Maggie's Farm

The packing light post is perfectly doable. From a female perspective: To eat out (as I do) I bring the Osprey Porter 30 (bigger pack) and pack a clingy black sleeveless silk knit dress (below knee)and ballet flats. This can get me into churches and temples when worn with a cardigan (below knee is crucial) and can be a sundress when weather is hot. To go out, dress it up w costume jewelry and/or a silk scarf bought on the road. I never wear heels on trips because after walking 12-15 miles all day, not in the mood to. Ballet flats are pretty and comfortable and feminine in museums and out to dinner. Wear Merrill’s or Mephisto walking shoes on plane.
My spouse wears a blazer, button down and khakis and walking shoes on plane and packs one light pair of loafers for dinner and then lightweight hiking pants etc. we manage w the 30 liter packs and have them half empty on trip out (allow room for presents) The most important thing is to have a goretex jacket w hood. Umbrellas are useless and heavy. A light packable down or Patagonia puff jacket instead of bulky fleece is good. A wool hat. Gloves. Wool socks. Merino tee.
Most articles I see posted on packing light are a) full of affiliate links and b) are written by beach and/or drug seeking hipsters who are going to tropical countries only. For tourists visiting temperate and cool countries you need waterproof layers and wool base layers to keep warm w/o stink . Also merino dries overnight when you hand wash. One minute’s work. Not a big deal.
We wear dark colors and do not wear clothes with big pockets. It’s rude to your hosts in a civilized nation to dress as if you were going on safari (travel clothes, huh?) People come up to us and ask for directions so I guess we look like we live there: the key is no cargo pants, no flip flops, no logo tees, classic colors and styles.
But by going carryon only you save an hour each end of the trip and don’t risk losing stuff or having it stolen or having to pay porters. . Also, you don’t have to waste time going and settling in at hotel. You can just start sightseeing right away or can go on cheap train or bus trips without hassle. Luggage is a curse. And wheeled suitcases are a pain on cobbled streets.

I try to keep my bag to 10 lbs. not always successful...difficult in winter and damp climates. Also, I do add about 10lbs separate bag of camera gear. And need to reduce it.

Never bring a laptop. Totally unnecessary and adds weight. Pls, do you really want a TSA guy going thru your private stuff?

An iPad mini if you must. . Or an Android w a mini sd card can back up your photos if you are a serious photographer and you can use it to read instead of a separate kindle. As far as cameras? For normal people: Get the iPhone 8plus. The Sony rx100 latest w one inch sensor is good for an upgrade from that. If you want to have telephoto the pNasonic fz1000 is still a great deal (24-400 mm 1 inch sensor. For DX format mirrorless get a Fuji x100f and be happy at a fixed 35 mm equivalent. Or a Sony a7riii full frame w a couple Zeiss Batis primes and be ecstatic. I don’t bring my nikons on trips. Too heavy.too conspicuous. Too noisy.
For traveling light, allow a good camera more weight than stupid computer or clothes. You will see beautiful things so do them Justice. Nobody cares what you look like. Only a narcissist takes selfies.

Uniqlo (their Airism tees are wicking and breathe and don’t stink like poly ones) is the rock bottom cheapest brand and decent quality (often on sale online). They have okay long underwear leggings too. Their heat teq line is warmer for under x country ski wear if u hate merino. Uniqlo sizing runs small (Japanese brand) so don’t be vain and order same size as from REI. Smart wool (mostly merino) or ex officio are also good (ex officio underwear is mostly nylon) but very pricey—try to get at an Orvis outlet or Sierra Trading Post. Both kinds way better (lighter, dry quicker) than trad male cotton undershirts wh are clammy all day by contrast .Smart Wool has started including more synthetics in their knits (worsening quality) and branching out into meh fashion items so recommend just their basic socks, pants, tees. The brand Icebreaker has a lot of 100 % merino—be aware moths love merino so use it or mothball it when not.