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How I Practise Minimalism In India

◊ By Upasna Sethi

Visit ORGANIC SHOP by Pure & Eco India

M inimalist lifestyle isn’t a new concept. Certainly not in India.

Philosophers in the past have preached and promoted this lifestyle time and again, ie, living maximally with the minimum stuff.

It was effortless in the past due to lack of resources but now with increased purchasing power, endorsements and social media, it has become a challenge.

Practising Minimalism in India has become difficult due to certain reasons:

• We have a habit of buying and collecting things in the name of future needs.
• We blindly follow the advertisements that are targeted to make us buy more and believe that more number of things means more happiness.
• We celebrate every occasion by bringing more stuff home.

We are always buying something or planning to buy a new thing. Don’t you feel that we have reached the saturation?

Now it’s time to make a comeback and to learn the Art of Life where less is more. All we need is to change our approach, which of course, needs patience as it is not going to happen overnight.

I came across the word minimalism in December 2016 and it fascinated me.

The first thing I did before embarking on this journey was ask myself why I wanted to live a Minimalist lifestyle.

The answer that came:

I want to focus on my passion but all my stuff is a hurdle.

I want to make the environment clean and safe for future generations but my purchasing habits are a problem.

I want to have the freedom to raise my kids without giving up on my dreams but my dissatisfactory job is a hindrance.

And thus began my quest towards a more minimalist but more fulfilling journey.

The more I delved into it, the more my path became clearer and simpler. Although it was not easy but I have brought so many changes in the last 3-4 years and I would love to share them with those of you who’re interested in the subject.

HOW I LIVE NOW AS A MINIMALIST

I do not shop out of boredom or as a mood elevator

Mall culture was new and alluring to our generation in India and I was one who loved going out for shopping every now and then but now, I only shop if there is an actual and current requirement.

I do not shop to lift my mood.

I do not shop out of boredom.

I do not visit supermarkets without a list in hand

I do not go to a supermarket without a list of the items I need and they always exclude chips, sodas, sugar-laden juices and other ready-to-eat processed products.

I have reduced my waste by segregating and composting

India accounts for 12% of global municipal solid waste generation. The best way to reduce landfills is to reduce our waste and segregate it correctly before it gets picked up.

I segregate my waste into 2 parts-

Recyclable materials, including plastic, paper, cardboard, glass, batteries, and other electronic waste.

I have switched to eco-friendly products

I have ditched disposable sanitary pads and disposable diapers as they are chemical-treated and contain micro plastics. I have used cloth diapers for my second child. Also, I am using a menstrual cup since more than a year now, which is not only eco-friendly but also pocket-friendly.

I cut down my plastics by 90%

I do not buy zip-locks but I store and pack my food in steel containers. I replaced aluminium foil with baking paper. I do not buy chemical cleaners. I stopped buying plastic straws. I am using bamboo comb, bamboo ear buds and bamboo toothbrush.

I stopped buying shampoo and soap in plastic bottles. I do not buy milk packets but buy directly from a milkman (and they too use steel containers). I do not buy curd and yogurt in plastic containers.

I do not use a credit card

I always believe in only spending the money we have already earned and not using credit for our wants or luxuries even if it means having slightly outdated gadgets, hand-me-down furniture and pre-loved clothes.

I keep the kids away from consumerist culture

We prefer parks over malls.

We prefer open air gyms and swings over gaming arenas.

We visit museums and religious places rather than go out for a movie as I do not prefer taking small children to the theatre with jarring sounds and lighting effects.

We do not eat out every now and then but occasionally.

I quit my job to follow my passion

I always wanted to pursue a career that gives me satisfaction, joy and purpose and aligns with my eco-conscious side but my corporate job was not anything close to my goal. So after being part of the corporate grid for 10 years, I finally quit my job to find my true passion and work towards my real goal.

Minimalism is not about adding. It’s about subtracting.

Subtracting the stuff that doesn’t give you joy, subtracting the chores that rob you of precious energy and time, subtracting the commitments that are not fruitful.

So, are you ready to make a comeback?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The author is the host of India’s first minimalist podcast, Comeback Minimalist .

She speaks about the environment, sustainability and Minimalism as a way to personal freedom and fulfilment.

3 Responses

It was nice reading your post on Minimalism as I am one since last ten years. It honestly brought me more peace happiness and joy in my life.

Its hard to be a minimalist. Iam trying to be the one amongst them. i trust there will be joy & happiness in becoming minimalist.

If you’re ready, yes, there will be contentment.

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Minimalist Travel Gear Packing List 2022 (No Bags!)

“Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

I originally posted this page in 2012. Since then, it has attracted a ton of views, spawned the No Bags Trave l movement, and got me the World’s Best Travel Hacker badge from FlightNetwork.com. In short, it struck a nerve. Therefore, I keep it updated. Here’s what I got for 2022 .

“Where’s your luggage?”

“It’s all I got.”

This is always how it begins. This is what security officers in Ben Gurion airport ask when they see me – sometimes with a tiny bag, sometimes completely bagless – going abroad. And it is then when I need to disarm and convince them I am neither a lunatic nor a terrorist.

So I send them to this page ;)

What’s this page, you’re asking?

It is your travel guide to serendipity, freedom, and joy of life.

For the past decade I’ve traveled the world almost full-time. What I’ve constantly noticed was how much of an impact your belongings have on the joy of your trip. It made me realize that minimalism is truly a privilege of the rich. The gurus weren’t lying!

Here you will see how I gradually minimized my gear, sculpturing it to a point where it offers maximum peace of mind and comfort.

The result?

After a ton of field tests in ~70 countries, I can proudly say I have refined my gear to a point where I don’t even need a backpack anymore.

I call this… No Bag Travel. You may also call it No Luggage Travel, or No Baggage Travel. It is the art of traveling so light you can technically pack all your travel gear inside the pockets of your pants.

The only times I carry a bag is when I go on extended periods and need my laptop for work. In either case, I am always as mobile as a bird.

Minimalist Travel

“It is futile to do with more things that which can be done with fewer.” – William of Occam

You know that classic backpacker look. The colorful bracelets all over the arms. The disgusting, sweaty, worn-out T-shirt. The gigantic Lonely Planet guide. And the huge NASA rocket harnessed on the back.

What the heck do backpackers (rocketpackers?) fill it with? To me, that is absolute insanity . Back in my days in the Israeli Defense Forces, I had the fetid privilege of spending months in the harsh desert. The funny thing? Neither me nor my comrades ever carried so much luggage.

The joke becomes even more ridiculous when backpackers see how better equipped I am, compared to them. They’re unable to fathom the idea. How can this guy carry that little and look cleaner than me?

The secret, as secrets always are, is both elegant and simple:

You can wear one set of clothes at any time, so why not maximize the efficiency of this one set and ditch the rest? Why not pick something that never stinks, barely needs laundry, and always looks great?

Less is more.

This is what this minimalist travel gear guide is all about.

Benefits of Traveling Light

“The cost of a thing is the amount of what I call life which is required to be exchanged for it, immediately or in the long run.” – Henry Thoreau

• Less frustration and wasted time. You won’t have to wait at the airport for your luggage, or worse, get frustrated if the airlines loses it. Also, going on and off airports will be blazing fast.
• Cheaper flight fares . Most low-cost airlines charge additional money for anything bigger than a handbag. With my philosophy, you’ll always be complying with onboard luggage policies. In other words, you’ll save money. (Related: How to Find Cheap Flight Tickets )
• Flexibility and comfort . You won’t have to waste energy carrying luggage, or finding a place to store it. You’ll have less back pain. You’ll do less laundry. Traveling light is pure beauty. It allows you to jump on opportunities and adventures as they come. Serendipity will find you. This, my friends, is what real freedom looks like.
• Better infusion with the local culture . There is a degree of disrespect when you walk around Cambodia holding a big, shiny DSLR. Being more modest in appearance will make you more inviting, and attract more interactions with the locals.
• Less risk. You’ll be traveling with little, so you won’t look like the average tourist. You’ll look more like an expat. Vendors will be less likely to rip you off, and malicious people will be less likely to rob you. (Related: Best Way to Take Money Abroad )
• You don’t need more.  Cyril Parkinson was known for his disrespect to the lack of human efficiency at managing resources. He suggests that work expands so as to fill the time available to its completion. If you have eight ours to finish a task, it’ll tend to take you eight hours. Likewise, your luggage expands so as to fill the space available. No matter the size of your bag, you’ll always find a way to fill it up.
• Simplicity.  Before going on my first long minimalist trip, I had given my entire wardrobe to charity. I won’t lie, giving everything away did itch. But it was a great lesson, a reminder of the enormous amount of trash the human race accumulates. Shortly after, I learned a good lesson: An unnecessary item you owned quickly loses its meaning when gone. You forget it existed. Leaving all those physical burdens behind means you’ll be more focused on your trips, on life itself.

Minimalist Travel Gear Packing List

“We make progress by eliminating things, by removing the superfluous.” – Steve Jobs

My philosophy isn’t stinking like a barefoot hippy. It is to be efficient. You want to choose your gear wisely and skillfully. We’re going to carry just a few items, so it’s crucial to make the right choices and ensure we’re as lean and mean as possible. Therefore, our fabric of choice is this:

The nastiest mistake I see on the travel trail is the use of synthetic “travel gear”, or cotton. The former may dry quickly and wick sweat away, but it stinks like a mofo. The latter not only stinks, but also becomes sweaty, takes ages to dry, and doesn’t keep you warm enough when it’s chilly.

And so, our savior is wool. But why wool?

• Doesn’t stink. Wool is naturally anti-microbial and odor resistant, and quickly evaporates sweat into the air. You’ll rarely have to wash it. You can go weeks with a single set of wool clothing. If it does begin to smell, it’ll often be because of food stains rather than sweat.
• Regulates body temperature. Wool is naturally both breathable and insulating. It evaporates sweat and keeps you dry in summer, and excels at keeping you warm when it’s cold.
• Dries super fast.  Imagine a tropical monsoon showering you out of nowhere. With cotton, you’ll have to change your clothes as soon as you can. With wool, you’ll be dry again before you know it. Wool can also absorb a lot more water before you “feel wet”.
• Doesn’t wrinkle. Wool is naturally resistant to wrinkles because of the structure of its fibers, so you’ll never look like a homeless person. And no more time wasted ironing if you’re a business traveler!

You can use any type of wool – Cashmere, Mohair, etc. I like Merino wool, which comes from New Zealander sheep, because it’s soft, elegant, widely available commercially, and never itches like those sweaters Grandma used to knit for you when you were a child.

So, without further ado…

Best Travel Gear: Minimalist Packing List

“The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.” – Socrates

I’m assuming you’re gearing for a short trip, so I’ll give you suggestions for different climates. If you’re traveling full-time, you’ll need to mix & match depending on the range of climates you’ll encounter.

Shirt (Base Top Layer)

The base layer helps regulate your body temperature and wick sweat away, keeping your body dry. Cotton isn’t good. It retains moisture and will get you cold even if you have five layers of fleece above it.

So, which base wool top should you get?

Depends on your destination:

Hot and sunny ? Get a thin layer (120-150gsm), something like the  Woolly Ultralight Crew  / Woolly Tank  for men, or the Smartwool Merino 150 Lace Tank for women. If it’s really hot, choose a tank top. Wool is warm.

Springlike?  Get a 165-200gsm base layer, something like the  Minus33 Ticonderoga 170  /  Woolly Henley  for men or the  Minus33 Moriah 170  /  Meriwool 180 / Icebreaker 175 for women.

For triple the price, you can get a gorgeous 130-200gsm Wool & Prince button-down . I own one and love it, though you can’t machine-wash it.

Cold and wintery? Get a 230-300gsm base layer, something like the Minus33 Chocorua 230  / Minus33 Isolation 230 /  Meriwool 250  for men, or the Minus33 Ossipee 230 /  Meriwool 250  / Kari Traa for women.

Freezing and arctic?  Go hardcore and get a 400gsm base layer, like the Minus33 Yukon for men or the Meriwool 400g for women.

Feel an itch to browse some more? Then go check Amazon . The only rule of thumb to remember: 100% wool . Try to choose the best weight (gsm) for your destination, but don’t obsess over it too much. I was in Canada in freezing January, and a 170gsm base layer did the job. And remember:

You only need a single shirt.

Wool doesn’t stink, so it’s the only shirt you’ll need. After you buy your shirt, wear it for a couple days. Do some workouts, sweat in it. Then do the same with cotton. Now sniff both. Smell the difference?

Mid Top Layer (For Cold Weathers)

The mid layer helps insulate your body and trap heat. Obviously you don’t need it when you travel to warm places, where a single shirt, the base layer, is all you need. But in cold weather it’s necessary. Our best materials for a mid-layer are wool, fleece and goose down:

Wool: breathable, doesn’t stink, dries quickly, insulates even when wet. Warmth per weight isn’t exceptional. Can be pricey.

Fleece: breathable, dries quickly, very inexpensive, but lacks water resistance and can also smell quite quickly.

Goose down: the king of warmth per weight. Exceptionally packable. Best for extremely cold and dry conditions. Not nearly as breathable as wool and fleece. If you’re going to get your heart rate up and be super active, it can get very hot, very fast. Also, very expensive, and can smell.

So, what to choose? Again, this depends on the weather:

Not freezing? Get something like the Aran Crafts Irish Wool Sweaters / Cashmeren Turtleneck  / Woolly 250gsm Zip-up / 1/4 zip / Henley 190gsm  if you’re a man. Short on cash? Go with a Goodthreads’ sweater . For women, go for a beautiful Aran Crafts Irish Wool masterpiece / West End Knitwear Cable Sweater /  Carraig Donn Long Irish Sweater . You can also get a 100 / 200  (also for women ) / 300 / 420 Polartec fleece. However, I prefer wool, since fleece can smell. When you go No Bag, it’s crucial.

Freezing? When things get icy , you’ll want goose down. The higher its Fill Power (FP), the warmer it is per gram of down. For the best warmth per weight, the Montbell Plasma 1000 ( Men  /  Women ) is unbeatable. It offers 1.6oz (45g) of top-notch 1000FP down, and weighs a ridiculous 135g (4.8oz). For very cold climates, you’ll want more fill though, something like the Plasma 1000 Alpine at least. Montbell has a nice line:

Do note: down is VERY good at trapping body heat. You’ll be toasty, especially when wearing a wool base layer. So, if you don’t go to the Arctic, don’t go with a crazy jacket. For up to -5f (-20c), almost any down jacket will suffice (real down, not synthetic ‘puff jackets’).

Personally, I’m using an Eddie Bauer Hooded Cirruslite I picked on a $25 Amazon sale. Amazing fit, coated with a water repellent, and very durable so far. Kept me very toasty on my last trip to the Pyrenees mountains. You can often find (new) Eddie Bauer items on eBay for good prices.

Another option is the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer ( Men / Women ). Wind proof and water-repellent, and warmer than the Eddie Bauer, though also pricier. Pick only if the weather is really cold.

Oh, and if you’re going somewhere crazy frozen – think Greenland, Siberia or Antarctica in the winter – consider a full down suit .

Outer Top Layer (Storm Shell)

An outer shell protects you from the rain, snow and wind. Personally, I won’t bother taking one if it just light rain or wind. But if it’s anything heavy, a shell can be a godsend. If that’s your case, get yourself a light, breathable, and fully waterproof (not just ‘resistant’) shell.

The lightest one is the Arc’teryx Norvan SL ( Men / Women ) – waterproof and windproof at only 4.2oz! (120g). The Outdoor Research Helium II ( Men / Women , 6.4oz / 180g) is a much cheaper option. If you find a fully waterproof shell that costs less (and isn’t too heavy), go for it.

I used to travel with brushed-nylon convertible travel pants . They were comfortable, but started smelling quickly. So I ditched them.

I replaced them with the since-discontinued Wool & Prince wool shorts. That solved the, well, aroma issue, but they were far too thick for hot climates, where I was visiting most of the time. So I began wearing…

Just my swimming shorts!

This proved to be a genius move for a number of reasons. First, because I was immersing them in water the whole day — I was scuba diving and ocean bathing a lot — they never smelled. Second, I liked their super light feeling. And third… I could wear them without underwear.

So, which pants/shorts should you get?

If you’re going somewhere warm, any swim shorts with pockets will work, like the Kanu Surf Barracuda . For women it’s trickier. You can’t just walk in bikini all day. But you can wear some light wool yoga pants / trousers (with pockets, if you No Bag it). Try SmittenMerino .

If you’re traveling to cooler climates, or if you just want to look nicer, try Makers & Riders wool trousers ( for women too). I’ve been wearing them for a couple years; very durable and good looking. They use 45% wool at 190gsm. If you need something warmer, get the Wool & Prince ones , which are 60% wool, 240gsm. Similar price for more wool!

Note:  Neither the Makers & Riders nor the Wool & Prince trousers are pure wool. Still, no smell. Wore them for years now; no problem.

If you don’t want to spend any money, just pick your favorite pair of jeans. I find myself traveling with jeans more and more often. Not always comfy, but they don’t smell nearly as bad as brushed-nylon “travel pants”.

Now, if you’re going somewhere cold, put a nice wool base layer underneath the pants. Pick the gsm according to climate and how cold-sensitive you are: Men ( 170 / 200 /  250 ) – Women ( 170 /  230 / 250 /  400 ). For women, here’s a nice wool pullover sweater/dress combo to put on top of the wool base layer leggings, if you don’t want any pants.

P.S.  Whatever pants you choose, I recommend sewing an internal pocket . This will secure your passport, money and credit card.

Back when I started traveling, I was wearing the famous ExOfficio Give N’ Go because of the hype. However, they took noticeably longer to dry than my wool gear. This is why I now wear wool exclusively as my undies.

Currently I am using two nice pairs of Woolly, but will replace them soon, as they start to wear out- I’ve had them for two years. All in all, just get the cheapest 100% wool boxer briefs or panties you can find.

How many pairs should you pack? When I No-Bag, I’ll wear one, and wash it as I’m showering every night. It’ll dry before I wake up. When I do carry a bag, I’ll take two pairs and alternate.

P.S. For those prone to chaffing, I recommend boxers over briefs.

P.S. #2 For ladies looking for 100% merino wool bras, they exist!

Going somewhere cold? Buy a pair of touch-screen friendly gloves, so you don’t have to take it off whenever you use your phone. Good options:

Novawo Unisex Magic Wool & Cashmere Blend

Elma Nappa Leather Gloves (100% Cashmere lining)

Warmen Nappa Leather Gloves (30% Wool / 70% Cashmere lining)

Eddie Bauer Men’s Boundary Pass Down Gloves

Eddie Bauer Women’s Sun Valley Down Gloves

Personally, I have the Elma and wear them for most weathers. They look amazing, they’re inexpensive, and they’re made of real leather and wool. If I went somewhere frozen, I’d take down gloves though.

If you want to cover your head, look for a 100% wool beanie . Whatever that you personally liked, and is 100% wool, get it.

By the way, for more versatility, get a wool buff ! You can use it as a beanie, a neck scarf, a balaclava, even ring it around your head to warm your ears. I even used one in Central America to protect my face from mosquitoes in the jungle at night. It’s a versatile garment.

For the past decade, I’ve been wearing barefoot style shoes exclusively.

Normal shoes have numerous problems. Mainly, they don’t allow enough space for the toes to spread, and their sole isn’t flat. This makes you strike the ground with your heels, hurting your back and feet.

Check this out:

Of of all the pairs I tried, these are my favorites:

• For sport-sandals, the Xero Shoes Z-Trail .
• For lightweight active shoes, the Xero Shoes Speed Force are superb.
• For cooler weathers, the VivoBarefoot Gobi II .
• For cold weathers, the Lems Shoes Leather Boulder Boots .
• For a fancy look, check out the stunning Carets barefoot shoes .

(My pair of Lems Boulder Boots to the left, and Carets to the right)

Once you get used to barefoot shoes, you’ll never go back. The proper part of your feet will land first when you walk or run, providing natural shock absorption without added stress on the back. Your toes will have room to spread, giving you a stronger grip. Your tendons and ligaments will strengthen, and your posture will improve.

P.S: If I travel to a beach destination, I’ll just take my flip flops.

P.S #2 Don’t forget to get some 100% wool socks. I use those 100% Alpaca wool socks and love them. I tested them by No Bagging a single pair to Czech Republic. Never washed them, and they refused to smell.

P.S #3 If you travel to warm destinations, have open shoes (sandals, etc). Humidity, warmth and darkness is a killer combo for bacteria.

P.S #4 If you have small children, have them wear barefoot footwear from day one. That will ensure their feet develop well, wide and strong!

Update : I am now finding myself wearing Xero Shoes almost exclusively. Check out my nice collection:

The Aptos are the nicest day to day, slip on – slip off pair of shoes. The speedforce are my favorite running or gym shoes in the summer, the 360, in the winter. The Alpine are incredible for Skii trips or other colder climates. The Aqua sport are really comfy for running at the beach or other messy terrains (their material is non-absorbant), plus I love its “lacing” mechanism, much more comfortable than traditional laces, and much firmer than the Aptos. All of the pairs above are nice.

I still wear the Carets for anything “official” or fancy, but for most other purposes, the Xero Shoes are my go-to. The Boulder boots’s sole have disconnected from the leather fairly shortly after I started using them, but the Xero Shoes (every single one of my pairs) have all held on. I still use the Boulder, but I suspect soon I’ll have to get rid of them. My full collection nowadays (5 XeroShoes, 1 BoulderBoots, 1 Carets):

When I travel, I pick whatever pair makes most sense for that particular trip. For example, I went to ski in Italy two months ago – the XeroShoes Alpine was absolutely priceless. Kept my feet toasty and happy.

When Apple started using their dual-lens technology ( bought from Israeli startup Lynx Imaging ), my life as a photography enthusiast changed.

In the past I used to carry a DSLR. But DSLRs are massive and heavy. Also, I never felt comfortable walking with a DSLR into a poor village, where people can barely afford a good meal. It felt like arrogance.

Luckily, smartphones have gone a long way. Check out those unedited photos I took in Canada with my iPhone 7 Plus a couple years ago:

Who would have thought we’d ever be able to get a nice bokeh (blurred background) with a smartphone? It does it by using a setup of two lenses and combining the input computationally. Having two lenses of different focal lengths also means you can zoom in and retain quality:

These days, I’m using a Pixel 6 , which is much newer and takes even better photos. And the wide lens is a killer for landscapes.

When you have a smartphone that can take this kind of photos, you have an exceptionally powerful device in your hands. This, and merino wool, are what truly allow us to go No Bag without sacrificing anything.

The smartphone really is amazing:

No need to carry a laptop – book flights, read news, respond to mails, all from that tiny device. No need to carry a notebook for notes. No need to take scuba dive / workout / vaccination logs. It’s also your clock, music player, eBook reader, and GPS. Download maps. Monitor your business. Stay in touch with family and friends. And now it has an amazing camera. All in slim waterproof chassis that easily slides in your pocket.

However, you must be careful. The easiest way to corrupt your travels is to constantly check your emails, browse social media, and get a false sense of home. Don’t let it destroy the sense of adventure you’ve been craving so much. So, use Airplane Mode generously.

Sometimes, I’ll travel with my old, compact Olympus XZ-1 and leave the smartphone at the hotel. It just feels more natural when you ask locals to take photos of themselves. With the Olympus, it feels like you’re a photographer making art. With the smartphone, they think you’re a pervert who wants to share their photos over WhatsApp. In cold weathers, where your fingers are stiff, it’s especially nicer operating a camera made of physical buttons, rather than the touch-screen of a phone.

By the way, I recommend Airalo if you need constant internet access for your GPS. It gives you eSIMS for almost any country, at great prices.

No Bag doesn’t mean you need to smell. Don’t neglect your hygiene.

Did you know that sweat itself doesn’t stink? It’s only when it comes in contact with the bacteria in your armpits that it does. Neutralize that bacteria and you neutralize the odor.

But, don’t use normal, anti-perspiration deodorants.

First, your body needs to perspire. Second, normal deodorants contain toxic substances that you don’t want absorbed in your body. Third, they leave icky stains on your expensive wool shirts. The solution?

Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).

I use it all the time, even at home. When I travel, I carry it in a tiny 3g cosmetic container . You don’t need much; a small amount will last forever. I apply the soda after my morning shower. It’s potent – put much less than you think you need. If I use too much, you get armpit rash.

Years ago, I used a  Thai crystal stone  ( potassium alum, not the synthetic  ammonium alum ). It works, but it’s much bulkier. Not suitable at all for No Bag Travel. Both the stone and baking soda prevent bacterial growth, allowing you to perspire without smelling.

Toothbrush & Toothpaste

I carry a  Tom’s of Maine travel size toothpaste . Tom’s doesn’t contain any nasty substance like peroxide. Combine with a travel toothbrush like this or this and you’re set. If you’re taking a bag, no sense in compromising, you have the space for a normal toothbrush.

I tend not to carry soap, because hotels always have them. When, however, I go off the grid, I’ll grab a travel size bottle of Dr. Bronner . You can use it to both clean yourself and your clothes, if needed. It’s a very concentrated all-natural soap, a little bit will last forever. If you want a good way to carry it, use a GoToob . Up to 3.5oz is airplane-friendly.

Other Items

A Minimalist Towel

Get a PackTowl . When my sister joined the Israeli Defense Forces, I gave her one of those. She was shocked when she used it after a shower, hung it dry on a clothesline under the sun, and found it 100% dry exactly 8 minutes later. If I stay out in the wild, I’ll take a Packtowl Ultralite.

A Minimalist Wallet

For the past couple of years, I have been using a KOOLSTOF money clip . It takes little space, it’s super lightweight, it holds your bills and cards tight and always springs back to its original shape, it passes through airport security without upsetting the metal detector, and it looks awesome. By the way, there are cheaper carbon fiber money clips on Amazon .

But, there’s one main drawback that made me give up on the money clip. The inserting and taking out the cards scrape the cards. My RFID chip has completely stopped working on the credit card, and some text was scraped off on one of my other cards. So I resorted to a more traditional minimalist wallet. I tested a good bunch, and ended up with these:

Vaultskin KENSINGTON ( Amazon )

I love this one. It’s intended for single passport use (as shown on the fourth photo), but I found out you can use it for dual-passport as well by simply placing them on the outside sleeves, where boarding passes are supposed to go. The leather is very high quality to the eye, touch, and nose. It has four pockets for cards, although two of the pockets can fit two each. When I go No-Bag, I’ll use this passport exclusively.

Vaultskin MANHATTAN ( Amazon )

This one is the Kensington’s little brother (as you can see from the last photo). They pair each other really well. I use this one daily back at home, where I don’t need to carry my passports, or when I travel with a bag, in which case I’ll have the smaller Manhattan in my pocket, and leave the Kensington with the passports at the hotel. The wallet is just as well made as the Kensington. It has four internal slots for cards, though the two inner ones are difficult to reach. It also has one external card pocket for frequent use, which is very comfy to store your room key in.

Andar Monarch ( andar.com ) or Scout ( andar.com )

If you want a wallet with an even smaller footprint, the Andar wallets are great. My friend, who also travels with me from time to time, uses the Scout (the one with the middle pocket for bills) and absolutely loves it . If you live in a cashless country, like Iceland, the Monarch will be even cleaner, though I have mixed feelings about its pull string mechanism. Anyway, both are high quality leather, handcrafted by a legit brand from Arizona. This is not one of your Chinese brands on Amazon.

Andar Atlas ( andar.com )

If you have just a single passport and want something slim for it, the Andar Atlas is really nice. Its only problem was that the passport wouldn’t slide all the way down (as you can see from the photo). To solve this, I just detached that pulling-string mechanism, cause it was blocking the passport from going deeper. It’s great now, and the passport is easy to pull even without the string. It’s the slimmest passport wallet you’ll find that can also hold a couple cards, boarding passes, and cash. I like it.

Habitoux Passport Wallet ( Amazon ) + Hissimo Bitfold Wallet ( Amazon )

If you’re short on cash but still want a passport wallet and/or a regular minimalist wallet, those two are nice. No, not as nice as the Vaultskins or Andars (notice the glue on the bottom of the Hissimo), but nice. They’ll cost you about half of what the more premium combos will cost you.

By the way, if you pick a cheaper wallet, its RFID function may be a bluff. You can check this by trying to wireless-pay with your card while its inside the wallet. If the payment goes through, the wallet doesn’t protect anything. In such a case, you can use Vaultskin’s VAULTCARD . Simply put it inside the wallet, and it will protect any RFID chip around it:

Rescue Whistle

Imagine you’re lost in a jungle trek (happened to me in Costa Rica), or stranded in the ocean (boat, scuba diving or paddle boarding troubles, etc), or being chased by a pack of wild dogs, or, if you’re a woman, being followed by someone when you’re alone. In such cases, a whistle could save your life. Shouting is demanding, and often not loud enough. The solution is a rescue whistle. Just read these Amazon reviews:

“Never thought I’d need to use it, but sure enough, I got stuck in a tree well while skiing. Scary as hell. I have it attached to my zipper pull on my Patagonia shell jacket which made it easily accessible. That’s a big deal when you’re hanging upside down in a tree well, using one hand to hold onto a branch for dear life. I blew this thing like my life depended on it. Sure enough, after about 5 minutes, another skier heard it echoing through the woods and found me. Fortunately I wasn’t immersed in powder. I could breathe and extract myself after I calmed down. Could have been much, much worse.”

“This whistle is extremely loud. I got it to scare off bears while hiking. Even though all my trail buddies laugh at my “rape whistle”, I’ll take all the jokes if it works as intended just once in my life!”

“When I bought this whistle, I imagined it would be nothing more than one of the many trinkets I own for emergency situations, but never use. I brought this whistle with me on a family vacation the Philippines. Everyone poked fun at the whistle because I tend to be over prepared. But no one could foresee that this little whistle would be the one thing that actually saved our lives! My family and I were on the island of Palawan and rented a private boat tour for the day. We were supposed to tour a few different islands in the area and be brought back to shore. About midway through our tour, in the middle of the ocean our boat was cut into by the massive waves (what our “captains” neglected to mention was that a Gale warning was in effect and boats were supposed to be out of the water hours prior) and in a matter of seconds our boat completely submerged. We grabbed everything we could and with our life jackets strapped on were floating in the middle of the ocean- no swimmable land in sight. I went into survival mode and the first thing I did was blow with fierceness into this whistle, weary that anyone would hear it but feeing as though it was our only hope. Our boat had no method of communication, no walkies or dispatch. It also ran on a gasoline engine- we were drenched in gasoline as the 3-4ft waves thrashed around us. After about 5 minutes of using this whistle a boat appeared in the distance. What we would find out later was that they were on their way to shore (also due to the intensity of the waves) and that they could not see us because of the height of the waves, but the only thing they could hear was the blowing of our whistle and the very tip of our boat before it sank completely. This whistle saved our lives, and no one was laughing at it afterwards! I’ve had many family members and friends who have asked me for the link to purchase. I definitely recommend having this whistle with you if you’re out on the water, it’s truly a lifesaver.”

“It once saved my life in a scuba diving accident. While floundering in the ocean, I blew SOS and was heard all the way to shore; several miles away. I was rescued as a result.”

Convinced now?

OK, so whistle should you get? Look for a couple features:

• High decibel count (100+) so it can be heard from a mile away.
• Pea-less design to eliminate the risk of jamming/freezing (no moving parts). Also blows when wet, and eliminates rattle when walking.
• Doesn’t take a lot of breath. Fell and broke a rib? You won’t be able to give a hard blow. You want to turn heads with minimal lung effort.
• Ultralight, portable and comfortable to carry; flat if possible!
• Bright design so you can easily find it.
• Plastic. Won’t stick to your mouth when cold.

Good options that checks all the above:

• S.O.L. Slim Rescue Howler
• Fox 40 Sonik Blast CMG
• Markwort Storm
• ACME Tornado Slimline 636
• Shoreline Marine Flat Safety Whistle

Hopefully you’ll never have to use this whistle. If you do, you’ll be forever thankful you had it. These whistles are cheap, powerful, and barely weigh anything or take any space. There really is no excuse not to have one.

P.S. Every woman should have one in her purse, even back at home when not traveling. Bad guys are everywhere, and they hate attention drawn.

P.S.#2 These whistles scream like a banshee. They’ll leave your ears ringing. Use only in emergencies! Anyone around will hate you.

P.S #3 The universal distress signal is three consecutive blasts. Wait 20-30 seconds before you repeat the blast pattern. By the way, one blast means “Where are you?”, two blasts “Come to me”, and three is “Help”.

eBook Reader

When you No Bag, just use your phone. Hopefully you bought one with a large screen, so that it can sustain long reading sessions. If you do carry a bag (for work purposes, carrying a laptop, etc), just throw in an Amazon Kindle or your favorite eBook reader. Compared to a phone, reading on an e-ink screen is much nicer, especially if you read outside in the sun.

Minimalist Travel Gear

“I also have in mind that seemingly wealthy, but most terribly impoverished class of all, who have accumulated dross, but know not how to use it, or get rid of it, and thus have forged their own golden or silver fetters.” – Henry David Thoreau

“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” – Confucius

As you see, everything fits inside your pockets. No need for a bag or vest.

That’s it.

You now have at your disposal the most minimalist packing list you’ll ever find. Go out, use it, and enjoy life to its true potential. I wish you loads of sexy adventure , and the safest of travels. Rock on!

Reader Interactions

July 18, 2012 at 8:59 pm

Regev, I love your article. I found it very useful. I hope you don’t mind, but I was just improving my “About” page when I discovered your site, and the Saint-Exupery quote was just perfect for what I’ve written a few moments ago, so I “borrowed” it.

I am funny with packing: I fill a couple of bags with heaps of stuff, then I start taking away. I usually end up with a small bag, regardless for how long I travel.

July 27, 2012 at 11:00 pm

Of course, it’s completely fine.

Yeah, at some point you just realize that ‘heaps of stuff’ are not only unnecessary, but are a serious burden. Thanks for your words.

July 18, 2012 at 9:55 pm

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, you are the only person I know who travels lighter than I do! And most people think I’m insane travelling with under 7kg carry on! Maybe I just need to try harder – but I’m not giving up bras at the age, just saying

July 27, 2012 at 10:51 pm

Haha, try merino wool bras !

January 8, 2018 at 11:50 pm

Try these, No affiliation, I just love advanced performance gear. https://www.knixwear.com/products/8-in-1-evolution-bra

July 18, 2012 at 11:45 pm

Oh my goodness, I absolutly loved this article!! honestly, I read it twice! and I loved your hummus reference lmao but honestly I have no idea how you do it. On my way back to the U.S. I was thinking of you and how you managed to do that cause I know I was regretting all the pointless crap I ended up carrying.

I never thought it would be possible to pack like that, but it’s people like you that prove me wrong. I somehow always over pack and carry things that I regret later. So I must say your article was very helpful! Props to you!

July 27, 2012 at 10:57 pm

Glad it’s been helpful. It’s all about the Hummus, baby!

July 19, 2012 at 12:47 am

Kick-ass article Reg! O_O Maybe it’s because I’m a girl, but I’m a chronic over-packer. I used to fill up one of those massive family-size suitcases, plus have one of those carry-on bags AND handbag filled to bursting point.

I’ve improved somewhat lately, mainly because I’ve realised I only ever use a fraction of what I pack. I’ve cut down to one of those mini-suitcases, plus a handbag, when I travel (thanks to my Kindle, I’ve also been able to eliminate the pile of books I usually bring with me). With your encouragement, I think I can take that further! :D

Reading your list, I still feel my mind racing at extra things I would need to pack. Medication, glasses, hairbrush (no way am I going army-style!), sunscreen, makeup…. Hmm, I MIGHT be able to skip bringing a dress and high-heels if I wasn’t going to go anywhere fancy. Gawd, I’m such a girl.

Speaking of which, any of your girl friends have recommendations for a decent sports bra/ crop top? I almost never wear a bra anymore (underwires are the devil, even if they do give uber cleavage), but I’ve yet to find a crop that doesn’t make my rib cage stink like sin after a day of heat. For some reason, sports underwear is almost always synthetic, and we all know what happens with synthetic materials. And I hardly even sweat.

I have another question for you too. What do you wear when you’re washing your clothes? You might get away with waltzing about in nothing but your spare briefs, but I’m thinking a girl doing the same might turn some heads! :P

Great article dude, keep it up!

July 27, 2012 at 11:25 pm

Thanks Belinda!

All that girly stuff of yours can actually be easily put into cargo-pants. If you don’t mind looking dorky of course.

As for the bra, try merino wool undergarments. Or you can just go-all-natural as you said, some of us men got a thing for that!

I usually wash my clothes when I’m taking a shower (Killing two birds with one stone!) at night, and they’re always ready wen I wake up.

August 6, 2012 at 11:13 pm

“Or you can just go-all-natural as you said, some of us men got a thing for that!”

Men go for that until the lady hits 50 and her nipples are brushing her belly-button! :P I try to at least wear a crop top when I go out- helps to defy gravity for a little longer! I’ll check out Icebreaker. :D

“I usually wash my clothes when I’m taking a shower at night”

Dude, why didn’t I think of that???

August 3, 2012 at 4:31 am

A sarong Belinda – most useful item of clothing/towel/top sheet EVERY invented

Great idea Lissie!

July 22, 2012 at 2:59 am

Very cool post. I have a history of over-packing, and with our kids starting to get interested in traveling, I definitely want to minimize my gear.

About the Invisible Shoes: I have been wearing them a lot over the past year. They are incredible, and, aside from barefoot, are my favorite running/walking footwear.

To make them a bit more structured and secure, I replaced the stock nylon strings with 1/2 nylon straps and plastic buckles. The modification cost about $10. There are lots of how-to videos on line to help with the process. I find the straps/buckles work better for me, especially when running and on technical terrain.

I am definitely going to check out the products you recommend.

December 10, 2013 at 5:20 pm

awesome Aaron, safe travels and great advice for the huaraches

June 5, 2014 at 12:16 pm

Regev, thanks for your positive influence in my life…….You rock man!

@Aaron – I’d love to chat to you and see a photo of how you modified your hauraches if you don’t mind? I bought a pair of Xeroshoes and in March and haven’t looked back..I love them they are just a little unsecure as I’d love to use them for running…

Would love to hear from you if you don’t mind!

Thanks! Marna Marie’ Strauss Cape Town,

July 24, 2012 at 2:24 am

You know, travelling with three children, travelling light is sort of a contradiction in terms – or that’s what I’ve thought every time I’ve seen discussions about it with your or Liz. But – scanning through this post, I do think we can do better. For starters, just having the right clothes (eg things that dry quickly) can make a big difference.

We are trying to simplify, pare down, and declutter our home, both for its own sake, and because in 2014 we are looking at going o/s again, but this time hopefully for about 6 months. So we will need someone to house-sit. I am hoping we will be able to pare down a LOT in preparation for that, but I’m also hoping that the trip itself will give my kids a taste of really simple living. I’ll be coming back to this post before we start thinking about packing for that!

December 10, 2013 at 5:21 pm

That’s awesome Kirsten have a blast with your kids overseas and stay safe.

July 25, 2012 at 9:03 am

Thanks for all the info you shared here regev… didnt know about those things especially the cool looking flip flops and the quick dry and lightweight clothes…

December 10, 2013 at 5:22 pm

anytime amigo

January 18, 2013 at 7:46 am

This is the best article on minimalism I’ve ever read. You’re a badass, man!

I’m headed to India this weekend and had already decided to bring only one outfit. While trying on my gear, I found this article just looking for other travelers rolling like this. My gear is pretty similar:

-Airblaster’s Merino Wool ninja suit as my base layer

-White 686 Snowboard pants (tough, thigh vents, tons of sealed zip pockets) with the liner removed

-Matix MJ Waffle top layer, because it’s super comfy as pyjamas, doesn’t look hyper-tech, and is awesome

-Merino wool socks and saucony sneakers (for cold nights)

-Vibram 5fingers for hot desert wandering

-Binchotan charcoal toothbrush and charcoal exfoliating / deodorizing pumice stone from occultier.com

I’m an author and music producer as well, so I’m taking my Dakine backpack for laptop, a few books for long bus and train rides, and my taoist herbs and raw chocolate. I’ll be leaving the backpack in the hotel while I hit up the kumbh mela, then decamp back to rishikesh when I’ve gathered enough material to write about.

Really excited to travel ultra-minimalist, man! Thanks for the added inspiration and heads up about some majorly awesome gear.

December 10, 2013 at 5:27 pm

Muchas gracias Dogson. Enjoy India!

March 31, 2013 at 12:33 pm

I would like to thank you. I live in Scotland, but I sometimes travel to warmer places, and your tips are priceless. After reading your article almost a year ago, I completely switched to merino base layers and usage of Alum; not only when traveling, but also on daily basis. What brought me to your website, was the mention of huaraches, which I use personally for couple of years, and I share your enthusiasm towards them.

You had a very positive influence on my lifestyle. Thanks again.

December 10, 2013 at 5:29 pm

You, my friend, has just made my week.

June 11, 2013 at 11:47 am

I really agree with the heart of what you’re writing, here — but smartphones and laptops and other mod-con technology is the exact direction you shouldn’t desire to go, as a minimalist and adventurer!

The most fun in adventuring around is not having a smart phone or a laptop with GPS and a translator and all this bullshit to make it feel comfortable and distracting like home! Yes, I understand that it’s CONVENIENT and REALLY COOL to be able to play Angry Birds on the long bus ride into Lhasa. It’s still ridiculous, though, and something real is lost in doing it.

…It’s so sad, when I go to a hostel, and find the common area full of dead eyes and blank faces staring into the glow from their laps!

December 10, 2013 at 5:52 pm

I agree and that really depends on the situation.

If i’d go for a month-long trip to ‘calibrate’ in nature – I’d leave the laptop and smartphone behind. But if you’re living mobile 365 days a year, and especially if you NEED your laptop to support yourself financially – it wouldn’t be very smart to stop using them.

It’s about balance really. Used with the right dose, smartphones can be very useful and valuable. Too much of them does the opposite.

The Kindle is AMAZING though and id take it anywhere. 2 kilograms of 10 books or 150g of 1000? technology can be very useful and life-enriching as you see.

with all that being said,

i feel like there’s a steep learning curve to go through. when you’re just traveling for the very first times, you learn a lot, and fast. the lack of those technological devices in that case can be quite beneficial because it helps you make it tougher and expand your comfort zone farther. But the moment you hit that specific comfort-zone spot, and when the excitement and novelty of first travels is gone, I feel like the value those devices bring to your life is much much higher than the ‘personality-growth’ bonus points you get without them.

I started traveling with technology from day one to be honest, but that’s only because travel feels like a joke compared to the first year of the Israeli army back there in the desert.

July 19, 2013 at 11:36 am

Great article, exactly what i was looking for. I think i’m gonna buy a few stuff, especialy an icebreaker short sleeve… really wanna try to light my backpack !

December 10, 2013 at 5:53 pm

cheers Louis, thanks

February 5, 2014 at 9:07 pm

Love this! When I was in Istanbul last year I met a girl on a bus – we got chatting because we were both just starting out on trips through Eastern Europe. She had one of those colossal gap year backpack things – must have been 80l or so looked like it weighed as much as she did. I had an ancient nike school bag – maybe 20l and most of that was laptop. We were both planning on travelling for the same length of time – she couldn’t get her head around it! Nothing compares to the freedom of packing super-light.

February 14, 2014 at 3:59 am

Hey dude awesome! I was just wondering if you ever though about hemp as a clothing option? It really does work the same as merino ( warm when cold, cool when hot) not too mention you don’t have to wash it for 4-5 days also. You seem like the kind of guy is aware of the environment and though the benefits of merino are great. Hemp in general is truly superior. Peace

February 14, 2014 at 4:04 am

Oh and also moccasins dude they are perfect for the colder harsher climates ( I’m a bit of a naturalist )

April 17, 2014 at 11:57 pm

I enjoyed reading your article. Question: is there a similar clothing list for the ladies? I don’t particularly like dressing like a guy. Thank you.

May 8, 2015 at 7:41 pm

Just get the same stuff for girls. Add in a merino wool bra and you’re gold.

June 1, 2016 at 3:12 pm

I still think most of the same stuff for girls makes us girls look like bricks, probably I’m picky about the cut. Here’s a dress I found, made of merino wool. https://www.backcountry.com/icebreaker-aria-sleeveless-dress-womens – unfortunately in my size, I bought the last one.

October 27, 2016 at 8:51 pm

I wanted to find the same thing. All the clothing you list looks like really nice guy stuff, I’m having a hard time finding nice, in style women’s wear that doesn’t look like I’m about to climb a mountain. Obviously you don’t have to worry about that but maybe you know of some nice women’s brands?

May 9, 2017 at 8:06 am

Icebreaker does a range of clothing that does not look like you are going to climb a mountain! :-) They do have skirts and tights Other stores you could try are Kathmandu (often have a mix between merino and their Tencel material-whatever that is!), Maxshop (very nice feminine clothing- under their Merino knitwear tab), Glassons, The wool Company NZ, The Tin Shed NZ, Macpac have some options, and I am sure there are more stores selling merino… you just have to hunt around a bit.

July 16, 2014 at 2:35 am

Awesome tips and well explained. I have slowly been minimizing my life for the last four years, layer by layering realizing how much I do not need. Still I want to get rid of more. I feel physically lighter and my brain is less chaotic and flustered when I have little stuff to deal with. So true how having to pick out an outfit every morning can waste precious time if there are too many choices. Thank you for sharing!

August 3, 2014 at 10:07 pm

Could you make a nice cheet-sheet out of it? you know, like a minimalist travel checklist PDF or something? would be awesome to have one

August 3, 2014 at 10:27 pm

Best minimalist packing list Ive found! thanks a lot from Canada :) been looking around for travel light gear and yours looks like a good combo of minimum weight to maximum efficiency

October 11, 2014 at 9:00 pm

Shava tova!

I an finishing my army service next week, and booked a round trip Tel Aviv->New York for 3 months for $750 :)

This reminded me of your first flight abroad haha.

Anyways I wanted to ask where you currently are, and if you’re in the states by any chance maybe we could meet up for a beer.

I’m also gearing up now, re-reading your gear post. Have there been any advancements/new stuff since you wrote it?

Thanks for being an inspiration for me to live an alternative lifestyle, Oren.

May 8, 2015 at 7:43 pm

Baaaaaaaam. Gear list just updated.

November 17, 2014 at 10:12 pm

thanks! there’s a couple of useful products i didn’t know yet

December 30, 2014 at 1:17 pm

Hi, Really like you article here, it is rather inspiring at least. I am not by far that minimalist yet, but will definitely try some of your ideas. Just one comment, if you travel without any bag at all, how do you deal with basic misc items? like: – charging cables (for camera and/or smartphone) – keys – ID documentation (e.g. passport) Thank you!

May 8, 2015 at 7:46 pm

I always have a charging cable and a passport in my pocket. It’s all small stuff.

January 7, 2015 at 8:22 pm

I’m a bit late to the party…just read the article while looking for needed travel inspiration. Lately I graduated from a childs’ size suitcase to the grown up kind and wanted to get back to a freer traveling me, I would like to use the ‘chick’ excuse, to allow me a second pair of shoes (whatever works). I generally travel to warm places so a sarong or a bed linen works as versatile/multifunctional chick outfits and leaves room for the shoes! Dr. Bronners = check, I have a length of stretchy neutral fiber than works to wrap or headband my tresses and quadruples as a bracelet or necklace. A mini kit of water color paint, a pad, a swimsuit, skirt or pants (sarong can do this also) toothpaste, toothbrush, tweezers, deodorant and a few creamy items pretty much tops off my list. Cell phone is 50/50 nice for photos but nice to leave it behind. Now, the crystal thingy works?! Really, really? That is my big question and thanks for your blog.

May 1, 2015 at 7:31 pm

The crystal thing does work, but I now use baking soda more often. It’s very effective, and it’s easier to fit in your pockets if you’re traveling bag-less. I suppose it doesn’t matter much if you’re with a backpack, so by all means go for the crystal if you can get your hands on one. You’ll love it.

February 10, 2015 at 11:39 am

Is it really possible for a woman to travel light? I’m not vain or anything, but I still end up bringing a lot of stuff no matter how hard I try to keep my bag light.

May 8, 2015 at 7:48 pm

I can’t speak for the hygiene items. But as for clothing, just get merino wool. You can even get merino wool bras .

February 19, 2015 at 11:06 pm

Great info I bought the super flip flops you recommended andd gave you credit to the manufacturer when I made the order Thanks for good logical travel suggestions

Awesome, thanks. You’ll enjoy them.

February 28, 2015 at 12:41 pm

Hey there, I’m Sergiu and I’m from Romania. I’ve read your article about your Xperia ZR and I was happy to see that you’ve actually been to Romania. I’d like to travel Romania using the same phillosophy you are: carrying around the bare minimum and I was wondering if you have any tips for beginner travellers like me. I plan on sticking to Romania for now, just so I can learn the “ropes” of travelling, before adventuring in Europe or further.

I hope to hear back from you soon, Sergiu :)

May 8, 2015 at 7:50 pm

Forget the tips, just climb over your back fence and start exploring. You’ll figure it out. You know what, I’ll give you two tips: 1. Wear merino wool. 2. Use common sense.

May 6, 2015 at 7:42 pm

Awesome minimalist gear Regev! I’m definitely going to adopt some of the tips here. Thanks. I myself travel with a pretty minimalist travel wardrobe, but I never imagined it can be done with no bags at all.

October 18, 2015 at 9:48 pm

Thanks, John. Yeah and this minimalist travel approach doesn’t even feel that extreme once you get used to it.

May 7, 2015 at 11:19 pm

I love to read books since i was 7 year old and i switch to e-book and my friend gift me Kindle. Really according to me it is the best gadget i have ever come across in my life. Now Kindle is mine pligramge and E-book is my god.

May 8, 2015 at 11:26 pm

I am also a kindle fan without doubt. My kindle is still kindle paperwhite, I like its weight and size. Well, mostly the weight!

May 13, 2015 at 1:50 pm

Great stuff mate. Was impressed when I met you in Burma. Pure travelling dude! Keep me posted about the book! :)

October 18, 2015 at 9:47 pm

Thanks, brother.

May 14, 2015 at 9:22 pm

Do you have a Wool&Prince type recommendation for women’s clothing? Love this post I just donated over 3/4 of my clothing. Didn’t get rid of everything because I need something to where while I work on finding the perfect pieces :). Now trying to do the same with other things in my house….

May 16, 2016 at 5:09 pm

April, did you ever find anything good?

May 21, 2019 at 10:12 pm

Hi April, Wool&Prince has women’s clothing now. Best, Mac

May 15, 2015 at 1:44 pm

Incredible packing ideas in this article! My job is connected with a lot of traveling and I pack luggage often. The truth is that it is hard to decide what to take and what to leave at home. So, thank you for the tips again!

October 18, 2015 at 9:46 pm

Anytime, Mira. Enjoy your travels.

May 22, 2015 at 11:10 pm

I found your blog by accident and loved your minimalist travel gear tips. I would love to have your courage to drop everything and travel the world with nearly nothing. I did drop everything, but I stopped in a few cities to live and I carry luggage around, unfortunately. I wish you all the best and hope you get to see as much of the world as it’s possible. This is my dream. Cinthia

Thank you Cinthia, all the best, and keep on rockin’

June 2, 2015 at 1:53 pm

Awesome article, really appreciate the tips! Just one question – do you think a merino wool cardigan would be too warm for Singapore/Koh Samui/Hanoi/Siem Reap in July?? I feel the cold so may need an extra layer at night but not sure if the humidity would make the wool uncomfortable? Thank you!

October 18, 2015 at 9:45 pm

a CARDIGAN in South East Asia’s July? That’s a sweater, right? You don’t need any more than a single thin merino wool shirt, certainly not a sweater. Even at night, it’s so warm I always sleep shirtless. The kind of shirts I recommend are so thin you don’t feel their weight like old-school wool. And when it’s humid, they evaporate your sweat pretty quickly so that’s another big benefit.

June 23, 2015 at 3:24 pm

Thanks for the wonderful site. Enjoyed, very much reading. Especially the About section.

All the best !

BTW, I am from Kuwait :)

October 18, 2015 at 9:42 pm

Thanks buddy, all the best.

July 22, 2015 at 5:40 am

Found you through “secrets to cheap flights.” Very helpful, thanks! Love your site, by the way. Great advice in this article. I try to travel light, but do end up with luggage, just not oodles of bags’ worth. Unfortunately, when you go to visit friends, one shirt ain’t gonna cut it. ;o)

Have a question for you though… what do you do if you’re allergic to wool? I can’t wear it. Period. So, what’s next best?

July 25, 2015 at 10:25 am

Love this radical approach to packing – I thought I was being badass when I wore the same black jeans, black sneakers and black leather jacket for one week in Paris. I had a small pull along suitcase and a backpack though, which was handy when bringing back pots of mustard, back when we could do things like that without checking a bag. However, sadly, I AM ALLERGIC TO WOOL :( – any suggestions for an alternative? Thanks!!

September 15, 2015 at 9:20 pm

Hi I’m summer and I amazing

September 19, 2015 at 5:06 pm

I’ve been minimizing my stuff for the past few months, and found this article a very entertaining and informative read. Thanks for posting it. Any opinion on Vibram FiveFingers shoes? I’ve been using them for several years now and can’t imagine travel without them. I only take socks to wear to bed (often this eliminates the need for a blanket) because all of my shoes are barefoot shoes.

I recently went on a river cruise in France and only took about four changes of clothes, which everyone on the ship (mostly snooty retired people haha) found extremely shocking. When I came home I was super irritated with the too-large carry on suitcase I had taken so I bought a 20L backpack and find it more than sufficient. I even have 2-4L of extra space in case I find more books I want to bring home :P

I never tried the Five Fingers, but many people love them. I know smelling is a real problem with them, but I may be wrong. Maybe Vibram have fixed it by now.

August 24, 2016 at 8:59 pm

Put some baking soda in them!

October 3, 2015 at 11:14 am

Very useful post! I agree with your choce of laptop 100%. I have a Macbook Pro with retina and love it! I can’t recommend it enough for traveling.

October 18, 2015 at 7:41 pm

Leaving for Bolivia (for the first time) in a week. Only have two shirts and thought, ‘crap, I should have kept those t-shirts I donated earlier this month.’ Instead, I’m gonna wear the same dang outfit the whole week. Thanks for helping me regroup and remember why I’m going to South America in the first place :)

Anna from Cali

October 18, 2015 at 9:39 pm

Awesome, Anna, but know that my approach is optimized for wool. If you’re gonna wear one set of cotton, it will be a nightmare, and you’re gonna stink. Enjoy your trip and stay safe.

October 20, 2015 at 4:41 pm

Lejeim Dude!

Good stuff. Also a big fan of minimalist travel! My record is a five litre waterproof strap over. Still wanna do just a ”fanny pack”. Most legendary I saw was a guy doing a weekend trip with just a tooth brush. Good stuff :)

The book looks interesting. I searched for it on amazon but couldn’t find it – what happened? Staying away from the corporates? How the sales going? You would think if you get it to the right place it should be a killer book. Thinking of I hope the serve beer in hell and The game etc.

Anyway, thanks for the cool content man!

Lo meveim sandwich le mesada…

Peace out, MC

November 13, 2015 at 7:38 am

I was checking out your blog and was hoping I could talk to you about the clothes you wear while you’re traveling. It’s clear that you’re a travel pro, so I’m sure you have some definite go-to’s that you love! My company, Betabrand, has a passion for creating unique clothes that make life way more comfortable (and a bit more stylish!)

Lately, we’ve been discussing how to create the most fashionable, yet comfortable outfits for those who are always on the go. I reached out to you specifically because we’re looking for advice on what makes a great ‘wanderlust wardrobe.’

Would you like to share your thoughts on this topic? Hopefully there will be some common themes we can pick up on and then we can put them into action and create more amazing travel clothing.

Megan T. Community Manager Betabrand

November 13, 2015 at 3:36 pm

Short answer: WOOL JEANS.

Long answer: Create an amazing looking, stylish, 100% merino/cashmere wool button shirt (think Wool&Prince), and a 100% wool jeans that fits and looks great, and i’ll be your fan forever. Versace used to have one that looks nice, but they discontinued it. Add a pair of wool briefs and you have just created the best travel gear set ever made.

November 13, 2015 at 3:38 pm

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly and I appreciate your input :) I love the idea of minimizing travel gear and have a functional and comfortable outfit to work the whole trip! I love your idea of creating wool jeans, definitely would be perfect for traveling.

For this project we are reaching out to travel gurus, such as yourself, to create a post about their perfect travel outfit. We really want to get the conversation going and want to dig into what people look for when it comes to comfortable travel clothing.

November 18, 2015 at 4:00 pm

Hello Regev,

I am a young professional with a new job that requires frequent global travel. However, I am female which means wardrobe expectations vary dramatically by region. Do you have any recommendations of female travelers’ blogs you have come to know along the way or just from what you have experienced to advise an aspiring No Bags (or one tiny bag) traveler?

Thank you Jana

December 14, 2015 at 12:59 am

This article is pure gold. My husband and I are planning our first minimalist motorcycle trip down the coast of Oregon. While I’m not ready to give up all of my clothes and worldly goods, many of the tips on here will be great for cutting down on the superfelous items I tend to take with me “just in case.” The wool clothing, super absorbant towel, and specific lack of a travel guidebook are my favorite 3 tips that I will definitely make use of. Thank you for reminding me how needless the rest of the stuff is.

December 21, 2015 at 4:43 pm

Hi! after 20 years i managed to travel with only 6 kilos last summer. I´ve reached some phase in life from 30 on that i realised i really didnt need to many things to live. Apllying this to travelling is now my challenge. Last year i bought my new 32 liter backpack (smallest i ever had) and i was so happy i could pack all my stuff in it for 15 days trip. Maybe its nothing yet but i am so inspired by your article and a lot of similar articles i´ve been reading! Thank so much! Yes, i am a girl and yes i believe girls can do it too!! :-)

January 15, 2016 at 6:10 pm

Love this stuff. thanks for the travel hacks ~!

January 17, 2016 at 12:58 pm

Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your thoughtful, focused, detailed blog entries.

I stumbled on your site in my ongoing search for minimalist inspiration, and I wasn’t disappointed. Your posts are both informative and fun to read. I particularly appreciated your entries on low- or no-gear travel, something that I’ve been working on for a while now. (In my case, “simplifying” has become a central life goal.)

Your review of the Tom Bihn 19-liter backpack was really good. Lately, I’ve been on a quest for a quality bag in the 20-liter range. Anyway, good stuff, man. It’s great to read blogs from like-minded individuals who choose quality and functionality over quantity or popularity… and who really get behind the idea that “less is more.”

Thanks for writing — and if you have any new thoughts about your “favorite” travel backpack, please let me know.

Mike Bailey miqesi.com

February 22, 2016 at 5:20 am

This was great! First time here and will look at other articles. I have full plans to migrate fully onto Merino wool (aside from one of those zip short/long pants as I managed to get one at an opp shop) as I have two icebreaker hiking socks that I fawn over when ever I go hiking. I might be classified as a digital nomad in the future as it’s my ultimate aim to be a freelancing vagabonder (Wacom Cinteq as opposed to a laptop). My aim is to be self sufficient on the road. Only carry-on. I got a 40L Osprey Farpoint backpack for long term as it would meet my requirements in the future.

A part of me wishes to take this ‘barely anything’ or just a normal backpack route for the long term but another thinks it’s slightly troublesome to go that far with the way I’m likely to travel with my art streak, aspiring profession, and random camping/hiking streak. I’m thinking I can afford to if I’m staying in country for at least a year. I aim for ultralight gear at least.

Still, I plan to try the minimal method (again if I think about it. I never brought much to camps in army cadets) when I go to Brazil in June-July as it’s only 46 days, with two pairs of clothes as opposed to one (I will be seeing the same people day to day so two seems reasonable ) Definitely rethought the clothes, phone and camera here though. I’m debating whether to bring my small tough camera with me at all. I have a thief proof bag ( though not so thief proof at gunpoint), Pacsafe Metrosafe 200, that I’m thinking I can can fit everything necessary into and pack a packable light weight backpack to store everything not needed when I go out and about.

March 7, 2016 at 8:25 pm

How did you manage to get your flash light stolen? … multiple times ? that makes very little sense to me right now :)

August 9, 2016 at 5:31 am

It was stolen from me once, in the Philippines, and since then I haven’t gotten one. Today I just use my smartphone, which seems to work just fine for lightweight travel.

March 19, 2016 at 6:52 pm

How about bamboo for the people who are alergic to wool?

August 9, 2016 at 5:29 am

Bamboo never got inside my minimal travel wardrobe, so honestly I don’t know.

April 26, 2016 at 11:31 am

Great!!! Your blog is interesting and so informative.

May 2, 2016 at 9:05 pm

Shalom Regev!

GREAT article. I’m about to leave for a short trip to LA at the end of this week, and my total weight including the weight of my pack (the REI Flash 18 day pack, which will double as my hydration pack for the hikes I have planned) is under 3.7 kilos. Fun fact: I purchased several of the items you recommended after some of my own research, including the Thai Crystal deodorant stone, Marmot rain jacket and the Earth Runners minimalist sandals. Even though this trip is just for a long weekend, my packing would be the same for a month or six months or indefinitely, assuming warm-ish weather. I feel like I’ve never been better equipped for travel and am LOVING how super light and small my bag is. In addition to the essentials, I’ve even got a full-size beach towel, super comfy travel pillow, the novel I’m about to read next (The Time Machine by H.G. Wells), AND space to spare in my little bag. Merino wool clothing has me feeling like a boss, too. The icing on the cake is that my pack is so tiny that I don’t need to pay for carry on luggage for my super cheap flight with Spirit Airlines (they consider it a “personal item” which is included in the fare). Anyway, just wanted to drop a note and thank you for the truly invaluable information and flat-out enjoyable read. Safe & happy travels!

Best, Jackie Shiloh

May 31, 2016 at 3:08 am

Great article! I was searching for ways for packing for a 13 day road trip with my husband and 4 year old—and your article came my way. I’m impressed and (once again) taking one more step towards a more minimalist lifestyle—and traveling light is it. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!

-Nicole P.S. tried to find merino wool bras in my size…no luck! But the rest is so doable!

June 1, 2016 at 3:07 pm

The phrase “stinks like a mofo” is now going to be stuck in my head for the rest of my life :)

So much of the clothes we think we need is about social conventions. My family and I all have “go bags” for travelling – a small bag each that we like to think we can just grab and head off – but you’ve got me rethinking the contents. I am curious what you wear to formal events if you’re basically living in shorts… thinking of possible examples… 1. Lifestyle doesn’t throw formal events at you much, 2. You hire formal wear, 3. You ignore convention and wear your one outfit, 4. “What do you mean ignore convention, this looks good already!” :) … or ? I don’t know.

July 31, 2016 at 12:00 pm

Hahahahhahahahahhaha

When I’m abroad and invited to a formal place, I just wear what I have. I mean, when some random Vietnamese guy invites you to his wedding, which happens right there, last thing you’re gonna worry about is changing clothes.

Also, I’m not traveling all year anymore, and when I’m in my home base, I wear long jeans/pants for weddings, meetings, etc. But 99% of the time I’m wearing shorts.

July 31, 2016 at 12:16 pm

When I saw the picture on facebook, I was sure the picture was from Romania!!!!

August 4, 2016 at 12:55 pm

This list is incredible! I really cant get my head around going without a bag at all and I thought I was minimal. Doesn’t going without a bag leave you with bulging pockets and cargos? I try to go light, ive got everything I need for a month down to 3kg/15L, but a kilo of that is just medical supplies for type 1 diabetes, something that really contradicts going minimal. Ive parred myself down as much as I’m willing to risk medically but find it prevents true minimalism, or is going ultralight what allows me to make up for the bulk of medical necessities? When does going light sacrifice safety?

August 9, 2016 at 5:27 am

No bulging pockets whatsoever. My credit card, money and passport are inside an internal pocket sewn inside my pants. My smartphone and its charger, each gets its own pants pocket.

I don’t think lightweight travel sacrifices safety at all. But if you have some medical items which you can’t get in your destination and which would be absolutely necessary in times of emergency, by all means find a way to carry them.

August 25, 2016 at 9:43 pm

As a missionary who lives out of a suitcase and frequently downsizes, I read your article with great interest. For years I have traveled to various places with three bags (one large suitcase, a gym bag, and a backpack that holds my MacBook Pro with its accessories). The ideas you shared have inspired me to think of ways to downsize even more. One complaint I have is the unnecessary swear words near the end. They ruined an otherwise great article. I like what one motivation speaker says, “If you can’t be interesting without profanity, then let’s face it: You’re not that interesting.”

August 27, 2016 at 1:32 am

Hey Reggie, Can you elaborate on how you carry, and use, baking soda as deodorant.

October 9, 2016 at 1:56 pm

October 11, 2016 at 2:11 pm

I make my own deodorant using baking soda, coconut oil (naturally antibacterial), beeswax and shea butter. You can buy small deodorant sticks on Amazon. It works way better than chemical based deodorant and for a few days. I use rosemary and lavender for fragrance.

Great post!!

September 19, 2016 at 2:40 am

I can’t speak for Reggie, but I carry my bicarb soda in a small plastic screwtop container (probably 25x50mm). To use I rub around 1/2 tsp under each arm immediately after toweling down following a shower. It works better than any deodorant I have ever used, doesn’t stink of perfume and protects me from the chemical load I’d rather not expose myself to. I wouldn’t put anything on my skin that I wouldn’t eat.

October 9, 2016 at 1:55 pm

I carry my baking soda in a tiny bag that I put in my pocket. I use extremely small amounts, right after shower. I just shove my finger in the dusty powder and rub whatever sticks to the finger right in my underarm. I do this twice, once for every side. I agree with you, it works tremendously better than any deodorant I have ever tried. Plus the shirt doesn’t stain.

October 11, 2016 at 2:07 pm

Agreed. Minimal travel is the way to go for sure. Towel is key! I have minimal travel towels for sure. I hiked Half Dome this summer and should have left the DSLR behind. It turned out to be a space hog and I needed up using my iPhone more and anything. Might want to consider a Bolstr bag? It is for essentials and when traveling its my grab-and-go and where I put keys, wallet, passport, phone, keys and sunglasses so I never lose them. When packing and unpacking, it is easy to put one of your EDC items down and lose it in a pile. I just keep it all in the bag when I return to my room and never have to worry about. If I use my phone, I put it back in the bag immediately…

https://www.koyono.com/collections/bolstr-edc-bags-and-accessories

October 25, 2016 at 6:01 pm

Love this. I a traveling to Spain/France fro three weeks and would like to add to the conversation the Sport Coat by scottevest that I plan on wearing.

November 21, 2016 at 1:09 am

This is a great article. And thank you for sharing your list to us. I been traveling backpacking. Travel is fun but sometimes it can’t be that so much fun if you forgetting to put that specific thing to your travel bag. When I planned my travel, I always write things down now.

December 21, 2016 at 12:41 am

Amazing travel advice!!!

December 21, 2016 at 6:35 pm

Thanks A Million Buddy! I just traveled for two weeks and people trip when they realize how little you actually have. I saw your average traveler takes so much junk I get depressed looking at it. My biggest take-away was the wool shirt. I bought a Wool & Prince for $68 and wore it everyday, it was as fresh as day one at the end of the trip. Thanks again you really inspired me! My two take-aways were more underwear fewer socks and a giant battery pack for the Smart Phone.

December 27, 2016 at 11:18 am

I really liked your list! I’m not really a minimalist but I consider myself a lightpacker and I think it’s the best (and cheapest) way to travel.

December 30, 2016 at 2:39 am

Nice article! Yeah, we really don’t need anything much other than a toothbrush and a nail clipper(absolute musts lol). It also helps when everything is anti-bacterial, anti-odor, quick dry and stuff. also make the backpack waterproof. Then go with the wind. Wherever you end up.

February 10, 2017 at 10:06 am

The wind never disappoints!

January 13, 2017 at 4:18 pm

‘never own anything you are sad to lose’ has been on my mind a lot recently.

i gave away majority of my belongings a couple years ago, still have too much, but i’m working on it. the quote is a head twist – but when you actually give away the most precious things/jewellery/clothes etc you own, you feel such a freedom!

thank you reg for your brutally minimalist post – it has helped – a lot. (!!!)

as a zero waste-wannabe, i carry an insulated klean kanteen thermos (doubles as a water bottle), a produce bag & stainless steel lunch box with me almost all times in a canvas tote bag. but that’s it.

when i travel, i just add a pair or undies, light woolsilk long sleeve shirt & long johns = ninja suit wool socks & patagonia UL down jacket to it and i’m ready to roll!

(for the ladies; make up take up sooooo much space, time, money & effort, ditch it and you’ll be so much happier! your face doesn’t beat your personality, so invest in adventures instead….. ;-) )

January 21, 2017 at 8:31 am

Thanks for the travel advice. For me traveling with only one pair of clothing, even something made out of merino wool is a miss for me. I usually bring 3 or 4 days of clothing. I usually spend a month overseas every year. I have aNikon D7200 that I bring as well as 2 lenses. Most of my coworkers at work and friends, will not be able to take a trip like the ones I have taken. Unfortunately most people will never leave their neighborhood. I like to show people the pictures I have taken. I have developed a reasonable travel kit, that I use and that works for me. I also bring a 100% silk travel liner. Thanks for the article and safe travels

February 9, 2017 at 2:08 pm

Thank you for this amazing article and it is really inspiring. I’m currently travelling for I don’t know how long since I quit my job and taking a lot of domestic flights (going under 7kg bag). My question was what do you do with phone and camera chargers, plugs for different countries and medication like malaria pills? What if you go somewhere fancy ?

Safe travels! V.

February 9, 2017 at 2:45 pm

My phone is my camera, so I carry one charger only. It’s a tiny iPhone’s charger, so it fits my pockets easily. Plug I take a small adapter that will fit my destination, or a universal adapter like the Kikkerland if I’m going between many different areas. Medications I never take.

If I go somewhere fancy… it’s never on my plans really, but when it does happen, I just go. Always brings a smile to my face to enter an expensive restaurant with a black T shirt. With wool pants and button-down shirt, you can look great though, at least as a man.

February 12, 2017 at 9:33 am

I really enjoy this article and come back to it often across the years. It’s hard for me to be this minimal as a committed dad but the principles are my escape hatch and I have created my emergency go bag wuth synapse 19 that I could just grab and go. I’m just curious to know if you carry a trimmer or razor – how do you keep your hair/beard in shape. And when you’re at home and not travelling do you have any extra items?

February 12, 2017 at 8:51 pm

Hey Mark, glad it’s helpful. I do not carry a trimmer. I just go to a barber shop every two weeks or so and shave my head/beard off completely. Currently I’m more settled than in the past, so I definitely have extra items. But when I go traveling (still a couple of times a year), I go completely No Bag these days. I find it rejuvenating.

February 13, 2017 at 11:09 pm

Hey Regev! After using this article as my bible after finding it years ago, it’s awesome to see you’ve updated it. Looking forward to reading more from you.

February 13, 2017 at 11:28 pm

Come back over the next days, I’m not done yet. And if you loved what’s here, you’re gonna love the book.

February 13, 2017 at 11:49 pm

Oh I’m reading Destination Poon right now man on my kindle. It’s great so far. Unless there’s another book I’m not aware of?

February 13, 2017 at 11:58 pm

You’re on the right one. There’s another book on the plans, but it’s going to take a while.

February 15, 2017 at 1:45 am

Any options if you are allergic to wool?

February 16, 2017 at 4:32 pm

For all those reporting allergies to wool (Wendy, Laurel, Rachel), let me ask you this: Are you 100% sure it is wool you are allergic to?

Most of the time, the red rash and itching are just a reaction of your skin against the friction of thick wool fibers. Most people find that they don’t experience this when they move to soft, refined wool – like merino or polwrath. Before you ditch wool completely, try merino wool and see if the reactions persist. Look for a low micron count, which refers to the thickness of each fiber. The lower the count, the finer the fiber and less likely it is to irritate your skin. As far as I understand, most people feel itchy at around ~30 micron count, but merino wool base layers these days are only about 15-20! This is why most people who “can’t wear wool” suddenly find that they actually can when they try soft wool like merino. And even at high micron count, wool allergies are very rare. It is usually dust or wool processing chemicals residues. If you want to know for sure if you’re allergic to wool, try organic, low micron count merino wool and see if your body reacts. Chances are you’re not allergic.

November 10, 2022 at 9:19 pm

I’ve tried all the top wool brands, Ice Breaker etc and couldn’t get the clothes off quick enough when trying on, and have tried getting ‘used to it’ as suggested by the sales person at Ice Breaker and so bought a garment but the irritation drove me insane. Fine as a top layer over something else but definitely not against this skin!

February 25, 2017 at 11:23 pm

Hi Reg – Thank you for this great post. For the women, Ibex also sells merino wool undies, which have become my favorite. Initially I thought “wool underwear?!” but since I was loving all my other merino clothing I decided to give them a try. Love ’em. They are pricey but they occasionally go on sale, they last a long time and they are great, especially for travel. Ibex also has some merino bras but I prefer the ones Icebreaker has (just personal preference). Ibex also makes other merino clothing, some of which might be more “fashionable” for the women who were asking about clothes that don’t make them look like they are wearing men’s clothing. Nice men’s stuff at Ibex, too. Also, merino pants… my husband has some Kuhl Outback pants that are 50% merino, 50% nylon and loves them. He had a tailor add a discreet side-leg zipper pocket that fits phone/passport and they are great for travel. He actually got the pants a little long and the tailor took a bit off the length to make the edging for the pocket :) In any case, thanks for your post. We are always trying to travel a bit lighter and you have given us some new ideas! Thanks!

February 27, 2017 at 4:37 am

Thanks for the update Reg. I’ve completely changed from a lugging massive suitcases around to a minimalist traveller, all thanks to your blog. I threw away *all* my tech t-shirts, briefs and socks and only wear merino shirts. I even bought a merino dress shirt for business trips. I got myself a Synapse 19, that I test drove yesterday on a business trip to Cairo. I was wondering, can you link me to the your tiny nylon bag (the size of a key)? I tried baking soda but haven’t quite got the hang of it, but I’ll get there. Cheers mate

February 28, 2017 at 9:41 am

The “tiny nylon bag” isn’t anything special. Anything can work. Improvise! I once used a hotel toothbrush’s nylon wrap for months.

March 1, 2017 at 2:07 am

Very inspiring article, glad I found it, thank you. I’m currently traveling New Zealand and will certainly give a try to some of your ideas/advice. Especially when Merino wool is actually local product.

March 3, 2017 at 8:01 am

Heard from Kiwis that you can get them really cheap at local merino wool brands outlets over there.

March 17, 2017 at 8:53 pm

This was an amazing read, thanks for putting this up. Wish I had seen this sooner so I could prepare some stuff for my upcoming trip. Will try at least to find those legendary 100% wool shirts!

April 2, 2017 at 2:27 pm

I made the switch from 35 pounds of mostly usless weight to about 5 pounds of ONLY useful weight about five years ago. I’ll never go back! Just essential items pocketed and my medicines and spare “rotation” underwear and minimal added layers are hand carried in a 3 ounce nylon cinch bag. Additional toilet items, meds, hand laundry Soap and a few tech items weigh about five pounds. I suppose I could go bagless just by rolling my spare clothing and strapping it but in my case with six medicine bottles I just use the cinch bag. Still minimal and light weight! I would like to add that I have discovered Wrangler “stretch” jeans! They don’t stretch but they are made with a light weight denim that dries fast after the “slosh slosh roll it in a towel and stomp” weekly washing. Super strong and reliable. ONE pair of pants worn period. And no I don’t care about how I look as much as I care about what I’m CARRYING! Hint: Your spare socks stuffed in with a wallet or passport stops pickpockets! So does a Humangear nylon spork pocketed tines up and out! It’s entertaining too! Very good advice here! Thanks for your “research” and suggestions!

November 23, 2017 at 2:25 am

Great thread. I travel 6-9 mos/year in Asia=hot. This year I switched to a big checked bag which I’m hating. BUT I decided I wanted to take 9 months of supplements and meds, which add huge weight and bulk. 1 pillx180 days x 10 supplements + antibiotics, + I also take resistance tubes so my fitness doesn’t go to shit. You guys have inspired me to Merino a 2nd chance. So far I hate wool on my skin when it’s hot. I prefer Nike Dri-fit tank tops.I also love RailRiders Adventure Pants which have huge pockets are superlight. I roll them up and use plastic clothes pegs to keep em up.

I carry a custom Sil nylon poncho which is the best Asia rain gear, doubles as a blanket. I also carry a 4 oz Thermarest Zlite sleeping pad. Airport bed, yoga mat, pad mattress support.

And last, I carry 3M Pelator earmuffs=huge unminimalist aviation industry quality that makes sound disappear: snoring in a hostel? Gone!

I’ll see if I can wean myself into Merino starting today.

Next trip I’ll go all Reggie except for the above. I’d love to figure out the supplements.

May 13, 2017 at 12:39 pm

This post was very insightful, I never knew about the benefits of wool. But wholly crap, you take minimalism to the last. Only 1 outfit?!? ONLY ONE OUTFIT?!? I’m trying to move to a more minimalist lifestyle and I see I have a long way to go. Thank you for all of this information, keep traveling.

May 14, 2017 at 11:58 am

Do wool shirts / pants offer sun / UV protection?

May 22, 2017 at 12:14 pm

How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? Thanks a lot for this Regev~~!! love it

June 11, 2017 at 11:43 pm

Definitely saving this. I don’t travel, but a lot of the things here can apply to everyday normal life as much as they do international travel.

June 18, 2017 at 8:38 pm

Thanks for this, I’ll definitely be using some of these tips to go under 5kg next time, it’s so doable. It is totally amazing what you can accomplish if you try. Having said that, you definitely have a disorder which comes across both in your masturbatory writing and your obsessive behaviour. And your weird desire to conquer poon of all races and religions lol. Good thing it sells though, therapy ain’t cheap.

August 2, 2017 at 10:54 am

hahahahahahahahahaha, we all got our faults don’t we

July 8, 2017 at 6:59 am

Thank you for giving a detailed guideline on traveling light. I found your recommendation on wool particularly useful. I’ll try out some of your tips and modify accordingly to my upcoming Euro trip next month.

You inspire me to start recording my own minimalist journey. I’ll revisit your blog in the near future to keep you posted. Thank you!

Cheers, CGL

August 2, 2017 at 10:56 am

Awesome, good luck Lioness and keep us posted

July 10, 2017 at 4:45 am

Shalom, This is the most wonderful article about travel I have ever read, and it’s all in one. It’s a great lesson about travel and living simple. I also found your story very inspiring and the laughter of your grandma made me laugh, thank you for sharing, Regev I will be traveling soon and thank you for the insights ES

August 2, 2017 at 11:06 am

<3 Thanks, you mentioning my grandma made my day.

August 23, 2017 at 2:54 pm

I heard wool is very fragile, What do you say? Is it true?

E.g. when bicycling, the wool gets ruined. when I bought my wool-undergarments, so they recommended me buying a mix of polyester and wool, which I did. And it does smell. :-/ (I wish I read this article before buying it, but it was 2-3 years ago)

What about packing for long-term travel with work/studying? (more than 5 months)

August 23, 2017 at 2:56 pm

and if I need to bring more stuff/clothes when traveling long-term (more than 6 months), what sort of bag do you recommend? suitcase? duffle bag? backpack?

September 6, 2017 at 2:53 pm

Hey! I love the way you think! Big props for these great packing list.

I wonder what do you think about sunglasses….necessary item?

November 2, 2018 at 10:03 pm

Never using it.

October 17, 2017 at 5:11 am

Love the article. It’s very enjoyable to read. Honestly, I also like to travel light. Not as light as you for the time being, but who knows, someday maybe? I always make sure that whatever I carry on my back should be less than half of my body weight. I am small in size, and not tall either. That enables me to have smaller clothes and use small bags all the time. The biggest backpack I’ve owned was a 30L backpack.

Now I am travelling with a 28L backpack by Osprey. I purposely bought that size. It forced me to pack the most important things for my travels. I can’t travel with anything smaller, not until I have more money in my pocket. Of course, if I have more money, I will travel with even less.

You’re right about the unnecessary need for carrying a laptop while travelling. I can leave mine behind if I don’t need it. But I make money from writing, so I pretty much need it even while I’m travelling.

Overall, I really love the article! Thanks.

October 27, 2017 at 10:15 pm

Very nice article. For now I’m a permanent nomad, don’t have a permanent home and have been on the road for more than 2 years and definitely more years to come… I love minimalism, but don’t go that extreme, I make sure to stay under the carry-on limit.

About merino wool, I have a few merino products and really like it. I think the only con about merino is, that it’s not so durable?

A tip for people who travel around and stick longer at some places and want some more clothes to wear. Try to find second hand shops for clothes. Many of them are charity shops, it’s very cheap and we are saving the planet by recycling. When I leave the place I just bring the clothes back to the charity shop again.

And yes the crystal deodorant stick is amazing, I put some after my shower and never smell anymore. And the stick lasts for a very very long time(years).

November 11, 2017 at 10:55 pm

Ah, how do we find these gems on the innernest? What an amazing web!

So, I am 50+, female, planning a solo walking for 2 weeks in Spain (not the Camino), with a 40 liter, 15 lb backpack. Four days before departure, I tripped on a broken sidewalk and painfully bruised my ribs. After a day of couch and ibuprophen, I removed two lbs of stuff from my pack. This included my swimsuit and sandals. So I traveled with only one pair of shoes and never did find a good swim spot. There is nothing I missed that I had removed, and a few things I took that I didn’t need after all, and a few things I hadn’t thought of that I wished I had. I also cut a few excess bits off my actual pack – straps and so on – to save a few ounces. My final day in Barcelona was really, really long, but even though by then my pack weighed 28 lbs (chocolate and fabric, mostly), I had gained enough strength that all day long, the weight didn’t bother me at all. This is my first trip like this, and I will do it better next time.

January 5, 2018 at 5:43 pm

Remember- No benefits of wool will ever outweigh the abuse and torture the sheep go through in order to produce that wool. I am sure there are plenty alternatives to wool that will be adequate.

February 10, 2018 at 1:28 pm

Great story so inspired! But maybe you should do a packing video on your youtube channel that will be so much helpfull! Plus we can see it in real life how you do it.

November 2, 2018 at 10:02 pm

Good idea! My packing video will last exactly 10 seconds though. Put my clothes on, grab my phone, moneyz, passport, toothbrush, toothpaste, baking soda and hit the airport.

April 8, 2018 at 7:21 am

Hi, your travel gear page approach is very interesting and good! I was wondering though that you are not carrying a water bottle even though you travel in some very hot climates? Second thing is travel adapter, surely iphone charger is not compatible with all those countries you have visited?

November 2, 2018 at 9:58 pm

I never carry a water bottle. I drink enough throughout the day, especially alongside my meals. If I need an adapter for my iPhone, I just buy a small one locally or ask the reception at the hotels.

April 11, 2018 at 12:12 pm

Do you know a good website that talks about or tells you where to buy traveling clothing for young kids (like the clothes you mentioned here)?

August 12, 2018 at 10:35 am

I’d look on Amazon. The principles are the same as for adults, just look for children sizes.

June 29, 2018 at 3:14 am

I tried a zero bag challenge back in January for a long weekend trip to Pensacola, FL. I learned a lot, it gave me more perspective for future trips. I have been a one bag traveler for years (Tom Bihn synapse 25), but doing a no-bag was a leap for me. I enjoyed it and the added challenge that it was winter, albeit only in the 40’s, made me feel real good about it later. Since then, I no longer carry a purse or a work bag. My future one bag travel bag will be the Tom Bihn synapse 19 or their new pop tote. I’ll be trying a second run of a zero bag travel trip this summer also for a weekend in Pensacola, we will see how that works compared to the winter trip.

July 22, 2018 at 5:36 am

I just spent a one week summer vacation luggage free I packed all my stuff into my favorite purse! Think carryon or one bag travel is impossible for fashionistas? Well, there s no more excuses!

November 9, 2018 at 9:06 pm

Hello, I think the post is awsome but I have one complaint. You are constantly promoting wool and how good of a fabric it is. I think it is really important that you know where the products come from and how they are produced before you promote them to other people. With wool we tend to forget that it comes from sheep and as with all industries that use animals we know that these are extremely cruel towards them and the wool industry is no different. I wanted to share this article where this topic is explained in detail so the next time you’re promoting wool or anything else you do a bit more research on it. https://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-clothing/wool-industry/ I hope I could spread some awareness.

December 14, 2018 at 3:36 pm

I recently discovered this article and greatly appreciate the philosophy and recommendations. In the replies, I have noticed a number of requests for a non-wool option. Although I would recommend evaluating the merino wool option to determine if you are truly allergic or sensitive to this, you can also look into linen products that have similar anti-microbial properties but offer a plant based option. I prefer the merino wool products, but do use some linen pants and shirts as well in my travel items depending upon my trip.

January 15, 2020 at 10:58 pm

Any chance of an update for the new decade?

February 8, 2020 at 8:09 am

Absolutely. It’s coming up ;)

February 28, 2020 at 8:24 pm

Great! ??? We are all waiting for it! Thank you for inspiration!

March 25, 2020 at 10:52 pm

Folks, guide just updated for 2020!

March 26, 2020 at 7:54 pm

I would also just add earbuds, and ear plugs, they don’t take up much space, but are a life saver. I do no-bag travel with a small fanny pack. As a woman most of our clothes come without or with substandard pockets. If its winter and I’ll have a coat then I leave behind the fanny pack, winter coats have decent pockets. Even at a minimum though I also take an extra pair of underwear. Also, I have found that for the most part you can just travel in your regular clothes. No need to buy merino wool everything, (except socks-buy those) but merino items do make it easier. If you are one-bagging be careful, the backpack straps tend to fray and pull at merino wool around the shoulder areas. Thanks Regev, alway a pleasure to read your updates.

November 9, 2020 at 2:25 pm

I revisit this blog every year or so. Fantastic, and very inspiring. I currently have a small sling bag (the Bellroy Sling) packed ready for a trip to SE Asia when travel is allowed again.

In my experience, the only additional things I need to take that aren’t covered here are sunscreen (expensive and often laced with whiteners in Asia) and strong insect repellent (mosquitos seem to find me particularly tasty). They are annoyingly bulky, but I personally can’t travel without them. I think it is the clothes where you really save the space though.

I’ll just be wearing a merino top, light trousers and sandals, with a pair of lined swim shorts rolled into my bag – alongside some basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, tiny flip comb and the aforementioned insect/sunblock). For electronics I am simply taking my AirPods, iPhone, a charger and a small battery pack/single cable.

I have a slim case for my passport that also carries a few extras – sim remover tool, other simcards, spare bank card, bottle opener and tiny torch.

I think that is basically everything. Oh, and of course a face mask in this new world!

July 11, 2021 at 4:26 pm

Very smart.

Do you buy any souvenirs when you travel ?

Merci beoucoup

April 28, 2022 at 10:14 pm

I’ve tried so many really top wool clothing (Ice Breaker etc) but can’t get them off fast enough. The itch is unbearable, and I don’t have super sensitive skin. So it’s a bummer when all the minimalist packing bloggers say wool wool wool. Looks like it’s poly only for me ?Love to hear what any other ‘itchy types’ have found.?

February 22, 2023 at 7:01 pm

Hello, Regev:

I am searching where to purchase the secret zippered pockets shown on your website. I don’t have access to a sewing machine and the secret pockets by Andy the Hobo Traveler are no longer available at Amazon.com

Can you tell me where I can find one? Thank you.

Mumbai, India 2.0

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Home » Gear » best minimalist backpacks

10 BEST Minimalist Backpacks (2024)

Minimalist travel has tons of benefits, and more people are making the switch to a minimalist approach to backpacking and traveling.

But, while there are so many awesome backpacks and different styles, that it’s completely overwhelming to know where to begin! This is exactly why I’ve put together this monster guide to the best minimalist backpacks of 2024.

This backpack guide gives you the best options, and helps you decide which of them is best for you. Whether you’re planning on simple budget travel or going on a long hike, there will be something for you. I’ve made it easy for you to choose the right minimal backpack to suit your personal travel style, your budget, and your preferred style.

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Quick Answer: Best Minimalist Backpacks Review

• Best Overall Minimalist Backpack for Travel: AER Travel Pack 3
• Best Carry-on Backpack for Minimalists: Tortuga Travel Pack
• Best Minimalist Backpack for True Minimalists: Nomatic Travel Pack
• Best Minimalist Backpack for Women: Osprey Farpoint 40
• Best Minimalist Backpack for Hiking: Osprey Stratos 36
• Best Minimalist Laptop Backpack: Incase Icon
• Best Minimalist Backpack for Day Hikes: Osprey Daylite Plus
• Best Budget Minimalist Backpack: REI Co-op Traverse 32

AER Travel Pack 3

• Price > $249
• Weight > 4.12 lbs.
• Liters > 35
• Best Use > International travel, everyday use.

Tortuga Travel Pack 30L

• Price > $325
• Weight > 4 lbs
• Liters > 30

Nomatic Travel Pack

• Price > $299
• Weight > 4.16 lbs.
• Liters > 20/30
• Best Use > Short trips and everyday use

Osprey Farpoint 40

• Price > $185
• Weight > 3 lbs. 8 oz.
• Liters > 40

Stubble & Co Adventure Bag

• Price > $270
• Weight > 3.7 lbs
• Liters > 42
• Best Use > Travel

Osprey Stratos 36

• Price > $220
• Weight > 3 lbs. 4.5 oz.
• Liters > 36
• Best Use > Day hiking, camping, travel, light backpacking.

Incase Icon

• Price > $218
• Weight > N/A
• Liters > 13
• Best Use > Laptop storage, everyday use.

Timbuk2 Tuck Eco Pack

• Price > $89
• Weight > 1 lb. 5.1 oz.
• Liters > 23
• Best Use > Laptop storage, urban cycling

Osprey Daylight Plus

• Price > $75
• Weight > 1 lb 5 oz.
• Liters > 20
• Best Use > Day Hikes/urban travel.

REI Co-op Traverse 32

• Price > $159
• Weight > 2 lbs. 9 oz.
• Liters > 32
• Best Use > Backpacking, travel, camping.

Best Minimalist Backpacks Review: Top Picks and Performance Breakdowns

• Best Overall Minimalist Backpack – AER Travel Pack 3

Best Small Carry-on Backpack for Minimalists – Tortuga Travel Pack

Best minimalist backpack for true minimalists – nomatic travel pack, best minimalist backpack for women – osprey farpoint 40, best carry-on backpack for minimalists – stubble & co adventure bag.

• Best Minimalist Backpack for Hiking – Osprey Stratos 36
• Best Minimalist Laptop Backpack #1 – Incase Icon
• Best Minimalist Laptop Backpack #2 – Timbuk2 Tuck Eco Pack

Best Minimalist Backpack for Day Hikes- Osprey Daylite Plus

• Best Budget Minimalist Backpack – REI Co-op Traverse 32 

How to Choose the Best Minimalist Backpack: Buying Advice

Faq about the best minimalist backpacks, final thoughts on the best minimalist backpacks.

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This ultimate review of the best minimalist backpacks of 2024 provides you with my top picks, comparison table for easy cross-referencing, advice for first-time buyers, what I like and what I don’t like about each backpack, advantages of minimalist travelling and much more!

Let’s take a look at my top picks for the best minimal backpacks in 2024…

Best Overall Minimalist Backpack –  AER Travel Pack 3

• Price: $249
• Weight: 4.12 lbs.
• Capacity: 35 Liters
• Carry-on: Yes

One thing should be clear from the very beginning of this review: the best minimalist backpacks are not featureless, bare-bones, impractical backpacks. Minimalist backpacking might limit the amount of stuff you can bring with you, but it certainly does not mean that you can’t travel in organized lightweight bliss.

For travelers on the move, the AER Travel Pack 3 is one badass backpack. It’s one of the best backpacks for every day carry !

Basically, if ever there was a travel bag to cover ALL of your minimalist travel needs, the AER Travel Pack 3 Bag would be at the very top of the list.

It comes with a ton of brilliantly thought out pockets, compartments, and gear storage options. It even comes with a shoe storage compartment built-in. No more cramming those dirty shoes in the front pocket of your backpack, eh?

From start to finish the Aer Travel Pack 3 features one sleek design after another. My favorite features include the fleece-lined valuables pocket, the laptop pocket, and the high-quality water-resistant materials they used.

Remember, the Travel Pack 3 is one of the best carry-on bags for travelers as well. Well done, AER, well done.

Check out my in-depth AER Travel Pack review here .

• Great organization for travels
• Sleek and sharp design
• Mutiple pockets w/ specific compartments
• You’ll need to pay extra if you want the travel bag plus all of the accessories
• Definitely not a hiking backpack

• Price: $325
• Weight: 4 lbs
• Capacity: 30

For this review, I am recommending the Tortuga Travel Pack 30 liter model .

The height-adjustable suspension system and padding make the Outbreaker very comfy, in addition to it being super practical. For those backpackers obsessed with staying organized, the Tortuga Outbreaker will be your new best friend.

Now the Outbreaker is quite heavy for such a small backpack. All that padding and storage adds up, but the performance it delivers makes up for that in my opinion.

The Outbreaker’s design enables its the main compartment to be opened like a suitcase – which is 10 x’s more convenient than a traditional backpack. Reaching my stuff was simple because of the organization of the compartments.

I am a big fan of the Tortuga company and the gear they make as it is always top quality. For an excellent carry-on backpack, the Tortuga Outbreaker 35L is where it’s at.

Check out my in-depth Tortuga Outbreaker review .

• Custom made for carry on
• Comfortable padding
• Convenient access through big opener
• Doesn’t come with a rain cover

• Price: $299
• Weight: 4.16 lbs
• Capacity 20/30 Liters
• Carry-On: Yes

The 40 liters of the AER pack is certainly nice. It’s the general standard across the board for minimalist backpacks given that they ALMOST always qualify for carry-on luggage.

However, 40 litres is excessive for many modern-day travelers. People who take shorter frequent trips or business excursions may just find the extra space a little too bulky. That’s where the Nomatic Travel Pack comes in.

This baby starts at a cool 20 litres – perfect for a gentle amble around a new city – but expands out to a very comfortable 30 litres. The slimline design removes that slight turtle-effect of many other 40 litre minimalist backpacks. If you are wondering how to pack light then the answer is go Nomatic!

All your tech is still well-protected. Nomatic has not skimped on the durability in the slightest, and they’ve still managed to sneak in that lovely shoe compartment!

Whether you’re a weekend-tripper or just a true disciple of the school of minimalism, the Nomatic Travel Pack is perfect for you. There’s a place for everything you need, and everything you don’t need… well… leave that at home!

• 20 to 30 liter expansion
• Hella durable!
• Makes airport check-ins a breeze
• Premium price
• Heavier than you’d expect
• Smaller size can be punishing on longer trips

• Price: $185.00
• Weight: 3 lbs. 8 oz. (size s/m)
• Capacity: 40 Liters

The Osprey Farpoint 40 is not specifically a women’s minimalist backpack. In fact, it is a unisex backpack.

That said, I will not insult the adventurous lady-readers of this blog by offering up a pink, flimsy, featureless backpack. That would be pointless and not helpful in the slightest. The Osprey Farpoint may be unisex, but it is certainly one of the best minimalist backpack options for female backpackers on the market.

The Farpoint 40 makes for an excellent minimalist travel bag if you’re planning a trip to South America or South East Asia .

The backpack features a large zippered panel that gives access to the main compartment. The zippers have lockable sliders too for added security.

There are three different ways you can carry the Osprey Farpoint 40. The standard padded shoulder straps, the padded top and side handles for hand carrying, and detachable messenger-style shoulder strap.

An important point to make is that the Osprey Farpoint 40 can be carried on planes.   99% of airlines will let you use this minimalist bag as a carry on , which over your travels will save you a ton of time and money. #gamechanger.

By going with a minimalist travel-light bag like the Osprey Farpoint 40, you’ll be able to keep all of your valuables with you. Plus, you’ll save a ton of money on checked baggage fees (which pays for the bag ten times over!).

Check out my in-depth  Osprey Farpoint 40 review .

• Lockable zippers
• Multiple ways to carry it
• Super-lightweight and comfortable
• Not a hiking backpack
• Lacks the space for travelers with lots of gear needs
• Laptop pocket might be too small

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Before we go any further, be sure to check out our friends over at  Nomads Nation  for a super in-depth video review of even more of the best minimalist backpacks.

• Price: $270
• Weight: 1.7kg (3.7 lb)
• Capacity: 42 Liters

The Adventure Bag from Stubble & Co is possibly the most perfectly designed carry-on-sized travel bag I have ever seen.

Not only does it follow the trend of providing a clamshell opening, but it goes one step further by instead opening up into two mesh-covered areas. Not only that but each side is divided up into several different-sized zippered compartments. I am such a massive fan of this and it helps me keep all my gear super organised and fits my packing cubes in perfectly.

In terms of capacity, when combined with the superior organisational features, it offers the perfect size for both long backpacking trips, weekend breaks and short holidays. The size also means the bag is compliant for carry-on travel which is such a time and money saver on the road, not to mention lowering the possibility of your gear getting lost!

The material on The Adventure Bag is tough, durable and weather resistant whilst being completely soft-sided with no rigid elements. This makes the bag pretty light for this style and quality compared to some of the other similar packs I’ve tried out. It also makes it much easier to compress down using the side straps when things are getting a little tight!

Other notable features are the waterproof shoe compartment which is perfect for keeping soiled gear away from all your other shiz. This bag also comes with a rain cover too which in today’s world is actually pretty rare, so I really rate this! The hidden valuables pocket for passports too is something that is super useful too.

Overall, I love the functionality of this bag for both long and short-term trips alike. The high quality of the materials and construction also gives me confidence in the bag’s ability to cope with the sort of abuse that comes with backpacking too!

• Separate laptop compartment
• Clamshell opening
• Lots of organisation
• Shape is a little boxy
• Have to completely open bag to access anything

Best Minimalist Backpack for Hiking –  Osprey Stratos 36

• Price: $220.00
• Weight: 3 lbs. 4.5 oz.
• Capacity: 36 Liters

I am big fan of Osprey backpacks. For the best hiking backpacks, Osprey has been an industry leader for years. The Osprey Stratos 36 is currently a good reflection of that tradition!

The Stratos 36 is a fully functional, durable, and versatile minimalist hiking backpack. It provides excellent padding, weather protection (rain fly included), and hiking performance.

36 liters does have its limits—though it also comes with a certain freedom. Having less stuff is truly a blessing. In addition to your physical body being more able to move with less restrictions, in an age of hyper-consumerism, cutting down on useless shit in your life is a liberating feeling.

I really enjoy having a lightweight minimalist travel backpack that I can rely on for short hiking trips.

The hipbelt, chest straps, and shoulder straps are all fully adjustable allowing you to obtain the perfect fit. Even better is the fact that the hipbelt straps and the chest straps are padded with die-cut foam and covered in mesh to provide an even more comfy experience. A big bonus is that the Stratos 36 comes with its own rain cover, which isn’t normally seen in Osprey bags.

For a versatile minimal backpack that will do you right in the city as well as in the mountains, look no further than the Osprey Stratos 36.

Check out my full review of the Osprey Stratos 36 .

• Slick and comfortable design
• Comes with raincover
• Hip and chest straps for secure fit
• Perfect for hiking
• Side mesh pockets make it difficult to access waterbottles
• Squeaks sometimes
• Contoured back panel shape isn’t for everyone

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Best Minimalist Laptop Backpack #1 –  Incase Icon

• Price: $218
• Weight: 2lbs
• Capacity: 13 Liters

Incase is a well-known gear company in the realm of laptop storage and protection solutions. Their Incase Icon backpack is the perfect minimalist laptop backpack. With only 13 liters of storing capacity, it is amazing how Incase incorporated so many features.

The design is sleek, practical, and durable; it is no wonder the Incase Icon has won heaps of awards recently.

For storage, the main compartment provides space for larger items (laptops) and organization for flat documents and small accessories. For smaller items, the secondary compartment offers a series of organizer pockets to hold tech accessories and other odds and ends.

A cool bonus feature is the  hip-side power pocket with an integrated cable port which allows easy access to a portable power bank or headphones.

My only complaint about this minimalist backpack is the price. A 13-liter laptop backpack isn’t super useful for much else other than transporting a laptop and the associated kit, but if you are looking for in a low-volume backpack to fit only this, then you have certainly found it.

I’m also a big fan of Incase’s products, and I’m sure you will be too once you put the Icon into action.

• Low-volume but great features
• Padded laptop pocket
• Small (only 13 liters)
• Not super versatile

Best Minimalist Laptop Backpack #2 –  Timbuk2 Tuck Eco Pack

• Price: $89.00
• Weight: 1 lb. 5.1 oz..
• Capacity: 23 liters

Looking for an awesome minimalist laptop backpack that is comfortable, stylish, AND lightweight? Meet the Timbuk2 Tuck Eco Pack. In addition to being a high-performing minimal backpack, it was specifically purpose-built to safeguard your electronics and important documents.

The Timbuk2 Tuck Eco Pack features expandable volume via the flap or roll top main opening. This design is cool for when you don’t need to pack HEAPS of stuff. Other backpacks end up being floppy and odd-shaped when they are not packed to full capacity.

Since more backpackers are traveling with high-end electronics, having a tough minimalist backpack that offers up sufficient padding and protection to keep your stuff safe is a huge bonus. AND the Tuck Eco Pack is highly water resistant, adding even more bonus points.

I’d say the Timbuk2 Tuck Eco is not the ideal long-term traveling backpack. It is simply too small to be used that way. For quick weekend trips or for everyday use in your busy digital nomad life, the Tuck Eco Pack is the perfect backpack.

• Water resistant
• Expandable volume
• Straps can feel stiff
• Questionable zipper quality
• Customers have expressed concerns about the long-term quality of the bag

• Price: $75.00
• Weight: 1 lb. 5 oz.
• Capacity: 20 Liters

Osprey has arrived on my best minimalist backpacks list again…. But I doubt you’re surprised 😉

For day hikes, the Osprey Daylite Plus is a top candidate for the best minimalist backpack. For most day trips where your primary needs are packing snacks, water, a few layers, and maybe some electronics, the Daylite Plus can serve all of your needs and more.

Frankly, Osprey did a truly fantastic job incorporating pockets into the Daylite Plus. Even this normally  never-satisfied-by-amount-of-pockets-dude  (myself) is very pleased, especially when looking at the price ($75!).

A great addition to the Daylite Plus is the open-topped pocket for quick-use items. To top it off, a small front zip pocket allows you to store items you use frequently in their own zone.

If you are the kind of minimalist hiker that likes to keep things organized, the Osprey Daylite Plus makes it easy to keep your stuff squared away.

The Osprey Daylite Plus helps keep you stay cool when you are active, perfect fro those sweaty-summer hikes. Be sure, the backpack is not a magical anti-sweat device, though the mesh back panels really do aid in keeping the air flowing as well as possible.

To add rain protection to your minimalist backpack, you can pick up an  Osprey Rain Cover  ($23.95). Be sure to take the extra small size!

Check out my in-depth Osprey Daylite Plus review .

• Fits the necessary equipment
• Panels allows airflow when being carried
• Very affordable
• Not ideal for long hikes
• No rain cover
• Frameless backpack not intended for heavy loads

Best Budget Minimalist Backpack –  REI Co-op Traverse 32 

• Price: $159.00
• Weight: 2 lbs. 9 oz. (size m)
• Capacity: 32 Liters

Quality minimalist backpacks are neither super cheap nor super expensive. Luckily, the best minimalist backpacks do not share the same price tag as ultralight backpacks . With the REI Traverse 32, you get a good balance of quality offered up at a decent price point.

The Traverse 32 is an excellent option for a versatile travel and/or hiking backpack. It’s intended use is in fact hiking, though it makes for an excellent travel backpack for minimalist backpackers as well.

The REI Traverse 32 holds plenty of gear for overnight hiking trips, but it’s sleek enough to carry as a daypack if need be. And it’s designed to make every step of your trail time more comfortable.

Some of my favorite features include the large zippered front pocket for on-the-go organization which lies on top of a large stuff-it pocket to store wet, dirty or bulky gear. The “stuff-it” pocket is great for storing sandals, a travel towel , or others bits and pieces too.

You may be thinking $139 bucks isn’t dirt cheap. Remember this: REI has one of the best return policies of any outdoor gear retailer. If anything whatsoever goes wrong with your Traverse 32, you can get it repaired or replaced guaranteed.

If you are planning on traveling to warm-weather climates, the Traverse 32 is a great choice for that. Two more awesome features: a rain cover is included and the backpack is compatible with a hydration reservoir. Score!

• Rain cover and hydration reservoir
• Low-volume but big storage space
• Sleek design
• A few users have reported problems with the chest straps
• Not ideal for super serious/long-distance hiker
• Heavy for a 32 liter backpack

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

Best Minimalist Backpacks Comparison Table

Now that you have see my top picks for the best minimalist backpacks, you need to know a few more things before you go to buy your own.

Like any piece of gear, minimalist backpacks are very activity specific. What will be an excellent choice for certain activities/uses will not translate into a good choice for other applications.

Below I’ll cover a few factors that you should consider before buying a minimalist backpack.

Finding the Best Minimalist Backpack Size

It’s a given that whichever minimalist backpack you go with, it is going to be rather small. That’s the point! Limiting what you can bring on any given journey is at the core of minimalist travel and philosophy.

For me personally, I’d say going with a minimalist backpack in the 35-40 liter range is going to give you the most versatility. Anything bigger and the backpack ceases to be minimalist. Plus, you won’t be able to use it as a carry-on backpack and things just start spiraling down hill from there.

If you are just looking for a smaller backpack to supplement your full-sized hiking backpacker, going with a 20-liter/30-liter is probably your best bet. You also have to keep in mind that it has to sit perfectly on your back, in order to avoid annoying scratches and pressure points. Finding the right fit is just as important as finding the right size.

Laptop-specific backpacks need not be overly large as the main purpose is just to transport your laptop and a few other bits and pieces.

Certainly don’t be intimidated by going with a minimalist backpack. You’ll find it to be a liberating feeling to hit the road without the burden of carrying a truly massive backpack.

Organization and Design Features of your Backpack

Packing your bag can be a struggle, but certainly doesn’t have to be.

In order to get the most of each backpack, the ones featured in this review have created some pretty ingenious organizational features. Some backpacks are so well-endowed with pockets, sleeves, and compartments that my brain struggles to even see the backpack as minimalist at all.

For the sake of this review however, we are defining minimalist as small-volume backpacks, not bare-bones as I mentioned before. You will have noticed that some of the more expensive backpacks are loaded with cool features. This is something you simply have to accept. The more you want, the more you have to pay.

You can be sure that every minimalist backpack has its own unique offerings. Dial in what sort of features are important to you and factor that into your final decision when the time comes to buy your backpack.

Hiking vs Travel Backpacks

I understand that for some backpackers, hiking just isn’t their thing. If you don’t foresee yourself doing much hiking on any given backpacking trip, then going with a travel-only minimalist backpack is the way to go. Often you get more travel-specific features and organizational bits when the backpack is designed for travel. Makes sense.

Likewise, if you’re a keen hiker, you are probably interested in things like comfort, fit, suspension, breathability, etc.

What you intend to use your minimalist backpack for most should determine what style of backpack you go with. If the bag you have your eye on is going to be your main travel backpack, again, you need to factor in what you will be doing most of. Simple, right?

I personally do a lot of hiking, so I need my backpack to be multi-functional. That means:

• sacrificing look for efficiency
• choosing comfort over sleekness
• going for simple structure than lots of pockets and organizational features

That said, all of the best minimalist bags for hiking on my list still have plenty of cool features. They are just purpose-built for travel like some of the others.

For a stand alone pack the AER Travel Pack 3 is certainly the best minimalist backpack on my list for the reasons listed above. It has more features and clever designs built in than I have ever seen from a backpack of its size. Yet, it is compact and certainly limits what you can bring. In fact, the AER is a bit of a catch 22 in the sense that it is the most tricked out minimalist backpack you’ll find.

For an awesome minimalist hiking backpack, the Osprey Stratos 36 is where it’s at.

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What do you normally carry in a minimalist backpack?

The name says it all, a minimalist backpack only fits the essentials. There should be enough space to carry your electronics, wallet, a water bottle and a few other necessities. Don’t expect a minimalist backpack to carry all of your hiking equipment!

What is the best minimalist backpack for travel?

The Tortuga Outbreaker is one of the best minimalist backpacks for domestic and international travel as its got a sleek design, the perfect size for a carry-on and plenty of storage space.

What is the best minimalistic backpack for digital nomads?

Digital Nomads will love the Incase Icon as it keeps their laptop well protected. A cool bonus feature is the hip-side power pocket with an integrated cable port which allows easy access to a portable power bank or headphones.

Which is the most stylish minimalist backpack?

Style always depends on personal preferences, but we at The Broke Backpacker all agreed that the design of the AER Travel Pack 3 is the best!

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

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Well there you have my fellow minimalist care-free travelers… we have arrived at the end of my best minimalist backpacks review.

Minimalist backpacking is one fine way to travel. You’ll quickly discover the freedom and ease of travel that comes with going with a minimalist backpack.

After reading my ultimate review of the best minimalist backpacks, you now know some of the best options available to you. Like I’ve said, each minimalist backpack from this review has its own individual merits.

Now that you have an idea of what some of the top minimalist backpacks are, you can make an informed decision based on your own personal style and preferences.

If you are still on the fence about which minimalist backpack is right for you, I recommend going with my top pick for the best minimalist backpack of the year: the AER Travel Pack 3 .

Want something suuuper minimalist and lightweight, check out the best packable backpacks too, you can even throw one inside one of these bags to all like minimalist-ception (like the movie inception!) or something like that!

Happy stress-free travel amigos!

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You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee . If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂

Aiden Freeborn

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Where’s the Minaal Carry-On 2.0? I’ve travelled southeast Asia for months with this 35 liter travel bag and it’s great.

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How To Travel Like A Minimalist: Packing List And More

Traveling like a minimalist means striking the balance of finding comfort while away from home, but not being weighed down by excess stuff either. Choosing minimalist travel has changed my packing process entirely and made everything easier for me.

Hi, I’m Ryan

Having a minimalist mindset while traveling has taken all the hassle and headache out of my traveling experience. Packing light allows me to have what I need without being weighed down, and focus on the experience of the trip itself.

What Is Minimalist Travel?

Minimalist Travel Packing List: Essentials Only

When I’m packing for any trip, I divide my needs into smaller categories to make the packing process more manageable and keep track of what I actually need. I start with my travel capsule wardrobe, then pack my toiletries. I prefer to organize things into packing cubes to keep the chaos at bay while on the move.

Minimalist Travel Capsule Wardrobe

Traveling with a well-planned capsule wardrobe is the move for any vacation, especially if you’re trying to travel like a minimalist. Clothes are a major culprit that take up a lot of space in a suitcase or bag. Create your own capsule wardrobe to minimize your luggage.

To do this, you’ll want to think through several things. Check the weather for the entirety of your trip, and choose items that will work with the climate you’ll be in. It’s also important to pack high-quality, staple pieces that can be worn more than once, especially for longer trips where you’ll have access to a washer and dryer.

Similar to personal uniforms , capsule wardrobes work best when you have a few base pieces like neutral shirts and pants, and then accentuate with only a few pieces that can give the outfit an entirely new look.

A Basic Travel Capsule Might Include

• Two T-shirts
• Two long sleeves or tank tops
• Two pairs of shorts or jeans
• One dress or suit
• Sweater or swimwear
• Four pairs of underwear
• Four pairs of socks

My own capsule wardrobe is pretty simple, but you can make it as decorative or basic as you prefer. Of course, this basic list will need to be adjusted based on the weather on your trip, if you have plans to go out somewhere fancy, or any other trip-specific clothing needs that might come up.

Minimalist Travel Toiletries

Toiletries are probably the second biggest category of travel items that can suck the space from your suitcase. Of course, it’s different for women and men, and it also depends on how basic your daily routine is.

If I’m going to a place that doesn’t provide basics, I tend to pack a two-in-one bar that can I use as my shampoo, bodywash and facewash — my favorite is the Duke Cannon’s Midnight Swim Bars or their Shampoo Pucks in Gold Rush Scent .

For the larger bar, I cut a chunk off to suit the length of my trip put in a Matador flat pack soap bar bag . The pucks come in a small tin which is super convenient. I’m not one to overcomplicate things with multiple products, but I also don’t have temperamental skin or hair.

Basic Toiletries To Pack As A Minimalist

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Conditioner
• Facial cleanser or wipes
• Razor and shaving cream
• Basic makeup
• Daily medications
• Feminine products

When it comes to packing my toiletries as space-consciously as possible, I use Gotoobs to hold my liquid toiletries , which have never leaked on me, and I put that in a bag inside my larger toiletry bag where I keep everything else. This saves me space and keeps my liquid toiletries separate to help prevent leaks or spills in transport.

Toiletries You Can Travel Without

• Extra lotions or skin creams
• Entire makeup bag
• Multiple hair styling tools
• Hair accessories
• Nail polish
• Essential oils or perfumes

Ryan’s Minimalist Toiletries

My personal toiletry kit has a two-in-one soap puck, deodorant, razor, comb, tooth brush, toothpaste tablets, and a nail clipper. I use the shampoo puck as body and face wash, then also use it for shaving.

The two white tablets in the photo are mini hand towels that expand — those along with the face wipes are a godsend when you’ve been traveling for a long time and need to wash up when you don’t have access to a shower. The Purell packets are also good because their size won’t bring much attention as a single use packet going through airport security.

For longer trips, I’ll often add shaving cream, a mini sewing kit, and lotion.

Minimalist Daily Travel Essentials

One of the best things to do when it comes to packing the rest of your miscellaneous daily items is to have a central location in your home where these items live regularly. This could look like a catchall tray, a storage bin, or a backpack or travel bag.

Keep daily essentials like chargers, electronics, a water bottle, and more in this spot. Then, when you’re preparing for a trip, you can move all of your essentials to your luggage quickly. You’ll save yourself the mental space of having to fish through your closet or under your bed for your lesser-used items that are still essentials.

Daily Essentials For Minimalist Packing

• Charging cords
• Keys and wallet
• Cash and credit cards
• Identification (license/passport)
• Refillable water bottle
• Book/notebook
• First-aid kit

Ryan’s Daily Minimalist Essentials

When I’m packing my minimalist travel bag, I usually put all of these daily essentials in a separate travel bag than my clothes and toiletries. If I’m flying, this is what I fill my carry-on with for easy access. Even if I’m road-tripping in a car or travel van , I usually put these items in a carry-all pouch that goes in my backpack.

Ryan’s Daily Items Packing List

• Modern Coup Admin Pouch
• Benchmade Bugout Pocket Knife
• Smooth Precision Pens – Bolt Action Pen V2.2
• Anker Compact737 Charger
• Herschel Slim Men’s Wallet
• Field Notes Notebook
• Griffin Mini-Cable Kit
• Human Gear Go Bites Duo Utensil Set

Trip-Specific Items For Minimalist Travel

Once I’ve covered all my daily essentials and basic needs, I usually have about half a suitcase of room left to focus on items specific to my trip. This could be anything from ski gear to a surfboard to your bridesmaid dress to a nylon tent and off-grid camping cookware .

I don’t know about you, but the process of packing always feels super tedious and mentally draining to me. Covering all of your basics first is one of the best ways to pack like a minimalist and make the packing process way less daunting. You knock out all the more thought-intensive categories first, then just focus on the fun stuff.

How To Pack Like A Minimalist: Best Travel Gear

In addition to having a packing strategy and following a packing list, using savvy packing gadgets can help you travel light. Investing in these simple products can make your minimalist packing life a whole lot easier.

Four Piece Packing Cube Set

GoToobs And GoTubbs By Humangear

Packism Clear Toiletry Bag

Like I mentioned in my advice above, when I pack my toiletries, I like to separate my wet toiletries from my dry toiletries. These small, clear toiletry bags by Packism are an ideal size to store all my liquid toiletries and then nestle into my larger suitcase or carry on.

Matador Toiletry Bag And Soap Bar Case

General Medi Store First Aid Kit

Nomader Collapsible Leak-Proof Water Bottle

Build A Minimalist Travel Backpack For Solo Travel

For me, traveling solo has been something that has set me free and given me experiences that I could never have had by just staying home. In the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of traveling 23 countries including Canada , Australia , and several European and Latin American countries .

Best Minimalist Travel Backpacks For Solo Travel

Fitting all of the belongings I need into a simple travel backpack always provides me with a deeply freeing feeling. Choosing a minimalist travel backpack that will support you fully, last for years without tearing, and have room for all your travel gadgets and gizmos is a must.

I have a couple of personal favorite travel backpacks that I would recommend for regular use. The first one is the GoRuck GR1 . The GR1 is ridiculously sturdy and ideal for strenuous hikes or camping trips. I also love the Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack . It has an extremely strong hip belt and sturdy shoulder straps, and multiple compartments for storing all the gear you might need.

Other Popular Minimalist Travel Backpacks

• Minaal Carry-on 3.0
• Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L
• Matador SEG42
• Zpacks Nero 38L ROBIC
• AER Travel Pack 2

How To Pack Your Minimalist Travel Backpack

Figuring out how to pack your travel backpack is a whole other can of worms. Of course, this will also heavily depend on where you’re going on your trip, how long you’ll be gone, and what your essential needs will be.

There are a few things I make sure to always have with me when I pack my minimalist travel bag for camping, off-griding, or any kind of basic travel.

Travel Backpacking List

• Basic hygiene supplies
• Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
• Water treatment supplies
• Snacks/food
• Map/compass/GPS
• Small tools/repair kit

Does Minimalist Travel Make Life Better?

• How will you pack like a minimalist on your next vacation?
• What items will you pack verses go without?

Thanks for this article. I’m planning to visit some family living in Mexico and bought a overhead suitcase to use for traveling..made a stateside trip and and stuff it with what I thought I’d need for a 3week trip..with your list ideas, I’ll make smarter packing & weight decisions..looking forward to hassle freely out of country trip more now..

Great post. Very helpful. Thank you.

Even more minimalist: Williams Lectric Shave in a small poly eye dropper bottle. Using drops at a time it lasts weeks. A 5 blade razor will go a month. Tick tweezers, not eyelash pluckers. Travel liquid soap for hair & body, refill as you please leave the label on. NO buds as they are prone to lowering your awareness to thieves and muggers.

No logo clothing, simple full cut, no western stretch synthetics – natural fibers. Same for footwear, heavy euro hikers aren’t normal in most cultures, and NO camo patterns – actually illegal and not welcome. Keep the egear to bare minimums and know the local plugs and adapters.

An inexpensive digital is much lighter than a heavy stainless dive watch, leave pricey jewelry at home.

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ULTIMATE Minimalist Travel Capsule Wardrobe

Want to create a minimalist travel capsule wardrobe but don’t know where to start? In this guide we teach you how to put together the ultimate minimalist travel wardrobe that works for every season no matter the destination. 

Important Note : This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click through and make a purchase I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you!

But before we get into the specifics of making our minimalist travel capsule wardrobe we first thought it would be a good idea to explain what exactly a travel capsule wardrobe is, why you should pack one and how to put it together.

Table of Contents

What is a Minimalist Travel Capsule Wardrobe?

So what is a minimalist travel capsule wardrobe? In some ways you could say that all capsule wardrobes whether for travel or not are a minimalist way of buying and wearing clothes.

Any capsule wardrobe uses a few key pieces of clothing to make up several cute mix and match outfits. It basically means that every piece of your wardrobe, can be used in multiple outfits to create completely different outfits. And it is a great way to make sure that you pack light do not overpack for your travels.

A minimalist travel capsule wardrobe takes these a little more extreme and has 10 or less basic wardrobe items that can make multiple different outfits.

Depending on the length of our travels and the destination we also use other packing techniques to create our capsule wardrobes such as:

• The 54321 packing method
• the Sudoku packing technique (3 x 3 packing method).

However this minimalist travel capsule wardrobe aims to have a few key pieces that can be used wherever you are traveling for whatever season and is the perfect base for all your travel capsule wardrobes.

Having said that however if you want to have more seasonal or destination specific minimalist travel capsule wardrobes you may want to check our other more specific travel capsule wardrobes for more specific guidance:

• Summer Travel Capsule Wardrobe
• Fall Travel Capsule Wardrobe
• Winter Travel Capsule Wardrobe
• Spring Travel Capsule Wardrobe
• Beach Vacation Capsule Wardrobe
• Business Travel Capsule Wardrobe
• Cruise Capsule Wardrobe
• River Cruise Capsule Wardrobe
• Safari Capsule Wardrobe.

So now you know what a minimalist travel capsule wardrobe is how do you begin to put one together?

How to put together a Minimalist Travel Capsule Wardrobe

Whenever I am putting together a capsule travel wardrobe I always start with the same principles for narrowing down my selection. The first being:

Select a color palette

Having a clear color palette is essential for creating any successful capsule wardrobe for travel. Without a clear color palette your items will not mix and match correctly and therefore will not create multiple cohesive outfits.

But a color palette does not have to be boring or monochrome in order to create a successful capsule wardrobe.

However for this example of the perfect travel capsule wardrobe for minimalist travelers we have stuck to a relatively muted color palette using neutral colors. That is because we aim to have only c.10 clothing items in this minimalist travel capsule wardrobe. However if you have a signature color or palette you prefer go for it!

Plan out your outfits in advance

Whenever I am packing my travel capsule wardrobe, I always lay my clothes out and plan my outfit combinations in advance.

This way you know that everything you have goes in your outfits and can be used multiple times.

Have machine washable items

Although part of the success to many capsule wardrobe is having fewer but higher quality pieces there is a word of caution to be had when putting together a minimalist travel capsule wardrobe.

We recommend buying items of as high a quality as your budget can afford as you will only be selecting a limited number of clothes. But do check the washing instructions before purchase.

If you are going on a longer trip with a minimalist travel capsule wardrobe you are going to need to do some laundry. It will be easier if you can put items in a washing machine rather than sending them out for dry cleaning constantly.

Avoid lots of patterns

Although I LOVE patterns, and usually have at least one patterned item on my packing lists, I recommend avoid lots of patterns when doing minimalist packing. That is because it is harder to coordinate lots of bold patterns together and can restrict the number of outfits you can take.

Check weather and itinerary before travel

Obviously this is a generic minimalist travel capsule wardrobe. However a word of caution is to always check the weather at your destination 7 days before travel and keep an eye on it up until departure.

That is because you can always get heat waves and cold snaps no matter when and where you are traveling and may mean you need to alter some of the pieces on this packing list.

Minimalist Travel Capsule Wardrobe Essential Items

So now you know the principles of how to put together a minimalist travel capsule wardrobe we will look at the essential pieces to include:

Best Pants for Minimalist Travel Capsule Wardrobes

Usually when I start putting together my capsule wardrobes I start with the pants / trousers first. I generally speaking own more tops than bottoms, therefore I like to pick our the pants first as I have more tops to play with.

Black Pants

No packing list or capsule wardrobe is complete without a pair of black pants in my opinion.

My absolute favorite travel pant of the moment has to be the Athleta Brooklyn Pant which happily come in black as standard (though there are also some great bold colors too).

These pants have a stylish but comfortable elastic waistband which for me make them my go to airplane outfit.

But not only that the fact that they do not wrinkle, along with the ability to machine wash and dry make them perfect for traveling and including in this minimalist capsule wardrobe.

I like to wear these as part of my airplane outfit which again saves room in your luggage and means as a minimalist traveler you may be able to travel with carry on only / hand luggage only.

Click here to shop the Athleta Brooklyn ankle pant for travel.

A Pair of Jeans

Although a pair of jeans may not be an essential as part of a summer capsule wardrobe they are absolutely an essential item for my minimalist travel capsule wardrobe at other times of year.

Although black jeans are super versatile pieces, the fact that you are traveling with a black pant means that you may want a different color.

Personally I prefer to travel with a dark blue pair of jeans as part of this minimalist wardrobe for travel. They are more versatile and hide stains better than light wash jeans. Also you will find in Europe in particular that dark blue are a popular style and more in keeping with more local fashion.

To have a pair of jeans that works in most locations around the world I would personally also go for a style that is more fitted or even a pair of skinny jeans as opposed to ripped or boyfriend style jeans.

I recommend packing your favorite pair of jeans where possible, however if you are looking for the best jeans for travel we don’t think that you can go wrong with the Eddie Bauer Voyager jeans! These jeans have amazing flex that mean they are comfy even on long haul flights, but are also completely machine washable.

Click here to shop the best jeans for travel.

Note : if you are traveling to a warm-weather trip these could be swapped out for a pair of shorts instead.

My final essential bottom has to be a skirt. I recommend trying to stick to a neutral color pallette again. I tend to select something in black, tan or navy.

Although you can go with any skirt style you like, my preferred length when traveling minimalist is a midi length skirt. This is because mini skirts are not allowed at religious sites such as the Vatican, Italian churches and the Sagrada Familia to name but a few.

While a maxi dress or skirt on the other hand can drag on the floor and can become a hazard especially when doing activities such as cycling in Amsterdam .

For this reason we think a midi skirt if the perfect compromise. I personally like these black pleated skirts however tulle skirts are also very popular amongst the digital nomads and travellers today and is great for getting that perfect instagram shot! However this is a personal style choice and you should pack the style you are most comfy in.

Click here to shop best skirts for minimalist travel wardrobes.

Dresses are a hard one to include in a minimalist capsule wardrobe as you will need accessories to style them differently, and they can be quite seasonal.

However one type of dress I love for a capsule wardrobe is the classic little black dress. This is one of those timeless pieces that every woman should have in their wardrobe, for travel or not.

While you can pick any style of little black dress (LBD) that you want, I personal think the most versatile style for a capsule wardrobe has to be the classic wrap dress. I tend to select a midi dress for the same reasons as above.

This can be paired with white sneakers for a daytime look, but can be smarter with some statement jewelry and a pashmina or cardigan etc.

Click here to shop wrap dresses for travel.

Best Tops for a Minimalist Travel Capsule Wardrobe

So now you know the best pants and dresses to take for your minimalist travel capsule wardrobe we will turn our attention to the best tops to pack for travel.

No capsule wardrobe, no matter the destination or season is complete without a basic tee. Now you could go with a white t-shirt, however these show marks very quickly. For this reason I tend to avoid a plain white tee as part of a capsule travel wardrobe.

Instead opt for something neutral like tan or grey, but if you are looking to put some color in your wardrobe you can add something really bright. And because all of your bottoms are neutral you can really go with any color you like!

You could also pack a black top but I find this personally to be a little to monotone.

Note : you could go with something with a graphic or illustration. Personally I am partial to a band tee. However for Europe you will find that plain t shirts are more in keeping with local styles.

Also you could select a tank top over a tee with a cap sleeve. But as there are places where you have to cover your shoulders i.e. churches and temples I prefer to go with a cap sleeve t shirt.

Click here to shop tees for travel.

Patterned blouse

Although I limit the number of patterned items that I take when putting together a minimalist capsule wardrobe, I like to include a patterned blouse. It is a great way of adding a visual statement to your wardrobe and can be worn for both day and night looks.

Click here to shop blouses.

White Shirt

Although I don’t tend to pack too many white items in a capsule wardrobe, I think a crisp white button down shirt is a must have statement piece.

Personally I love to have an oversized blouse but this is a personal choice.

Click here to shop white shirt for travel.

Best Layers for your Minimalist Travel Capsule Wardrobe

Camel cardigan.

For me a camel cardigan is one of those timeless pieces that everyone should have in their wardrobe as they are great for year-round capsule wardrobes.

They pair well will denim and black pants and are an elegant top layer for dinners and evenings out.

Click here to shop camel cardigans.

A sweater is another great day to night transition piece. I particularly like sweaters made of merino wool as they are light and easy to pack, but also look very stylish.

Click here to shop sweaters.

Although a casual item, my capsule wardrobe is never complete without a hoodie and is often worn as part of airplane outfit.

I tend to wear this for more day time sightseeing as opposed to nightwear.

Click here to shop hoodies for travel.

But I would also pack some top layers / Jackets. You won’t need all of these but it is best to pick in relation to the weather at your destination.

Best Jackets for a Minimalist Travel wardrobe

As you are traveling in a minimalist way, I recommend packing one of the below. However depending on the destination and type of year of travel / season will depend on which jacket is most appropriate. However here are our favorite jackets for travel.

Leather Jacket

I personally prefer a leather jacket over a denim jacket. That is just because I hate denim on denim and there are always jeans in my capsule wardrobe. However this is just my style.

For the color combinations in this minimalist capsule wardrobe a black leather jacket is most versatile. However if you go for a navy base color then a brown leather jacket would be a great pick.

Click here to shop leather jackets.

Trench Coat

A trench coat is a particularly stylish item that I usually include on my Europe travel capsule wardrobe.

Personally I like to have one that has at least some water resistance.

Shop trench coats here.

Waterproof Coat / Jacket

If you are traveling in the cooler months of late fallthen a heavier jacket or puffer is a good idea for chillier temperatures. In some rare occasion you may need a full coat but this is destination specific.

And dependent on the weather will depend on whether you need something that is water resistant or fully waterproof.

Click here to shop jackets for travel.

Want to know how to pack coats for travel? Check out this post?

Best Shoes for Minimalist Travel Capsule Wardrobes

So now you have the main staple items of our travel capsule wardrobe for minimalists we will turn our attention to the best pair of shoes to pack. I often find that shoes are the easiest item to overpack . However for my minimalist travel capsule wardrobe I recommend just two pairs of shoes. They are:

I never travel without a pair of sneakers. Some of my favorite travel sneaker brands are Hoka and All Birds for vacations that will involve lots of walking. Ecco are another good brand if you want a sneaker with some waterproofing.

However overall the most versatile sneaker for Fall travel has to be plain white sneakers. My current favorite brand is the  Addidas Cloud Foam  as they are just so comfy for walking in and work well worn with dresses, skirts, jeans and more.

On top of sneakers I also recommend packing one of the following two items depending on time of year and weather at your destination:

Ankle Boots

Ankle boots or chelsea boots are great for travel in the Winter or shoulder seasons and for destinations that won’t be hot. They look smarter for dinners than sneakers and can also cope with cold and even rainy weather if you pick the right pair.

For the color scheme of this minimalist travel capsule wardrobe I recommend packing a black pair.

Shop ankle boots here.

However if you are going to a warm weather destination, or beach location then sandals should be your choice instead of ankle boots.

Click here to shop comfortable walking sandals.

Note : flip flops really aren’t comfortable shoes for walking in, so I only pack these if I have plenty of room in my case and if I will be spending lots of time on the beach rather than sightseeing in a city.

I like to pick a pair that is good for walking and has arch support for walking too. Brands I love for this are Teva and Birkenstock but you should pick the style and look you are most comfortable with.

What else to Pack for your Minimalist Travel Wardrobe

All of the above are essentials in my minimalist travel wardrobe however the items in this section are nice to haves that can dress up and style outfits differently while not taking up much space in your case.

How much underwear you need to pack as part of your capsule travel wardrobe will depend on how long you are traveling for and what access to laundry facilities you will have. Therefore pack appropriately.

However one item we always include is a flesh colored bra. This will go under any color top and as is an essential in my book.

Pashminas are my number one  travel essential for women  as they are so versatile as a great layering piece and are always part of my perfect fall capsule wardrobe.

They can be used as an extra layer in the cooler weather or even as a scarf, and can also make outfits more modest at religious sites. And of course they are a great day to style an outfit differently for a day to night transition.

Click here to shop pashminas.

Traveling with jewelry can feel a bit like a minefield especially if you are worried about traveling with expensive or precious jewelry.

The type of jewelry you travel with is really a personal choice about what you feel comfortable with. However we think even traveling with some costume jewelry is a good idea to help you make your capsule wardrobe outfits look a bit different.

For more information on how to travel with jewelry check out this post.

Crossbody Bag

A  crossbody bag,  the anti theft type is actually always on my packing lists especially for traveling in cities such as Rome and Barcelona.

It can add peace of mind for travellers by making you a harder target for pickpockets. When selecting a crossbody bag I would pick something in a neutral color such as brown, black or navy depending on the palette of your capsule wardrobe and think about one that can be sued throughout your seasonal capsule wardrobes.

Shop  crossbody bags here.

Again, a hat is by no means an essential but they can transform an outfit and can make for some great instagram worthy photo.

For Summer I would pack a wide brimmed straw hat for extra sun protection, for the shoulder season a suede type floppy hair is a great idea but for Winter a beanie for added warmth is my go to.

Bathing Suit

Only required if you plan on swimming on your vacation.

Good Deodorant

As the point of a minimalist travel capsule wardrobe is to reuse items to create many different looks it is absolutely essential that you have a good deodorant that works for you. Otherwise you may find yourself short on the top front.

We hope this has helped you put together your own Minimalist Capsule travel wardrobe . But if you have any questions about how to create a minimalist travel capsule wardrobe leave us a comment below and we will do our best to get back to you as soon as we can.

And we always love to see your capsule wardrobe photographs so do send them in or tag us on Instagram or Facebook.

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Cutting The Clutter Out: 8 Young Indians Talk About Minimalism

“OMG! This Zara Fuschia jacket is at 50% discount, I NEED to buy it!”

“But I know that I already have a blue Linen Mango jacket and a grey Next jacket, and oh, well, it’s so hot in Bombay, I might never end up wearing this new one at all.”

“Well, it’ll be vintage in a few years and it’s not that I am going to be in Bombay all my life.”

Hit ‘Buy Now’. Pay. Viola! It’s mine!

Even though you’re slyly snickering, perhaps thinking of how wasteful it was of the writer to buy something they didn’t even need, or even slightly perplexed about why are you even reading the musings of what looks like a compulsive shopper, a certain note of this story does feel a little familiar, doesn’t it? And yes, just like the writer here, we’ve all been there. Generations of people bickering, crying for and negotiating, sometimes citing their own great taste, sometimes quoting a certain commercial that made them believe that this is their one and only chance at securing the best ever jacket in the world and if they could buy this one jacket, the world would be theirs! This is temptation. It was listed as one of the ‘Seven deadly sins’, but thanks to capitalism (well actually, let’s be honest, people did commit the ‘sin’ even before that), this has become a way of life.

The consumerist culture has become so ingrained in our lifestyle that we don’t even consider thinking about buying. It has had distracted us from being intentional and careful about the things we possess. Instead of purposing and being confident of what we already own, we give in to the temptation of acquiring more and more, and even more. Quite honestly, somewhere in the back of our heads, we all know that we own a lot more than we need and yes, we are all to blame for the global disparity.

We suggest Minimalism.

Minimalism, with an effortless mindset of sustainability, has the potential of creating a decluttered space. Be it wardrobe choices, home décor or a simple way of life, minimalism has proven its benefits. In fact, it not only clears up space but also creates more room for creativity and sensitivity to seep in. Think about it: If I could tell myself and believe that I have enough before clicking ‘buy now’ on the e-commerce website, I wouldn’t be hoarding more and more stuff. I would probably have one less jacket but I would know the value of each of the jackets I own. Each of those would have a purpose.

We know that our readers always stay one step ahead and so, we went around asking what some of our readers had to say about Minimalism and how they suit it to their lives.

I. Alisha Kaisar, 31

Why is minimalism important to you?

Minimalism breaks the clutter and helps me calm the chaos in my head. I buy more consciously and don’t overspend on things I really don’t require.

What changes have you made in your lifestyle?

I use clean skincare, have more home-cooked meals and try to buy as much organic produce as possible. I’m also trying to incorporate sustainable fashion and use more natural materials for home décor.

Would you recommend it? If so, why?

I would recommend it because when we can spend money to help somebody who needs it more, then we should definitely do that. Also, buying something as an investment that you could use more often and for a longer period of time helps reduce wastage and pollution.

II. Bhawna Saharan, 23

It’s important because it helps me focus on other important issues in my life. And excess is an old concept and being able to live without many needs and wants is the way to be!

Removed all unnecessary things from my life to live a life that is simple and meaningful.

I recommend it cause it opens up so many other perspectives in lives that we didn’t know existed. It adds value to what we are doing and makes us more focused on what is really important.

III. Mrudula Joshi, 24

For the peace of mind and frugal living.

Stopped shopping, only swap second hand. I don’t buy anything unless I can’t live without it. I clear out what I don’t need by giving it away. I tell people to not gift me anything.

Definitely! Buying and consuming has become an addiction in the name of momentary satisfaction, trying minimalism definitely gives perspective on what really matters in the end. We all need that grounding peace of mind in the end. And minimalism can get us there.

IV. Hrithik Uppala, 19

It is not only important to me but also to the environment . Minimalism helps to develop our mind into a conscious lifestyle. We start to think more about our resources and their existence. Earth is a resourceful planet bit finite.

Many changes like fewer clothes , only one pair of footwear, minimum use of water while using the bathroom, etc.

Would you recommend it, if so why?

Yes, of course. It is a must because it helps to think and care for our finite resources.

V. Pooja , 32

I think minimalism helped me realise that I was trying to fill a void with material things. It has allowed me to make mindful choices and pay close attention to what really brings me happiness (hint: it’s not stuff). I love the fact that I know why I own a certain product as opposed to indulging in frivolous expenditures that hold no great value beyond the date of purchase. It has also taught me to live within my means and that happiness cannot be bought, it is rather found in the experiences one goes through. It has also made me respect my belongings more.

While my wardrobe is evidence of the change I have undergone, I have also learnt to buy less. I am more mindful about what I buy. I always ask myself the question if I can live without buying a certain thing. In most cases, I can. Today, I pride myself on owning five amazing, unique things instead of 50 mediocre, mundane impulse purchases that I don’t value. When we travel, we buy something to remember the place by and not just useless things that are a product of a shopping spree gone wild.

I think commercial industries are all trying to get us to buy stuff. E-commerce giants compete with each other with big sales and what we don’t realise is that we’re victims of a much bigger strategy. There is more than enough stuff in this world. Apart from the obvious social or environmental angle and the role we should be worried about playing in it, there is also a need for individual introspection. I believe we always have more than enough. We have what we need. We don’t need more. This generation and those to follow have to deal with the epidemic of the excess which is far far worse than having less of something. Because we have lost the ability to value what we have.

VI. Rohit K Jakhu, 28

I believe no ‘-isms’ are ideal but having less definitely makes sense as there are tonnes of other things that require attention and that are more important than adding things to your house/wardrobe/life.

I’m certainly making sure that I don’t do small things like trashing when I’m out of home, walk long distances instead of using public transport, rotate about a dozen clothes throughout so there’s less to wash saving water, time and energy. I’m trying to eliminate plastic from my life but that gets tricky at times.

For all the reasons mentioned above and, of course, the generation that’s about to take precedence, need to create a sustainable environment for themselves. Keeping things minimal will ensure that. And collectively if you look at it, if most of us swear by minimalism, it will have a greater impact on the overall face of our planet.

VII. Rajashree Nagaraj, 33

For order and peace of mind.

Conscious consumerism, gratefulness, mindfulness, and responsible discarding.

This is a completely new zone, there’s no one size fits all. Figure out what suits your lifestyle, circumstances and financial situation.

VIII. Vinanti Kothari, 28

It reduces a lot of stress involved in choosing and accumulating. Coming from a family of hoarders, it was hard for me to not see so many things around me. I suffer from OCD and for me, that can mean having to reset everything to its place every morning and evening. So, now I only buy things that are extremely needed and have a place to go.

I do not buy plastic water bottles; I carry cloth bags with me all the time. I gave away most of the things I had accumulated while moving out of my house and had my new house set up in a way that everything had its place and made no extra storage for the future urges. I am a maker of things as well professionally, but I keep away from marketing my things like “you really need to get it!!” It’s something I make with my hands, which is my chosen lifestyle. I will only encourage people who really need it to organise their home to buy and to support my passion. I will never encourage to keep on buying.

I would so recommend it. Minimalism doesn’t only reduce the things you own but cuts down the urges to keep up with the latest fast fashion trends that the media keeps feeding your brain. It keeps your head clean and lets you see above all of the lies.

If you enjoyed this article, we suggest you read:

8 Contemporary Indian Fashion Labels That Celebrate Minimalism

Spin – The Indian Furniture Brand That Heroes Minimalism

We Profiled 4 Young Indians Who Have Given Up Fast Fashion

The Indian Minimalist

Yoga, Meditation & Life.

As an Indian and a minimalist, my life has highly been influenced by the practice of Yoga. It has given me enormous strength and healed me in times of distress. As a writer, I talk about the practice and its benefits in depth.

Born in the land of great yogis, I talk about starting this practice to building a routine that helps me relax and empowers me on every decision making process. Through meditation, I have gained things I would love to share.

My life has revolved around failures. I have been a failure in relationships, in business and in life. Everytime I have bounced back from failures and here I am sharing my stories around my failures and what inspired me.

The Essence of Indian Minimalism: A Guide to Simplifying Your Life

Embracing Simplicity in the Chaos of Modern India

In a rapidly changing world, where consumerism often dictates our choices and lifestyles, the concept of minimalism has gained significant traction. Minimalism, as a lifestyle, encourages us to declutter our lives, focus on what truly matters, and find contentment in simplicity. But what does minimalism mean in the context of India, a country known for its rich culture, diverse traditions, and vibrant way of life?

The Indian Way of Life

India, a land of contrasts, is often described as a country where opulence and austerity coexist. It’s a place where the grandeur of festivals, weddings, and celebrations knows no bounds, yet the ethos of simplicity is deeply ingrained in our culture. Indian minimalism is, therefore, a unique blend of tradition and modernity, spirituality and materialism.

The Influence of Indian Philosophy

To truly understand Indian minimalism, we must delve into the philosophies that have shaped the nation’s collective consciousness for millennia. Concepts such as “Atithi Devo Bhava” (the guest is God) and “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family) emphasize the values of hospitality, compassion, and interconnectedness. These philosophies underscore the idea that our possessions and desires should not hinder our ability to extend kindness and love to others.

Minimalism in Everyday Life

Indian minimalism extends beyond the confines of aesthetics. It’s about embracing a simpler, more meaningful way of life. Here are some practical aspects of Indian minimalism:

• Wardrobe Choices : Indian minimalism in clothing means selecting timeless, versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create various outfits. Traditional clothing, such as a classic saree or kurta, embodies simplicity and elegance.
• Sustainable Living : In a country that’s making strides in environmental conservation, Indian minimalism aligns with eco-friendly practices. Reusing, repurposing, and reducing waste are essential components of this lifestyle.
• Mindful Consumption : In a world where fast fashion and consumerism are rampant, Indian minimalists emphasize mindful consumption. Purchasing items with intention and supporting local artisans aligns with the values of simplicity and community.
• Balancing Tradition and Modernity : Indian minimalism doesn’t mean rejecting modern amenities. It’s about striking a balance between embracing technology and maintaining a connection to our cultural roots.

The Role of Rituals and Meditation

One of the most beautiful aspects of Indian minimalism is the incorporation of mindfulness practices into daily life. Practices like yoga and meditation provide an opportunity to declutter the mind, reduce stress, and connect with our inner selves. These practices, deeply rooted in Indian tradition, offer a path to mental and spiritual simplicity.

Indian minimalism is not a rejection of our vibrant culture; it’s an invitation to sift through the noise of modern life and find the essence of what truly matters. It’s about honoring tradition while adapting to the demands of contemporary living. By embracing Indian minimalism, we can find balance, purpose, and contentment in a world that often pulls us in different directions.

In the cacophony of life, Indian minimalism reminds us to seek harmony and simplicity, not just in our external surroundings but within ourselves as well. It’s an invitation to live authentically, cultivate gratitude, and find peace amid the chaos. So, as you navigate the complexities of modern India, consider how you can infuse the essence of Indian minimalism into your life, and discover the beauty of simplicity in a land of contrasts.

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Welcome to the world’s most complete guides to:

• Wherever we feel like going and however we end up getting there (usually choo-choo trains )
• Hacking language learning —from our tips to becoming fluent in a new language to science-based advanced strategies for the true language nerd to just getting fluent-enough in 20 minutes to joke, flirt, and toast
• Shaking our cabooses to Brazilian and lesser forms of music

Hopefully our sweatily earned wisdom will save you folks some time and hassle on the road.

• 1. Sweet, Minimalist Travel Gear
• 2. Comfort + Low Carbon
• 3. Real, Deep Travel Experiences—and Fun, Shallow Ones Too

I’ve been on the road for most of the last two decades. Here’s my take on packing:

• You’ll enjoy the trip more if you pack (even) less .
• The few key things that you do bring should be multi-use and durable. Here’s a minimalist’s packing list to make sure what you do carry counts and is useful.
• Please don’t buy more stuff than you need or replace gear unnecessarily. But if you do need something new, check out our reviews of luggage (you’ll see a lot of rolling backpacks) and travel accessories (portable speakers , hooks , water bottles , hair trimmers , tiny corkscrews , small and large toiletry bags ) to get stuff that really works. Poorly functioning or broken gear on the road is no fun.

A lot of things that are better for the planet also happen to make for wiser and more comfortable travel:

• Less is more: Limit the number of places you visit , spending more time in each one. This gives you more time for deeper connections with places and people, reduces your carbon footprint enormously, and saves money and travel headaches.
• Take trains wherever possible . We have a quick guide to European train travel that shows how to get cheaper tickets and travel smoothly, as well as many individual country train guides and other train travel hacks .
• When trains don’t work out, we hope you’ll consider buses instead of flying wherever possible; buses are surprisingly comfortable in Brazil and much of Latin America, and cheap in Europe .

Travel is much more rewarding if it involves something more than staring at ruins you don’t understand or getting sloppy drunk on a beach.

Even small experiences, like learning to make Mexican mole, dance samba, or string together a few words to tell a joke in a marginalized language, can make a vacation into an enriching, memorable experience.

I’m a polyglot who got fluent in 7.5 languages as an adult—and I swear I’m not particularly gifted with memorization or accents. I’ve also read a lot about the science of learning second language learning.

What I’d like to share with you from my journey is this:

• Duolingo, Rosetta Stone, etc. are designed to be addictive and that’s great for keeping you learning. But these are not serious ways to actually become good at speaking a language .
• It’s generally a lot of work to learn a language. Question if you want to do it? Maybe learn to dance, sew, or cook instead?
• If you do want to dive in and be able to actually understand and speak (and not just pass some test), there are strategies that can work great for individual, self-directed language learning .
• Sometimes there’s not enough time in life to learn a whole language, but it can be deeply rewarding to minimally learn a language in order to be able to flirt, joke, toast, etc . I’ve done this with Neapolitan , Sicilian , German , Galician , Russian , Mexican Spanish , and more; it’s a great way to get a little window into the specific mindset of a culture.

Our dear readers, who sometimes even have a point, send in their comments and we update articles continuously—slaving away while on fast trains or overnight buses to keep this thing accurate and useful.

Our Reviewers’ Picks of Underrated, Useful Travel Gear

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Design Pataki > Understanding Indian Minimalism

Understanding Indian Minimalism

• 11:03 am by Crew

Minimalism is one of the most misunderstood trends in modern design. From its inception in the early 20th century many have wondered at the appeal of the simple framework and elemental colour palette over the glamour of plush, intricate design. The core ideal of modern minimalism, based on the Japanese art of reductivism, is that less is more, that by stripping an object or space to its essential function, its true beauty is revealed. The noise and excess is sidelined to allow the simple aesthetic to shine, as industrial designer Dieter Rams said of Minimalism ‘it’s less, but better’.

India is well known for its decadent design and its propensity for kaleidoscopic colours but recently the design world has begun to cautiously dip its toe in the minimalistic pool. The framework of traditional Indian architecture provides an ideal base for minimalist decor and with the current sustainable movement interior designers have been quick to fuse the two styles. Unlike in the West, or even in Japan, Indian minimalism tends to eschew the typical metal and glass in favour of warmer, more rustic wood. This return to natural material plus the addition of stone accents means that while the minimalist theory is still in place, the design takes on a more comforting, familiar aesthetic that is missing from the sterile glossy interpretations elsewhere.

Across the country designers are embracing the style and brands like Objectry and Case Goods have mastered the use of wood in their creations and are really thriving in the Indian minimalist reinvention. For a more traditional take on minimalism look no further than Rikumo, a Phildelphia based company that celebrates Japanese Zen design in all its simplistic glory. Whatever avatar of the style catches your eye, minimalism promises to deliver chic, uncomplicated style that while unassuming will convey grandeur far beyond the boundaries of its simplicity.

Photography Via :  Case Design , Objectry , Objectry , Rikumo , Rikumo

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Wander-Lush

24 Best Minimalist Backpacks for Travel

The best minimalist backpacks for backpacking, city travel, hiking and carrying camera gear – all lightweight, practical, and with an attractive design.

I may love souvenir shopping, but I’m a minimalist traveller at heart.

I always try to travel as light as possible, including on our 10-month trip around the world where I packed carry-on only . When it comes to travel luggage, I prefer a clean look and a modern aesthetic.

Travel backpacks are notorious for being clunky, clumsy, and let’s be honest, a little bit unsightly. Flaps, cords, pouches and pockets, zippers gaping and straps flailing about – it’s not a good look! Sometimes all you want is a minimalist backpack with a simple, street-ready design.

Read next: 10 tips to help you pack light every time .

Practicality is essential, and you don’t want to skimp on any features. You want a bag that gets straight to the point without any unnecessary details. Carrying a minimalist travel bag will also encourage you to travel light, keeping your pack tight and your costs down.

Whether you’re planning a quick European city break with carry-on only or a long-term jaunt across Southeast Asia, I’ve found the perfect pared-back travel pack for you. This post brings together 24 of the best minimalist backpacks for women and men.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

How I chose these minimalist backpacks

There are lots of minimalist travel backpacks out there. When curating this list, I focused my search on sleek, contemporary designs that look just as at home in urban environments as they do in the great outdoors.

The best minimalist backpacks have a simple silhouette without too many bits and bobs. But they don’t compromise on features – each of these backpacks has that latest practical mod-cons inside, with a sleek profile outside.

Without unnecessary additions to weigh them down, minimalist backpacks are lightweight by nature, which makes them perfect for travel. Many of the bags featured on this list are crafted from ecologically friendly performance materials, so you know they’re made to last. And don’t worry – they’re not all black, either! I’ve made a point of featuring minimalist travel backpacks that use colour and texture, albeit in a more restrained palette.

Most of these designs are unisex, but I’ve grouped them into men’s and women’s backpacks for ease. I’ve also included both checked backpacks and carry-on backpacks .

Best minimalist backpacks for women

Sleek but still feminine, these travel backpacks are big enough to fit all your gear for a backpacking trip. I’ve also included 6 of my favourite minimalist laptop bags and day packs for women to help you stay organised on the road.

Minimalist travel backpacks for women

1. Pacsafe Venturesafe

2. Osprey Porter

3. Thule Landmark

1. packsafe venturesafe.

• Capacity: 45 litres / 65 litres
• Weight: 3.81 lbs
• Dimensions: 21.65 x 13.78 x 8.66 / 15.8 x 13 x 29.6

Approved for carry-on, the straps on this bag tuck in neatly when not in use. Even the zipper pulls fasten down flat. This is actually an a safety feature – this anti-theft backpack is self-locking and also has a top flap for extra protection. If you’re looking for security and streamlined design, this bag is a great choice. It comes in Black, Eclipse blue and Plum (pictured) and has a 5-year warranty.

View it on Amazon.

• Capacity: 65 litres
• Weight: 1 lb
• Dimensions: 25 x 14 x 12

When it comes to popular backpack brands, Osprey has the best minimalist designs. Multiple pouches make the Porter practical – but it’s also super light-weight and rather petite for a 65 litre backpack. The monochrome colour palette really helps to give Osprey bags a clean look (I love the Diablo Red). ‘Padded wings’ on either side in a textured fabric conceal the zippers, while the special ‘StraightJacket’ compression system allows you to bind the bag into a streamlined parcel when it’s not quite full. If you like Osprey designs, I’m also quite fond of the Renn .

• Capacity: 40 litres / 50 litres
• Weight: 3.17 lb / 4.5 lb
• Dimensions: 9.8 x 13 x 21.5 / 19.3 x 13 x 24.8

Even with the matching 20 litre day pack added-on, this bag still manages to look sleek. There’s a SafeZone compartment and CashStash pocket for security, and I love that this backpack opens up suitcase-style so you can keep everything neat and tidy inside. The Majolica Blue colour (pictured) is subtle, or there’s a sophisticated Dark Bordeaux version. If you like Thule, I also recommend checking out the Thule Guidepost .

Minimalist day packs & carry on backpacks for women

4. Herschel Travel Daypack

5. Travelon Anti Theft Classic Backpack

6. Himawari Laptop Backpack

More streamlined than some of Herschel’s other designs but with all the same great features, this backpack has a fleece-padded laptop compartment (15″), dual water bottle holders, and a breathable Airmesh covering on the straps and back. I adore the clean yet feminine Ash Rose colour and the single dark stripe on the exterior, which gives this backpack a lithe shape. Pinstripe lining inside adds a bit of quirky character.

Secure bags are all the rage right now, and the Anti Theft Classic by Travelon is widely considered one of the best on the market. This day backpack has lockable compartments, a slash-resistant body and straps, and built-in RFID blocking slots for your cards and passport. It’s available in 6 neutral shades to match any outfit. I really like the classic handbag-like shape and the touch of quilted stitching on the front.

This bag is made for students, but it works perfectly as a travel day pack as well, especially in the city. The textured body is made from water-resistant nylon, and the straps are padded for comfort. A single flap covers the entire front of the bag, concealing pockets and slots. It fits a 15″ laptop, has two handy side pockets, and my favourite feature of all is the full-length vertical zip that runs along the back of the bag so you can easily pull out your travel documents. Available in six minimalist colours.

7. Expatrié Leather Backpack

8. The North Face Kaban Pack

9. Cote&Ciel Isar Eco Yarn Backpack

The most elegant minimalist backpack on the list, the Noelle marries effortless glam with a practical interior. There’s something very 90s about this bag – in a good way! I love the squared-off shape and the uniform tone, even in the stitching. This bag is made from vegan leather, features a hidden pocket at the back, and uses a combined drawsting/magnetic closure for easy access. It’s not as secure as some other day packs, but boy does it look good. I like all the colours in the range, especially the Nude and the Mauve.

If you’re all about performance fabrics and durable design, look no further than this day pack from The North Face. Top-loading, free-standing and voluminous, it has a wraparound zip closure, a 17″ laptop sleeve, and padded back panels and straps. This is a perfect example of a versatile minimalist backpack made for the street and the great outdoors. The back is a bit strappy, but the angular lines on the front and sides present a clean look to the world. Military Olive and Metallic Silver colourings are on-trend and great for travel.

For those who like to go minimalist but still stand out from the pack, the Isar backpack by French label Cote&Ciel using simple elements to create a high-fashion look. From the back, it looks like a regular backpack, with mesh elements and adjustable padded straps. The exquisite shape at the front is created by a fold-over fabric panel, which secures down with a minimalist buckle strap. The colour is perfect for winter, and it comes in a medium or large. I can see this bag on the streets of Milano or Barcelona!

Best minimalist backpacks for men

Minimalist backpacks don’t have to be black! Here are 9 of my favourite men’s designs, all utterly practical yet still with a bit of character.

Minimalist travel backpacks for men

10. Peak Design Travel Duffelpack

11. Gonex Hiking Backpack

12. Heimplanet Monolith Rucksack

• Capacity: 45-65 litres
• Weight: 4 lb
• Dimensions: 13.4 x 16.5 x 26

I’m a huge fan of Peak Design’s unisex travel bags. The Duffelpack is versatile and chic, and with two external zippers, expands in width to fit up to 65 litres. Stowable straps mean you can carry this bag either as a backpack or a regular duffel. The top opens up like a giant ‘purse’, revealing vertical side pockets and a huge internal area. Best of all, the shell is made from weather-proof recycled nylon canvas.

• Capacity: 70-80 litres
• Weight: 4.83 lb
• Dimensions: 32.28 x 13.38 x 11.02

The Gonex resembles a regular backpacking bag, but the pared-back colours and slick fabric are enough to give it a minimalist aesthetic. The design is performance-focused – durable materials, an adjustable weight-bearing system for easy carry, and aluminium supports inside to protect your gear. There are five colours available, but I like the simple Navy or Black best. There’s also a smaller 45-50 litre version for shorter trips or hiking.

• Capacity: 45 litres
• Weight: 4.34 lb
• Dimensions: 24.8 x 13 x 11.4

The Monolith might not be to everyone’s taste, but I can really see this design coming into its own after a few months of rough and tumble on the road. Horizontal and vertical front straps look great when they’re snugly fitted. The Copper Red colour is a bit different, and although I don’t love the detailing on the front, it does add some texture. Inside and on the back, this pack is as practical as they come: There’s even a separate side-accessible sleeve pocket for a laptop, unusual for a bag of this size.

Minimalist day packs & carry on backpacks for men

13. Black Ember Citadel Minimal Backpack

14. Ucon Acrobatics Hajo Backpack

15. Bellroy Campus Backpack

I love everything about this design, including the dedicated tech pouch on the front and the oversized zipper pulls that add a bit of flare. The Jet Black finish is very urban, but this bag does well on the road, too. Performance textiles, waterproof construction and an air-flow back panel are added for comfort.

Berlin-designed Ucon Acrobatics bags are the epitome of minimalist sophistication. The Hajo blends urban and outdoor effortlessly. It fits a 15″ laptop in its neoprene internal pocket, and has loads of pouches inside for storing bits and pieces. Ultra-soft PU coating on the exterior is weatherproof and oozes cool. I love the roll-down top, which can be adjusted to pack more inside, and the easy-access side zipper.

Don’t let the simple shape fool you – this rather inconspicuous little day pack has been engineered to perform as well as any other backpack on the market. Padded straps and quick access zips are among the perks. I love the dual padded laptop/iPad sleeve that stands in the middle of the bag so you can pack around it. Extra clasps on the side straps help keep everything tight and tidy. There’s also an A5 document pocket inside, perfect for keeping your travel paperwork in order. The Bellroy comes in six gorgeous colour combinations, some with a contrasting bottom panel and all with a luxe internal lining.

16. Fjallraven Raven 28 Backpack

17. Incase City Compact Backpack

18. Opposethis Invisible Backpack One

You probably know the name – Fjallraven has a reputation for quality luggage, and their Raven 28 Backpack, one of the simplest designs in the collection, is no exception. Made from eco-friendly recycled polyester and organic cotton, it features a padded 15″ laptop sleeve, fleece-lined pockets to protect screens or lenses, side pockets, and internal compartments. Minimal colours and a smaller version for kids.

With an ultra-slim profile, this backpack is as compact as they come. The 15″ latop sleeve has 360-degree faux fur-lined padding, and there are multiple pockets for keeping gear organised. This minimalist backpack is perfect for city wear and made for digital nomads. Design-wise, I really like the matte texture of the woven fabric and the use of horizontal stitching on the front. It’s also available in Red and Khaki.

Low-key is the imperative when describing the Opposethis luggage range. Designed in Lithuania, these bags embody Baltic chic and in the words of the creators, are made to ‘simplify air travel’. A waterbottle pouch, 13″ laptop compartment and various storage compartments are hidden inside this inconspicuous design. The shell is weather-proof, and the whole thing packs down virtually pancake-flat when not in use.

Minimalist backpacks for hiking & outdoors

Lightweight, waterproof and streamlined, these minimalist hiking backpacks won’t weigh you down when you’re off exploring. Here are 3 unisex options for an outdoor adventure.

19. The Friendly Swede Graneberg Backpack

20. Hikpro 20L Hiking Backpack

21. Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack

19. the friendly swede graneberg waterproof backpack.

Nordic cool in bag form, the Graneberg waterproof backpack looks like a hiking pack, but it was actually designed for the city (hence the 13″ laptop pouch). That doesn’t mean you can’t take it out for a spin in the great unknown. A toxic-free tarpaulin body, roll-down top and splash-resistant zippers can withstand anything you throw at it. With a 15 litre capacity, and ultra-light weight body, it’s easy to carry, too. Functional, simple and sustainable is how I’d describe this bag. Actually, there’s a Swedish word for that – it’s Lagom .

The 20 litre Hikpro is one of the most lightweight, versatile hiking packs out there. Unisex and available in a rainbow of 10 colours, it still manages to look sleek thanks to its pared-back shell. Padded S-type straps and external mesh pouches are practical for the outdoors, and the inner-zip pocket (which doubles as a storage pouch when you want to collapse the bag) is a secure place to stash valuables. It looks delicate, but the nylon outer is both water and tear-resistant.

Another Osprey favourite, the pack-down Stuff Pack is ultra-light, rip-proof, and generally low-profile. An airmesh harness and stretch-mesh sides have been designed knowing the wearer will probably be spending long days in this pack in mixed conditions. It fits up to 18 litres – perfect for an overnighter.

Minimalist backpacks for photographers

Photographers must be onto something – most camera bags these days are slick and monotone. Here are 3 of my favourite minimalist backpacks for photographers.

22. Thule Enroute Camera Backpack

23. Peak Design Everyday Camera Backpack

24. Powerextra Waterproof Backpack

A true multi-tasker, the Enroute accommodates a DSLR, lenses and accessories, and a 15″ laptop and an iPad. There is side-zipper access to both tech compartments.

A Kickstarter success story, Peak Design is now a fully-fledged luggage brand. Their signature Everyday Camera Backpack is a favourite among professional photographers and it’s not difficult to see why: Nothing has been spared in the design of the ultra-modern, pimped-out backpack. Inside, it resembles a Transformer, with adjustable pockets, felted shelves and all sorts of nifty features. Outside, the bag’s profile is sleek and smart.

24. Powerextra Waterproof DSLR Camera Backpack

I love the understated design of this budget-friendly DSLR bag. Flip down the front panel to reveal a matrix of foam-padded compartments and mesh pouches, which make storing camera gear, cords and other accoutrements a breeze.

Minimalist backpack accessories

Peak Design Tech Pouch

Peak Design Packing Cubes

The Friendly Swede Ditty Bags

Mossio Shoe Bag

Metier Life Compact Canvas Dopp Bag

Sehnsucht Travel Toiletries & Makeup Bag

What to put in your backpack: Travel packing lists

• Packing list for Georgia and the Caucasus
• Ethical and sustainable travel clothes for women
• The Kosan Go – my favourite travel dress
• How to build a minimalist toiletries list

Do you own one of these minimalist backpacks? What’s your verdict? What is your go-to travel backpack?

Minimalist backpacks: pin it.

I also have an Osprey backpack and I love it. I love how detailed you are in your review. You really go over what the perfect comfortable travel backpack should be like. I wish I would have read your reviews before I ordered mine on the Internet.

Great site and great post!I really wanted to get the Tortuga but the price was just too expensive. Factor in the shipping costs (they charge more to ship to Canada). I ended up with an Osprey Porter. At 46L it’s a little larger than the ones you listed. Still, it’s a great pack. Love it and have no regrets about it.

Good choice!

I was confused about how to select the best backpack for myself, but after reading this guide, I understand which one is best. Thanks.

These truly are the best backpacks.

These really are the best backpacks with great features.

Nice choices.

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