed 18 clothing items into the vest itself. Fully packed, it weighed 2.8kg and still counted as what I was wearing, not luggage.

Here’s exactly what fit.

What I Packed (18 Items Total)

Bottoms (5)

  • 2 × Lightweight pants
  • 1 × skirt
  • 1 × leggings
  • 1 × shorts

Tops & Layers (6)

  • 2 × t-shirts
  • 2 × blouses
  • 1 × singlet / sports top
  • 1 × lightweight hoodie

Active & Swim (4)

  • 2 × sports bras
  • 1 × dress
  • 1 × bikini

Essentials (3)

  • 3 × pairs of socks

📦 Total: 18 items
⚖️ Total weight (vest + clothes): 2.8kg
🧥 Vest size: Small

How It Fit (and Why It Worked)

The key isn’t stuffing — it’s distribution.

  • Softer items (t-shirts, underwear, socks) went into the front pockets
  • Heavier or firmer items (pants, hoodie) went into the back pockets
  • Socks and smaller pieces were added last to fill gaps and balance weight

Because the vest uses 14 internal pockets, the load is spread across your torso instead of pulling down in one place. When worn under a jacket, it stays discreet and comfortable.

Why This Works for Budget Airlines

Low-cost airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air measure bags , not clothing.
What you wear through the airport is not counted as cabin baggage.

That means:

  • No surprise fees at the gate
  • No fighting for overhead bin space
  • No stress about personal-item dimensions

You can walk through security wearing the vest, then:

  • hang it on the seat in front of you using the built-in hook, or
  • fold it away once onboard into a foldable shopping bag (IKEA has some great ones)

Final Thoughts

This setup comfortably covered 4–5 days of travel — without paying extra for cabin baggage, and without dragging another bag through the airport.

If you’re into carry-on only travel, Ryanair personal-item hacks, or simply packing smarter so you can spend your money on experiences instead of fees, this approach genuinely works.