travel packing list minimalist

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.

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The perfect minimalist packing list

Use this minimalist packing list to banish the clutter in your life, live more simply, and travel the world without your bags holding you back from all the adventure that awaits you.

Rachael Let's Grow There

Sep 09, 2023

Travelers and digital nomads alike love packing light because they aren't tied to their belongings and are free to roam about as they please. Not only is a heavy bag cumbersome and annoying, but it may end up holding you back on your travels. A needlessly bulky bag could mean getting through TSA is significantly longer or it could make it difficult to find enough overhead space to store your bag on your flight.

Freeing up as much space as possible in your luggage enables you to live more simply and ditch bad habits that just bring more clutter to your life. Minimalism requires a mindset shift that takes consistent work.  A newcomer to minimalist packing may just assume that they need to bring less next time, but it is actually a strategic lifestyle change that involves a lot of foresight and planning to get the hang of! 

Becoming a minimalist packer requires lots of time, dedication, and the ability to separate your wants from your needs. You should first strive to achieve the  minimalist travel mindset before diving into experimenting with minimalist packing techniques . This will give you a more open attitude about letting go of old or unnecessary items and ultimately free up space for when you start the packing process.

What do you need to bring for on trip? What do you want to bring that you don't really need? What are you bringing "just in case" that you know you won't really use? What packing categories can you simplify and which are excessive to begin with? These questions should be at the forefront of your mind when you're setting goals to pack like a minimalist .  

First things first: get a smaller bag

Choosing the best travel backpack  (or luggage) for minimalist travel is no easy task. But, if you start packing with a small carry-on bag, you are forcing yourself to use only that bag to put all your belongings in. This is a great way to start packing like a minimalist! Starting off with a smaller bag in the first place will set you on the right path towards a lighter, more practical way of traveling .

Downsizing is easier if you don't have any extra room in your bag to pack unnecessary items you may never use on your trip. It might be easiest to stick to carry-on luggage only , and if possible, to eliminate the need for your flight's overhead storage bin by having a bag that fits right under the seat in front of you. 

The best bags are able to compartmentalize what's on your packing list so that everything is organized and accessible. Travel backpacks, daypacks and cross-body duffel bags are perfect for carry-on only travel . 

Only the essentials

Now it's time to analyze your packing list . Whether you're considering what to pack for long term travel or for a short trip, t his is the process that will help you determine what things are essential and what are non-essential and can be left behind altogether. Here are some questions that can help you narrow down your packing essentials :

• What items do I love?
• What habits do I have that can be cut out from my routine temporarily? (These could include straightening hair, wearing jewelry, etc.)
• Is this item too heavy?
• Are there any travel-sized versions of this item that I could bring instead?
• How often do I actually use this item while traveling?

Let these questions serve as a guide to help you decide what you will be packing and what you don't really need to bring with you.

You might be saying to yourself, "Okay, but just what are the essentials I should be taking with me?" You'll want to be sure to bring your passport, ID, cash, and credit cards with you. Of course, bring your phone, its charger, and headphones to keep you connected with your family while you're away, take photos of memorable moments, and keep yourself entertained in your down time.

Other essentials you'll want to include in your carry-on are a light jacket, your toothbrush, comfy walking shoes, a water bottle, and any prescription medications you might need. These are the basics that you'll need as you travel. Anything else of importance such as shampoo, soap, and toothpaste can be purchased in your new destination.  

Create a capsule wardrobe

If you know you are an over-packer especially when it comes to clothes, then you may be in need of a capsule wardrobe! A capsule wardrobe is basically a trendy name for a super small but useful collection of clothes you love and can be cycled through each week. 

Basically, a capsule wardrobe includes a few pieces of clothing that can be mixed and matched, maximizing the space in your bag as well as the time it takes to pick an outfit each morning! 

If you already know that each piece goes together well, choosing an outfit suddenly becomes a breeze.  A good capsule wardrobe includes clothing you' ll need for the following categories:

• Formal Attire
• Accessories

You can adjust these categories of your capsule wardrobe based on your lifestyle or what type of trip you'll be taking . With this in mind, collect all the clothing you'll need for each category, and then reduce! How useful is each piece? How well would they match with other pieces in your capsule wardrobe? How well does each item fit you?

Now choose 9 tops, 5 pants, and 3-4 pairs of shoes. Always strive for choosing even less than this depending on the length of your trip, the season, and what categories you need to include. Voila! You have now successfully crafted your very own capsule wardrobe that will prove to be an incredibly smart choice in your quest to pack like a true minimalist .  

Keep reading: 

• How ecotourism benefits the environment and local communities

Top 13 tips on how to make sustainable travel a reality

• Carbon neutral travel: how to reduce your carbon footprint

Limit your toiletries

This one is really up to your personal preference. Those who practice minimalism closely might decide that the only hardware they need to bring is a toothbrush. Others who are newer to travel packing could choose to bring miniatures of each liquid , cleanser, or small tool they will need. All of these items can be tucked away into a small toiletry travel pouch that will be readily available if you should ever need it.

As a rule of thumb, remember that you probably don't need every little balm and cleanser you would normally use in your daily routine. Strive to also eliminate non-essentials in your list of toiletries as well. You definitely do not need to wear a full face of makeup or have perfectly gelled hair while you travel, so be sure to figure out which products and habits you can leave at home.

Shoes and Accessories

Again, depending on what season it is in the area you're traveling to as well as the activities you have planned, shoes and accessories will vary .

Open-toed shoes like flip flops or sandals are a must for any trip so that you can lounge in comfort. A nice, well-worn pair of walking shoes is also a good idea, as these babies will likely become your best friends as you explore the world city by city! You can leave it at that or add in a pair of boots or fancier shoes for a night out on the town.

When you think about accessories you probably think of jewelry, sunglasses, and hats. However, accessories involve much more than simply putting the finishing touches on your favorite outfit.  People pack accessories because, for whatever reason, these items provide some level of value to them . 

For instance, it's a no-brainer to bring an adapter for when the plugs change up on you in different countries. Ear plugs will help you rest and recharge on your trip. If you' re into travel journaling , that might be something to bring to record your thoughts and collect your memories in writing.

With accessories, the possibilities are endless, so choose them wisely! Too many accessories can add up and create a chaotic mess in your bag for you to sort through. This would defeat the entire purpose of minimalism! Your accessories can add flair, but most importantly, they should be tools that make life on the road a lot easier. 

Which gadgets to bring along

Speaking of tools, technology is the mother of tools! 

Every traveler is different. Some pack the bare minimum of gadgets just to get by. Digital nomads bring a lot of gear with them to create content on the go , so their bags tend to include a lot more gear, such as a DSLR camera, several lenses, their laptop, etc. 

How do digital nomads pack all that fancy gear into a carry-on only, you ask?  There are so many options out there in terms of small bags with huge storage. So, if you need to take all your gear with you on your next flight, don't worry, you can still be a minimalist! Check out the Worldpacker's digital nomad packing list to learn more.

You've finally chosen everything you’d like to bring on your next adventure, but how do you fit it all in your especially tiny carry-on? Some space-saving packing strategies to try are:

• Roll your clothes or use the KonMari method to fold them as small as it gets
• Stuff socks or underwear into a hat to keep the hat from losing its shape
• Wrap belts in the collars of your shirts to keep the collar stiff
• Put your shoes at the bottom of the bag and stuff them with socks and underwear too
• Wear your bulkiest item so it doesn't add to the weight you're carrying 
• Toss in some dryer sheets to keep your clothes smelling fresh when you unpack
• Put small cords and accessories in a sunglasses case
• Use a pill case to store your rings and jewelry so they don't get tangled
• Packing cubes!

Utilize every nook and cranny in your bag, but don't try to fill it completely . This leads to over-packing unnecessary items and over-packing. There are lots of clever ways to pack your carry-on , and most of them prove to be good decisions in the long run. 

Here's our perfect packing list for men and women , for any destination, in any climate, for any occasion! Of course, some items on this minimalist packing list are specifically for females , but for the most part, what I've provided here is gender-neutral and can be used by anyone looking for a solid foundation of what to pack for minimalist travel .

I've included everything you'll need to pack in your carry-on to ensure you're prepared for anything life may throw at you while you explore.  Keep in mind that any toiletry that is a liquid doesn't have to be packed , but instead can be bought when you get to where you're going. Plan to wash your clothes each week as you travel, and make sure your outfit pieces can coordinate with each piece's color scheme easily.

• Passport/ID
• Credit cards/cash
• Water bottle
• 3 t-shirts (also for sleepwear)
• 1 blouse/button-down shirt
• 1 long sleeve shirt
• 1 light jacket
• 1 dress/special occasion attire
• 1 pair leggings
• 1 pair pants
• 1 pair shorts
• 1 bra + 1 sports bra
• 3-6 pairs of socks
• 6 pairs of underwear
• 1 bathing suit/swim trunks
• 1 windbreaker
• 1 packable down jacket

Toiletries (travel-sized)

• Mini hairbrush/comb
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Nail clippers
• Moisturizer
• Contacts/contact solution
• Hand sanitizer
• Tiny first aid kit with bandaids
• Diva cup (for the ladies)

Limit your makeup to the three most used products in your makeup arsenal. A good start would be:

• Lipstick (for when you’re feeling fancy)

Shoes & Accessories

• 1 pair walking shoes
• 1 pair open-toed shoes
• 1 pair dress shoes
• Hair ties + bobby pins

Optional Items

• Dry shampoo
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Prescription medications
• Journal/pen
• Laptop, charger, external hard drive
• DSLR camera, lenses, batteries, SD cards

Whether for two weeks or for a month, this minimalist packing list will serve you at the beach in Southeast Asia, or while exploring cities in Europe during the winter months .

Finally, remember that becoming a minimalist packer requires lots of time, dedication, and the ability to separate your wants from your needs. Use the tips and packing list I've provided to inspire you to achieve the minimalist travel mindset and begin experimenting with minimalist packing techniques .

What are your experiences with minimalist travel? Tell me in a comment below!

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Rachael Grow

Let's Grow There

Over the past five years I have worn many hats as a creative freelancer and have been able to pursue adventures across the globe. To me, travel is more than checking a box or sitting on the perfect beach all day. Travel is about self-discovery, keeping an open mind, and learning through culture immersion. In 2017 I was chosen by one of my favorite travel bloggers, The Blonde Abroad, to attend her first ever blogging retreat in Bali with a handful of other inspiring bloggers. It was truly a dream that taught me so much more than I could imagine. Fast-forward to 2019 when I was given the role of one of the lead English writer for Worldpackers. My in-depth articles touched on subjects like volunteer work, overcoming post-travel blues, outdoorsy tips, and boldly adventuring. Inner growth is my jam.

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Write here your questions and greetings to the author

May 23, 2019

interesting topic thank you

Rachael (Author)

Jun 03, 2019

Thanks for reading!

Jul 30, 2020

This was totally helpful, thank you! I’ll be following this on my first WorldPackers experience :D

Mar 28, 2023

Lovely tips!

More about this topic

Responsible travel for the solo adventurer

Why you should embrace the minimalist travel mindset

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My Ultralight Minimalist Travel Packing List for 2024

Executing minimalist travel is simple:

• Choose a suitable bag that you can carry onto an airplane
• Fill it with clothing, gear, and other travel essentials
• Leave everything else behind

By doing so, you’ll experience the world feeling light as a feather, unbothered by the burden of unnecessary stuff.

I’ve learned the value of minimalist travel through visiting dozens of countries over years of travel experience. I carry everything I need to travel, work full-time, and film/photograph my adventures in an ultralight 25-liter personal item-sized bag .

I’m here to share the packing list I use to prepare for minimalist trips of a week or more and analyze every piece of gear I bring along.

Stay tuned; it’s time to lighten up.

Minimalist Packing List for 2023

Why Bring Less Stuff?

• Minimalist Travel Bags
• Must-Bring Travel Essentials
• In-Transit Travel Clothing
• Minimalist Travel Wardrobe
• Cold-Weather Travel Clothing
• Connectivity & Organization Gear
• Minimalist Travel Toiletries Kit
• Everything Else
• Minimalist Packing List Variations
• Final Thoughts on Minimalist Travel

Packing the minimum you need to explore your destination comfortably, much like ultralight backpacking , will reduce the weight on your back as you move from place to place. The less weight on your back, the more mobile you will be.

In well-executed minimalist travel, everything in your bag serves a purpose, benefits your journey, and pushes you forward. If you ever have to ask yourself, “Why did I bring this item again?” you probably should have never packed it in the first place.

Believe me, I overpacked for years. I used to be the guy who hauled around an 80-liter backpack and was overwhelmed and exhausted daily by the sheer number of possessions I had as I traveled. It wasn’t worth it.

When I say that minimalist travel is the most liberating way to move about the world, it comes from years of experience. By packing less, we free up time, space, energy, and money to experience our journey without any dead weight holding us back.

Now, let’s dive into my up-to-date minimalist packing list for 2024.

Minimalist Travel Bag

Travel Backpack

Ultralight Daypack: Zpacks Bagger ULTRA 25

In the world of minimalist travel, it all starts with a personal item-sized backpack . I’m over the moon with my ultralight Zpacks Bagger ULTRA 25-liter pack, which is waterproof and weighs a ridiculous 10.7 ounces. Can’t afford to fork out 250 bucks? Check out the Matador Freerain28 .

BUY ON ZPACKS

Minimalist Packing Essentials

Wallet/Purse

Passport/Visa

Cash/Credit Cards

Insurance Documents

Copies of Passport/Visa

Do-it-All Cell Phone: iPhone 13 Pro

A smartphone should be a key cog of anyone’s travel packing list. My iPhone 13 Pro has a ton of storage (512 GB), a fast processor, an incredible camera, and a beautiful display. Yes, it’s one of the pricier smartphones out there, but I got a considerable discount buying refurbished.

BUY ON AMAZON

Minimalist Wallet: Slimfold Soft Shell

There’s no room for gigantic, bulging wallets in minimalist travel, so keep it simple. The Slimfold Soft Shell wallet does everything you’ll ever ask of it while never being a bother. It’s RFID-blocking, waterproof, and super comfortable to carry. Did I mention it weighs half an ounce?

BUY ON SLIMFOLD

Worn Clothing While In-Transit

Sweatshirt: American Giant

I almost always travel in a sweatshirt, even when visiting a warmer destination. I love its coziness in airports, airplanes, trains, lounges, and other environments with heavy air conditioning. My sweatshirt is a bit bulky, so it never goes in my backpack.

BUY ON AMERICAN GIANT

Merino Wool T-Shirt: Wool&Prince

If you bump into me while I’m traveling, chances are I’ll be wearing a Wool&Prince tee. These shirts are soft, comfortable, odor-resistant, and fit my frame well. They stay smelling fresh even after several days of use in a row. Thanks, merino wool!

BUY ON WOOL&PRINCE

Do-it-All Travel Pants: Outlier Slim Dungarees

I only bring one pair of pants when I’m minimalist traveling, so they’d better be top quality. My drawers of choice are from a fabric-obsessed NYC-based brand called Outlier. In their words, “If you only own a single pair of pants, these are the ones.” They’re a splurge, but worth it.

BUY ON OUTLIER

Versatile Shoes: Lems Primal Zen

My style of travel — lots of hiking, exploring, and city strolling — calls for a durable and versatile set of shoes. To meet all of these needs, I chose the Lens Primal Zens. These zero-drop shoes can handle the gym, backcountry, sidewalks, and everything in between.

BUY ON LEMS

Baseball Hat: Proof Rover

Like many minimalist travelers, I can’t be bothered with styling my hair every single day. For that reason, I always travel with a trusty baseball hat. The stylish and versatile Rover allows me to get up and go without looking into a mirror first.

BUY ON HUCKBERRY

Retro Sunglasses: Knockaround Fast Lanes

I’ve tried other sunglasses brands but always keep returning to the Knockaround Fast Lanes. They’ve got a classic look, polarized lenses, and ring in around 30 bucks. They elevate my minimalist travel swagger but don’t break the bank.

BUY ON KNOCKAROUND

Breathable Underwear: Mack Weldon

Comfortable underwear is oh so crucial in the world of minimalist travel, and that’s why the Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey Boxer Briefs are my new favorite undies for the road. They’re exceptionally soft and wick away moisture, keeping the stink of travel at bay.

BUY ON MACK WELDON

Super-Comfortable Socks: Darn Tough Crew

I’m a sock snob. That’s why I’ll only buy Darn Tough brand socks, even if they cost $20 a pair. They’re expertly crafted from an ultra-comfortable Merino wool blend, and each pair comes with a lifetime guarantee, though they’re so durable you may never need to use it.

BUY ON DARN TOUGH

Reversible Belt: Perry Ellis

I used to sport an Arcade Ranger stretchy belt, but it was a little too stretchy, and my pants would slowly start to sag as the day wore on. I recently switched to this reversible leather belt that still allows some stretch but just the right amount.

Packed Minimalist Travel Wardrobe

Button-Down Shirt

T-Shirts (3)

Athletic Shorts

Underwear (2)

Packing Cubes

Button-Down Shirt: Everlane Japanese Oxford

Though I’m a t-shirt guy through and through, I always bring a button-down shirt for fancier occasions. This is my favorite shirt of its kind in my at-home wardrobe, and thus, it has earned a spot in my backpack. It fits perfectly, looks great buttoned or unbuttoned, and has held up for years.

BUY ON EVERLANE

Well, hello again, incredible Wool&Prince Merino wool t-shirt! I usually pack an extra one of these when I’m traveling to stay fresh and switch up my color schemes as needed. As I mentioned earlier, these rarely trap odor, so they can be worn for days on end without raising a stink.

Performance Tee: Bluffworks Threshold (2)

Though I love my Wool&Prince tees, I’d rather not beat them up when working out, having a beach day, or going on a rigorous hike. That’s where my Bluffworks Tresholds come in. They’re made from polyester and elastane and are meant for high-intensity activities.

BUY ON BLUFFWORKS

Versatile Athletic Shorts: Olivers All Over

I throw on my All Overs when washing my travel pants or need something to wear while working out or swimming. They’re comfortable, can be worn out on the town, and take up barely any space in my bag. They make my minimalist wardrobe all the more versatile.

BUY ON OLIVERS

Breathable Underwear: Mack Weldon (2)

I’m addicted to my Mack Weldons; they’re the only underwear I ever want to wear. When minimalist traveling, I cycle between three pairs of these and wash them frequently. I can stretch their usage an extra day or two between washes if needed.

Super-Comfortable Socks: Darn Tough No Show (2)

When I find a product I love, I sing its praises. That said, my Darn Toughs are so delightful — so utterly comfortable — that I will give you some advice: buy these socks . When traveling, I bring one pair of crew socks and two no-shows. I wash them regularly, usually by hand.

Packing Cube/Shoulder Bag: TOM BIHN

In the world of extreme minimalist travel, real estate inside my bag is at a premium. To maximize the space, I use a packing cube to store my clothing. My functional TOM BIHN cube also doubles as a shoulder bag when used in conjunction with a shoulder strap.

BUY ON TOM BIHN

Optional Cold and/or Rainy Weather Clothing

Winter Jacket

Rain Jacket

Long Underwear

Lightweight Down Jacket: Arc’teryx Cerium LT

For cold-weather trips, a packable down jacket should be part of every minimalist traveler’s arsenal. I travel with my trusty Arc’teryx Cerium LT, which weighs 10 ounces and packs down to the size of a Nalgene bottle. It keeps me toasty warm into temperatures well below freezing.

Ultralight Rain Jacket: Montbell Versalite

If I plan on hiking or visiting a wet climate, a rain jacket is an essential part of my minimalist packing list. Weighing only 6.4 oz, the Montbell Versalite is incredibly lightweight and packable and has become my rain jacket of choice. It’ll always have a spot in my bag.

READ MY REVIEW

Long Underwear: Patagonia Capilene

If the weather on my upcoming trip is chilly enough to pack a down jacket, I’m also packing my long underwear. I bring the ultra-packable 5.3 oz Patagonia Capilene bottoms to insulate my lower half on my adventures to cold-weather destinations.

Multifunctional Headwear: KUIU Ultra Merino

Neck warmer, bandana, face mask, beanie – this KUIU Ultra Merino Buff can transform into whatever type of headwear I need. It takes up zero space in my pack and is far more versatile than a typical lightweight winter hat. It’s a minimalist traveler’s cold-weather dream.

BUY ON KUIU

Computer, Photography & Other Tech Gear

Laptop Case

Bluetooth Keyboard

Bluetooth Mouse

Laptop Stand

Camera + Lens

Camera Case

Camera Clip

Travel Adapter

Laptop: MacBook Pro 14

I know a laptop is so not ultra-minimalist, but I’m a travel blogger and rely on my computer to make a living. For now, it’s an essential part of my weeklong minimalist travel packing list. I’ve considered switching it out for an iPad Pro, but I’m not there yet.

Laptop Sleeve: tomtoc 360°

I rely dearly on my laptop and must keep it protected at all costs. This well-padded, water-resistant case shields my computer from the harsh rigors of travel and fits perfectly into the back mesh pocket on the outside of my Zpacks Bagger ULTRA 25 backpack .

Laptop Stand: Roost

I’ve been dealing with a herniated disc in my lower back recently, and this super lightweight and portable laptop stand has been a godsend. It raises my computer to eye level, reduces hunching, fixes my posture, and takes the strain off my back.

Bluetooth Keyboard: Apple Magic Keyboard 2

Since I use a stand to elevate my laptop, I need a Bluetooth keyboard so I don’t have to reach up to my computer to type. Though there are slightly more compact options on the market, my Magic Keyboard is a comfortable clone of my MacBook’s keyboard.

Bluetooth Mouse: Apple Magic Mouse

My old Keychron mouse broke, so I ran towards the brand I trust regarding computers. This mouse has been excellent for me and has stood up well to life on the road. What can I say? I love Apple products, and they all work seamlessly together.

Lightweight Travel Camera + Lens: Fujifilm X-T4

A camera isn’t necessary for most minimalist travelers since most cell phones take great photos. That said, I’m about to dive into YouTube soon (gulp), and I recently purchased this camera and lens . Expensive? Yes. The best mirrorless camera kit at its price point? Also yes.

Mini Tripod: PEDCO Ultrapod 3

What good is a fancy vlogging camera if you don’t have something to hold it steady? Though it’s a bit diminutive, this is the tripod I’ll pack when I start earning my chops as a videographer. It only weighs a few ounces and will stash away easily in my pack.

Mini Microphone: Rode VideoMicro

A badass camera deserves a worthy microphone. Though this compact little fella won’t capture audio as well as some of the higher-end options on the market, it has done a respectful job for me in the past. It only weighs a few ounces and packs away unnoticed.

Power Bank/Camera Lighting: Nitecore SCL10

Minimalist travelers love items that serve multiple purposes, which is why I’m ecstatic I found the Nitecore SCL10. It’s both a 10,000mAh power bank and a high-CRI lighting unit in a compact package. It’ll charge my gadgets while in transit and provide lighting when I’m filming.

Ultralight Camera Case: HMG Camera Pod

It’s not easy to find a lightweight yet protective camera case, yet here we are. As an ultralight backpacking gear nerd , I’m familiar with Hyperlite Mountain Gear and their super-light and innovative products. I recently stumbled upon this space-age camera case that weighs only a couple of ounces.

BUY ON HYPERLITE MOUNTAIN GEAR

Minimalist Camera Clip: Peak Design Capture V3

If you’re a minimalist traveling with a camera, and this clip isn’t part of your packing list, you’re doing it wrong. This ergonomic and lightweight clip allows you to stash your camera safely on your belt, backpack strap, or any other number of convenient places. It’s incredible.

BUY ON PEAK DESIGN

Lightweight Earbuds: Apple AirPods Pro

I used to travel with cheap $10 Panasonic headphones until I tried out my friend’s AirPods Pros. Now, I can never go back. These little beasts pump out the best sound of any headphones I’ve ever owned and have three different settings to control the amount of external sound that comes in.

Compact Bluetooth Speaker: JBL Go 3

As much as I adore my AirPods, I always pack a speaker to play tunes in my Airbnb, hotel room, or at the park. My compact little JBL Go 3 is waterproof, has a solid battery life, and can get surprisingly loud. This is the most “luxury” item that I travel with.

Charging Cables : Apple

No, these aren’t the most exciting items on my packing list, but they are some of the most necessary. They help keep my precious MacBook Pro, iPhone, and AirPods charged, and I’ll never take them for granted. To juice up my camera, light, and speaker, I use this tiny 6-inch USB-C cable .

Wall Adapter : Anker 735

As far as I know, this is about the lightest adapter on the market that’ll charge my MacBook Pro. It’s far smaller than anything I’ve used in the past and has come in handy during domestic and international travels. It has one micro-USB port and two USB-C ports.

BUY ON EBAY

Minimalist Travel Toiletry Kit

Toiletries Bag

Dental Floss

Glasses/Contacts

Contact Solution/Case

Ear Cleaner/Swabs

Nail Clippers

Medications

Multivitamins

Toiletries Bag: UltraLite Sacks

No, this ditty bag (Regular size) isn’t advertised as a toiletries kit, but it works perfectly for my current travel hygiene needs. It’s lightweight, durable, waterproof, and fits like a glove inside my pack. I use an ultralight trail wallet and a small zippered pouch for extra organization inside.

BUY ON ULTRALITE SACKS

Biodegradable Liquid Soap: Dr. Bronner’s

Dr. Bronner’s is the perfect minimalist travel soap. Why is it so special? For starters, it’s a liquid soap, making it extremely easy to travel with. It’s highly potent and has 18 different uses: body wash, dishwashing liquid, and laundry soap, to name a few.

Bamboo Toothbrush: SeaTurtle

This isn’t the exact bamboo toothbrush I use, but life goes on. So, why do I use a bamboo toothbrush when I travel? For starters, it’s a far more environmentally responsible choice than using a traditional plastic toothbrush. It works just as well and is entirely biodegradable.

Travel-Sized Toothpaste: Tom’s

The Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap I mentioned earlier can be used to brush your teeth, but I’ve tried that before and I’m just not feeling it. That said, Tom’s makes toothpaste full of high-quality ingredients that are good for your body and the environment.

Flosser Sticks: Plackers Micro Mint

Traditional floss can get tangled, grimy, and messy during travel, so I bring these handy flosser sticks instead. They’re washable and reusable and make flossing your teeth quick and convenient. Two or three of these should be all you need for a week of minimalist travel.

All-Natural Deodorant: Schmidt’s

My search for an all-natural deodorant that can stand up to the rigors of travel seemed hopeless until I came across Schmidt’s. This stuff keeps my B.O. at bay and smells excellent. It also comes in a compact .7-ounce travel-size, which frees up a lot of space in my toiletries kit.

Ear Cleaner: Mudder Ear Pick

Traveling with a ton of pesky q-tips is annoying, wasteful, and inefficient. That’s why a metal ear pick will always be a part of my minimalist packing list. It’s compact, easy to clean, and healthier for ear hygiene than traditional q-tips.

Noise-Deadening Ear Plugs: Howard Leight

Earplugs are one of the most underrated travel items that exist. They’re like a mute button for the constant annoyances of travel. Screaming baby on an airplane? Loud party outside of your hotel room? Snoring in the bed next to you? Pop these in and enjoy the sweet silence.

Other Personal Items

Water Bottle

Travel Journal: Moleskine Soft Cover

Whenever I travel without a journal, I feel naked, and I’m a hell of a lot less productive. But when I do bring my journal, I use it to take notes, make to-do lists, and recap my days. When my memory fails me one day, I’ll have my Moleskines to pore over and relive my glory years.

Waterproof Pen: Fisher Space Bullet

A durable travel journal deserves a reliable pen that will get ink on the paper under any circumstances. For me, that pen is the Fisher Space Bullet, which can write underwater, in extreme temperatures, and at any angle. This pen is sleek, timeless, and minimalist.

Titanium Water Bottle: Snow Peak Aurora

Staying hydrated while traveling can be difficult, so I bring an ultralight titanium water bottle everywhere I go. This bottle is a joy to travel with and a testament to perfectionist Japanese engineering. It’s expensive, but I’m a gear nerd and couldn’t help myself.

BUY ON SNOW PEAK

Minimalist Travel Packing List Variations

Ready to travel with way less?

Great, because I’ve given you the exact packing list I use for minimalist trips of a week or more. I don’t pack the same way for every trip, though, so here’s a brief overview of my setup and a few variations depending on my type of trip.

Note: None of the following weights include the ‘in-transit clothing’ I wear while traveling.

Weight of Backpack : 19.0 lb | 8.6 kg

This setup includes everything on my minimalist packing list, including cold-weather clothing. I can travel in cold climates, take professional-quality photos and videos, and work on my blog full-time with this setup.

Weight of Backpack : 17.5 lb | 7.9 kg

This setup includes everything on my minimalist packing list except for my cold-weather clothing. I can travel in mild-to-warm climates, take professional-quality photos and videos, and work on my blog full-time with this setup.

Weight of Backpack : 13.7 lb | 6.2 kg

This setup includes everything on my minimalist packing list except for my laptop, keyboard, mouse, and carrying case. I can travel in cold climates and take professional-quality photos and videos with this setup.

Weight of Backpack : 12.2 lb | 5.5 kg

This setup includes everything on my minimalist packing list except for my laptop, keyboard, mouse, carrying case, and cold-weather clothing. I can travel in mild-to-warm climates and take professional-quality photos and videos with this setup.

Weight of Backpack : 16.1 lb | 7.2 kg

This setup includes everything on my minimalist packing list except for my camera equipment. I can travel in cold climates and work on my blog full-time with this setup.

Weight of Backpack : 14.6 lb | 6.6 kg

This setup includes everything on my minimalist packing list except for my camera equipment and cold-weather clothing. I can travel in mild-to-warm weather and work on my blog full-time with this setup.

Weight of Backpack : 10.8 lb | 4.9 kg

This setup includes everything on my minimalist packing list except for my laptop, keyboard, mouse, carrying case, and camera equipment. I use this setup for cold-weather adventures when I won’t need my computer or camera.

Weight of Backpack : 9.3 lb | 4.2 kg

This setup includes everything on my minimalist packing list except for my cold-weather clothing, laptop, keyboard, mouse, carrying case, and camera equipment. I use this setup for mild-to-warm-weather adventures when I won’t need my computer or camera.

Remember this as you review my packing list: What works for me might not work for you.

Want to bring along your favorite pair of sandals? Do you think Bluetooth speakers are entirely unnecessary? Don’t want to bring your camera? Great! Bring what’s essential for you and leave everything else behind.

And if, after reading over this packing list, you’re convinced that minimalist travel will leave you cold, dirty, and underprepared, try it anyway. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how little you need.

Is Minimalist Travel Too Extreme?

Minimalist travel doesn’t come naturally to most people. When traveling, we rely on our possessions for comfort and familiarity, so packing next to nothing can make us feel a bit vulnerable. I get it.

But if minimalist travel were too extreme, I’d never have written this article.

Because choosing to pack only what adds value, and nothing more, is liberating and eye-opening. Less is more in the world of travel, and all it takes is one perfectly-packed minimalist trip to understand why.

So, before your next trip — whether it’s a day, a week, or a year — I challenge you to give minimalist packing a chance. You’ll experience the world light on your feet, with a clear mind and a heavy weight off your shoulders.

Last Updated on March 19, 2024

Noel Krasomil

Affiliate Disclosure : Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate links help support this website and keep it 100% ad-free.

Traveling Tulls

Eco-Travel in Retirement – Nature and Sustainable Luxury Travel

The Best Minimalist Travel Packing List for 2024 (free download)

Minimalist travel has gained popularity as an eco-friendly and stress-free approach to exploring the world. It’s not about sacrificing comfort but rather embracing the freedom (and lighter luggage!) that comes with a pared-down travel checklist. Here’s our guide to putting together your minimalist travel packing list, allowing you to focus on experiences over possessions.

Although I strive towards minimalism at home and while traveling, I am no longer able to travel with only a backpack. But the principles of minimalist packing still help me to travel without checking luggage and that’s a huge help in these days of travel disruptions and lost luggage. So, if you’re like me, embrace your own version of a minimalist traveler. You’re traveling light and efficiently, and that’s the most important thing.

This post may include affiliate links. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase something or take an action on one of these links. This is how we are able to run this website.   DISCLOSURE

Best Minimalist Packing Tips & Strategies

Curate a Capsule Travel Wardrobe : Spend some time picking versatile, mix-and-match basic wardrobe essentials that will work at your destination. A ten to twelve piece wardrobe in neutral colors can create different outfits, suitable for various occasions and climates. It’s a good idea to choose lightweight, odor-resistant fabrics like merino wool to keep your packing light and easy care. (especially important if you won’t have access to a washing machine)

If possible, pack Multi-Purpose Accessories : Choose accessories that are multi-functional. For example, a sarong can have different purposes; it can be a scarf, blanket, or a picnic tablecloth. Choosing items that do double duty is an easy way to save space in your bag.

Travel Shoes can be a minimalist travel challenge: Well before your trip look for a comfortable pair of shoes that are versatile enough for both walking tours and dinners out. Wear these on travel days, and if necessary, add a pair of flip flops, or similar, to your pack. But limit your packing to two pairs of shoes.

Get to know your Cell Phone (a minimalist packer’s best friend): Your phone can replace many gadgets. It’s your camera, GPS, entertainment center, and travel guide all in one. Explore the phone’s camera settings and load language translation apps, etc., before your trip.

Simplify your Toiletries : Most accommodations provide basic toiletries. Carry travel-sized versions of your essentials and opt for solid or eco-friendly options to minimize waste.

Invest in well-made Minimalist Luggage : Limiting yourself to a carry-on bag and a small personal item (or day pack) keeps you from overpacking. A smaller bag forces you to be selective and mobile, saving time and money on checked baggage.

and last of all:

Don’t expect perfection. Depending on the type of trip you’ve planned you may not be able to pack as lightly as you’d like. If you’re anticipating long trips in cold weather your minimalistic packing list will not be the same as someone off on a week trip to the beach. But that’s OK. It’s not a competition.

Minimalist Travel Packing List: Less Stuff, More Experiences

Essential Travel Documents:

• Passport and visa (if required)
• Travel pouch, wallet, or money belt for secure storage
• Photocopies of important documents
• Travel insurance details
• Itinerary and reservation confirmations
• Local currency and a small amount of cash

Minimalist Luggage:

• Carry-on backpack or suitcase – if buying a new bag, check the weight. A heavy bag can sabotage your packing light strategy.
• Packing cubes or compression bags (pack clothes in colored cubes for ease in organization)
• TSA-approved clear bag for liquids
• Luggage locks
• Travel laundry bag (optional, but will help to keep dirty clothes separate)

Clothing: Put together a capsule wardrobe of well-made, easy-care basics that will mix and match. Try one of our capsule templates to be sure items mix and match.

• Versatile tops (mix of short and long-sleeve) – choose quick-dry, anti-odor if possible
• Neutral-colored bottoms (pants or shorts)
• Lightweight sweater or jacket (depending on the climate)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Underwear and socks
• Sleepwear (optional – some use a lightweight tee and gym shorts)
• Hat or cap for sun protection
• [optional] Dress – choose a dress that can be worn several ways for maximum use
• [optional] Sandals or versatile casual shoes
• [optional] Swimwear

Accessories:

• Scarf or sarong (multi-purpose)
• Travel-sized umbrella or a packable rain jacket
• Minimalist jewelry – limit yourself to what you wear daily

Digital Travel Essentials:

• Smartphone with charger
• Earphones or headphones
• Universal adapter (if traveling internationally)

Toiletries:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Personal hygiene items (e.g., dental floss, hair brush, deodorant)
• Razor or electric shaver (if needed)
• Menstrual products (if needed)
• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
• Basic first-aid kit (band-aids, pain relievers, any necessary medications)
• [optional – many accommodations will supply this] Travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (consider solid versions)

Miscellaneous:

• Medication – prescription and OTC
• Reusable water bottle – Help reduce plastic waste by carrying a reusable water bottle. Many destinations have water refill stations or filtered water options.
• Snacks for the journey
• [optional] Compact travel towel
• [optional] Travel pillow and eye mask (for long flights or bus rides)

Remember that this minimalist travel packing list is adaptable based on your destination, the climate, and personal preferences. For example, if you’re traveling to a cold climate, you’ll need a few warmer layers. And if your travel is work related, you’ll need to have room for essential items like a laptop. The key is to pack only what you’ll need and use during your trip.

By adhering to a minimalist packing list and travel tips, you’ll find that you have more freedom to savor the essence of your destination. You’ll spend less time packing and unpacking, and more time connecting with the culture, people, and landscapes that will make your travel experience great. So, streamline your packing, lighten your load, and embark on your next adventure with a minimalist mindset. And have fun!

Download our minimalist travel checklist . Add and subtract additional items to make minimalism fit your needs!!

This post is part of our  Travel 101  series of posts that will prepare you for your trip. If you’re just beginning to plan, the first thing I’d suggest is that your read our comprehensive blog post:  Pack Light, Travel Easy

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Amy, a writer on responsible bucket list travel, is your reliable source for insightful travel advice. With a career background in libraries, and a degree in biology and mathematics, Amy's approach to travel is rooted in meticulous research and planning, and her commitment to eco-conscious adventures.

Amy’s dedication to sustainable travel practices, including efficient packing techniques, ensures that every adventure leaves a positive impact on both the environment and the traveler's well-being. Trust Amy to guide you towards meaningful and eco-friendly travel, making the most of your retirement years.

A lifelong New England resident, Amy is also the source for insider tips on travel in the Northeastern U.S.

• Amy Tull https://travelingtulls.com/author/amy-travelingtulls/ 25 Tips to Conquer Travel Anxiety: How to Make Travel Easier (and almost stress-free!)
• Amy Tull https://travelingtulls.com/author/amy-travelingtulls/ Easy Elegance: 3 Capsule Wardrobe Templates for Travel Planning
• Amy Tull https://travelingtulls.com/author/amy-travelingtulls/ Navigating the Amazon and Caribbean with Viking: An Honest Review (2024)
• Amy Tull https://travelingtulls.com/author/amy-travelingtulls/ Elegance at Sea: An Authentic Viking Ocean Cruises Review

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Her Packing List

Packing Lists

How to pack minimalist: my versatile 16l minimalist packing list.

The following minimalist packing list was submitted by Katie Corbridge. Photography by Alice Xue.

On a train from Zagreb to Budapest I was discussing packing light with a fellow traveler and seasoned backpacker. Her recollections about the demands of the past were enlightening:

“When I was backpacking, back in the 90s, we only ever brought a small bag, because you had to keep your belongings with you at all times. You couldn’t trust stowing it under the bus, and we had to walk so much from place to place, we learned to travel with just a small backpack.”

This list is inspired by her and my two month long backpacking trips around Europe, where I traveled from chilly London to sweltering Croatia in a single trip.

• You might enjoy reading about how to use our best minimalist packing tips at home!

Welcome to the World of Minimalist Packing

You can do it, I believe in you. You will compile a packing system that is stylish, compact, and functional. Because you’re an independent woman who don’t need no 60L pack!

>> Read why solo female travelers should go carry-on only .

First things first. The backpack. No need for fancy bags because we’re packing really light and you won’t require extra support from hip belts. My go to is the Fjallraven Kanken Original, 16L in all. It’s lightweight, stylish, durable, and has a clamshell opening for optimal organization. In addition, I always bring along a day bag which is usually a cross-body purse for city slicking. I also bring my favourite packable backpack or tote for hiking and picnics.

PRO TIP: If you haven’t already heard, packing cubes are the holy grail of packing supplies . This packing list hinges on them. Don’t think, just get some. Grab a cube, fill it up, and if something doesn’t fit, it doesn’t come on the trip.

Before we get to the list, here are three golden rules you should ask yourself while packing:

• Do I love this item?
• Is is lightweight?
• Does it do double duty?

Every item on this list must adhere to your new packing mantra. Ommmm, say it with me now: “This is an item I love, this is light weight, this does double duty.”

Travel packing should be for everyone, so there’s no need in this system to stock up on expensive gear and fabrics. But here are some worthwhile investments that I never travel without and fit into my packing mantra: Patagonia women’s baggies , Merino wool sweater , and an Ultralight Down jacket .

Okay, let’s do this.

Note: This ultimate minimalist packing list is suited for 5°C – 30°C (40°F – 85°F).

Pack in a double sided clean/dirty packing cube:

• 1 tank top: I pack something made of sweat wicking material .
• 1 sleeping shirt: a small tank top will do.
• 1 sleeveless top: a chance to pack something a little fancy.
• 1 t-shirt: I told you we were going extra light.
• 1 long sleeve: Merino wool or thermal. Merino wool doesn’t get stinky.
• 1 blouse: a chambray blouse is the Swiss army knife of clothing.
• 1 sweater: highly suggest Merino wool.
• 1 dress/romper/skirt: consider something knee length for places of worship.
• 1 pair of pants: they can take up the most amount of room for a single item, choose wisely.
• 1 pair of shorts: I love my Patagonia baggies , quick drying, with an old school cool vibe.
• 2 bras: I pack a sports bra and underwire, but you do you, girl.
• 5 pairs underwear: I suggest 2 thongs, 2 panties, and 1 boy short. Continue to do you.
• 2-4 pairs socks: depending on your choice of shoe.
• 1 bathing suit: consider a bikini top that can double as a bra .
• 1 scarf: I pack a square scarf about half the size of a pashmina.

>>See why it’s worth getting fast-drying women’s underwear .

Shoes and Outerwear

• 1 pair of shoes: I would suggest sneakers over boots, but ultimately it depends on what climate you’ll be spending more time in. Nikes, Converse, Blundstones, and Birkenstocks have all been excellent travel buddies.
• 1 pair of open-toed shoes: The one, the only, Crocs Sexi Flips . I wear these in hostel bathrooms, nice nights out for dinner, and I literally climbed a small mountain in them.
• 1 packable down jacket: UNIQLO makes great down layers that won’t break the budget.
• 1 packable windbreaker: whether it be a North Face windbreaker, or your favourite light jacket. As long as it packs up small and you love to wear it.

Pack in a small packing cube :

• Face cleanser: Dry skin? Try an oil-based cleanser and you won’t need moisturizer.
• Sunscreen : Because of my acne prone skin I pack one for face and one for body.
• Lip chap: Bonus points for SPF versions .
• Tea tree oil: Acne spots, deodorizer, disinfectant, insect bites, you name it.
• Soap: Dr. Bronners is a cult classic for a good reason.
• Mini loofah: Let me make the case for a loofah. Although it seems like a superfluous item, it packs down small and elongates the life of your soap ten-fold.
• Pack towel : Essential for minimalist packing
• 2 in 1 shampoo/conditioner: Lush solid shampoos are great. I pop mine in a ziplock.
• Deodorant: I personally use Dr. Mist which is a great natural option that actually works.
• Mini hairbrush
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Nail clippers
• Diva cup: become a convert .

Optional & Speciality items:

• Any medication: I always carry pain killers, gravol , pepto bismol, and ginger chews.
• Glasses, contacts, contact solution
• Mini mirror

Pare down to your three most used items. For me it’s:

• Red lipstick
• Liquid Eyeliner

>> Check out these beauty packing hacks to help you pack less .

Essential Gear

Packed away in a small but accessible pouch:

• Pad lock: for hostels
• Knife: I have a plastic one that can go through security .
• Collapsible cup : I love these, they have come in so handy!
• Hand sanitizer/wet wipes: for them questionable public bathrooms.
• Cords and Adapters: and electronic paraphernalia
• Altoids tin: great for packing minutiae like band aids and sim cards.
• Headlamp : for navigating your hostel without waking everyone up and receiving stink eye.
• Duct Tape : I wrap some around a pencil for emergency quick fixes. Also great for blisters.
• Collapsable tote or backpack

>>See how Brooke traveled for three weeks with a 12L handbag .

In My Purse

• Water bottle
• Journal (and Pen): my travelers notebook allows me to store my important documents.
• Reading material: I prefer physical books, but e-readers are better for traveling.
• Small pouch: where I carry extra medication, lip chap, headphones, you know…day to day stuff.

For Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

All this fits in my pillow’s travel pouch:

• Inflatable pillow
• Ear planes (for sensitive folks like me!)
• Travel sized moisturizer

…and Voila the end result, with all the pieces assembled in the bag! As always I wear my bulkiest items while in transit, but both jackets fit in the bag with room to spare!

About the author: Katie Corbridge is an actor, producer, and packing nut born and raised in Toronto Ontario. She’s traveled around Europe and the US several times, and her bag seems to just be getting smaller. When she’s not working or collecting travel souvenirs she’s collecting ghost stories for her up coming podcast, Jitters . Photography by Alice Xue .

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Gear we use.

Speakeasy Hidden Pocket Scarves

Splice Reversible Jaisalmer Tunic

Eagle Creek Compression Packing Cubes

Tom Bihn 3D Organizer Cube

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Daypack

Turkish Travel Towels

Travel resources, hpl learnables.

H PL Packing Method – Learn to pack your lightest bag ever in this revolutionary packing course by HPL founder, Brooke.

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Viator – Enhance your trip experience by booking from thousands of tours across the globe.

Booking.com – Search for hotels, hostels, and apartments using this one resource. Use it for flights, car rentals, and airport taxis as well.

Trusted Housesitters – Save money on travel accommodation by becoming a housesitter. Housesitters often have extra duties, like caring for pets and gardens.

Reader Interactions

April 3, 2017 at 1:53 pm

I love this list! It’s very practical and it’s actually stuff I can see myself carrying.

April 3, 2017 at 11:35 pm

Wow, this is an amazing list! I was wondering, what tea tree oil product did you use? I heard you shouldn’t use tea tree oil directly on the skin. Could you tell me how you used it?

April 5, 2017 at 1:57 pm

I pick up whatever is cheapest in my local drugstore or health food store. You’re right you shouldn’t use it all over your skin like a toner but it’s great for stopping zits and it’s a natural disinfectant.

April 4, 2017 at 11:13 am

I would like to know what brand of closed toe shoes are pictured next to the crocs?

April 5, 2017 at 2:01 pm

Hi RMR, They are Blundstones: https://www.blundstone.ca/

April 6, 2017 at 12:06 am

They are Blundstone boots, also known as blunnies!

April 4, 2017 at 4:08 pm

So, I don’t know. And this isn’t really a critism of the article, more a bit of letting off steam … Maybe it’s just me, I’m probably just not made for minimalist travelling. I’m in the middle of a trip through the North of Italy now, and I wanted to go as minimalist as possible, and it just wasn’ t possible. I mean, I have to admit that I had to bring a small laptop in case there was a work-related emergency, and I have brought some books and stuff to paint and write, because that was a goal of mine for this trip. But even when I look just at the clothes, it is so much stuff. But apart from one of my three tank tops and my pyjamas that I lost early during the trip, I’ m regularly wearing everything. Some of the places I sleep are a bit chilly, so I put on several layers. Just a small tank top for sleeping wouldn’t really do it. And although I have been to a launderette already, a couple of days later everything is slightly smelly again, because, I mean, I move and sweat. Apart from that I’ m bored to death by my travel wardrobe, but that’s another story. So there isn’t much stuff that I think I could have left at home, but I’m far from a 16 l-backpack. Sorry for the rant, I’ll stop now. But I would like to know if anybody else is frustrated because of this and feeling like a failure. Please share your stories!

April 4, 2017 at 5:18 pm

Hey there, Just coming to say: you do you! I think HPL is nice because all these articles are just meant to be inspiration, nothing more and nothing less. So obviously the idea of packing light is attractive because it means more flexibility and cheaper overall, but no pressure 🙂 I traveled with a 40L pack for two months this summer, and it worked really well for me. For the clothes, I definitely got bored too but my two tricks are: 1) Take the things that are easy to wear but in which you think you look AMAZING. Seriously, you’re stuck with those clothes, make them count. 2) More of a psychological one: accepting that yes, traveling will mean you will restrict yourself. So of course I could bring most of my wardrobe on the road, and I would wear it, but I value not dragging a heavy pack around more than clothes variety. But again that’s all up to you: it’s your travels, you make the rules, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! Hope you’re having a lovely time wherever you are xx

April 4, 2017 at 8:11 pm

Sonja- Don’t feel like like a failure! Packing ultra light (or even regular light) isn’t for everyone, and we all have different standards that work for us. I think a lot of people try to pack as little as possible because they hate carrying around more than absolutely necessary. But if having more wardrobe options, etc. makes you happier and enjoy your travel – than do that! It’s not a contest or anything. I get needing to have a laptop, and wanting books, and I think it’s awesome you paint! Don’t hold yourself to anyone else’s standards, just do you.

Katie- This is such a great compact list. I feel like I’d want more than one pair of pants though, that’s just me. How long did you travel with this list? How often did you do laundry? Did you do any shopping? Doesn’t seem like you have a ton of room to pick up things along the way, which could be a good thing if you’re trying to keeping costs down.

April 5, 2017 at 2:34 pm

Hi Kelsey! First off, I completely agree with your sentiment, you do you Sonja! I only travel with this bag about half the time when I know I’m visiting a lot of locations and want to have my pack with me at all times. Sometimes I pack a huge bag, it depends on the trip!

– The longest I’ve traveled with this bag was two weeks. Although I’m hoping to bring it for longer, especially to warmer destinations where I don’t need boots or a jacket. – I do laundry just about when my underwear runs out (about once a week), usually in the sink with my Dr. Bronners soap. – And for shopping: part of the packing list is a small packable backpack or tote bag which I sometimes use for shopping and bringing extra items home. My souvenirs generally consist of postcards and magnets anyway.

Thanks for the questions, I love talking shop! – Katie

April 7, 2017 at 4:02 am

Thanks, Lucie and Kelsey for chiming in. You are right, this shouldn’ t be a contest. I just got frustrated because I have mastered packing light for up to 4/5 days, but feel lost when I travel longer. I’ ll just keep on writing down what I brought to my trips and what worked for me, and maybe over time I can streamline the process a tiny bit more.

April 8, 2017 at 11:28 pm

That knife/bottle opener is amazing! Where did you get it? Does it ever cause issues when you go through security?

April 9, 2017 at 12:52 am

Very helpful, thank you. There may be more things necessary for older travelers that you might address some day. Am I making a mistake by bringing clothes for both warm weather and in case it gets cold, without layering.

April 10, 2017 at 10:43 pm

It’s definitely a process! I couldn’t do this as far as clothing… I’m usually cold, but when I travel, I’m moving a lot, so sweat happens. Eew. I do sink laundry, which works well for everything but armpit smells (any soap recommendations?), so I bring more tops and seek out laundry services weekly-ish.

April 15, 2017 at 12:49 am

I use Dr. Bronnner’s peppermint scent for laundry it helps kills body odor smells better than the other scents in my opinion.

May 4, 2017 at 9:59 am

It is entirely possible to completely deodorize clothing in a sink using pretty much any detergent at all, but the trick to it is twofold. One, you have to apply a crapton of the detergent directly on the trouble spots and work a lather into the fabric there. Two, after having done that you let it SOAK for as long as you can. Just let the smelly bits rest with their over-saturated lather, don’t bother with the rest of the fabric, and don’t touch them for a while. Preferably a couple hours, but even half an hour will do. THEN wash as normal, plunging the clothes in and out of warm-ish water and squeezing the suds through the fabric. You can add stuff like vinegar and whatnot between rinses, but I find that the amount of detergent applied and the soaking time are the most important factors, personally. Also, I wear merino wool where at all possible, but that’s kind of cheating. ^____^

April 13, 2017 at 10:30 pm

I travel carry-on only, but trying to go lighter than my norm. My question I have is what size are you? People may not want to answer this, but I think it makes a difference in how much one can take with them. I’m in a 12 but trying to lose to make traveling even better. Maybe I can have room for another shirt or two then. Thanks for the inspiration & encouragement.

April 15, 2017 at 12:47 am

I am a size 16 and travel carry-on only. You are correct it does make a difference when your clothes are larger. Two things help: 1. Picking thinner lighter weight materials and 2. Compression packing cubes. I can fit 1.5x the amount of clothes in compression cubes than in regular packing cubes 👍🏻

April 17, 2017 at 1:55 am

Hey I’ve been struggling with the pack-able windbreaker that actually looks good for a LONG time. I finally found one that was waterproof too. Of course then I lost it and turns out it is discontinued. I really like the one you have on here. what is it or do you have any specific recommendations?

also i want to repeat the question about the Knife! i Had long since given up that option because i was carry on only and wasn’t going to pay extra just to check my pocket knife on an international flight. So yours looks AMAZING! plus i really would like to have one with me because I often eat self bought/prepared food to save money on the road.

Last have you considered a foldable bottle (personal favourite is vapur), instead of the cup/plastic bottle combo.

April 20, 2017 at 12:26 pm

The knife is from Fred: https://www.amazon.com/Fred-Friends-CITRUS-Bottle-Opener/dp/B003YUBQJW and because it’s plastic it never causes a problem in airport securty even though it’s actually pretty sharp for a plastic knife!

I use a foldable cup because I love the option of bringing a bottle of wine to the park or on the train!

And I don’t really carry a windbreaker, the jacket pictured above is a lightweight jacket that acts as a windbreaker although is not waterproof. I found it at a thrift store so if I ever loose it I’ll be very upset.

August 28, 2020 at 3:54 pm

What brand is the coat? The longer one? Almost looks like a trench/blazer!

May 10, 2017 at 12:36 am

Where did you get your purse?

May 19, 2017 at 1:58 pm

Do you pack both a merino long sleeve & a thicker merino sweater?

May 19, 2017 at 2:03 pm

Also, does anyone have trouble with liquids leaking while traveling? It’s like a third of what you need turns into a mix of goop in you ziplock! Hahaha

June 1, 2017 at 12:48 pm

I just realized that there are no electronics on this list except for the e-reader — no smart phone? Tablet? Laptop? I couldn’t do without at least one of these and, for an extended period of time, I’d want all three. Oh, and my noise-cancelling headphones are an absolute must-have on a plane.

June 6, 2017 at 6:06 pm

I love this phrase: “you do you”. It reminds me of what I tell my kids, now they’ve mastered “be good, be safe, be happy”, which is “you do what YOU think is right”.

June 22, 2017 at 11:52 am

Thanks for the pro-tips 🙂

I’m a grad student, and will be spending the next 6months living out of one suitcase as I travel for my research project. My problem is that my ‘research sites’ are corporate offices in three different countries, which means I have to pack office-wear on top of my normal clothes so that I am presentable/professional-looking. I am spending 4weeks at a time in each country, visiting each country twice over the 6month period. The silver lining is that all three countries are tropical countries so winter gear is limited to one packable Down jacket, and one pair of thermal socks for when I return to the frigid arms of the North-East Coast Winter in January next year.

I’m already on the set-up phase of my research semester, and managed to pack everything I needed in one suitcase … except it was 25lbs over the maximum checked luggage allowance of 50lbs. I realize that I’m going to have to cull a few, I mean a lot, of items to get my suitcase down to 50lbs – paying $100 in excess fees for each leg of my trip is something I’d like to avoid at all costs!

I find that when I pack, toiletries and shoes are where my minimalist intentions fall over. I wear a pair of sneakers on the plane, while packing 1 pair of running shoes, 1 pair of flip flops, and 2 pairs of sandals (coz one pair of sandals isn’t going to suit ALL my work and casual outfits). And, toiletries – ugh! – products needed to manage my hair in humid, tropical conditions add up to 3lbs to my luggage. Undies, socks and bras …. don’t even get me started on how much room these ‘small’ items take up!!

I’d love to hear suggestions on what I can do to cut down the weight of my luggage without leaving me short-handed for things that I will be needing in the places I’m going. As a student, I’m on a pretty limited budget, and will be staying in dorms/hostels for a fair chunk of the time that I am travelling.

June 23, 2017 at 4:12 am

Couple of tips:

1 – If you won’t need the coat until you get back in winter, can someone meet you at the airport with it instead of bringing it along? Can you layer several other clothing items together instead of packing something that you won’t need for the entire time?

2 – 25 lbs is quite a lot, so you need to look at your belongings a bit harder. Shoes, can you pack lighter weight shoes? Can you buy toiletries there instead of packing? Can you pick lighter weight clothing items in general?

3 – What else are you bringing? Are you packing a lot of electronics, notebooks, etc.? Think about things that you can get easily abroad, and think about ways to consolidate. It’s hard to give solid advice without knowing the full packing list.

July 6, 2017 at 10:26 pm

I recently watched a documentary called “Minimalism” and Courtney Carver (who started project 333) spoke about how she re-wore things to the office for months and months…and no one noticed. A good reminder of how un-important our wardrobe can be…

The hair products for humid weather struggle has been all too real in my life, and when I worked in a variety of environments in Malawi (from hotel conference rooms to villages) I did my best to embrace that my ‘look’ just wasn’t the same as it was when I live in environments that always have running water and electricity. This didn’t necessarily come easily, but if it saves you a few pounds of products it’s worth considering, right?

I wonder if you would imagine a 1 month trip (or even 2 week trip) to the same locations and create a packing plan for that, and then see what REALLY needs to change for the 6 months.

Best of luck with your research — sounds like a fantastic opportunity!

September 15, 2017 at 4:52 pm

I have the humid hair problem and I live in Florida, so it’s a constant struggle. I recently received a Keratin treatment. Makes your hair ultra smooth and easy to manage, blow dry etc. It isn’t cheap, but will last 3-4 months. So it will cover my month long Europe trip and then some.

This will be my first trip where I am conscientiously trying to pack in a small carry on. My problem is that we are traveling in fall/winter so heavy jacket and boots. I will wear those on the plane. But my thought process is this. We are only ever going to be in one place for no longer than 5 days. So I plan on packing for those 5 days and rotate things around. I just may over pack, but I’m putting in the effort. Wish me luck!

June 27, 2017 at 12:03 pm

June 27, 2017 at 8:31 pm

Great pack! I loooove minimal packing which is weird cuz I also loooove stuff and things. My hording must be trumped by my hatred of carrying things. Daily I carry the teeniest purse..

My dream would be to live in a world where Mary Poppins (Hermoine) type bags are real.

July 3, 2017 at 11:28 pm

“My hoarding must be trumped by my hatred of carrying things.” – That right there is my inspiration for light travel!

August 20, 2017 at 4:21 am

Great list. Can I ask where you got that little plastic serrated knife or what it is called? I have searched ebay and amazon but haven’t been able to find anything similar. Looks very useful!

August 20, 2017 at 8:48 am

I found this list super interesting, although I often find I end up going places where I do day or overnight hikes (we just don’t have serious mountains in Oz), so I almost always take my hiking shoes…which really aren’t for public consumption, so then I end up bringing a really light pair of sneakers and always my trusty Birks. And I absolutely love the Uniqlo ultra light down!!

For washing on the go I’ve fallen in love with the Scrubba wash bag, much easier and more hygienic than a sink and doubles as a dry bag, clothes come out super clean! 🙂

August 25, 2017 at 5:49 pm

thanks for the tips! heading solo to europe. one question: what did the spork, knife, and collapsible cup come in handy for?

November 2, 2017 at 5:16 am

I appreciate the “How to Pack Minimalist” list here. I think Katie did a very great job from sharing her idea and thoughts here with us. I found this list very useful for me as a guide line to follow. However, everyone got different need of things for different purpose. The pack light for travel idea might good for most people but definitely not for everyone. We gonna need things that suitable for our own.

As myself, I always travel for work, nature and sightseeing all together. And I always end up stopping by at least two to three countries for at least two to three months. From cold to hot weather. Experiencing sunny or rainy days.

A single trip could include all kind of different style of fun stuff to experience. Wine tasting, sightseeing and nature. Require different type of clothing and gear. Is not easy to always be a 16L backpack girl on every single trip.
 If you look carefully, Katie’s did mention one thing very important on her list “Note: This ultimate minimalist packing list is suited for 5°C – 30°C (40°F – 85°F).”

So, what if you are going to places below zero and up to 37C in different countries in months just like me? Katie’s minimalist packing list would only be a guide line for me to do so. But doesn’t mean her list is a complete false after all.

Unless you do a 4 days to max. one week trip. You gonna need to wash your cloth eventually. So, one of each kind of short sleeves, tank, long sleeves… are actually very enough.
 But still, you gonna need more then just a minimalist packing list for me to deal with two seasons and here are some tips from me. Hope will be helpful:

1: Bring the old and buy the new & share w/ friends: Especially if you are that kind of person who can’t stand with wearing the same outfit everyday. Merino wool would be too boring for you. I suggest you to bring a few old but still good looking cloths with you to the plane. Since they are old. Why don’t you just go with a wild girl style with wearing a pair of thick glasses until you sick with your look? Then throw them away and buy some new cloths on the way to somewhere else. This time try to play with another style. Also, you could play mix and match with your friend(s) as well. For example: 3 tops, 2 dress, 2 pants, 2 short for each of you. All together you got at least 6 tops, 4 dresses, 4 pants, 4 shorts to match with. If you got three to four friends then well… you know how to do the math.

2: Leave everything to your local friends: 
Plan your trip from somewhere cold to somewhere hot. Not the other way around. Leave everything won’t be necessary for the next trip to your local friends before fly off to another country. Make sure to take the transfer flight back to where you left your stuff in. On the way to collect everything back home with you.

3: Beauty product (especially for students): 
Learn to make your own natural beauty product. At that point, we as a girl don’t need to carry all those facial body products around the world but still be able to us look nice and clean. Eat half & use half of an avocado. Salt and sugar packets from fast-food shop use as face scrub for beauty. Baking soda from friends or hotel kitchen. Mixed with honey and milk as facial cleaning mask. Only buy small size or samples body/face lotion so that you don’t need to carry too much liquid with you when going to new places. To mix a few drops of olive/coconut oil with lotion before applying on skin. Could save your skin from cracking. Apply oil to hair to make them shine (I need about 1.5 table spoon coconut oil to calm my curly and frizzy hair). Also, I use Chinese medicine facial mask (powder) as well. Add with water or mix with milk and honey. Works really really well!

If my English is a bit better. I think I could create a long list of how to make cheap and natural beauty product for travel.

4: Post your luggage (if you have $$):
I especially suggest elderly people to use this service. Post your luggages to the hotel and post them back home. You already working so hard for life for the past 50,60 years of life. Now you got money to travel and enjoy life. Why don’t you spend a bit more for courier company to take care your luggage for you. Don’t torture yourself.

5: iCloud iCloud iCloud
man~ why? is 2017. Why would I still seeing someone using an Chinese wooden cutting board size laptop to Switzerland? Come on, that laptop is slower then my great great grandmother. Have you ever heard about wifi and internet? Why giving excuses for yourself to carry that much of weight? He even took his external hard disc, oh boy.

There are so many thing we can’t choose in life. But travel with essential or travel like a hoarder is definitely a choice.

March 31, 2018 at 3:08 pm

OMG. Absolutely spot on. I especially love the facial products you make along the way. What a woman! So funny and entertaining. You should write a book. Thank you for sharing your insights.

December 10, 2017 at 10:49 pm

Hey! This article is amazing! i was standing in the airport, exhausted from lugging a large rolling carry-on and found this article, thank goodness. Now that I’m packing for my next (short, domestic) trip, I’m putting exactly your system to the test because I own the same backpack. One important note is that link to one of the packing cubes is for the wrong size. i ordered the medium double sided cube, as you said, but it actually fills the whole backpack (quite tidily, I might add). The one you have in the photo (and the correct one I have now ordered) is actually the small size: http://amzn.to/2yO4peQ

I hope this helps anyone hoping to copy this exact system. Thank you again for going into such great detail! It’s so nice when someone else custom-designs a super modular system for your exact backpack ^_^

December 17, 2017 at 7:58 pm

Thanks Jen! I have updated the packing cube link to reflect that feedback!

January 25, 2018 at 11:03 am

I love this list! I definitely have a hard time with some of clothes (I can’t imagine living with so little). It’s so helpful, thank you!

February 6, 2018 at 2:27 pm

Fantastic article and so nicely written. One tip for dealing with getting bored with wearing the same thing is to pack a few different scarves or you can even pick up a few as souvenirs while traveling.They fold up small and you can get patterns and colors to spice up the simple minimalist travel color palette. Thank you so much for your traveling tips!

February 17, 2018 at 12:29 pm

Where did you get the black purse? Thanks!

August 4, 2018 at 5:52 pm

Some of my favourite items that I use to travel I’ve found at thrift stores and garage sales including the purse (vintage roots bucket bag) I would suggest looking into a vintage coach bucket bag for a similar style.

January 9, 2019 at 4:12 pm

I love this! I’ve always been a minimalist packer, but this guide will definitely help me refine my skills 🙂

Tea tree oil is my holy grail too–so useful!

January 28, 2019 at 10:08 pm

Could you tell me, what outfit ( clothing ) did you wear on the plane? I know you said wear bulky items. But were they different clothes? Or items from your list? Thank you

February 2, 2019 at 6:26 pm

Love this! Did your purse fit into the backpack as well or did you need to carry it separately?

March 25, 2019 at 11:35 am

Wow, what a great packing list! I have been wondering if packing cubes are just a fad or if they’re worth getting. You’ve convinced me! I pride myself on being able to travel lighter than most people would feel comfortable with, but there’s almost always something I pack that I don’t end up using and I want to pare down more! Thanks for all these great tips!

March 27, 2019 at 3:18 pm

great list! For trips of 1 week or longer, I always pack 7 shirts, undies, socks (rolled together in a small bundle, “scout style”, it saves a lot of space), 2 skirts/ pants, 1 book, minima toiletry (1 eye pencil, concealer, mini shampoo, mini shower gel, mini make up remover, coconut oil, solid toothpaste, solid deodorant), a 2nd pair of shoes and my laptop. but it never fits in a 16 l backpack ! :'( Packing cubes don’t work for me, so I bought the biggest carry-on backpack from Cabin Max, which I love ! Any idea to put everything in a smaller backpack ?

June 14, 2019 at 1:17 am

Did you pack all the clothes on your list and wear other stuff or is your travel outfit part of the list above? This makes a difference in volume/weight of your cubes and backpack. Thanks!

December 17, 2019 at 9:50 am

Thank you for this post! It inspired me to travel with only a Kånken and a shoulderbag for a two week trip to Paris and London last summer. I didn’t actually follow the list, but used it as a starting point and packed my style. I especially appreciated that I could carry my bags with me a whole day without getting tired–even sightseeing worked! And the journey in itself was much more enjoyable without a heavy backpack.

July 22, 2022 at 1:25 pm

Your list is interesting but I think it’s totally impossible to stuck all this stuff into one 16l backpack. Be honest with your readers, please. You can use a carry on, but not a 16l backpack. Not a 20l backpack either!

July 29, 2022 at 11:54 pm

It’s totally possible! Try taking the next Handbag Packing Masterclass to see how it’s done 🙂

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Minimalist at Home

Blog , Minimalism

January 11, 2023

Extreme Minimalist Travel Guide: Packing List & Tips

Minimalism and travel are almost a perfect match. No-one likes carrying around a big suitcase with them everywhere they go, and if you plan on hopping from destination to destination, the luggage fees can become extortionate.

This is why it’s important to know what the essentials are as a minimalist traveler. My ultra minimalist travel packing list is pretty small, but it has everything I need when I have to travel light.

Our List of Minimalist Traveling Essentials – Complete Guide

Your minimalist packing list will vary depending on occasion, destination and various other factors. As long as you stay organized, you shouldn’t have any issues getting packed for your next trip.

So, what material possessions should you take with you when you’re traveling light? In Europe that carry on luggage weight limit can be as low as 7KG, which means you really need to stick to the bare minimum – here’s what I pack to save space

This is based on one trip for a period of fourteen days, but that includes one wash after seven days, so it’s essentially enough for a week without having to wash clothes. You may want to adjust and tweak this depending on how long you’re going for.

Your minimalist travel wardrobe will differ depending on your preference, but it’s often a good idea to stick with T shirts when traveling light as they fit into a single suitcase pretty easily. I stick to 8 t-shirts at the absolute minimum for a week of use.

Jeans & Shorts

Jeans are the secret to my minimalist traveling list, and two pairs of jeans can be reworn several times over. I also take 4 pairs of shorts with me when I’m traveling to sunnier destinations, as they’re comfortable enough for both exploring and just chilling in the daytime.

Eight pairs of undies for a week should be enough when it comes to underwear, with one pair spare. You should be able to tuck these into the sides of your bags around your main clothes to save a little space.

Sandals/pair of shoes

Comfortable sandals are one of the best investments that you can make when it comes to ultra minimalist travel, and if you buy the right pair, you can wear them almost everywhere. You can’t go wrong with No products found. which are designed specifically for walking long distances..

I also like to take just one pair of men’s minimalist shoes with me on shorter trips (check here for women’s minimalist shoes !). This means that you need a pair of versatile shoes that can be worn for both smart casual occasions, but are also comfortable enough to wear for a full day of walking.

This also means that I pack a few pairs of small ankle socks into my suitcase too. Oh, and make sure to wear the shoes and pack the sandals, as they’re a lot lighter and can save you from adding extra weight to your bag.

Rain jacket

Depending on where you’re going and what time of year it is, a jacket can be essential – I’ve been relying on my Arc’teryx for a few years now and it’s never let me down.

Make sure that it’s warm enough for cold climates, but still light enough to wear in the daytime. Waterproof is a good idea too – this gets worn instead of getting packed too.

Accessories

For me, this includes my iPhone and its charger, my Airpods, my toothbrush, my passport and finally my minimalist wallet with my credit cards in it. That’s it – my ultralight packing list. You may also want a first aid kit if you’re cautious.

Though it may take you a whilst to travel light like a minimalist, packing light definitely does have its advantages. You’ll notice that I’ve left a few things like toiletries out of my list, which I’ll get to in a minute.

Minimalist Packing Tips for Traveling Light

After traveling light for many years, I’ve learned that it’s only the essentials that you want to carry with you when you want to pack light.

As long as you have money and clean clothes, you should be fine. Here’s a few of the things I’ve learned from traveling over the last few years.

Invest in high quality bag/suitcase

The key to being a minimalist traveler is getting the right bag for your needs and adapting your clothing items to fit into it. For me, I travel with a small 7kg suitcase that has just enough space for everything that I need to take with me.

Other people might need to consider a travel backpack, but I prefer to travel with just one bag in tow.

Use a Packing Cube

Packing cubes are the easiest way for you to separate your clothing items, either based on the outfit you’re going to wear or into t-shirts, underpants and shorts sections. These zip container packing cubes have become an essential part of my travel gear.

Leave your toiletries at home

One of my big secrets of my exact packing list is that I avoid having to organize travel sized toiletries and purchase them all locally when I get to my destination.

Getting used to simply using soap, shampoo and toothpaste can take a while, but when you have to fit everything into a tiny carry on bag, it’s either fewer clothes or less toiletries

Things like body wash and shampoo can be replenished easily in the vast majority of places that you’ll visit – they still have La Roche Posay in Thailand, you know.

Stick to solid colors

If you want to make sure that your outfits match no matter what, it’s wise to pick all of your clothes in the same colors. This means that your travel shirt will always match up with your travel pants.

It can also be a good idea to decide on a 7 day selection of outfits before you go, as when you start packing you can group all of your outfits up separately – this makes it quick to get your clothes for the day out.

Consider your tech

In the modern day, tech can mean that we have our entire life wrapped up in our devices. And a frequent traveler, the tech that you carry will often be the heaviest items in your luggage. If you’re a laptop owner, start packing with your laptop first and then work around it.

Don’t buy things just because they’re cheap

One of the biggest mistakes I made when I first started traveling is picking up new travel accessories along the journey – this has always been a mistake. It’s a better idea to bring back memories as opposed to material objects when you have barely any space as it is.

You may be able to get away with smaller items in your luggage. If there’s larger souvenirs you must have, you could consider shipping it home.

Hopefully my minimalist packing list helps you to decide which travel gear you need to take with you on your next adventure. Whether you’re going on a two week trip or a two month long trip, learning to live with less can be invaluable, and give you more freedom than you’d ever dreamed of.

If you’re worried about packing your entire life into one or two weeks of suitcase space, don’t be. Everyone has their own travel style that they work out over time, and you’ll work yours out the more that you travel.

Don’t Chase Happiness If You Want To Be Happy

My evening routine: ideas & checklist, about author.

Matt caught the travel bug as a teen. He turned to minimalism to help maintain his nomadic lifestyle and ensure he only keeps the essentials with him. He enjoys hiking, keeping fit and reading anything philosophical (on his Kindle - no space for books!).

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Minimalist Travel: 20 Genius Tips for Normal People to Pack Light

This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. That means that if you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Read more here .

Are you looking to travel light and avoid the headache of packing and lugging around too much stuff? If so, this guide to minimalist travel is for you! From packing smart to choosing the right luggage, here are the best minimalist packing and travel tips to help make your trip a breeze.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to start planning your next minimalist vacation today!

What does “minimalist travel” mean?

Minimalist travel means applying the principles of minimalism to your trip, packing light, and traveling with only the essentials. It can also mean being intentional with how you spend your time, money, and energy on your vacation.

Consider this the complete guide on how to pack like a minimalist, whether you’re a family who wants to pack minimally for your next trip or an extreme minimalist who wants to travel around the world with only a backpack!

After you read these minimalist packing tips, you’ll be able to decide how much to bring and what to leave off your list to pack less and have more fun.

The Best Minimalist Packing Tips

1. bring carry-on only.

This minimalist packing tip is number one for a reason. It’s the simplest way to travel lighter! By bringing only a carry-on bag, you have no choice but to downsize your list and pack minimally.

After all, you can’t bring everything when you’re limited to such a small space.

Not only do you avoid the extra fees for checked baggage, but it also helps ensure your luggage doesn’t get lost! Trying to find and get your stuff back would be a headache; if you don’t, it could cost you a pretty penny to replace everything.

Given that claims for stranded baggage have jumped as much as 30% since 2019, it’s a good idea to keep luggage close at hand to reduce the likelihood that it gets lost or mishandled.

2. Choose the right minimalist luggage

One of the most critical minimalist travel tips is to choose the right luggage. You want something durable, easy to carry, and lightweight – the lighter, the better!

Airline standards for carry-on are 21 inches or 55 cm max height but check with your airline before you fly to ensure you comply with their requirements.

Keeping these factors in mind, here are a few popular minimalist luggage options:

• Samsonite Base Boost Upright Hand Luggage (our luggage, in Black)
• Tortuga Travel Backpack
• Rockland Melbourne Hardside Luggage (30+ colors)

3. Keep a minimal list

It can be tempting to over-pack when you’re going on a trip but resist the urge! One of the best minimalist travel tips is to make a packing list and then edit it until you’re only bringing the essentials.

Start by brainstorming everything you think you might need for your trip. Then, go through each item and ask yourself:  “Do I really need this?”  You’d be surprised how much you can eliminate from your list of things to pack when you get honest about what is and isn’t essential.

One of my favorite minimalist packing hacks is to use the Google Keep app to create my list.

I create separate lists for each family member and check them off as I pack. Make sure to keep the list instead of deleting it because you can repurpose the same list to make sure you don’t forget anything when you’re packing to go home!

4. Limit electronics

Electronics are often heavy, so limiting yourself to 1-2 devices can lighten the load. Luckily, for most people, a smartphone is all you need to perform most of your daily tasks.

However, if you are traveling for work, you might need to bring a lightweight laptop and charger. Likewise, a small camera, lens, and a few accessories might be on the must-bring list for serious photographers or videographers.

5. Travel adaptors

If you’re relying on your smartphone for communication and navigation, bring a travel adaptor to keep it charged. Make sure you choose the correct adaptor for the location you are traveling.

6. Minimize your toiletries

For shorter trips, you don’t need to bring an entire bottle of shampoo or body wash when a smaller amount will do. You can save a lot of luggage space by choosing travel-sized toiletries or decanting your liquids into smaller bottles.

The standard travel container size for liquids, gels, and aerosols is 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. Place all of your liquid containers in a transparent and resealable plastic bag of up to 1 liter in size.

If your hotel or Airbnb includes these items or they can easily be purchased locally, then you might not need to bring any at all.

7. 2-in-1 or multipurpose soap

Bringing a small bar or bottle of multipurpose soap can save you a lot of space in your luggage by cutting down on how many toiletries you need to bring.

We used a drugstore 2-in-1 shampoo and body wash for our kids, but I have minimalist friends who swear by Dr. Bronner’s castile soap , which has up to 18 uses, including shampoo, body wash, laundry detergent, dish soap, and more!

8. Go for simple matches and fabrics

If you already have a  minimalist wardrobe , then you know one of the best ways to reduce the total number of clothing items you own is to choose versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of different looks.

The same principle applies to packing for minimalist travel.

Choose clothing items made from simple fabrics that can be easily washed and opt for neutral colors that can be paired together so you can easily swap tops and bottoms.

Don’t forget to keep the climate in mind when making your choices. Cotton and linen are breathable and excellent for warmer temperatures, while wool and fleece can keep you warm in cooler weather. Synthetics are more resistant to wrinkles. 

Take all of these factors into consideration when you are packing!

9. Wear your heaviest clothes on the plane

Wearing your heaviest clothes on the plane will save you a lot of space in your suitcase. Bulky coats, heavy boots, and big hats can quickly eat up all the room in your luggage, so it’s best to put them on your body instead.

This minimalist travel habit has the added benefit of keeping you warm on the plane. Airlines keep cabin temperatures on the low side, which purportedly reduces the risk of passengers fainting, so you’ll be less likely to feel the chill.

10. Two pairs of shoes

When packing minimal for travel, it’s important to remember that you can usually get away with only bringing two pairs of shoes, at maximum.

One pair should be comfortable walking shoes, and the other should be more casual that can be dressed up or down.  Extreme minimalist  travelers can wear one pair of shoes while globetrotting for years, so two isn’t that big of a stretch!

Check out this extreme minimalist travel video – it’s unbelievable!

11. minimalist folding hacks

When trying to fit a lot into a small space, it’s essential to utilize every inch. Rather than lying items flat in your suitcase, try standing them up on their side.

This will help you make the most of the limited space and keep everything more organized; read the complete guide on  how to fold clothes vertically here .

You could also try “ranger rolling” your clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles.

Ranger rolling is a military folding technique that’s found its way into mainstream use because it’s so practical; it’s accomplished by folding clothes into thirds and then rolling them from bottom to top.

12. Use packing cubes

Packing cubes are a minimalist traveler’s best friend. By compartmentalizing everything in your suitcase, you can make the most of the space and keep your belongings organized. Not to mention, it makes unpacking a breeze.

This minimalist travel hack is a lifesaver if you’re a frequent traveler.

13. Dirty laundry bag hack

This is one of my favorite minimalist packing tips! Particularly if you travel with kids who are messy eaters like mine, it’s helpful to be able to keep soiled or stinky clothing apart from the rest.

In that case, bring a laundry bag like this one along with you. They are lightweight and fold up easily to store in your suitcase, taking up barely any space. When clothes get stinky or dirty, you can plop them in the bag to wash at your leisure and keep them separate from the clean clothes until it’s time to return.

We took one of the largest laundry bags from our set with us and only filled it up about halfway. Which brings me to the next point on this list…

14. Wash clothes in the sink

When my minimalist family of 4 traveled to Spain for two weeks, I packed half the amount of clothes, KNOWING that I would need to do some laundry while we were there.

The Airbnb amenity list informed us there was on-site laundry, but when we got there, we found there wasn’t any laundry detergent actually to wash our clothes. This was  no problemo  for us because I used another of my favorite minimalist travel hacks, which is to wash clothes in the sink, after which I hung them on the balcony to dry.

While I went low-maintenance and used dish soap that our Airbnb provided, you could also bring your own in a small bottle.

15. Experiences over souvenirs

It’s like the popular  minimalist quote  says: “ Collect memories, not objects .”

Instead of buying a bunch of cheap tchotchkes that will end up in the back of a drawer or cluttering up your bookshelf, spend your money on unique experiences. For example, go zip-lining through the rainforest or buy tickets to take the kids to the local zoo or aquarium.

After all, experiences make the best souvenirs!

Have stories to tell, not stuff to show. – Unknown

16. Save money by cooking yourself

This minimalist travel tip is to help you save money on food. Eating out can be expensive when traveling, so the more you cook and eat at home, the more money you will save!

Most of the time, when we travel, we pick a location with a kitchen we can cook in, so that we can eat two meals each day at home. This allows us to save money and splurge on one excellent dining-out experience every day – which is essential to us as eating good food is one of our top priorities when traveling!

We prepared for this trip by  doing a no-spend challenge  and keeping our budget on track.

✈️ Want to travel, but you’re short on cash? If you have trouble saving money, grab this FREE 2-page budget planner to help you spend less and save more. You can also read this guide on the best tips and ideas for budgeting like a minimalist here .

17. Portable charger

If you’re going off-grid or might find yourself in situations where you don’t have access to electrical outlets to charge your devices for a while, you might consider taking a portable charger with you.

This lightweight device can be a lifesaver, especially if you rely on your phone for GPS; just remember to keep it charged up before you go!

18. Minimalist travel with kids

If you’re traveling with kids, it helps to pick a place to stay with amenities you need for feeding, travel, and sleep.

While our kids are older, we did appreciate that our Airbnb had strollers, car seats, Pack’ N Plays, high chairs, and other family-friendly items that would make traveling with kids easier. (You can find a list of such amenities on the website or app listing.)

We did bring our own waterproof and foldable picnic blanket for the beach, but our host provided sun umbrellas, sand toys, and chairs to enjoy the beach to the fullest without needing to bring or buy these bulky items ourselves.

READ MORE: 10 Minimalism with Kids Tips That Can Save Your Motherhood

19. Pack a few medications

No matter where you’re traveling, it’s a good idea to pack some medications and first-aid items in case of an emergency. We packed a few band-aids, acid reflux tablets, pain relievers, etc.

20. Downsize your to-do list

One of the best things about minimalist travel is that it encourages you to consider what’s important to you and your loved ones. When material possessions do not bog you down, you can focus on experiences and making memories.

While it might be tempting to try and pack your schedule with a million different activities, it’s often better to choose a few key experiences you really want to have and savor them.

Downsizing your to-do list will help you be more present and better appreciate your vacation. It gives you space to be intentional with how you spend your time, reduces stress, and allows you to slow down.

When it comes to minimalist travel, less is  definitely  more !

Minimalist Packing Lists + Essentials

I’ll let you in on a dirty little secret: there’s  no such thing  as a one-size-fits-all minimalist packing list because minimalist travel essentials vary widely from person to person and trip to trip.

What one minimalist traveler dubs an essential on their must-pack list might be completely disregarded by someone else.

Please keep that in mind as you read through this list of ideas for packing light.

We consider this an ultralight packing list that still includes everything we need to be comfortable traveling as a minimalist family of 4 for two weeks in Europe with carry-on luggage only. This is NOT an extreme minimalist packing list, but more of a guide to minimal packing for normal people. 🙂

You can also watch the pack with me video linked below from our trip to see us in action.

Minimalist Packing List for Women (2 Weeks)

Here is the exact packing list I used for our two-week trip to Valencia, Spain; it’s a summer packing list because it was mid-July when we traveled there.

The next time we travel in cold weather, I will update this blog post with a winter packing list!

• 1 pair of linen pants
• 1 light linen jacket
• 3 bottoms (2 skirts, 1 pair of shorts)
• 7 pairs of underwear
• 1 bra (strapless, nude color)
• 1 pair of sunglasses
• 1 pair of socks
• 2 pairs of shoes (one pair of flats, one pair of waterproof sandals )
• 1 bathing suit
• sunscreen ( Shiseido )
• 1 pair of pajamas
• contacts + glasses
• 2 ponytail holders
• travel-sized moisturizer
• travel toothpaste
• eyebrow pencil + shadow
• lip balm (Aquaphor)

Minimalist Packing List for Men (2 Weeks)

• 1 light hoodie jacket
• 5 pairs of underwear
• 1 pair of swim trucks
• 2 pairs of shoes (sandals + sneakers)
• 5 pairs of socks
• travel hair spray + creme

Minimalist Kids Packing List (2 Weeks)

• 1 pair of pants
• 1 light jacket
• 4 bottoms (shorts)
• 5 tops (T-shirts)
• 1 bathing suit (bottom + sun shirt)
• 1 pair of goggles
• 2 pairs of shoes (flip flops + sneakers)
• 3 pairs of socks
• kids sunscreen
• 2-in-1 shampoo + body wash

Our Minimalist Travel Essentials

• 1 laundry bag (to hold dirty laundry)
• packing cubes
• travel adaptor
• portable charger
• facemasks x 8 (may be required to board airplane)
• medicine (acid reflux tablets, medicinal tea, etc)
• waterproof picnic blanket
• 1 extra large beach towel
• smartphone (I have the iPhone XS Max in Rose Gold )
• camera + accessories (optional)

Final thoughts about minimalist traveling

Packing light doesn’t mean you have to skimp on the essentials – in fact, minimalist travelers often find that they enjoy their trips more because they’re not lugging around tons of stuff in a heavy suitcase or cluttering up their hotel room.

Following these minimalist packing and travel tips, you can learn how to pack smart and travel lightly without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Do you have a minimalist travel tip to share? Drop it in the comments section below; you might help another aspiring minimalist in the future!

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The Ultimate Minimalist Travel Packing List

Introduction

When it comes to travel, packing efficiently is a skill that can make or break your trip. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long-term adventure, having the right items packed and organized can save you time, money, and stress. And if you’re a fan of minimalist travel, you’ll appreciate the freedom and simplicity that comes with packing light.

The key to successful minimalist packing is to prioritize the essentials, while minimizing unnecessary items. By focusing on versatile clothing, compact toiletries, and essential electronics, you can create a packing list that is efficient, lightweight, and tailored to your travel needs.

In this article, we’ll provide you with the ultimate minimalist travel packing list, covering everything from clothing to electronics, that will help you pack smart and travel light. Whether you’re a seasoned minimalist traveler or just starting out, these tips will ensure that you have everything you need without weighing yourself down.

So, let’s take a look at the essentials you need to pack for your next adventure!

When it comes to minimalist travel, choosing versatile and functional clothing is essential. Aim to pack items that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfit options while still keeping your luggage light. Here are the clothing essentials for your minimalist packing list:

• Basics: Pack a few neutral-colored tops and bottoms that can be easily mixed and matched. Opt for lightweight and wrinkle-resistant fabrics to ensure easy packing and minimal maintenance.
• Layers: Include a lightweight jacket, cardigan, or sweater for layering purposes. These items can help you adapt to changing weather conditions without taking up much space in your luggage.
• Underwear and socks: Pack enough underwear and socks to last for your trip, but avoid overpacking. Opt for quick-drying materials that can be easily washed and air-dried if needed.
• Swimwear: If you’re headed to a destination with a beach or pool, don’t forget to pack a swimsuit. Choose a versatile design that can be worn as a top or paired with shorts for extra versatility.
• Comfortable shoes: Select a pair of versatile and comfortable shoes that can be worn for both casual and active occasions. Choose a style that matches your outfits and provides adequate support for walking or hiking.

Remember, the key is to pack items that can be easily mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. By prioritizing versatile pieces and avoiding unnecessary accessories, you’ll be able to keep your luggage minimal while still looking stylish and feeling comfortable during your travels.

Choosing the right shoes for your minimalist travel packing list is crucial. You want to find a balance between comfort, versatility, and functionality. Here are the essential shoe options to consider:

• Comfortable walking shoes: A pair of comfortable walking shoes is a must-have for any traveler. Look for lightweight, breathable, and supportive shoes that can handle long walks and various terrains. Sneakers or walking sandals are great choices.
• Flip flops or sandals: If you’re heading to a destination with beaches or warm weather, don’t forget to pack a pair of flip flops or sandals. They are perfect for casual outings and can double as shower shoes in accommodation with shared facilities.
• Dress shoes: Depending on your travel itinerary, you may need a pair of dress shoes for more formal occasions. Opt for a versatile style that can be worn with different outfits, such as a pair of flats or low-heeled boots.
• Multi-purpose shoes: If you’re looking to save space in your luggage, consider packing a pair of shoes that can serve multiple purposes. For example, there are hiking shoes that are designed to be stylish and comfortable for everyday wear.

Remember to wear the bulkier pair of shoes (usually the walking shoes) during travel to save space in your luggage. Additionally, consider the climate and activities you’ll be participating in during your trip to ensure you have the appropriate footwear. By selecting a few versatile shoe options that cover your needs, you can keep your luggage light while still being prepared for any adventure that comes your way.

When it comes to toiletries, the key to minimalist packing is to bring only the essentials. Consider your personal preferences and the duration of your trip to determine how much of each item you’ll need. Here are the essential toiletries to include in your minimalist travel packing list:

• Travel-sized toiletries: Opt for travel-sized bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion to save space in your luggage. You can transfer your favorite products into reusable containers or buy travel-sized versions.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste: Pack a compact toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste for your dental hygiene needs. Consider a toothbrush cover to keep it clean and protect your other items.
• Deodorant: Choose a small and lightweight deodorant to keep you feeling fresh throughout your trip. Look for solid or roll-on alternatives for easier packing.
• Skincare essentials: Bring a simplified skincare routine with a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Opt for multi-purpose products like a moisturizer with SPF to streamline your packing.
• Makeup: If you wear makeup, pack only the essentials such as foundation, mascara, and a versatile lip color. Consider travel-sized or solid versions to save space.
• Menstrual products: If needed, bring an appropriate supply of menstrual products such as tampons or pads. Consider compact alternatives like menstrual cups or reusable cloth pads.
• Haircare: Simplify your haircare routine by bringing a compact brush or comb, hair ties, and any necessary styling products or tools. Consider using solid or travel-sized options to save space.
• Medications: Don’t forget any prescription medications you need, along with a small first aid kit for minor emergencies.

Remember, many accommodations provide basic toiletries, so you might not need to pack everything. Consider the availability at your destination and tailor your toiletries accordingly. By packing only the essentials and opting for travel-sized or multi-purpose products, you can keep your toiletry bag minimal while still maintaining your personal hygiene routine.

Electronics

In this digital age, electronics play a vital role in our travels. However, when practicing minimalist packing, it’s important to prioritize the essential electronics while keeping your luggage light and efficient. Here are the must-have electronics for your minimalist travel packing list:

• Smartphone: Your smartphone is a multi-purpose device that can serve as your communication tool, camera, navigation system, and more. Make sure to pack your charger and any necessary adapters.
• Camera: If you’re passionate about photography, consider bringing a compact camera or a high-quality smartphone with a good camera. Remember to pack an extra memory card and charger.
• Portable charger: A portable charger is a lifesaver, especially when traveling long distances or exploring remote areas. Invest in a compact and lightweight portable charger with sufficient capacity to keep your devices powered on the go.
• Universal adapter: If you’re traveling to different countries, a universal adapter is a must. It allows you to charge your electronic devices in any destination without the need for multiple adapters.
• E-book reader: If you’re an avid reader, an e-book reader can be a great addition to your minimalist travel gear. It allows you to carry multiple books in a single device, saving space and weight in your luggage.
• Headphones: Don’t forget to pack a pair of headphones for entertainment during your travels. Opt for compact, noise-canceling, or wireless options for convenience.
• Portable speakers: If you enjoy listening to music or podcasts, consider bringing a small portable speaker for sharing your favorite tunes with travel companions or livening up your accommodation.

Remember to assess what electronics are essential for your specific needs and interests. Avoid overpacking by leaving behind any devices that you won’t frequently use during your trip. By selecting the most necessary electronics and being mindful of their size and weight, you can ensure a minimalist and efficient travel experience.

Travel Documents

When it comes to travel, having the necessary documents organized and readily available is crucial. Make sure to gather and pack all the required travel documents to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey. Here are the essential travel documents to include in your minimalist travel packing list:

• Passport: Your passport is the most important document when traveling internationally. Ensure that it is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.
• Visas: Check the entry requirements for your destination and obtain any necessary travel visas. Keep them in a separate folder or passport wallet for easy access.
• Driver’s license: If you plan to rent a car or drive during your trip, bring your driver’s license. Consider obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) if required in your destination.
• Flight tickets: Whether in physical or digital form, keep your flight tickets easily accessible. Consider using mobile apps or email confirmations to minimize paper clutter.
• Hotel reservations: Keep a copy of your hotel reservations or booking confirmations, either in print or on your mobile device. This will help if you need to provide proof of accommodation upon arrival.
• Travel insurance: It’s highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and personal belongings. Keep the necessary documents and contact information with you.
• Credit cards and cash: Bring a few essential credit cards and a reasonable amount of cash in the local currency. Keep them securely in a travel wallet or money belt.
• Health documents: Depending on your destination, you may need to carry health-related documents such as vaccination records or a travel health insurance policy.

Ensure that you make copies or take photos of all your important travel documents and store them securely online or in a separate location. It’s also wise to share your travel itinerary and contact details with a trusted friend or family member.

By organizing your travel documents in a compact and efficient manner, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that everything is in order throughout your journey.

First Aid Kit

Having a well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, whether you’re going on a short trip or an extended adventure. A compact and lightweight first aid kit can help you handle minor injuries or illnesses while on the go. Here are the essential items to include in your minimalist travel packing list for a basic first aid kit:

• Band-aids and adhesive dressings: Pack a variety of band-aids and adhesive dressings of different sizes to cover small cuts, blisters, or wounds.
• Gauze pads and adhesive tape: Include sterile gauze pads and adhesive tape for larger wounds or to secure dressings in place.
• Sterile wipes and antiseptic solution: Use sterile wipes or antiseptic solution to clean wounds and prevent infections.
• Pain relievers and fever reducers: Include over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for headache, fever, or minor aches and pains.
• Antihistamines and anti-diarrheal medication: These medications can come in handy for allergies, insect bites, or gastrointestinal issues.
• Tweezers and scissors: Pack a small pair of tweezers for removing splinters or foreign objects, and a pair of scissors for cutting gauze or medical tape.
• Lip balm and sunscreen: Don’t forget to protect your skin from sunburn and keep your lips moisturized. Choose travel-sized or solid versions.
• Prescription medications: If you have any prescription medications, ensure you have an adequate supply for your trip.
• Emergency contact information: Write down important emergency contact numbers, your own medical information, and any allergies you have. Keep this information easily accessible in your first aid kit.

Remember to personalize your first aid kit based on your specific needs and destination. If you’re traveling to areas with unique health risks or participating in adventurous activities, you may need to add additional items such as blister pads, oral rehydration salts, or specific medications.

By having a compact first aid kit on hand, you’ll be prepared to handle minor medical issues and provide immediate care wherever you may be.

Miscellaneous Items

In addition to the essentials mentioned above, there are a few miscellaneous items that can come in handy during your travels. These items can enhance your comfort, convenience, and overall travel experience. Here are some miscellaneous items to consider including in your minimalist travel packing list:

• Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is important while traveling. Invest in a durable and reusable water bottle to fill up throughout your journeys.
• Travel towel: Pack a lightweight, quick-drying travel towel that takes up minimal space in your luggage. It can be useful for drying off after swimming or visiting the beach, or as an extra towel in accommodations.
• Travel pillow and eye mask: For long flights or bus rides, a compact travel pillow and eye mask can help you rest more comfortably and get some quality sleep.
• Travel adapter: Depending on your destination, a travel adapter may be necessary to plug in and charge your electronic devices. Choose a compact and versatile adapter that can accommodate different plug types.
• Ziplock bags or packing cubes: These storage solutions can help keep your belongings organized and compartmentalized within your luggage. They also come in handy for storing wet clothes, toiletries, or keeping small items secure.
• Travel-sized laundry detergent: If you plan to do laundry while traveling, consider bringing a small container of travel-sized laundry detergent to wash your clothes in the sink or laundry facilities.
• Reusable shopping bag: Having a compact, foldable reusable shopping bag can be convenient for carrying groceries, souvenirs, or any unexpected purchases during your travels.
• Travel locks: Ensure the security of your belongings by bringing travel locks to secure your luggage, backpack, or hostel lockers. Opt for locks that are TSA-approved for ease of travel.
• Notepad and pen: A small notepad and pen can be useful for jotting down important information, making to-do lists, or keeping a travel journal.

Remember that the inclusion of miscellaneous items should align with your personal preferences and travel style. Consider the specific activities you’ll be engaging in, the climate of your destination, and any additional needs or preferences you may have.

By carefully selecting a few key miscellaneous items, you can enhance your comfort, organization, and overall travel experience without sacrificing the minimalist approach.

Traveling with a minimalist mindset can greatly enhance your travel experience. By packing only the essentials and eliminating unnecessary items, you can reduce the weight of your luggage, save time and money, and simplify your travel routine. Having a well-thought-out minimalist travel packing list ensures that you have everything you need while keeping your load light.

Throughout this article, we’ve covered the essentials for a minimalist travel packing list, including clothing, shoes, toiletries, electronics, travel documents, first aid kit, and miscellaneous items. By focusing on versatile and multi-purpose items, you can create a highly functional and efficient packing list tailored to your specific travel needs.

Remember, the key to successful minimalist packing is to prioritize the essentials and resist the temptation to overpack. Choose versatile clothing pieces that can be mixed and matched, pack comfortable and versatile shoes, bring only the necessary toiletries, and select the essential electronics that meet your travel needs. Don’t forget to gather and organize your travel documents, and pack a basic first aid kit for any minor health issues that may arise during your trip.

By adopting a minimalist approach to packing, you’ll experience the freedom of traveling with a lighter load. You’ll have less to worry about, more flexibility in your plans, and ample space to bring back memorable souvenirs. So, embrace the minimalist mindset and pack smart for your next adventure!

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The Ultimate Minimalist Packing List for a Week: Everything You Need to Know

When it comes to minimalist travel packing , it is all about the art of packing light and smart with the absolute minimum essentials, with the aid of suitable minimalist baggage , while still enjoying your journey to the fullest. In other words, minimalist travel means to think deeply about what you actually need instead of what you want and travel with less . 

A bunch of unnecessary stuff would undoubtedly be a burden for your trip and ruin the whole experience. Just imagine arriving at the destination, dragging your heavy luggage around everywhere under the scorching sun or against the biting wind blowing at your face. It can be pretty much a real headache, especially when you’re having so many things to take care of. 

If you’re still worrying about what to include in your minimalist packing list or which baggage is the most suitable, let us help you answer those questions. In this article, our CabinZero team has sorted out for you the ultimate checklist for smart and minimalist packing experience. 

Minimalist travel checklist for a week

More than often, the way you pack for a trip depends mostly on the destination and its weather, as well as how long you are going to be there. Yet for the most part, there are certain things that you definitely need to ensure a successful and comfortable journey. Check out our suggestion below of minimalist packing for a week and some on point minimalist packing tips . Once you adopt the mindset “less is more” in your minimalist packing list,  you'll always have everything you need at your fingertips without the hassle of overthinking and overpacking. 

Basic Minimalist Packing List

The more organised and well-prepared you are for travel, the more comfortable the journey will be. You will get the chance to learn more knowledge and obtain some precious travel experience while still enjoying your trip to the fullest. So ladies and gentlemen, here’s the most basic things you absolutely can’t get by without bringing:

• Wallet – carry your ID and some currency with you
• Travel Documents (ID, driver licence, insurance, boarding pass and visa if you’re travelling abroad)
• Sunglasses (even when it might not be sunny, you still need to protect your eyes from UV rays) 
• Phone charger/ Backup phone charger
• Hand sanitizer 
• E-reader (books can take up plenty of space, so you’d better invest in a Kindle or another effective e-reader for better minimalist packing)

Image from Unsplash

Minimalist Packing List For Women

1. toiletries bag.

Regardless of the destination, it is important for ladies to appear as your best while feeling great and comfortable. To ensure that, our checklist below can help you remember all the essential toiletries items:

• Conditioner
• Perfume/Cologne (one is never fully dressed without perfume)
• Makeup remover
• Facial wipes / cleanser 
• Hair brush or comb
• Skincare products 

>> May be you also like:  The Ultimate Toiletries Packing List

2. Light makeup

When you're on a one-week excursion , it’s better to just bring enough makeup for those picture-perfect moments, instead of dragging a full collection of makeup with you everywhere. For a basic set of makeup essentials, here’s what you need:

• Rosy blusher
• 1-2 lipsticks
• Travel size perfume

3. Clothes and Accessories

For ladies, travel packing tends to result in piles of clothing, bags full of toiletries, a multitude of chargers,  and dozens of extra items crammed in the suitcase. To avoid this, you should choose clothes with optimal function to maximise your potential for varying travel outfits. Here’s our suggestion to make planning your travel wardrobe a breeze: 

• 1 light jacket or pullover
• 1 cardigan/sweater
• 1 dressy dress
• 2 pairs of shorts
• 4 casual shirts (tees or tanks)
• 1 pair of sleeping attire
• 1 swimsuit (cover-up or one piece)
• 1 pair of sneakers/ walking shoes (choose comfortable ones, chances are that you’ll be walking more than usual when travelling)
• 1 pair of sandals 
• 1 easy mix-match purse or clutch
• 8 pairs of underwear
• 2-3 pairs of socks
• Accessories (scarves, hats or jewellery)

Leave the just-in-case items at home ladies. Images from Unsplash 

Minimalist Packing List For Men

Packing can be pretty much an exhausting experience for gentlemen. What should you bring? How can you put everything you need in one suitcase? Well, worry no more! Keep scrolling and check out the minimalist packing list for a masculine style from our team.

1. Toiletries Items

• Shower Gel and/or Soap
• Toothpaste -(get a travel sized one to save space)
• Moisturiser (this is a must for cold weather condition)
• Perfume/Cologne (you are never fully dressed without perfume)
• Hair gel, hair clay and comb

>> May be you also like:  Can You Bring A Razor On A Plane?

2. Clothes and Accessories

To get no less than 10 outfits for one-week trip into your minimalist packing list, you should include: 

• 1 white, grey and black T-Shirt
• 1 black sweater (or any other neutral colour)
• 1 white button-up shirt 
• 1 neutral quarter-zip sweater
• 1 black slacks 
• 2 pairs of dark denim jeans 
• 1 neutral jacket 
• 1 dressy neutral shoe
• 1 neutral colored sneaker
• Accessories (watch, hats, scarves, and belts)

Tips for minimalist packing

Once you can adopt a minimalist attitude while packing your suitcase, you will get to navigate your new destination much easier and also find it more comfortable on the road. Here are 6 tips for packing and travelling like a minimalist to keep in mind for your next journey!

Images from Unsplash 

Choose a well-organised backpack

You might think you only need to get yourself a simple backpack, and toss all your essentials into it is enough to travel. But that’s not how minimalism works. Although minimalist travel is about simplifying life and living well with less stuff around you, it’s imperative that you start investing in something that is worth-it in the long run, a well-organised and versatile backpack.

Choose multifunctional clothes

Think carefully about which clothing to take and pack only essential items according to the weather conditions. Instead of packing the outfits you might want, focus more on the items you’ll definitely need or anything with multifunctional use for a better minimalist packing. 

The same goes with other items such as toiletries, cosmetics, shoes, even bags.  If it has only one purpose, reconsider whether you really need it or not. This will ensure an ideal and comfortable travel experience and also saves you plenty of time and space in the suitcase.

Check the weather forecast beforehand

Another minimalist packing advice we can give you is to check the weather forecast before you embark on a trip, which tends to be forgettable for most travellers. Regardless of where you’re heading for, it is always essential to learn about the weather forecasts of the travel destination in advance. This way, not only will you find it easier to clarify which clothes and items to include, but you also get to decide the best time to travel. 

Stick to neutral colours

If you’re wondering about what to wear each day, here’s our suggested solution for you. Neutral colours like black, blue, grey or navy are all easy to mix together, and if you want to add some flourishes of colour, bring along the ones that can go well with the neutral colour that you already chose. As a result, you will get to create plenty of outfits without weighing yourself down with all the “options”. 

Leave unnecessary electronic devices behind

Travelling has evolved dramatically and becomes easier and more convenient with the advent of technology. It’s a good idea to have a smartphone with you while travelling for efficient planning or for directions, safety, and to stay in touch on the go. However, other favourite yet unnecessary technological devices that you often use at home could  probably stay there.

Consider what you can buy there

For most people, shopping for souvenirs is an integral part, as it can be a way to  collect and give mementos to remember their trip or to share with friends and family afterwards. To make sure you’re still following the minimalist packing principles, opt for items that are easily portable, such as jewellery, magnets, patches, and ornaments instead of large and heavy souvenirs. 

You can consider visiting a local post office and ship a box of your souvenirs back home so you don’t have to worry about how to toss them in your suitcase without breaking them. Check with the store to see if they can ship it back home for you.  

Best CabinZero Backpack for your minimalist packing

As mentioned above, a good quality backpack to carry all your clothes and essentials  will definitely help you travel with great ease and speed. If you’re looking for a minimalistic backpack for a week trip, keep reading and check out one of our best-seller products.

Classic Backpack

Style and colour

Though they appear with different styles, most of our products follow a minimalist, versatile and old school look. For this Classic Backpack , Absolute Black is picked by the majority of our followers, but if you are looking for something brighter, the range of choice for other shades is still available.

Size and Dimension

These packing cubes are perfectly sized to fit inside our 44L, 36L and 28L bags. Each cube is fully lined and it has a nylon outer, along with a convenient grab handle outside the bag, making it easier to bring around. 

Cabinzero Military Backpack

If you are an enthusiast of minimalist travelling, don’t miss out on the CabinZero Military model. There are three colour shades available for this Military Backpack (green, black, and navy), yet the Absolute Black is also favourably chosen by many followers.

These packing cubes are perfectly sized to fit inside our 44L, 36L and 28L bags. Each bag has an airflow system on both the rear panel and shoulder straps, making it easier to bring around. You can keep it company for any outdoor activities with its optimal ventilation and breathability. 

As you can see, here at CabinZero, it is our priority to advocate for our clients with our simple, lightweight purposefully-designed backpacks to make travelling much easier. So consider investing in these items for a minimalist and comfortable journey in the long run. You can visit our website to check out other products as well.  

Got a question? We are here to answer! 

Here are some of the top questions that we get asked the most from our beloved followers about minimalist travel checklist . If you’ve got more to ask, let us know in the comments and we’ll answer from our own experience.

Should I fold or roll my clothes for minimalist packing?

Definitely the rolling technique. 

Tightly roll your clothes before putting them in your backpack or packing cubes in order to prevent clothes from getting wrinkled. This will also help you to save plenty of space and organise your bag better.

What should I avoid?

Don’t bring a whole wardrobe with you. If you’re travelling for 7 days, you won’t need 7 pairs of pants or 7 tops and dresses. Just follow our minimalist packing list for females and males above and cut down on the non-essentials.

The same goes with other essentials such as personal-care items, cosmetics, shoes and medication. Keep it simple.

Tip : Try to plan out your outfits ahead of time, then mix and match when you get there.

Phuong Nguyen

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The Minimalista Packing List

Our  Signature Packing Lists are your ultimate guide to packing light. Whether you’re a fashionista or a no-frills traveler, these lists are made for you to customize to fit your own personal style.

This isn’t your average packing list! The clothing shown has been carefully selected and offers you brands, colors, fabrics, and functionality that will help make planning your travel wardrobe a breeze.

By including a combination of well-known travel brands along with your favorite retailers, you’ll find that you really can find a happy balance between travel and fashion!

Pack like a pro with Travel Fashion Girl and don’t forget to download your free printable packing checklist!

Please keep in mind that each item shown represents visual ideas of how you can create a custom travel wardrobe. Read this guide to learn how to adapt the items to the styles and color palette of your choice. For a complete introduction to creating a travel wardrobe, please read  Pack Light Stylishly .

Maxi Dress  |  Tee  |  Cami Top |  Tank Top  |  Skirt  |  Pants  |  Flat  |  Sandal  |  Sunglasses  |  Bag

You can use this sample travel wardrobe as a stand alone minimalist packing list or as the main core of your clothing.   Long term travelers can use this list as well as vacation-goers. Keep reading to learn how.

Consisting of six pieces of clothing, these are basics chosen specifically to provide you with optimal function while maximizing your potential for varying travel outfits. As these are the essence of your travel wardrobe, make sure you can mix and match each item.

For long trips in particular you’ll need to choose fabrics that can wash and dry quickly and easily.

  PERFECT FOR LOW MAINTENANCE TRAVELERS

WHERE AND WHEN ARE YOU TRAVELING?

This packing list is ideal for low maintenance women traveling in a single region or in warm climates. For cold weather, consider the Classic Packing List .

For weekend breaks, you may not need more than three outfits which are easily created with these six pieces and probably won’t have to worry about laundry. If you need more than three outfits review the Essentials Packing List for more options.

The last thing you want to do is spent your limited time on laundry. For more tips, learn more about packing for weekend travel .

If you’re using this minimalist packing list for longer trips, hand washing is necessary. Make sure to choose the right fabrics for your basics is necessary to ensure maximum use and swift washing times.

Suggested items to pack include a universal rubber sink plug and packable clothesline to make this process a breeze!

GUIDELINES TO CHOOSING APPROPRIATE ITEMS

As with all the lists, it is important to select clothing items that work well together and can be used interchangeably.

COLOR: One Color Story – solids, neutrals, limited patterns in same color story

FABRIC: Flexible for short trips; Strict for long trips: durable quick dry synthetics

CUT: Good fit in classic styles;  every item must  mix and match

STYLE: Appropriate in various settings: Beach, Temples, Villages, Cities, Treks, etc

TRAVEL BAG: 30-35 Liter backpack for long trips or weekender bag  for short trips.

Travel organizers are the key to organization and the ability to maximize space especially for carry-on luggage. Watch this packing video to learn more!

Sample Minimalista Packing List

  6 Pieces of Clothing

Linen scoop tee

Washed-satin Cami Top

Calf-Length Oval Skirt

Floral Print Harem Pants

Pleated Maxi Dress

Two Tank Tops/Short Sleeve Tops in the heat or Two Long Sleeve for Cooler Climates Synthetic fabric, quick dry, solid colors or simple prints. Classic cuts that can be layered as needed. Should mix and match.

One Long Sleeve Shirt Light quick drying fabrics in the heat. Able to layer over other tops and dresses as a light jacket or cover up. Button up tops are versatile. Merino wool or cashmere to act as a top layer over other two tops as needed.

Remember to choose sleeve lengths that you like. Some women like sleeveless and others like long sleeves. Choose what works for you.

Two sets of Bottoms  Highly dependent on your destination and the weather, choose items that can be used for every activity. Should mix and match with all tops.

Whether you choose long pants, capris, shorts, or skirts is up to you.

If you pack colorful or printed tops choose solid or neutral bottoms and vice versa.

One Dress or if you prefer separates choose a skirt instead. You can go one of two ways with this: bold colors or prints or classic style with neutral color. It depends on your style.

Versatility is key. For dresses choose one that can take you from day to night with some added accessories or an extra hint of makeup. If you’re only packing six pieces convertible travel dresses also offer you the added option of a two in one piece.

Two Outerwear One coat/jacket plus one layer for underneath.

One Bathing Suit Reversible bathing suits allow you to mix and match. Choose one that has a neutral shade on one side so it can easily double up as a bra under your tops.

Two Bras Neutral colors that matches with all your tops. Nude tones recommended. Read about choosing the best bras for travel .

One Sports Bra For long trips if you plan on doing activities or have long bumpy transportation journeys.

Two Sleepwear Pajamas depends on your personal preference but try to choose versatile items that can be worn outside the bedroom if needed such as running shorts and a fitness top. Silk or satin chemises and sets can be used as a light option as well.

Five-Ten Pairs of Travel Underwear Quick dry, avoid 100% cotton or mesh. Quantity depends on length of trip. Read these tips for extended travel .

Two Pairs of Shoes Choose versatile footwear . Style depends greatly on your activities and the weather but one thing’s for sure: choose comfort over fashion. A balance between functionality and fashion is ideal! Should mix and match all clothing and work for all  activities. Read our ten step guide to choosing the best travel shoes for any trip.

Accessories One belt that can be worn with pants and dress for practical style. Jewelry can be used to add color, change style, or add glam. Don’t forget them. Read the lazy girl’s guide to stylish travel accessories for more ideas.

Makeup Take the essentials but leave the drawer filled with makeup at home. Decanter full sizes into smaller reusable containers with only the quantity you need. Read these posts for more travel makeup tips .

Alternate Packing List Combinations

Tank  |  V-neck |  Top  |  Dress  |  Jeans  |   Skirt

3 Tops + 2 Bottoms + 1 Dress/Skirt (versatile, shown above)

4 Tops + 2 Bottoms (good for cold climates)

2 Dresses + 3 Tops + 1 Bottom (good varying climates)

2 Dresses + 2 Tops + 2 Bottoms (good for mild to warm climate)

6 Dresses (good for hot weather)

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READ THE REST OF OUR SIGNATURE PACKING LISTS:

• Minimalista Packing List for Summer
• Minimalista Packing List for Winter
• Essentials Packing List for Summer
• Essentials Packing List for Winter
• Classic Packing List for Summer
• Classic Packing List for Winter
• Maximista Packing List for Summer
• Maximista Packing List for Winter

Find out what to wear in every destination  and visit our country specific packing lists  for even more helpful tips.

READY TO TRAVEL CARRY-ON ONLY?

If it’s your first time traveling, you have a complicated itinerary, or you’re a chronic overpacker take our  packing course which shows you exactly how to travel carry-on only for each and every single trip!

Click here to stop overpacking for good!

PRINTABLE TRAVEL CHECKLIST

Home > General Travel > Men's Minimalist Packing List

56 Travel Essentials for Minimalist Men (Packing List v. 6.0)

The sixth update of the 56-item packing list of minimimalist travel essentials for men that I've been fine-tuning for over a decade.

A Man is Judged by the Size of His Bag

In The Devil Wears Prada , Meryl Streep's character said, "You can always judge a woman by her bag." (…Probably. I never watched the movie.) I don't know about her general advice, but if she'd been talking about a traveler, she'd have been spot on.

You are what you pack.

A man with an enormous bag? Overcautious, inexperienced, and indecisive. And probably sweaty.

A man who can go for months with just a daypack? That's a happy camper who knows what's up.

And since you're reading this blog, you probably want to be the latter. So, without further ado, here's my go-to minimalist packing list for men that I've been perfecting for over a decade.

Minimalist Men's Travel Essentials Packing List

Big picture.

Because minimalist men always look at the big picture first. Click any to jump straight to it.

• 6 Bags – 2.3 lb
• 18 Clothes  – 8.4 lb
• 2 Shoes  – 1.5 lb
• 12 Electronic s – 5.5 lb
• 8 Toiletries – 0.5 lb
• 10 Miscellaneous – 0.8 lb
• Only Pack if Really Necessary

DO NOT Pack

TOTAL: 56 items, 19.5 lb

An Honest Packing List

As proof to you that my recommendations are legitimate and not money-grabbing affiliate links, I've included photos of me using my packing list items everywhere possible.

6 items, 2.3 lbs / 1.1 kg

• 1 laundry bag
• 3 ziploc bags

1.9 lb / 878 g

Ideal Specs:

• 32 liters or less
• Side water bottle pockets
• Reasonably lightweight but durable
• Easy-access front pocket
• Zippers with holes in them you can put a lock through
• Washing machine friendly
• Chest buckle but no bulky waist strap
• Laptop sleeve.

Recommendation:

After nine wonderful years, my trusty old Patagonia Fuego backpack got so decrepit that even Patagonia's repair team told me there was nothing they could do about it.

So I went hunting for a replacement?a modern upgrade to my old bag. I tell the story of the ups and downs of how I chose my backpack here .

To cut to the chase, I ended up with an Osprey Nebula .

We've only been together for two months, so maybe I'm still in the honeymoon phase, but so far I'm smitten. It has everything my old backpack had, but fresher and slightly better arranged. Its multitude of pockets is far from "minimalistic," but I find this makes it easier to manage all the items I pack.

8.2 oz / 232 g

I pack a super lightweight bag for carrying stuff around during the day.

Messenger bags are the best for this. Unlike backpacks, I don't need to take them off to get into them and I can swing them in front of me when in crowded pickpocket-prone places.

Recommendation: 

My 15L Patagonia Travel Courier conveniently stuffs into a little pouch that fits right in the front pocket of my backpack.

I like that it has a couple of water bottle holders (which I also often use as a quick-access pocket for my phone), a couple of secure zipped compartments, and an easily adjustable, comfortable shoulder strap.

Update: Patagonia no longer makes this bag. No other reputable company makes anything similar, either. For a replacement, I'd go back to what I used to have: an even lighter-weight sling like this one . Alternatively, I may get this inexpensive courier bag from Decathlon that Taylor recommended in the comments.

1 Laundry Bag

0.4 oz / 10 g

To separate your dirty laundry from clean clothes.

Any plastic bag will do, but you can get some fancy synthetic fabric bag if you have money to burn.

3 Ziploc Bags

1.2 oz / 36 g

• One for electronics. Put your little cords and Kindle and phone in a Ziploc bag. Even double-bag to avoid disaster.
• One for toiletries. Forget fancy toiletry bags.
• One for anything else. Like snacks, for example.

18 items, 8.4 lb / 3.8 kg

• 1 pair of pants
• 1 pair of nice shorts
• 2 sports shorts
• 2 pairs of socks
• 2 pairs of underwear
• 1 button-up
• 1 long-sleeved layer
• 1 sweatshirt
• 1 waterproof shell

Maximum Flexibility for Minimalist Packing

A minimalist packing list requires maximum flexibility, so I ensure every piece of clothing matches with the others. I also always choose easy-to-wash, difficult-to-stain, and quick-to-dry fabrics? especially merino wool ?over cotton.

1 Pair of Pants

1 lb / 459 g

• Look somewhat dressy, so they can be worn on many occasions, but still feel sporty and comfortable
• Deep pockets so things don't fall out of them in buses and cars
• Quick-dry fabric (not cotton)
• Drawstring (so no need for a belt)

Lululemon ABC Pants  look like khakis but are super stretchy and comfortable. The fabric is quick-drying and easy to maintain. The only knock on them is they don't have a drawstring, so be sure to get a perfect-fitting waist.

I wore them just about every day during our six months in Colombia   on everything from hikes to fancy dinners and they did the job perfectly .

1 Pair of Everyday Shorts

8.8 oz / 250 g

• Versatile enough to be able to wear out to restaurants but also on active excursions
• Drawstring (to avoid the extra weight of a belt)
• Deep pockets (protection from pickpockets and inadvertent escape of valuables)

My New Way Shorts from Outlier have exceeded my high expectations for them (even given their high?$125!?price) since I got them in May 2019.

And, most importantly, Kim loves them too! Unlike my previous go-to travel shorts, she has no problem with me wearing these out to dinner and other events where I need to be "presentable." So I wear them all the time.

For more about what I like (and don't like) about these shorts, see my in-depth review, Outlier New Way Shorts: Overhyped, Imperfect, and Awesome , and my 3 favorite men's shorts for travel, sports, style, and comfort .

2 Pairs of Sport Shorts

17 oz / 490 g

• Big front pockets that can safely hold your phone.
• Zipper pocket to hold cash, cards, and keys.
• At least one black pair, so it can double as a backup pair of regular shorts.
• Long enough so they can double as regular walking-around shorts.

Lululemon's Pace Breaker Shorts  are, simply put, my favorite sports shorts ever .

I've tried similar pairs from Patagonia, Nike, Adidas, New Balance, and more, but none have supplanted the Pace Breakers from their title.

Lululemon stands by their stuff, too. I brought in one 5-year-old pair that had seriously faded and they simply swapped it for a new one.

2 Pairs of Socks

2.8 oz / 80 g

• Black ankle socks
• Wool for less smelliness

My sister got me a couple of pairs of Darn Tough ankle socks for my birthday and I don't think I'll ever buy other socks again.

I'm so happy with them that they inspired a whole blog post on How to Pick Gifts Even Better than Santa: 8 Unconventional Tips .

Not only are these socks darn tough (they have a lifetime guarantee) but they're darn comfortable and darn stink resistant.

2 Pairs of Underwear

5.6 oz / 160 g

• A fly, or whatever the hole pulling your pecker out of is called.
• Extra, super, duper quick-dry material. You'll want to wash these with you in the shower, so they need to dry quickly.

Icebreaker Anatomica Boxers. My go-to used to be Tilley Travel Boxer Briefs, which are almost equally fantastic, but the Icebreaker's 83% merino wool provides better insulation and odor-fighting than Tilley's 100% polyester.

I like both pairs better than the MeUndies, ExOfficio, Saxx, Patagonia, and Under Armour pairs I've also tried.

10.6 oz / 300 g

Up until 2018, I was happy with plain 100% polyester singlets. They packed light and stayed reasonably cool.

Then I got a merino wool tank from the Icebreaker shop at the outlet mall. It's lighter, cooler, and way less smelly. And by less smelly, I mean even when it gets drenched with sweat from a workout, it hardly smells after it dries. So I barely wear my old synthetic singlets anymore.

My slight preference is for my Unbound merino tank (discontinued) I got in 2019 because it's softer, though a bit heavier (which looks nicer but isn't as cooling). Of the other brands I have, I prefer the Smartwool tanks over Icebreaker's Anatomica tanks .

1 Plain T-Shirt

5.7 oz / 162 g

Recommendation(s):

The Outlier Ultrafine Merino Tee .

I had no problems with my Icebreaker Cool-Lite Sphere merino t-shirts (still don't), but Outlier offered me one so I said why not. Maybe I'd love it as much as I do their shorts . If not, I'd give it to my brother, who was visiting us in Cape Town .

Well, as you can see in the photo above, I'm wearing the shirt and my brother isn't.

The Outlier tee's heavier than Icebreaker's, but it's noticeably softer too and still insulating enough to keep me cool in here in the South African summer. I instinctively put it on instead of my Icebreaker ones, so I guess I like it more.

November 2022 Update: I put my money where my mouth is and bought a couple more Outlier t-shirts?this time in darker colors so that they don't show sweat stains and other marks as much.

1 Button-Up Collared Shirt

• Lightweight, so it can double as a beach shirt that protects you from the sun
• Chest pocket, which is handy for boarding passes
• Wrinkle resistant

The Wool&Prince wool-linen button-down shirt .

It has the relaxed, casual look of a linen shirt with the odor-fighting and stain-repelling benefits of merino wool. This makes it perfect for travel, especially to the warm-weather places Kim and I prefer to visit.

?nearly perfect.

While the linen gives the shirt a cooler look and feel than pure merino, it also makes the shirt more wrinkle-prone. But not so wrinkly my wife won't let me wear it. And not nearly as wrinkly as the 100% linen shirts I own, which I never end up wearing because I rather not go out than have to iron a shirt.

1 Long-Sleeved Layer

7.9 oz / 225 g

• Lightweight but warm.
• Not too sporty-looking, so it can be worn around the city without looking like a granola outdoors-enthusiast who's trying to signal how adventurous they are.
• Snug enough to be a mid or base layer, but not so snug that it suffocates my torso.

I've gone through a lot of these shirts, from Costco brand to Patagonia. (I actually liked the Costco brand one more.)

As of October 2020, I've been experimenting with something different: an alpaca wool base layer from Arms of Andes .

The team there read my post on merino wool's pros and cons , contacted me to tell me alpaca's better, then sent me the shirt to prove it.

So far, so intriguing.

The shirt is incredibly warm for its weight; I've been comfortable wearing just it and a t-shirt this fall in 10?C/50?F temperatures. And I've yet to wash it (as of Nov 2022!) despite wearing it for dozens of outdoor workouts . I probably should wash it, but it's annoyingly hand-wash-only, so I just air it out in the sun, which seems to be good enough.

The fabric feels nearly as soft as cashmere, but it also has the same slightly scratchy feel on bare skin (which good merino wool doesn't have).

1 Sweatshirt

15.5 oz / 439 g

• Black or grey for easy matching and stain resistance
• Zip-up front for better climate control
• A hood for extra warmth and to cover up messy hair

I don't know anymore.

In the photo above, I'm probably on my phone researching the best hoodies out there.

I like the performance and zip pockets of my Icebreaker Quantum II hoodie , but hate its stupid-looking and uncomfortable scuba-style hood, so I wouldn't buy it again.

Whenever it falls apart, I figure out how to make enough money off this blog to not feel bad about replacing a perfectly good sweatshirt with a new-er one, or I convince Unbound to give me one for free, I'll replace it with their compact travel hoodie .

1 Lightweight Jacket

12.8 oz / 362 g

• Zipper pockets
• Inner chest pocket
• Water-resistant
• Packable into a pouch

Patagonia's Nano Puff Jacket  because it exactly meets every one of my criteria.

Kim liked mine so much, she got herself one and now considers it one of her 15 top travel essentials .

1 Waterproof Shell

13 oz / 371 g

• Waterproof (This may sound obvious, but many a dumbass has bought a water-resistant shell thinking it's waterproof)
• Zip-up front
• At least one outside pocket

This type of jacket is a dime-a-dozen. Go with REI or MEC or some other reputable outdoor brand that stands behind their product quality. Or go to an outlet mall. That's where I found a good deal on my Lululemon waterproof jacket , which is doing the job for me.

2 oz / 60 g

Get a hat you don't mind squashing in the bottom of your bag, not some pristine New Era cap with the sticker still on it.

If you're going somewhere cold, pack a knitted cap instead of a baseball hat.

In October 2020, I said sayonara to the weathered red trucker cap with my brother's business on the front and got something more technical: Lululemon's Fast and Free Run Hat Elite .

Yeah, "Elite."

I don't need an "elite" hat for my travel purposes. But its lightweight, easy-care, and inconspicuousness do the trick for me.

I also considered a cap from Ciele . A lot of people love them but I refuse to pay a premium price let them plaster their brand name in giant letters atop my forehead.

6 oz / 171 g

Get a lightweight, quick-dry (not cotton!) towel. This is the rare item of which you don't want to get the smallest size possible. It should be big enough to wrap around your waist.

These towels serve the additional purpose of being beach blankets, and you can tuck them under your hat too for Arab-style neck and shoulder protection.

The large-sized PackTowl from MEC has served me well for longer than I can remember. (Or, better put, longer than I've been keeping track of everything with my lifelogging practice.)

2 items, 2.0 lb / 0.9 kg

• 1 pair of sandals
• 1 pair of runners

1 Pair of Sandals

13 oz / 374 g

• Durable, so the strap doesn't fall apart when you're in the middle of nowhere. This seems to happen to some friend of mine and their Havaianas every other trip.
• Not stinky. Constant exposure to sweaty bare feet can make cheap sandals a noxious threat to everything else you pack with them in your bag or to a whole room when you take them off.
• Comfortable enough to be able to walk in all day long without forming blisters or rashes.
• Good for my feet.

Most of you reading this will not like my recommendation. It's not stylish nor particularly practical. But it makes up for it in terms of functionality.

My recommendation:

Shamma's performance sandals .

Since I got my Maximus sandals in October 2022, they're the only shoe I've worn?for hiking, running, errands, and even going out for dinner, though Kim wasn't happy with that style choice.

They're easily my favorite purchase of the year.

I used to wear Xero Cloud barefoot sandals, but they go beyond minimalist into the realm of flimsiness. They'd hurt my knees when walking on cement, especially when lugging around my 1.5-year-old son. I also could never get the straps just right and they were never comfortable.

These Shammas have none of those problems. They're comfortable, have easy-to-adjust straps, and have a thick enough sole to pad my joints for city strolling.

The downsides are the straps look Jesus-hippy-esque and you can't slip them on hands-free like regular flip-flops. But Katy Bowman convinced me in her book, Move Your DNA , that flip-flops can mess up your feet, so I suck it up, bend over to put them on, and look kind of stupid.

I got the plain black version because that's all I could find in Vancouver, Canada. If I were in the US, I'd get one of their brown leather models, which Kim says don't look so bad.

1 Pair of Running Shoes

1.2 lb / 194 g

• Black, so they don't show dirt and can be worn in cities with pants without looking too stupid.
• Super lightweight. You should be able the easily bend them in half.
• Zero drop (i.e., no elevation of the ankles relative to the toes).

The above photos are of Lems Primal 2s . I've gone through two pairs over the past three years. They're a solid alternative to the fancier, pricier, and more popular Vivobarefoot Primus shoes that Kim wears .

But the soles are a bit too thin for some of the jumping and baby-carrying I do on unforgiving surfaces, so my newest and yet-to-be-fully-tested?or even photographed?addition to this packing list is a pair of thicker-soled Lems Primal Zen shoes .

Given my positive experience with the Primal 2s, I'm feeling pretty confident?"zen," even??that these new Zens will work out great.

Electronics

13 items, 5.5 lb / 2.5 kg.

• Laptop with case and charger
• Cell phone and case
• Extension cord
• USB charging cube

Laptop With Case And Charger

3.9 lb / 1785 g

I've got a Macbook, but I won't begrudge you if you prefer non-Apple products.

Cell Phone & Case

6.3 oz / 180 g

Get a ghetto case to diminish thieves' desire to steal it, but that's good enough to diminish the risk of cracking your phone's screen if you drop it.

Recommendation

Speck Presidio cases .

I had the same Speck case for over four years, and just replaced it this December. The new one costed something around $25, but I got the previous at Winners for $9.99.

Over the course of the four years I had it, the extraneous bits broke off (in true minimalist fashion), but it held my phone together. My screen has yet to crack (knock on wood) despite having dropped my phone dozens of times.

Don't cheap out on getting a local SIM wherever you go.

It's happened to me twice where I've gone to a country, decided against getting a SIM, put my phone on airplane mode, lost it, and couldn't find it because Find My iPhone doesn't work in airplane mode. I'm a slow learner, but now the first thing I do when I arrive in a foreign country is get a local SIM card. Do the same, no matter how cheap you are or disconnected you want to be.

E-Reader & Case

8 oz / 230 g

If you don't have a Kindle (or another brand of e-reader), get one already.

Don't bring your Kindle charger, though. Just bring a tiny USB to micro USB cord you can plug into your computer.

The Kindle Paperwhite . It's less than half the price ($120) of the newer Oasis model ($250) but has absolutely everything you'd ever need: enough storage to hold thousands of books, multiple-week-long battery life, super lightweight and durable, and a backlight for reading at night without bothering others.

An Extension Cord (My Secret Weapon)

9 oz / 250 g

You might think an extension cord is unnecessary, especially for a so-called minimalist packing list. Maybe you're right because I don't know if I've ever seen anyone else who packs one. But just because nobody else does it doesn't mean it's wrong. I'd argue the opposite.

I use my extension cord just about every day, everywhere I go. Not only does it allow me to reach distant plugs in airports, bus stations, and poorly designed hotel rooms, but it also doubles or triples the number of power outlets. It can be used as a clothesline or a rope in a pinch too.

Get a standard 12-foot cord , but make sure it is two-pronged, not three, so you can easily attach adaptors to it.

USB Wall Charging Cube

0.9 oz / 25 g

This you can use to charge your phone, headphones, and e-reader.

0.3 oz / 10 g

Your phone, computer, and Kindle can handle voltages from any country, so you just need a cheap dollar store adaptor.

You only need one adaptor if you get an extension cord with multiple sockets at the end of it.

Wireless Headphones

• Water-resistant enough not to get damaged from my excessively sweaty ears.
• Fit well enough not to fall out when doing handstands and jumping exercises.

Recommendation : 

After 5 happy years with Plantronics BackBeat FIT headphones , their microphone stopped working so I decided to try something new: the Apple AirPods Pro .

Enough people rave about them online already, so I'll spare you that. I don't even care much for the noise cancellation mode. I just care that they stay in my ears, have long enough batteries, and are durable. It's been 3 months and they've held up well so far. Give me another year before I join the choir of fanboys.

8 items, 0.5 lb / 0.2 kg

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
• Razor and shaving cream
• Toilet paper

Travel-Sized Toothbrush, Toothpaste, and Floss

1.7 oz / 51 g total

If you don't floss, start. "One less thing to pack," is not an excuse.

Razor and Shaving Cream

2.4 oz / 70 g total

You lucky guys who can grow luscious full beards might not need this one and the next.

For splinters, in-growns, and whatever else is in you but shouldn't be.

One great tip from a reader is to bring the extra small ones from a Swiss Army knife. You can buy them individually at MEC in Canada for just $2.50 . I imagine you can find the same at similar outdoor stores like REI in other countries.

1.8 oz / 50 g

I went on a bit of a rant against sunscreen in our post on clich? travel tips and what to do instead , but you should still bring some.

Even if you're going to the UK, be optimistic. Just keep the bottle under 100 ml. so you can fly with it.

Toilet Paper In A Small Ziploc

1.1 oz / 30 g

Take out the tube. Always have some on you just in case.

Miscellaneous

10 items, 0.8 lb / 0.4 kg.

• Zipper lock
• Drivers license
• 2 Credit cards
• Travel insurance contact info
• 100 to 300 USD
• Water bottle

1 Zipper Lock

2.1 oz / 60 g

When I'm on an overnight bus or leaving my bag in the luggage storage at a hotel, having my zipper locked gives me a bit of peace of mind. Sure it can be cut, but a thief's likely to go to the next, unlocked bag instead.

I prefer locks with a flexible band, like these MasterLock ones that are around $12 for two.

1.3 oz / 38 g

I don't bother taking a printed copy but I do have a digital copy saved on my Google Drive.

Drivers License

0.2 oz / 5 g

For ID and for renting cars, if necessary.

2 Credit Cards

0.1 oz / 3 g

Take two because there's always the chance one gets canceled or lost or doesn't work with a certain ATM.

If you're a fellow Canadian, save yourself a bunch of money by getting one of the credit cards from my Best Canadian Credit Cards for International Travel post.

Travel Insurance Contact Card

0.1 oz / 2 g

I never thought of carrying a printed card with my travel insurer's contact info until a few of the travel insurance industry insiders I interviewed for my guide on how to buy the best travel insurance told me to.

If something bad happens, I need to call my insurer ASAP. If not, there's a risk I could have to pay a portion of the charges.

And if I'm too hurt to contact them, the hospital needs to know who's paying. Some foreign hospitals turn back injured travelers who don't have proof of insurance.

100-300 USD

0.4 oz / 11 g

I hope you don't mind me counting this as one item in my packing list, not three-hundred.

Always have cash as a backup. Keep it separated in two different hiding spots within your stuff. I often hide some in my rolled-up socks.

0.3 oz / 8 g

For filling customs forms and writing letters to put into bottles.

1 Carabiner

0.5 oz / 15 g

For attaching stuff (dirty wet clothes, shoes, water bottle) to the outside of your bag.

1 Water Bottle

6.7 oz / 189 g

Ideal Spec:

• Has a loop so you can attach it to your bag. If you don't fasten your water bottle to your bag while on the move, you're guaranteed to lose it at some point.

After years of not having a water bottle worth recommending for my minimalist packing list, I now have one:

The CamelBak Chute .

I immediately fell for it?so hard that it's already on my shortlist of favorite things I'd immediately buy again . As I wrote in that post:

The spout is the ideal size for chugging from when I?m super thirsty; the handy magnet keeps the cap from hitting my face when I?m drinking; and the size is perfect for backpack side pockets and car cup holders.

And, unlike many other things on my packing list, it's inexpensive. The only small downside is the "loop" isn't flexible like on a Nalgene, but hard plastic. I don't mind much, but Kim always points it out to me.

Only If Really Necessary

Bar of soap.

You can almost always get by using soaps and shampoos in the bathrooms on the road, but if you really don't want to risk it I particularly like my shampoo bar , which lasts forever and creates tons of suds for a complete head-to-toe wash.

I've managed to survive a lifetime without sunglasses ( Update: I now wear cheap ones to protect my eyes from sand when playing beach volleyball). If you insist, just make sure to get good ones with UV protection.

This is something I would normally buy on location, since it can be hard to predict whether bug spray will be needed or not.

Reader Suggestions

I don't pack the following but other readers do. Here are some small additional items to consider:

• Toothpick from a Swiss Army Knife. You can't take the knife if you're not checking a bag, but reader Barry swears by the toothpick. You can buy one for $1 at MEC in Canada or, I imagine, REI in the US or whatever the outdoor store is in your country.
• A small instrument. A little plastic flute like this one  or a harmonica. As the reader writes, "This will drive you crazy (and make you dizzy) for two weeks till you figure out how to play it, but once you do you can have a lot of joy." It's a great idea.
• A couple of USB flash drives.  These can be lifesavers if you're unable to back up your data to the cloud.

❌  A Big Wallet

Just carry a couple cards and maybe a money clip. You probably won't need your Costco card where you're going, so you don't need anything more than that.

❌  A Bathing Suit

Your sport shorts double as your bathing suit.

Sorry, Speedo lovers, but your banana hammock stays home.

❌  Zip-Off Pant/Shorts

I'm fine with making sacrifices to have a true minimalist packing list, but zip-off pant/shorts is taking it too far.

❌  Snacks

This may sound radical. It sure was radical to me. But now I believe in it and preach it far and wide.

You don't need snacks. Ever. So don't carry them. Not only does it lessen your load, but it may also reduce your jet lag .

It doesn't matter how long you're traveling. You can go days without food and without suffering. Before you dismiss this as insanity, read my fasting FAQ and tips and the story of my first three-day fast . It was enough to get Kim's parents to try it. Maybe it'll do the same for you.

Take a Load Off

Altogether, this minimalist packing list for men contains 56 items and weighs in at only 8.8 kg or 19.2 lb. And unless you're traveling around butt naked, you'll be typically wearing a good 5 lbs of that, so it'll weigh closer to 14 lb.

Everything fits into one small, nondescript, and easy-to-carry backpack. You won't have to roll your clothes to get them to fit in your bag, you won't be missing anything, and you'll be shaking your head every time you see a poor sucker with a needlessly giant bag.

Before You Pack Up and Leave…

What are your favorite items you'd have on your own minimalist packing list?

Do you think I missed anything or included something unnecessary?

Contribute in the comments  below.

Read This Next:

How to Travel To Change Who You Are

Long-Term Travel Packing List for Women: A Not-Too-Long List

Travel Essentials for Women: 15 Favorites to Never Forget

Update history.

I continuously update my minimalist packing list as new products and new technologies emerge and as I discover different brands and alternatives.

Here's the tracking of what I've changed.

November 2022 Update:

• I replaced most important item of my entire packing list, my backpack! Out with my faithful 9-year-old Patagonia Paxat and in with my very-similar-but-certainly-an-upgrade Osprey Nebula . Here's hoping this new relationship lasts just as long as my previous one.
• Since my Xero Cloud barefoot sandals provide no protection when walking on cement, I replaced them with so-far-so-amazing Shamma Maximuses .
• My J. Crew cotton hoodie wore out, so I replaced it with a technically-superior but comfort-ly-inferior Icebreaker Quantum II hoodie that, due to it's dumb hood, I will eventually replace with Unbound merino's compact travel hoodie .
• The MEC Aquanator Jacket that kept me dry since 2006 died of old age, so I replaced it with a Lululemon waterproof jacket .
• Someone stole my Oura Ring and I've decided not to replace it because A) It's expensive for a low-paid blogger like me and B) Thanks to what I've learned from the ring I now have a pretty good intuitive sense of how well I sleep and what factors help and hurt me. Plus, the new model has a monthly pricing plan which I refuse to support.

December 2020 Update:

• My third pair of Plantronics BackBeat FIT headphones bit the dust, so I decided to bite the bullet and try something new for the first time in 5 years with the AirPods Pro.
• I flip-flopped on my vow of eternal devotion to Crocs Swiftwater Flips and have mostly replaced them with less comfortable, less attractive, and less easy to wear Xero Cloud barefoot sandals. They're better for my feet and for intense exercise.
• The Unbound merino tank has usurped one of my Icebreaker Anatomica tanks .
• I replaced my quick-to-stink Patagonia Men's Capilene Zip-Neck with an Arms of Andes alpaca wool base layer in October, and I've yet to have to wash it despite heavy use in Vancouver's fall weather.
• My Icebreaker Shifter Hoodie bit the dust. Or maybe too many moths bit it. Whatever the case, it had too many holes and frays after 3 years of heavy use so Kim made me throw it away. Until I find something better, I'm lounging in a regular cotton J. Crew hoodie.

February 2020 Update:

• The Outlier Ultrafine Merino Tee has proven itself to be finer than my Icebreaker Cool-Lite Sphere t-shirts.
• The Lems Primal 2 minimalist shoes have replaced my old New Balance 20v7 Minimus Trainers .
• After never having had a water bottle worth recommending, I discovered the CamelBak Chute , which I not only added to this list but also on the shortlist of my favorite things I'd immediately buy again.

July 2019 Update:

• My Venture Trek Tech shorts from Tilley had a great 10-year run, but have been replaced by my Outlier New Ways.
• My Patagonia Anatomic Sling bit the dust after 4 repairs and 7 years, so I replaced it with a Patagonia Travel Courier.
• Wool&Prince's wool-linen button-down shirt easily unseated the old linen shirt I got from a boutique in Sri Lanka and has now become my go-to here in Valencia, Spain.

May 2019 Update:

• Instead of any old pair of socks, I'm now all about Darn Tough.
• My Icebreaker Anatomica boxers have taken the title from my Tilleys for best underwear.
• My Lululemon t-shirts have been usurped in preference by my Icebreaker ones.

December 2018 Update:

• I now wear an Oura Ring sleep tracker everywhere I go, so it's earned its way onto the list along with its little charger.
• The Nike Free 5.0+ shoes have been kicked to the curb in favor of some even lighter, more comfortable, and, hopefully, more durable New Balance 20v7s.
• A technical merino tank top from Icebreaker has replaced the polyester ones I used to use.
• The Arcteryx Cover Cardigan's been swapped out for an Icebreaker hoodie.

Disclosure: Whenever possible, we use links that earn us a cut if you pay for stuff we recommend. It costs you nothing, so we'd be crazy not to. Read our affiliate policy .

31 thoughts on “56 Travel Essentials for Minimalist Men (Packing List v. 6.0)”

A good thing to attach to your bag is a Bluetooth tracker like Tile or Chipolo. In the event you misplace your bag, nearby you're able to ring it to make a sound and locate it on your phone.

The item is either to attach to your zipper or anywhere on your bag

That's a fantastic suggestion, Wes. Thanks! I hadn't heard of trackers like that, so I'm going to look into them right now…

Good list for general travel! I would appreciate if you stress this aspect from the start of the article.

"A man with an enormous bag is overcautious, inexperienced, and indecisive. And probably sweaty.

A man who can go for months with just a daypack? That’s a happy camper who knows what’s up." – This feels misleading.

If you were to go on a 1-2 week hike (or even a few days)in Peru or Nepal for example and you have to camp and cook, you would need a lot more stuff. The equipment you recommend is top quality and damm expensive, that's where some of the "weight loss" comes from. Also I agree that fasting works, just that it's a big difference if you do it in a controlled way or if you are climbing cold mountains.

Hey Sandu. You're totally right. A man who shows up with just a daypack for a multi-day trek is going to end up being the opposite of a happy camper! It's easy to distinguish between a guy carrying a big bag full of camping stuff en-route to a hike and one who's heading to their luxury Airbnb while carrying a big bag full of unnecessary trinkets, shoes, and clothes though, don't you agree?

Hey. Agree… was just a little frustrated cause I read the article on phone and went through it all just to find that there is no camping equipment included 🙂 Guess it was more about expectations, other than that it is a really good list!

What’s your thoughts on deodorant…no seriously. I’ve found that using deodorant gets on the inside of my Icebreaker shirts and gives bacteria a place to live. The armpits start to smell after 2-3 times of wearing them.

Hey Tim. I've found the exact same, which is why I don't pack deodorant. On average I've experienced that not using deodorant keeps me less stinky… but there are still some seemingly random times when my pits explode with B.O.

For that reason, when I'm not traveling and going to some social event, I sometimes apply deodorant to "keep me covered" for a few hours, even though I know later in the night, hopefully after I'm home, it'll probably make me smell worse.

You forgot deodorant. Or don't use any?

Hey Emilio, Yeah I don't pack it when I'm packing light. See my response to the previous comment for my take on deodorant.

Hey Chris, I was looking to get a good packable backpack for my upcoming trip to Thailand and found this backpack https://the-most-functional-packable.kckb.st/96ac29dc on Indiegogo. What do you think about it? Looks like a great backpack for travel, I was just looking for some opinions before I made my decision… By the way, I love the content you have been posting lately 🙂

Hey Nic. At 10oz/280g that bag's impressively light. I guess it'd take the place of the messenger bag day pack in my packing list. I prefer the messenger style in general because it's easier access than a backpack, but if you're going to hike a lot or carry heavy laptops and whatnot this style will be more comfortable. If you get it, keep us posted on what you think of it. Enjoy Thailand!

A lot of this is going to depend on where you are going, with who, and what activities you want to be prepared for.

Hiking or camping will have a whole different set of priorities than a bar-hopping trip, or a trip to visit the red light district.

A trip to another country by plane to go on walking tours will have significantly different needs than a road trip to the next state to visit a museum.

I totally agree. This packing list can serve as a guide that people can alter based on specific needs. I do the same myself.

Have to say I've never packed specifically for a trip to visit the red light district, though! Please do write a post on that packing list.

How do you wash your clothes? With so few you'd have to wash daily usually, no?

Hey Rick. I normally use soap I scrounge up wherever I'm staying. Sometimes a packable laundry stick if I'm feeling fancy. It's really just the underwear and socks that need washing. The rest, especially the merino stuff, lasts a long time before needing a clean.

This post should have been named the ultimate guide of the packing lists for men. Because it has covered everything a guy needs to pack while traveling.

How are you liking the Lems Primal Zen shoes so far? I also had a pair of Primal 2s that I loved and have been eying these after I wear my current shoes out.

Hey Andy — I've barely worn them so far because I got my Shamma sandals at about the same time and those have been able to do everything I've needed. On the one hike I took the Zens on, they did the trick. It'll be another 6 months minimum before I have enough experience to compare them to the Primal 2s.

Just curious, what does Kim's list look like?

A long longer than mine! She listed some of the items here: https://www.theunconventionalroute.com/packing-list-for-women/

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Hi Chris! This is a great list and article. It was super helpful for me my first time backpacking Europe last year. I have purchased many of the items. Thanks for keeping it updated! The courier bag was one of my favorite items. You said there is nothing like it, but I found this one at a Decathlon sporting goods store in Italy last year. Here is the link to the item on their website to order one. Hope this helps!

https://www.decathlon.sg/p/trekking-15l-compact-messenger-bag-forclaz-travel-black-forclaz-8560413.html

Hi Taylor. Glad you found the list helpful. And thanks for sharing the link for the courier bag! Will update now to mention it. Happy travels.

nail file/emory board! (didn't see cheap clippers which could also serve)- not just for that one snagged nail- but to file off …all kinds of things (think prison breakout!).

chapstick. I have the addiction. Ok ok – lip balm of some sort.

OH yeah – I didn't know what that ring thing is – had to look it up.

And….zip ties – I bring about a half dozen. useful for so many temporary securities – take no space or weight.

headlamp -saving the stubbed toes when peeing in the middle of the night – and other usees

list of emergency contact people at home

something else i wanted to mention -but too tired.

I like the zip tie and emergency contact ideas. Thanks, Suzie

I can’t believe how much overly detailed words I read to just have my few deleted because of all the Fn too many ads on your blog. It’s like such a hypocritical thing just like your judgment on others pack size comment I wonder what a blog with sooo many ads says about a person?? Yet I will hold my tongue. In hopes this doesn’t get deleted I’ve never once thought I need an extension cord. Thou I liked you find it helpful for needs. I like a universal adapter with multi usb plug-ins including a quick charging c I also bring small individual country plug bit as often in like Europe not as easy to just plug that adapter just straight into extension cords supplied at accommodations. A portable battery bank with all the cords attached to itself. Makes sense as solo traveling to always get charges on the go because how often I use google maps ! E SIM card way easier less Sea to summit x-seal large bowl for breakfast at Airbnb /accommodation plus can take breakfasts with to early flights ect to avoid spending more than tasty. I like a no sugar protein bar in pack incase thou nothing more and recommend always making sure getting balanced diet when travelling so are healthy to avoid getting sick 😉 Anywho luck being the individual that you each are and remember apart of the experience of getting to know yourself is figuring this all out on your own. Or ask Kim what she thinks

Haha. All the ads say "I'm not an independently wealthy person and I rather not try to make money by making affiliate commission by pimping things I wouldn't buy myself, so I let a company put ads on my site to pay my bills." If you can suggest better ways to monetize, I'm all ears. Thanks for your packing suggestions!

Absolutely love the packing list. I travel with something very similar and have exactly the same backpack as you – Osprey Nebula.

I have a question about how you lock it; do you use the padlock through the zips themselves or the tassels that attach to the zips? And which compartment do you lock, the main compartment and/or the laptop sleeve?

Thanks for the help,

Thanks Brad. Good question. Since getting the bag, I haven't traveled anywhere where I needed to lock it. When I do, I'll get one of those little locks with the wire that will fit on the zips (not the tassels, which will be too easy to cut). Or two? Depends on where I put my valuables. I'd probably just lock the main one.

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The Versatile Minimalist Packing List You Need to Steal (Carry-On Only!)

Last Updated: March 8, 2024

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Once upon a time, I was terrified of minimalist travel.

Let’s just say I’m not great with decisions, and opening my suitcase would often bring an impending sense of doom… No space for my blender, you say?! What if I need an emergency smoothie??

My first backpacking trip around Europe , I carried everything on my back, with options for every possible occasion. Buuuut the thing about bringing around a million outfits is your suitcase becomes a sad brick of poor decisions. If you’re on the go, you want a light bag, no ifs ands or buts.

Luckily, after a decade of frequent travel, I’ve mastered the art of packing carry-on only (and still looking somewhat presentable).

Of all my packing lists, the one I’m most proud of is my packing list for minimalist carry-on only travel.

EXAMPLE: During a ten day road trip around the Balkans with some friends, every time I wore a new outfit, I’d get a stare from my travel companions akin to “where the heck did you get that from?” Honestly, by the end of the trip, my little black tote earned its reputation as a Room of Requirement. … 10 days, multiple outfits, all different purposes, crammed into one weekender bag.

If this intrigues you, keep scrolling. Today, I’d like to share my simple minimalist packing list with you (plus one adapted for winter).

Alright, here we go – my guide to easy, breezy minimalist travel.

Save this Minimalist Packing List for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

First: My Versatile Carry-On Packing List

Here’s a quick carry-on packing list for you for that can be adapted to any trip, style, or season! This should last you at least a week.

Below, I’ll be sharing a more detailed breakdown of how I would adapt this list for a summer or winter trip.

PS:  You can find a full resolution printable version of this packing list in my VIP Library  here.

My Minimalist Packing List (for Minimalist Travel in the Summer)

So the following list is the one I alluded to in the intro (read: Room of Requirement).

It’s primarily geared towards summer city travel (as in, this will probably not cut it if you’re going on some wilderness adventures or Arctic trek) BUT if you want to look nice while travelling around with a small bag, this is the list for you.

PS: I’m a big fan of dresses, hence their hefty representation in the list. If your personal style is different, feel free to sub dresses for additional shorts/tops.

3 summer dresses

I know that three dresses sounds like a lot for a minimalist packing list, but in the summer these are pretty much all I wear so I stand by my choice. They fit every possible occasion, so here are the three dresses I’d bring:

• 1 cute summer dress: Pick a dress that’s nice enough to pass for a night out (grabbing drinks, having a nice dinner) but is also suitable to wear during the day.
• 1 more fitted, classy-looking dress: There are some occasions on every trip where you might want to look a bit more dressed up, whether it’s spontaneous cocktails at a rooftop bar or spontaneous cocktails at a non-rooftop bar 😉 Okay, basically, bring this dress for cocktails. I brought a printed dress with a halter neckline for this purpose and it did the job.
• 1 strapless tube dress : Why strapless? Doesn’t that sound impractical? Nope! A strapless tube dress is the perfect addition to your capsule minimalist wardrobe because it can function as a dress, easy beach cover-up AND if you wear it lower down on your waist, it doubles as a skirt. Genius.

1 maxi skirt

I find that maxi skirts with the elastic band waistline are the most versatile. Mine was black, which is ideal because a) it goes with everything and b) it doesn’t get dirty as easily so you can wear it more times. That said, feel free to pick one that is bolder and goes with your personal style (bearing in mind that it should fit any tops you bring).

The key with picking these tops is they should match with your 1 pair of shorts (which we will discuss below), AND your maxi skirt AND your strapless tube dress. Opting for solid colours or a very subtle print is probably a good idea. Make sure the two tops you bring pass this test: would I wear it with my skirt, tube dress and shorts? If the answer is yes, throw them in the bag!

1 pair of shorts

Dark colours will work best (just for practical reasons). The key here is to make sure these shorts look good with every top you bring.

1 denim jacket

What would summer be without a perfect little denim jacket? Denim jackets look good on top of every summer outfit, whether it’s a dress or cute top/shorts combo. There’s no more versatile cover-up, I assure you.

1 pair of yoga pants

These will be your PJs, so make sure they’re comfortable… the good thing about bringing yoga pants vs. actual pyjama pants is you can bust them out on long travel days (in a car, on a bus) and not look like a total weirdo, BUT also they can be used on a last minute athletic expedition of any kind, like a hike. Always good to have just in case.

1 comfy t-shirt

This will be the top you wear to sleep, so again, make sure it’s a comfortable one. I usually just bring a baggy concert tee or something. It’s important this is something you wouldn’t mind wearing in public, in case you want something comfy to wear on a long travel day or you just need an extra shirt for whatever reason.

1 pair of comfy walking shoes

Ah yes, shoooees. So I am personally one of those people that hates runners. I never wear runners unless I’m actually running, so my go-to walking shoes during the summer is a pair of really comfortable sandals.

Honestly, I could walk all day in my sandals. The key is to find something that could transition from day to night and also goes well with all your outfits. For you this might mean a pair of white sneakers, but for me it’s sandals. This is similar to my go-to pair – as a girl with wide feet, I find Clarks ultra comfortable.

1 pair of flip flops

Assuming you’ll be headed to any beach or pool at some point, flip flops are always a good idea. Plus, they’re lightweight, and offer you an alternative if your other shoes start pinching in the wrong places.

Since underwear takes up such little space, I usually bring a pair of underwear for every night of the trip. If you’re okay with doing laundry half-way through, feel free to cut this amount in half.

Usually 2-3 pairs will suffice – fewer if you pack merino wool ones like these that can last longer between washes.

1 strapless (or convertible), one regular.

I go for a one-piece because I like spaghetti too much.

Refer to my full toiletries packing list here.

… and that’s it! Yes, seriously. If you roll things right and use packing cubes, they should all fit easily into a small weekender tote or a little suitcase.

My Minimalist Packing List (for Minimalist Travel in the Winter)

Minimalist winter travel is tough. I mean, when your jacket alone takes up the majority of your suitcase, then you’re in a tough spot… but, packing carry-on only is still possible, even in the winter! Here is a minimalist packing list for winter travel though that I invite you to copy!

1 very warm jacket/coat

Only bring one. Make sure it’s waterproof, cute and comfortable because it will be thrown on top of every single outfit you bring (and will feature predominantly in most photos). I would bring one that’s a little bit longer (past the butt) so you can be assured your sweaters won’t peak out from underneath weirdly.

Ugh. I bought this coat last winter and I've honestly been counting down the months so I can wear it again. Not only is it toasty warm, the hood is huge so when it rains, you're fully protected, and it's so poofy! And the perfect length!

1-2 thermal base layer tops

These are the SECRET to staying warm without packing too much. You’ll want to look for thin, breathable tops that are built for the purpose of keeping heat in.

If you’re low on space, I’d recommend a base layer like this that’s made out of merino wool, because this material wicks moisture and is naturally resistant to bacteria, which means it’s way less likely to smell even after repeat wears. There are affordable options out there too like  this thermal to p  I picked up for less than $25 and wear all the time (though it doesn’t last as long between washes as the merino wool one).

Out of all my winter staples, the best value for money is this scoop neck base layer. Its neckline is great for (stealthy) layering, it's super lightweight, and once you layer up, it seals heat in to keep you toasty... all for less than a sit-down lunch!

1 pair thermal leggings

Similarly, having thermal leggings can be super handy – not only can you wear them with a dress or skirt and still stay warm, you can also layer them under jeans or regular pants.

Again, merino wool is a good material to look out for if you want repeat wears. I have this pair and love it.

For a more budget-friendly alternative, I have a  bunch of these  (for varying degrees of warmth) and they’re super affordable and comfy… though they will need to be washed more often.

1 fleece/down layer

When the weather is nice, wearing your big thick coat might seem like too much of a commitment.

That’s why I’d recommend bringing a thinner fleece or puffer that you could a) wear on its own for warmer days and b) use as an additional layer under your coat on colder days.

So good I have it in two colours! I don't understand how this thing is as warm considering how little it weighs, and how small it can scrunch up in your bag, BUT it's one of my winter favourites. I keep it as an emergency in my day bag and love wearing it for some extra warmth.

1 warm cardigan

This can be layered over any tops you bring for a new look, and can be a great additional layer of warmth.

2 long sleeve tops

The most important thing is that your tops look good with any bottoms you bring.

2 pairs of jeans/pants (trousers)

Again, make sure they’re comfy. I would make at least one pair black just for practicality purposes. They should also coordinate well with any tops you bring, and should look good with your boots.

1 nice-looking tank top

A tank top in winter?!?! I haven’t gone off my rocker – this is just in case you need a top for a night out, or another special occasion where dressing up is necessary.

1 pair of leggings

If you bring leggings to sleep in as opposed to normal pyjama pants, then you can easily use them as a layering piece if it gets really cold.

This will be the shirt you wear to sleep, so make sure it’s comfortable, but also presentable enough that you wouldn’t hate being seen in public with it… just in case you need to throw it on as an additional layer.

1 pair of warm, comfortable boots

You will wear these all the time, I promise, so make sure they’re comfortable and waterproof.

Again, since underwear takes up such little space, I usually bring a pair of underwear for every night of the trip. If you’re okay with doing laundry half-way through, feel free to cut this amount in half.

You definitely don’t need more than 2.

1 pair of very warm wool socks: A must for layering

3-4 pairs of regular socks: To layer below and soak up all that sweet sweat 😉

1 warm scarf

You should aim for a stylish but warm scarf that you love (mainly because you’ll be wearing it often and in virtually every photo).

Other Tips for Minimalist Travel and Packing

Be sure to check out my list of carry-on travel mistakes to avoid for more tips.

Always wear your heaviest things on the plane

This is more to avoid overweight luggage fees than anything else, but always wear your bulkiest things on the plane.

Use packing cubes

Not only do they keep you organized, they help you save space too. You can see my full packing cubes showdown for a comparison of top brands, but spoiler, these are my favourites…

I adore packing cubes because they keep everything organized and can help you save space by squishing and condensing all your stuff. I've tested a bunch of the top brands and this set is my favourite.

Bring fabrics that don’t wrinkle

The key to a minimalist travel wardrobe is versatility and making the most of every piece you bring. Let’s be honest – we’re all lazy walrus people and when a shirt is wrinkled, we usually can’t be bothered to wear it or iron it, so it stays in the suitcase. By bringing fabrics that don’t wrinkle, you’re ensuring that you’ll actually wear everything you bring.

Remember that you can buy things!

Unless you’re going on an Arctic expedition, odds are your destination will be a place where goods such as toiletries and clothing can be purchased. Remembering this will help you avoid overpacking.

I highly recommend buying your own travel size bottles to fill up with your favourite shampoo – that way you can pack less than full bottles and reduce unnecessary plastic waste from the mini-ones you buy from the store.

Any more questions about my minimalist travel wardrobe?

Let me know in the comments! I hope you enjoyed that post featuring my minimalist packing lists. As always, safe travels!

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

5 thoughts on “The Versatile Minimalist Packing List You Need to Steal (Carry-On Only!)”

I gotta take a hint from your book, Christina. I’m the worst person when it comes to travelling light! I have an upcoming trip to Bangkok in a month so I’ll definitely be checking out this post again for reference! 🙂 – Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog https://charmainenyw.com

Great list! Although I’m not a minimalist I do pack light. Great post! Atowle|https://formationvacations.com/

I’m usually pretty good about packing light. I have to say, if I am going somewhere where its going to be really warm (like not cool at night) I might swap about the yoga pants for another swim suit. And I agree about underwear, just bring one for each day, not the place to skimp!

I’m so bad at packing light! I really need to pack more dresses in the summer because they take up less room that shirts + shorts!

I love this! I always struggle with packing light because what if I need it. Then get there and realize I didn’t wear half the stuff. I am definitely going to try this on my next trip.

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• Travel tips

Minimalist Travel: My 10 Must Have Essential Travel Items for Every Trip

Mastering the art of travel packing is not as easy as it seems. It took me years to perfect my minimalist packing list . I still can’t stay that my minimal packing list is perfect because each trip is different. But I fine-tune and readjust my travel must have list after every trip.

From travelling with two pieces of luggage on my first solo trip to Europe to a 75-litre backpack to my current 24-litre backpack , I trimmed down a lot of my belongings to the essential travel items. Minimalist travel packing is serious business!

But you don’t have to be an extreme minimalist to travel light. But you can learn how to pack less by following my list of essential things to pack for travelling.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost. Thank you for supporting this website. For more information, please read the  disclosure for more info.

Packing minimalist travel essentials is a process

Throughout my 20’s and 30’s, I moved many many times. And each time I would get rid of more things because I no longer need them and I really didn’t want to move something to a new home that I’m not going to use.  

And in the last five years or so, I travelled a bit for work and learned how to fine-tune my travel essentials list and fit everything I need in a small carry-on suitcase. I only brought all the essential travel items and learned the routine for packing for every trip.

There is something very liberating when you only bring so little things on the road. After a few trips, you realize that you really don’t need that much stuff. Often, we tend to bring too much and especially when you think that you might need some “just-in-case” items.

The best part about having the minimalist mindset is focusing on things that you need and not wasting anything (save the environment). Plus, having a minimalist mindset will help you save a ton of money !

10 Essential things to pack for travelling

Besides all the must-have travel items like passport, money, and credit cards, I always have these ten travel items on my minimalist travel packing list .

Every item on my minimalist list of essentials are either light-weight , compact , collapsible or expandable and are multi-purpose . These are also the same requirements when I buy new things.

I’m an advocate for having the right tools for the right occasion. But if you have something similar already, why not continue to use it? You don’t have to go out and replace all your current travel gears because that’s wasteful. If you have something similar, keep using them until you have to replace them.

1. Travel Backpack

One of the most important minimalist essentials is having a reliable and durable travel backpack. A minimalist travel backpack has to be lightweight , big enough for all your belongings but small enough for an airplane overhead cabin compartment .

You’ll save time because you don’t have to wait for your luggage when you arrive and you will save money by checking in your bag (for some airline). I always take my backpack with me as a carry-on travel bag and haven’t had any issues with it.

For me, the best minimalist backpack is the Wanaka Adapt Backpack . I’ve had this pack for the last three years and have gone on trips that last 3 weeks to 5 months. The bag itself is super lightweight and durable. And the 24-litre backpack is big enough for all my belongings so I can easily bring it with me as a carry-on bag that weighs under 7kg .

2. Packing Cubes

Part of my travelling essentials list always includes the small packing cubes . I only discovered it not too long ago actually because I was reluctant to try them out since I didn’t want another item in my bag (sticking to my minimalist principles). But it has become one of my best travel items that I cannot live without!

The packing cubes are made of a light-weight fabric and a mesh cover . I roll all of my clothes into two small packing cubes for my backpacking trips. The packing cubes are especially helpful if you have a top-load backpack. It is easy just to throw everything in a backpack but a pain in the butt when you need an item, and it is at the bottom of your bag. Then you have to take everything out and re-roll everything back in. With the packing cubes, you can just take out the cubes, find what you are looking for, and put them back in. Easy peasy!

3. A Light Travel Daypack

One of my most important minimalist travel essentials is a lightweight travel daypack . I use it as a carry-on travel bag as most airlines will allow a bag plus a purse or laptop bag (this is where the daypack act as the purse or laptop bag). My light daypack holds all my must have travel items like laptop, wallet, passport, and more. Plus, I also use it for short hikes and day trips.

I love using my Fjallraven Re-Kanken backpack because the material is light and the bag has the capacity to hold many things including my laptop. I also like the square-ish profile where I can maximize all the space.

From time to time I switch and use my Herschel packable casual daypack . It is made with durable and super lightweight material . And best of all, when I am not using the daypack, it is rolled up into its internal self-storage pocket . The daypack is pretty sturdy – I even used it as a hiking backpack for my climb up Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia. The backpack went all the way up to 4000m in altitude!

4. Lightweight Laptop

Having a lightweight laptop is a big deal when it comes to airline carry-on restriction of 7kg or less. And my favourite lightweight laptop is the  MacBook Notebook 12″ .

The laptop is small and weighs 0.92kg . It has everything I need for blogging and researching. The screen may be small for most people but I don’t really mind especially because of how light it is. 

However, Apple doesn’t make the 12″ laptop anymore but you can still buy the 12″ laptop on Amazon. 

If you want to buy the latest laptop, another excellent option is the MacBook Air . The screen is 13.3″ which is slightly bigger and only weighs 1.25kg . It is one of the best lightweight laptops on the market.  

5. Smartphone

Whether you are travelling for work or backpacking around the world, having an excellent smartphone can really help with navigating, taking photos, staying in touch with friends and family and spending a lot of time on social media. Ha!

I love my Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ because the screen is big which is great for navigation and photo editing. And the camera is sharp . The majority of the images on the blog were taken with the Samsung Note 10+.

The device doesn’t come cheap though, but if you take care of it, it will last you for a very long time. I’m willing to pay more for something that will last and also because I don’t have to learn new device and set it up all over again. Ha!

6. Universal Travel Adapter

When I first started backpacking, I used an universal adapter but I didn’t like how the adapter is cumbersome. So I switched to individual adapters for specific regions and they are super cheap and lightweight.

But the new and improved universal travel adapters do not feel as clunky as the ones before. I love this all-in-one universal travel adapter because it has a slimmer profile , has dual USB ports so you can charge three devices at the same time. And most of all, the device is much lighter than the old universal adapters! It is a minimalist travel gear that all travellers should include in their packing list.

7. Hanging Toiletry Bag

I’ve had many different versions of the toiletry bag in the past. From a proper toiletry bag that holds all my essential toiletries to a ziplock bag, I’ve used them all! But the best version I ever used and will continue to use is the hanging toiletry bag .

My hanging toiletry bag can hold all my dry toiletries and also it has a hook . The hook is the best feature. Whenever I travel, I always notice there isn’t any counter space in the bathroom for your toiletries. With the hook, you can hang your toiletry bag on a towel rod or anything else. It doesn’t take up any space and keeps all your toiletries nice and neat.

If you want to learn what travel toiletries I bring for every trip, I have a detailed list here .

Related Post –  Learn how to make eco friendly toiletries

8. Water Bottle

I bring my squeeze water bottle everywhere! I refill water from the tap , filtered water at the hotel or buy a big jug of water from the supermarket and fill up my own bottle. I can save a bit of money by not buying small bottles of water everywhere.

Plus, by bring a reusable bottle, I can minimize the number of plastic water bottles that goes to recycling/landfill. As a eco-conscious traveller, doing my part for the environment is very important to me.

Oh, and I have another use for the squeeze water bottle. I used to get allergies where I sneeze non-stop to the point where it almost feels like the flu. And if I don’t take care of it early, it turns into a nasty cough which can last for weeks! The best remedy is to clean my sinuses with a saline solution .

Essentially, I use my water bottle as a neti pot where I squeeze water up my nostril to flush my sinuses. I know, gross! But hey, it works wonders for me! I’ve had to do that a couple of times on the road. When you travel solo, you’ll do anything you can to keep yourself healthy because being sick and alone is a miserable feeling!

Related Post –  10 Sustainable Travel Tips

9. Comfortable Shoes

As a solo traveller, my favourite way to get around is by walking. I can walk for hours and hours. That means having comfortable shoes is very important. Wearing a pair of comfortable shoes will almost guarantee a great day of exploring . And it can support your feet correctly and does not give you any aches and pains. Having a pair of good shoes will allow you to enjoy your walks, and all the activities while you are travelling.

I always bring a pair of sneakers with me. The Nike Free RN Flyknit  is super lightweight (wow I really have an obsession with things being light! Ha!) As I was saying, the sneakers are very light, made of a mesh material which makes it breathable , and also supportive . These shoes are great for walking a long distance, and I would run in these shoes too. And because of the soft, bendable material, the top part flattens completely unlike traditional sneakers that are bulky and takes up a lot of space.

Another oldie but a goodie is the  Havaianas Slim Flip Flop . Flip flops are great for light walking or the beach . Also, the germophobe in me tells me to wear flip flops around hostels, especially the bathroom!

10. 3 to 4 sets of Clothing

Okay, this is not exactly one item, but a collection of items. Ha! Typically, overpacking is a result of bringing too many clothes for most travellers.

Part of my minimalist travel wardrobe includes 3 to 4 sets of clothing in which they all mix and match and become different outfits. The clothing in the main photo and photo above represents all the clothing I bring on each trip. Okay, I lied. There are also underwear, bathing suits and other miscellaneous items but not in the photograph. But really, the majority of my clothes are there.

And I always bring a sarong with me. It has multiple purposes . When I am cold, I use it as a scarf and wrap around my neck for warmth or wear it as a skirt . Or I can use it as a beach towel or picnic blanket . It’s great to have items that have multiple purposes.

It is not difficult to have a travel light packing list. All you hve to do is to select a few essential clothing pieces for your minimalist travel wardrobe. Follow my visual packing template and you can create your own travel capsule wardrobe.

What essential travel items are you going to pack for your next trip?

This is my list of all the essential things to pack for travelling. You may have something different but certainly, you can use my list as a guideline.

As I said, you don’t have to be an extreme minimalist to travel light. If you are able to, try to embrace minimalist travel for your next trip. It feels pretty liberating, and it frees up a lot of clutter from your life. And who doesn’t want to carry a lighter bag?

Do you have any minimalist packing tips when it comes to packing for a trip? Share your suggestions in the comments below.

Thank you for reading my post on minimalist essential items

You might also like these other posts on minimalist travel:

• How to pack 7kg carry-on luggage
• My minimalist packing list for every trip
• How to create a minimalist travel wardrobe for every trip
• How to pack the perfect minimalist travel toiletry kit
• Minimalist backpacking: 10 packing tips to help you travel light
• How to find the perfect minimalist travel backpack
• Minimalist hiking: my minimalist hiking gear list
• 10 best gifts for minimalist travellers
• How having a minimalist mindset helped me save money to travel

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queenie mak

Hi, my name is Queenie, and I've been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!

Further Reading...

Minimalist Toiletries: How To Pack The Perfect Minimalist Travel Toiletry Kit

Minimalist Backpacking: 10 Packing Tips to Help You Travel Light

Christmas Gifts for Minimalists: 9 Gift Ideas for Minimalist Travellers

20 comments.

I actually bookmarked this post – it is so helpful! Exactly what I need as I am off backpacking again in a few months. I’ve heard lots of good things about the packing cubes.

Thanks for bookmarking! 🙂 And yes, try the packing cubes! It’s life changing (for me anyway). It helps me organize all my clothes and not just throwing things in my bag. And it weighs next to nothing. If your friends have one, maybe borrow one and see if you really want to invest one yourself.

earthsmagicalplaces

I agree with you that travel cubes are great! When backpacking they enable me to get outfits out without having to unpack/repack my entire bag everyday – a trusty water bottle is also key (great tips) 🙂

I have no idea why I waited so long to try the packing cubes! haha

Completely agree with you about the need to pack light and approach travel in a minimalistic way. Somehow I have not yet been converted to packing cubes. Still sitting on the fence on that one 🙂

Can you borrow one from someone and try it out? So you have to invest in one just in case you don’t like it. But it totally changed the way I organize my things and I love it!!

Mitali Deshmukh

I tried traveling with a single bag of 7 kgs with as less luggage as possible first time in my 8 years of tourism life. Wasn’t that easy for me but one sigh of relief was not carrying those big bags every time you check in and check out. perfect list i must say.

thank you!! it feels pretty great to live with so little 🙂

Mateja Drobnic

I am currently looking into buying packing cubes as everyone is raving about them. Totally curious about how they will make my travels easier and more organised. Great tips!

I think you’ll love it! It is super light weight and really organizes all your clothes!

I really like that backpack and I can see how useful it can be on some trips! I am not backpacker and I always travel with a suitcase but sometimes I wish I don’t have to walk with it on some strange roads 🙂 The cubes are such a smart idea as well! I might have to get it so next time my husband won’t be keep my stuff all over the floor looking for his tshirt 🙂 Great post, great recommendations!

Thank you! It depends where you travel to. There are too many cobblestone streets and stairs in Europe so a backpack is definitely helpful. And I love how it frees my hands so I can get money, buy some food or do anything else. Maybe get a set of packing cubes for you and a set for your husband! 🙂

midlifemilestones

Great travel tips! I am a firm believer in traveling light! We all feel like we need way more than we really do! Thanks for sharing!

Yes, travelling light is the way to go! So freeing! 🙂

thegetawayjournals

I need this list in my life because I always end up packing way too much. And I’m going to get packing cubes one of these days! lol. Great post! Needed this!

Thank you! I didn’t start off this way…I used to always overpack as well. It takes practice 🙂

Chirasree Banerjee

The idea of packing cubes is brilliant! I always pack less and I am a minimalist not just when traveling but also in life.

Me too! I always try to live with less…maybe there are other uses of packing cubes in other parts of my life…hmm…

Going to travel and fitting a week worth of items + laptop in a suitcase was almost near impossible. especially when I need to bring my meds. thanks for this tip and definitely changing my wardrobe choices now. lol

Hi Kiyorie, it is tough packing very little and it definitely takes practice. I’m glad the tips helped. Enjoy your trip 🙂

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A Traveler’s Guide to Minimalist Packing

Sarah Schlichter

Deputy Executive Editor Sarah Schlichter's idea of a perfect trip includes spotting exotic animals, hiking through pristine landscapes, exploring new neighborhoods on foot, and soaking up as much art as she can. She often attempts to recreate recipes from her international travels after she gets home (which has twice resulted in accidental kitchen fires—no humans or animals were harmed).

Sarah joined the SmarterTravel team in 2017 after more than a decade at the helm of IndependentTraveler.com. Sarah's practical travel advice has been featured in dozens of news outlets including the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Budget Travel, and Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor .

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A journal. Even years later, reading my notes from a trip can bring back incredibly vivid memories."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Road tripping and hiking through the rugged mountains of Patagonia."

Travel Motto: "'To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.'—Freya Stark"

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle. I get restless on long flights and like to be able to move around without disturbing anyone else."

Email Sarah at [email protected] .

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Are you sick of paying baggage fees, schlepping heavy suitcases, and worrying that airlines will lose your luggage? If so, you might want to try your hand at minimalist packing.

What Is Minimalist Packing?

Part of a recent trend encompassing everything from decluttering your closets to living in tiny homes, minimalism is all about getting rid of what’s extraneous in your life so you can focus on what you truly value. It’s easy to see the appeal of minimalism when it comes to packing; bringing less means saving money on baggage fees and feeling less encumbered—mentally and physically—as you move through a new place.

Minimalist packing isn’t about ruthlessly paring your belongings down to five pieces of clothing and calling it a day. It’s about thoughtfully getting rid of unnecessary items in your suitcase and making sure everything that remains has purpose and value to you as a traveler. Check out the following minimalist packing tips to learn how to lighten your load on your next vacation.

Evaluate Each Item

Take the same approach to minimalist packing as you would to decluttering your house. Lay out everything you’re considering bringing on your trip, and then consider whether you really need each item. A few questions to consider:

Will you definitely use this item, or are you bringing it “just in case”? Keep in mind that some “just in case” items are well worth bringing (an EpiPen, for instance), while others are easy enough to buy in your destination if necessary (an umbrella).

Is this something your hotel will likely provide? Unless you’re staying in ultra-budget lodgings, you probably don’t need to pack your own shampoo, conditioner, lotion, soap, or hair dryer.

Can each piece of clothing be worn in multiple outfits, or do you have a few one-and-done garments in the pile? The latter are a waste of precious suitcase space.

Is this something you can live without? Such items might include jewelry, extraneous gadgets, and ink-and-paper reading material that could be downloaded to an e-reader instead.

Be Willing to Do Laundry

It’s easy enough to fit a week’s worth of clothes in a carry-on, but for longer vacations, the minimalist travel solution is to do a load of laundry midway through. You can pay the hotel to clean your clothes, use your hotel’s self-serve laundry facilities, or find a local laundromat.

Alternatively, you can wash items yourself in the sink using an Allurette Wash Bag , designed for hand-washing delicates, or a large, sturdy plastic bag . To speed up the process, pack clothes made of quick-drying fabrics.

You might also want to throw a Tide to Go pen in your bag; if you’re packing a minimal number of clothes, you don’t want one garment to be put out of commission by an unexpected stain.

Pack Clothes That Can Be Worn Again

If doing laundry on vacation doesn’t sound like your idea of a good time, consider buying clothes that don’t need to be washed every time you wear them. Organic Basics makes socks, bras, underwear, and T-shirts out of SilverTech fabric, which has antimicrobial properties to keep your garments odor-free through multiple days of wear.

Unbound Merino offers a similar selection of garments—socks, underwear, and T-shirts—made of merino wool, which wicks sweat away from your body and makes it more difficult for foul-smelling bacteria to build up. The company claims you can wear these garments for days on end without washing them, as long as you let them air-dry between uses. At press time Unbound Merino only offered men’s clothing, but a women’s line is coming later this year.

Pack Items That Serve Multiple Purposes

Everything in your minimally packed suitcase should be there for a reason—or, better yet, multiple reasons. One editor on the SmarterTravel team never travels without Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap , which can be used as a shampoo, body wash, shaving cream, laundry detergent, fruit and veggie wash, and more. Another space-saving, multi-purpose item: moisturizer with sunscreen .

When choosing clothing, opt for garments in solid, neutral colors that will coordinate with each other in any combination—that way each one will work with multiple outfits. For example, you can wear a basic white T-shirt on its own for sightseeing during the day, then use it as an undershirt beneath a button-down for a nice dinner out. For women, a long, flowing skirt works equally well for touring and going out at night.

If the weather will be variable during your trip, consider buying hiking pants that convert into shorts, such as these options from Columbia for men and women . The company also makes Interchange Jackets that let you mix and match layers for different climates. For more information, see SmarterTravel’s list of the best convertible clothing for travelers .

And don’t forget about shoes, which can quickly eat up suitcase space. Seek out the holy grail of travel: shoes that are comfortable enough to walk in all day but that look nice enough to wear to dinner. Start your search at The Walking Company , which offers walking shoes in a variety of styles.

The Minimalist Packing Wardrobe

The following list of clothing is a good starting point for minimalist travelers. It works well for most leisure trips and will fit into a carry-on suitcase:

• One pair of jeans.
• One other pair of pants, such as hiking pants that convert into shorts for outdoorsy trips or black pants for evenings out in a city; women can also substitute a long skirt.
• One pair of comfortable walking shoes that look nice enough to wear to dinner.
• One other pair of shoes such as sandals, hiking boots, sneakers, or dress shoes.
• A handful of layerable tops appropriate to the climate. This might include tank tops, short-sleeved T-shirts, and long-sleeved T-shirts, plus a heavier sweater, fleece, or sweatshirt to wear in cooler weather. Be prepared to wear the heavier top layer multiple times and to wash the lighter layers midway through longer trips.
• A water-resistant jacket large enough to fit multiple layers underneath.
• No more than a week’s worth of socks and underwear; plan to do laundry on longer trips.
• Sleep clothes that you can wear for a few nights and then wash.
• Other specialty items as needed, such as a swimsuit, gloves, or a sun hat.

What are your best minimalist packing tips? Share them in the comments below.

More from SmarterTravel:

• The Carry-on Challenge: How to Pack Light Every Time
• 7 Things Not to Do When Packing a Carry-on Bag
• 8 Secrets of Ultralight Packing

Follow Sarah Schlichter on Twitter @TravelEditor for more travel tips and inspiration.

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Packing light with minimalist travel | How to travel carry-on only

He who would travel happily must travel light .

Table of contents

Less weight on your shoulders through minimalist travel

Minimalist travel – what does it mean?

Embrace the freedom of minimalist travel

Why pack light?

Sustainable benefits of minimalist travel, less stress through minimalist packing, save money by minimalist traveling.

Save money when traveling carry-on only

Tips for minimalist travel & packing

Use the right bag.

On the road with my duffel bag

Make sure the bag fits these criteria:

• Backpack or duffel bag with max. 40 liters –  usually these can be easily stored on buses and they’re allowed as carry-on bags (but if you fly you should always check the airline’s requirements)
• A light bag – if your heavy suitcase already takes up several kilos, you’ll suffer a lot on our trip
• It can be opened completely with a U-shaped zip – so you can easily reach anything inside (stay away from backpacks that only open from the top – this makes it very hard to reach stuff that you packed into the bottom)
• The bag needs a few inside pockets – to organize your things

Here are the duffel bags that I recommend:

• Patagonia Black Hole Duffel (40l) – Die perfekte Duffel von einer meiner Lieblingsmarken mit komplett nachhaltigem Fokus. Lässt sich komplett öffnen, ist robust und wasserabweisend und ist super angenehm, auf dem Rücken zu tragen.
• Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler (40l) – My duffel with which I’ve traveled through Morocco, Portugal, Greece and many other countries. For me it has the perfect size to travel carry-on only. The side pockets and the subdivision by a net inside are also great. Besides, also sustainably produced.
• The North Face Duffel XS (40l) – A dream for all who want to travel minimalist. Totally robust and with practical large mesh as a pocket on the inside of the “cover”.
• North Face Duffel S (50l) – You got a lot of space in here! But this also means that if you want to travel carry-on only with this duffel, you shouldn’t fill it up completely. This way you can squeeze it a little smaller so that it fits into the hand luggage dimensions of most airlines. But we’ve never had any problems with it – even to travel carry-on only.

Packing light with my duffel bag

Know the basics – what’s allowed in your hand luggage

• Liquids in bottles of 100ml max (such as shampoo, make-up, deodorant, hairspray etc) packed in a transparent bag of 1 liter
• Sharp objects with a blade of 6 cm max (such as razors, nail files & scissors)
• Medicine, contact lens solution, hand sanitizer, and baby food (if traveling with a baby) are allowed
• Any liquids with more than 100ml (except meds, contact lens solution, or baby food)
• Any liquids that aren’t packed in a transparent 1-liter bag
• Sharp objects with a blade longer than 6 cm (such as pocket knives or knitting needles) and loose razor blades that aren’t framed in plastic
• Anything that could also be used as a weapon, such as hiking poles or ice skates
• I think I don’t have to go deeper and tell you that weapons, explosive substances, etc. aren’t allowed either, nope not even pepper spray
• Pack everything in a zip bag made of silicone instead of the ones made of plastic – they last much longer and are more environmental-friendly
• Bring a nail clipper instead of scissors
• Solid products (such as shampoo bars, soap, conditioner bars, solid deodorant, body butter bars etc) don’t have to be in your zip bag and are much more environmental-friendly

Solid products like shampoo bars & deodorant sticks don’t need to go into your liquids bag

Only pack for one week

Make a checklist, choose your clothes wisely.

• your favorites
• easy to combine like a “capsule wardrobe” (in terms of colors, shape, and can be worn like an onion on top of each other)
• neutral colors
• crease-resistant
• can be washed together

Neutral colors are easy to combine

Reduce cosmetics

• Instead of different face creams for morning and night just bring one.
• Reduce your make-up, or why not leave it at home completely? (In countries with high humidity it’s better to go without any makeup anyway.)
• Stick to solid products – they’re not just easier to get through security control if you travel carry-on only, more eco-friendly, take up less space and last much longer (I like to bring e.g. a shampoo bar in a small sack or one that already has a string, so it’s easy to hang it and let it dry)
• In case you want to use liquids, fill them into reusable travel-size bottles instead of buying travel-sized samples.
• If you travel with someone else, share the essentials such as shower gel or toothpaste.

A shampoo bar can help you to save lots of space and weight

Pack things that you can use universally

• A tote bag that can help you on many occasions (for grocery shopping, as a beach bag, to pack your dirty clothes, or to keep your socks or underwear separately).
• Coconut oil , apricot seed oil, or another oil that you can use multifunctional (as body lotion with a light natural SPF, as lip balm, to remove make-up, and even to help you with light cuts or injuries due to their anti-inflammatory effect).
• Basic cotton shirts that can be used for sleeping, during the day, or for activities
• A silicon zip bag  for your liquids on the flights if you travel carry-on only, but also for takeaway food
• A thin shawl or scarf that you can wear around your neck when it’s cold on the bus, to cover your shoulders or knees when visiting a temple, and even to lay on the beach

A silicon ziplock bag can be a multi-purpose helper

Bring a reusable water bottle or even a water purifier

A water purifier bottle can be a lifesaver for minimalist travelers

Lifesavers for minimalist travelers

Avoid paper

Leave everything that you “might need” at home.

• Wear the thickest clothes on your flight

Never without warm clothes on a flight

The right way of packing your bag light

Here are a few tips that i find very useful:.

• Use tote bags or packing cubes to have your stuff organized
• Pack heavier things (electronics, cosmetics, books) into the middle – that’s better for your back
• Use a smell-proof laundry bag – You can cram all your dirty clothes in here and the rest of your bag stays fresh
• Pack your liquids, water bottle and laptop where you can easily take them out at the security control
• Also: Bring a second small bag (like a day pack and/or hip bag ) where you can store your documents and most valuable things (like electronics) on your body

Never without my hip bag

How to pack light for two weeks or a normal holiday?

• Get a 40-liter backpack or duffel bag
• Check with the airline to know exactly how much weight and which size is allowed when you travel carry-on only
• You can wash your laundry everywhere, so there’s no need to pack more than for one week
• Choose your clothes so you can easily combine them
• Reduce your cosmetics to the basics and prefer solid items to liquids
• Be creative and pack things that you can use universally
• Bring a water purifier
• Don’t print unnecessarily, but upload your copies into a cloud
• Leave everything that you “might need” at home and sort it out in the end
• Keep in mind the right way and helpful items to pack your back

How to pack light for a month or long-term travel?

With my old Nikon in Asia

Carry-on only packing list

• Duffel bag or 40l backpack
• Raincover for your backpack
• Smell-proof laundry bag – for your dirty clothes
• Hip bag – for your valuables & documents
• Daypack or wetpack (ideally one you can make really small & squeeze in)
• Silicone zip lock bag
• Small travel wallet (with only your credit card(s), health insurance card, ID or passport & some cash)
• Optional: packing cubes
• Optional: padlock (if you’re planning to stay in hostels)
• 2-3 t-shirts
• 2-3 pairs of shorts
• 2 pairs of light, long pants
• Thin rain jacket
• Sports clothes: 1 pair of leggings & 1 sport top
• 7 pairs of underpants (& 2 bras + 1 sports bra for us girls)
• 7 pairs of socks
• 2 Bikinis, swimsuits, or swimming trunks
• A thin shawl or scarf (to wear around your neck, to cover your shoulders or knees in a temple, or to lay on the beach)
• Optional: 1 beach dress or jumpsuit
• Optional (depending on how sunny your destination is): Cap
• Quick-drying travel towel
• Sneakers – a comfy pair in which you can also hike
• A pair of jeans or thicker pants
• Optional: Thin jacket
• Bamboo toothbrush (in a case) & toothpaste
• 2in1 Shampoo & shower bar (in a sisal bag – one that you can also use as soap)
• Conditioner bar  (in a sisal bag / or liquid, refilled in a reusable silicone bottle)
• Solid deodorant
• Scrunchies & bobby pins
• Nail clip or nail file
• For the girls: Tampons, menstrual cup, or menstrual panties
• Hand sanitizer
• Optional: Tweezers
• Optional: A bit of make-up
• Travel tablets (especially if you’re seasick)
• Optional: Mosquito spray (depending on your destination)
• Personal meds
• Smartphone + charger
• Camera + charger
• Headphones (+ charger)
• E-book reader (instead of several books)
• Mosquito bite relief
• Reusable water bottle or water purifier bottle
• Bamboo travel cutlery or mini pocket knife (not possible in hand luggage though)
• Inflatable travel pillow
• Optional (depending on destination): travel adapter
• Boots (wear them on your flight)
• 2 more sweaters
• Thick jacket (wear it on your flight)
• Thermal underwear
• 3 pairs of thick warm socks
• Beanie, scarf, gloves

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What’s unnecessary in my opinion

• Tablet – I learned on my many trips that I can find entertainment in ebooks or on my phone, but mostly I’m exhausted in the evenings and I’d rather process all the new impressions instead of watching anything at night
• Hair dryer – not needed in warm countries; if you can’t go without, look for accommodation with a hairdryer
• Make-up – enjoy being yourself when traveling
• Large shampoo bottles – bars last so much longer
• Lots of medicine – you can find pharmacies all over the world in case you might need something
• Guide books – there’s so much more info in blogs

E-books are the perfect entertainment for minimalist packers

Do you have questions concerning minimalist packing or traveling carry-on only?

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• Discover the Joy of Minimalist Travel: The Ultimate Carry-on Packing List for Men

This article may contain links to products and services we use and recommend. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For more information, see our Disclosure Policy .

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Luggage and organisation, travel pack / packing cubes, reviewing the manufacturers, head, neck and hand protection, accessories, minimalist travel wardrobe and carry-on packing list summary, do you travel with carry-on luggage only, author: paul ryken.

Whether you pack for a two-week vacation or a year-long backpacking trip around the world, you don’t need more than carry-on luggage. How would I know? I have done it all – from giant suitcases and 70-litre backpacks to full-time carry-on travel for the past 7+ years. All my learnings are in this guide – from practical tips to travelling light to the ultimate carry-on packing list for men . Join me and experience the freedom of minimalist travel.

If you’re female, head over to our carry-on packing list for women , where Sandra shares her learnings from over 7+ years of carry-on only travel. And if you love to go for a run while travelling, we also have a running gear packing list for you.

As travellers, we should all be aware of our travel behaviour and its environmental, economic and social impact; and make conscious decisions about it. Too often, we hear negative stories in the media about tourists behaving badly.

Here is your chance to tick some boxes and check out what it really takes to travel with a sustainable mindset.

The fine print: I agree to receive the Minimalist Journeys newsletter full of news, actionable tips and practical advice every month. I know I can unsubscribe at any time. I have read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .

By the way, this article prepares you for travel in any season and any weather. If your trip takes you into the Tropics, you may not need a down vest or extra-warm hoodie . Likewise, if you go skiing in Canada , you may need a few extra layers (but may want to leave your sandals and swimwear at home). Use common sense, and check the weather at your destination if unsure.

If you don’t have carry-on luggage yet, check out our guide to find the carry-on travel pack that’s right for you. Below are the luggage and organisational items I currently carry with me, or – if an item is no longer manufactured and available for sale – what I would purchase if I had to replace it today.

I started our minimalist journey with a Tortuga V2 travel pack which lasted almost seven years – fraying seams ended up being its demise. When it came to replacing it, I had a look at the new Tortuga models (materials and manufacturing of lightweight carry-on travel packs has improved significantly since my first travel pack was made), but in the end, the Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Backpack best met my needs.

To maximise the use of space in my travel pack, I purchased the packing cubes specifically designed to fit the Tortuga V2 . They are still going strong and also fit into my Matador travel pack . However, if I had to replace them today I would go with the Matador packing cube set.

Matador Freerain22 Daypack

Matador GlobeRider45 Travel Backpack

Matador Packing Cube Set 3-Pack

Sandra and I share a daypack , and we’ve always travelled with one that is ultralight and packable . We use it as a personal item on the plane, as a daypack on hikes and around the city, and to carry our technical gear when we work in a library or cafe. We even carry heavy groceries in it from time to time, supplementing our Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Shopping Bag (also shared).

We initially purchased a Tortuga daypack in 2016. It got a lot of use, but the seams needed to be stitched up over and over. A year later, we purchased the Matador Daylite 16 (no longer manufactured), which lasted about two years. This time, the main compartment zipper was the weak point. As we liked the ultra-lightweight, yet durable material, we stayed with Matador – purchasing the Matador Freerain24 (also no longer manufactured). Serving us well for four years, in the end, its mesh side pockets started to disintegrate.

We have experienced first-hand how Matador products have improved over the years, and why change if you’re onto a good thing. Our current ultralight daypack is the Matador Freerain22 .

Corkor Minimalist Cards Sleeve Wallet

Osprey Ultralight Large Packing Cube

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Bag

You need something to store your cash and cards. I usually only carry notes, two cards (my driver’s licence and a credit card) and a few business cards (you never know who you’re bumping into). Sandra carries a coin purse, so I don’t need to worry about change. For that reason, my wallet doesn’t need to be huge.

My first minimalist wallet, the Dash RFID 4.0 , lasted six years. Unfortunately, I have not been able to source a sustainability policy statement from the manufacturer of the Dash Wallet. So, when it came to replacing it, I looked for a completely different brand and ended up with the Corkor Minimalist Credit Card Wallet (Cards Sleeve). I’ve had it now for a year, and am very happy with it.

I only own three pairs of footwear, and the ones I’m not wearing go into my travel pack. Especially my running shoes get smelly, so I wanted to have a bag specifically for my shoes. I’m a US size 12, and all lightweight shoe bags I looked at were too small. I ended up buying a packing cube instead: the Osprey Ultralight Large Packing Cube , which fits my running shoes and sandals perfectly.

I use my waterproof stuff sack mostly to store dirty laundry, but also on occasion to (temporarily) store wet clothes and as extra protection for our valuables in pouring rain – just to be on the safe side.

Since 2019, I’ve not only reviewed the most suitable gear that meets our needs and stands the test of time, but I’ve also considered how eco-friendly and ethically a product was made. If I don’t replace an item with a more eco-friendly or ethically sourced one, I include the reason. I have also linked to organisations that have reviewed the sourcing practices of the manufacturers of our gear.

My clothes are predominantly made of merino wool. I’ve driven past the green fields in Australia and New Zealand where the sheep graze and the wool is grown, and I feel good about buying my items from companies that embrace sustainability .

Below are the clothes I currently wear on my travels (no matter the location or climate), or – if they are no longer manufactured and available for sale – what I plan to replace them with when they’ve reached their end of life.

How many pairs of underwear do you think you need? We travel with seven pairs each. This way, we only need to wash once a week.

• I wore ExOfficio Give-N-Go Boxer Briefs for the first 5 years of our minimalist journey. I had chosen ExOfficio based on overwhelmingly positive reviews on various travel forums, and I was very happy with them. While the ExOfficio Give-N-Go Boxer Briefs were very comfortable, when it came to replacing them, I was looking for a bit more support and my preferred material: merino.
• After trialling a pair of Unbound Merino Boxer Briefs in May 2021, I was hooked. These briefs are very supportive around the entire frame and down the legs, allowing movement while still keeping things in place (you can read my full review here ). I’ve now worn Unbound Merino Boxer Briefs for several years and couldn’t be happier.

Mitch Dowd Mens Bamboo Sleep Short

Patagonia Men’s Hydropeak Boardshorts

Unbound Merino Boxer Briefs

According to Men’s Health , 31% of Americans sleep fully clothed and 52% partially clothed. While I’m not American, I belong to the majority. I sleep in a pair of Mitch Dowd Mens Bamboo Sleep Short year-round.

Swimwear is like a jacket – the good ones last for years. I bought my Maki del Caribe boardshorts from a shop in the Dominican Republic in 2012, and they’ve still got a few years in them. I can’t find them online, so if I had to replace them today, I would purchase the Patagonia Hydropeak Boardshorts .

I only own three pairs of socks (not including my running socks). As I replace them annually, I’ve had the opportunity to test a lot of different brands and models, from Icebreaker and Macpac to Unbound Merino , Smartwool and now Fox River . Out of the bunch, I like the Smartwool and Fox River socks the most.

Fox River Basecamp 2.0 Lightweight Quarter Crew Hiking Sock

Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Mountain Range Pattern Crew Socks

Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Pattern Ankle Socks

Layering (especially with merino garments) allows you to travel light in any season. My current layers are:

• T-Shirts: I travel with three t-shirts, all are Unbound Merino Crew Neck T-Shirts , which are 100% Merino. I can wear each of them three to four days in a row without smelling, even in tropical climates. No cotton or polyester shirt would last that long. I have worn Icebreaker , Macpac and even Allbirds over the years (yes, they don’t only make shoes), but Unbound Merino t-shirts (with merino wool sourced from Australia ) are hands-down the best quality t-shirts I’ve come across to date.
• Hoodie: After years of wearing Merino hoodies and zipper jackets from Icebreaker and Macpac (and experiencing increasing prices but deteriorating quality), I purchased the Unbound Merino Compact Travel Hoodie . Given my pants are all black (more on that below), I chose Sahara as a colour.
• Down Vest: I used to travel with an Unbound Merino Men’s Merino Tank Top and an Unbound Merino Long Sleeve Crew Shirt (in addition to my t-shirts and hoodie/zipper jacket) but found that was too warm for me. So, now I wear an additional outer layer instead on cold days. My down vest is ultra-light and fits into a little sack not much larger than my hand.
• Rain Jacket: Given this was to be my only jacket, it had to be ultra-light, breathable, durable, come with adjustable cuffs and look stylish. After quite a bit of research, I settled on the Marmot Nano AS Jacket , which lasted over three years (though it did require treatment with a waterproofing spray to maintain its water-repellent properties every now and then). For the past four years, I’ve worn a Marmot Eclipse Jacket . The jacket is no longer manufactured. If I had to replace it today, I would purchase the Patagonia Men’s Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket . It has the same waterproofness as the Marmot Eclipse (20,000mm) and almost identical weight (400g).

Macpac Men’s Uber Light Down Vest

Patagonia Men’s Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket

Unbound Merino Crew Neck T-Shirt

Unbound Merino Men’s Compact Travel Hoodie

Some people like to wear pants with zip half legs, I don’t. I travel with two long pants and two pairs of shorts – all black so that my wardrobe matches: black pants with a coloured top:

• Shorts: I have two pairs of black Columbia Silver Ridge Cargo Shorts , purchased in September 2017. I had used the same model in a lighter colour when I travelled around the Americas in our first year of full-time travel, but over time, they showed stains despite regular washing – hence the swap to black ones.
• Long Pants: I wear shorts as much as I can, but for colder days, I have two lightweight pairs of long pants. I wore the same two Columbia Mens Silver Ridge Utility Pants for six years. They are very durable yet look smart enough to wear on date nights and formal occasions (including weddings). That said, when it came to replacing them, I swapped to Patagonia Men’s Quandary Pants which look even better.

Columbia Mens Silver Ridge Utility Cargo Shorts

Patagonia Mens Quandary Pants

I’m not one to cover up my head unless it is really sunny or really cold. The two headgear items I have, cover all eventualities:

• Buff Merino Lightweight Neckwear during summer, especially when I’m out hiking. I also use it as a neck warmer in winter.
• Icebreaker Unisex Merino Pocket Beanie in winter and during my morning runs whenever it gets below 6 degrees Celsius. It keeps my head nice and toasty but lets the moisture out.

On really cold days, I also wear my Smartwool Liner Gloves .

Buff Merino Lightweight Neckwear

Icebreaker Unisex Merino Pocket Beanie

Smartwool Liner Gloves

A good pair of shoes can improve your quality of life, prevent injuries and support bone and muscle growth. So, don’t skimp on shoes (quality, that is, not quantity). I only own three pairs of shoes – hiking shoes, sandals and running shoes (which are included in my running gear packing list ):

• Hiking shoes: The first few years of our life on the road, I wore Salomon X Ultra LTR GTX (three pairs in 4 years). In 2021, as I swapped to minimalist running , I also changed to minimalist hiking shoes (or boots to be more precise), the Xero Shoes Xcursion Fusion . I went with the boots as these were the only waterproof Xero Shoes at the time. As Xero Shoes added new waterproof models, and I prefer hiking shoes over boots, I replaced the Xcursion Fusion with the Xero Shoes Mesa Trail WP in 2023.
• Sandals: In addition to my shoes, I needed a pair of footwear for warmer climates (and the beach) and to protect my feet from athlete’s foot when using communal showers. I was looking for something lightweight yet durable and initially purchased the Xero Shoes Aqua Cloud sandals . They were minimalist, but I ended up constantly (re-)adjusting the straps. Still, I liked the concept of the Xero Shoes footwear and replaced the Aqua Cloud with Xero Shoes Z-Trek sandals in September 2017 – which I still wear today.

Xero Shoes Mesa Trail WP

Xero Shoes Z-Trek

My technology list covers non-business items – items a normal traveller would carry on a longer trip. All of our technology items are best of breed for our purposes. If you’re after the technology and tools we use and recommend for digital nomads, check out our small (remote) business resources .

Sandra and I share both the Nitecore battery pack and OneAdaptr OneWorld135 .

I wear my headphones (almost) every day, listening to podcasts and audiobooks on aeroplanes, trains and buses but also on my morning runs. My headphones are the Jabra Elite 8 Active . They weren’t cheap but included several features I was looking for:

• Waterproof (including a warranty against sweat damage);
• Long-lasting battery (more than four hours of playtime, coupled with a portable charging case);
• Microphone (so that I can also use them on calls); and
• Fit my ears while I run (they come with four different-sized covers, ensuring a snug fit).

In our first year of full-time travel, we carried a strong yet ultra-light flashlight. We sold it as we didn’t use it (often enough), only to realise that we did need a (hands-free) light (on multi-day hikes , in dimly lit caves, etc). Thus, we are now travelling with a Nitecore NU25 400L Headlamp .

Baseus USB-C to USB-C Cable

Jabra Elite 8 Active

Nitecore NB10000 Gen2 Energy Brick

Nitecore NU25 400L Headlamp

OneAdaptr OneWorld135 International Adapter

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

Apart from a Coconut Matter Deodorant, I carry

• a Merkur 46C Travel Safety Razor and shaving soap (which I keep in my Matador Flatpak™ Soap Bar Case);
• a Groom Mate Platinum XL Plus Nose Hair Trimmer (which I also use to trim unruly eyebrows);
• a bamboo toothbrush (which is protected by a Matador Toothbrush Cap made from silicone) and toothpaste; as well as

I always stay within the 100ml allowance for carry-on (obviously), and use zero waste products where possible. I keep my toiletries in a small Sea To Summit Travelling Light Hanging Toiletry Bag . 

Coconut Matter Deodorant

Groom Mate Platinum XL Plus Nose Hair Trimmer

Matador Flatpak™ Soap Bar Case

Matador Toothbrush Cap

Merkur 46C Travel Safety Razor

Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag

Apart from our (shared) Klean Kanteen Wide Water Bottle , my Hammamas Towel , my Rudy Project Rydon Sunglasses and my UCO Titanium Spork , I also carry: our (shared) first aid kit, a travel clothes line , a reusable face mask and two Samsonite TSA 3-Dial Cable luggage locks (for the rare occasion I do need to check in my travel pack).

Hammamas Towel

Klean Kanteen 27 oz Wide Water Bottle with Loop Cap

Rudy Project Rydon Sunglasses

Samsonite TSA 3-Dial Cable Lock

UCO Titanium Spork

If that was a lot to take in, don’t worry, I’ve collated all of it into the list below. In addition to the below, I also travel with

• my running gear for travellers – not everyone runs, so it was not appropriate to list them here; and
• technology gear I use as a digital nomad – again, not everyone travels with a laptop or drone.

If you’re neither a runner nor a digital nomad, you’ve got even more space in your travel pack.

What would you include in a carry-on only packing list (that I didn't)? If you have any thoughts/suggestions, please feel free to contact me . If you found my packing list helpful, please share it with your friends and family via the Share buttons below. Even better, link to this post from your personal blog or social media platforms.

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.

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The minimalist Hawaii packing list for female travelers

D o you want to look great and feel comfortable on your Hawaii vacation without taking along an entourage just to manage your luggage? The great news is that the glorious year-round weather can help you shrink your Hawaii packing list to just the essentials! I went minimalist in my Hawaii packing list for a female traveler despite a five week stay – and still could have easily gotten away with less! What to pack for a week in Hawaii is basically the same as what to pack for a month in Hawaii!

Read on for what to pack for Hawaii for female visitors if you want to travel as light and carefree as the fluffiest shave ice, while making sure you don’t miss any essentials on your packing list. I’ll help you make packing for Hawaii in a carry on easy. So stop asking “what should I pack for Hawaii” and get vacationing!

Quick reference: packing list for Hawaii

What should I bring to Hawaii? We’ve got a lot more detail to follow on the “what” and “why” of what to pack for Hawaii: female edition. But if you’re short on time, here’s a quick list of things to pack for Hawaii:

1 pair of shorts

• 2 tanks/tees

2 swim suits

• clutch/wristlet
• optional: rain jacket
• optional: hiking shoes

SPF lip balm

• water bottle
• reading material
• grocery bags

Book a photoshoot

We always love to book a photoshoot when we’re traveling. As a mom, it’s tough to get in the photos since I’m always behind the camera. We use Flytographer to capture our memories. You can get $25 off your shoot by booking with this link or using code FAMILYVOYAGE.

What to pack for a Hawaii Vacation: Start with the best shoes for Hawaii

I always like to start my packing lists from the bottom, with comfortable, practical, and decent looking footwear. If it isn’t 100% comfortable, don’t pack it . I’ve had my share of ruined travel days because I was just too uncomfortable, even in athleisure shoes that seemed like they’d work well. Let’s begin here for the Hawaii packing list.

The most critical shoes to bring to Hawaii are flip flops ( slippahs , as they say in the Aloha State). You’ll see locals wearing them everywhere and at all times of day, and it’s easy to understand why! There a staple of pretty much all Hawaii attire. There’s no need for fussy footwear when the weather is warm and balmy almost all the time and you might dash into the sand at a moment’s notice. But if you’ll be spending so much time in them, make sure to choose some really comfortable flip flops for walking – not just skimpy $1 rubber ones that will leave your feet unsupported and sore!

For comfort, it’s hard to beat these – I’m on my third pair in a decade and about ready to buy another! If you want something that looks a little fancier but still offers all-day comfort, check out these awesome flip flops with a leather strap or their vegan leather cousins . Another option if you want to support a great local business is to buy from the company that started it all, Scott Hawaii! You can check out their wide range of offerings for your whole travel crew.

Now this is a Hawaii packing list for females, so I can’t expect you to only bring one pair of shoes. If you plan on doing any hiking in Hawaii – even something basic like Diamond Head – you’ll want to bring one pair of shoes that’s more substantial than slippahs. If you plan to do any waterfall (aka muddy ) hikes or some of the longer, harder ridge trails or pillbox trails, you might want to bring trail runners like these to give you better traction on difficult terrain. You’ll also want something substantial for hiking on the Big Island .

If you just plan to walk up easy trails like Diamond Head or Makapu’u Lighthouse, cute athleisure sneakers should do the trick. Make sure to pack some wool socks that will keep your feet feeling dry and comfortable (read: not swampy ) when you’re on the move.

Hawaii packing list for female travelers : what to pack for Hawaii

Now that your footwear is settled, what are the best clothes to wear in Hawaii? Cool, comfortable and practical rule the day for what to wear in Hawaii! The good news is that with plenty of beach time in store, you won’t need to bring much clothing. Here’s our basic list of what to pack for a trip to Hawaii:

Hawaiian vacation clothing: 3 dresses

I love bringing dresses when we travel! It’s just one thing to put on the morning, no matching and minimal packing. You’ll find that tons of local women wear dresses in Hawaii since they’re so cool and comfortable. There’s a reason dresses are high on my list of clothes to pack for Hawaii. If you’re trying to figure out what to bring to Hawaii for a week, you really don’t need to overdo it – plan to wear each dress twice to save some space. Sun dresses are the perfect choice for what to wear to Hawaii dinners out too!

My very favorite travel dresses are ones with a built-in bra – comfortable and they further minimize what to pack for Hawaii! I love this dress so much that I own it in two colors – they were my most-worn items during our five weeks on Oahu and again during our two weeks on the Big Island. Obviously YMMV (your mileage may vary) depending on your body shape and *cough* needs *cough*, but hopefully you can find one you love since a simple dress with flip flops tops my list of what to bring to Hawaii!

Want to plan the ultimate Hawaii vacation? Click here for step-by-step Hawaii travel planning help!

I’d also bring one dress without a built-in bra to double as a beach cover-up. If you want to know how to pack for Hawaii in just a carry-on, dresses are the answer. Check out these comfortable, cute dresses for a Hawaii vacation:

If you’re bringing a few dresses and spending part of your time at the beach, one pair of lightweight shorts should suffice. Denim shorts may look cute, but the most practical option is a synthetic pair that will dry fairly quickly. Then you can wear them for hiking, kayaking or even as a beach cover up, so they’re good versatile must have for a Hawaii trip.

2 tank tops/tee shirts

You can easily get by with just two tank tops or tee shirts from your dresser when you’re packing your Hawaii vacation clothing. You’ll wear these for hiking or as cover ups when going to the beach. Even if they aren’t so exciting, they’re one of those “must packs” for Hawaii.

Obviously one of the Hawaii trip essentials, swim suits, don’t take up much room and you’ll use them a ton! You’ll want to pack a second in case your first is wet/sandy/washing, so it’s worth the tiny bit of extra space when you’re narrowing down what to bring to Hawaii.

My preference is to have one “cute swimsuit” and one “active swimsuit”. The cute swimsuit is perfect for casual beach days, but I like to have one with a little more support for kayaking and boogie boarding. I have a suit similar to this one that has been working great and the top can even take the place of a sports bra for hiking.

UV rash guard

I can’t stress enough how important it is to include a UV rash guard on your Hawaii pack list. It protects your skin from sun exposure when you’re out snorkeling for hours and from chafing when you hit the waves on a body board (or a surf board!). The good news is that manufacturers have gotten wise to the growing market for cute women’s rash guards and there are so many great options now! These can take a while to dry, so it doesn’t hurt to bring two if you plan to be in the water most days. Here are a few of my favorite options:

Even nights can be fairly warm on the Hawaiian Islands, so no need to pack ultra-warm pajamas. But it’s always nice to put on something soft, clean and comfortable after your post-activity evening shower. Doesn’t hurt if it’s cute too, right?

(On a side note, the main reason I have pajamas on this packing list to Hawaii is because it’s the one thing I always forget when I pack for a trip!)

You can’t visit Hawaii without a good pair of shades! The sun is just too bright and can even cause long-term damage to your eyes. Make sure a pair that offers UV protection is on your list of things to take to Hawaii.

Pro tip: choose polarized lenses to make all those amazing rainbows look even more vivid!

Wide-brim hat

A hat will definitely come in handy, so make sure this is in your things to pack to Hawaii! It’s one of the most important things to bring to Hawaii to prevent sunburns. What style of hat to choose is a personal preference, just pick one that’ll look great with all the cute outfits you’ve packed! For practicality of packing you can’t beat a trucker hat, but of course a straw sunhat is oh-so-chic. Just try to find one that packs well so you don’t have it loose and lose it in transit ( ask me how I know ).

Hawaii Travel Packing List: Rain jacket optional

I’ve been to Hawaii five times and have only needed a rain jacket on two of those trips. But when I needed it, I really needed it . If you’re planning to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island (or spending lots of time on the rainy windward side of any island) be sure to throw in one of these .

Optional: warm jacket

If you’re visiting Maui and plan to go to the summit of Haleakala for sunrise, make sure you have a warm packable jacket on your list of what to pack for Maui. It gets COLD up there!

Clutch or wristlet

If you plan to go out in the evening, you’ll want something small to carry with your credit card, phone and keys or keycard. These adorable ones are a perfect match for your Hawaii wardrobe. You definitely need one for your Oahu packing list if you plan on nights out in Waikiki.

You could also go aloha-themed with one of these !

What to bring to Hawaii – beyond the clothes

Now that you’re fully clothed, there are a few other things to pack for a Hawaii vacation to ensure an awesome trip. Trust me, you’ll make good use of these Hawaii travel essentials!

A lightweight but awesome camera

I can’t stomach carrying around our huge SLR when we travel these days, but I hate sacrificing photo quality. Fortunately there are lots of awesome options that balance size, price and quality.

If you’re fairly new to photography, the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 is a great choice. You can grow into the extensive features, but even auto mode will give you crystal-clear keepsake photos. The best part? No worry about having the right lens. Just grab the camera , memory card and an extra battery and you’re all set!

More interested in developing a photography hobby? A lightweight mirrorless camera is a great choice. I use the Olympus “micro 4/3” series . Check out my travel kit below (shown with a newer body since mine is discontinued) – and if you feel like making my dreams come true, you can get me this or this :

The perfect beach bag

You’ll need something to carry all your beach necessities, so why not get one that does double-duty? This adorable tote has a built-in waterproof compartment to keep any wet items – whether a sweaty waterbottle or a sandy swim suit – segregated from everything else! There’s also a great organizer compartment for your shades, headphones and other small items. It’s a great choice for what to take to Hawaii as a beach bag that doubles as your carry-on for the plane. Check out the full selection of Logan + Lenora beach totes on their website.

Reef-safe sunscreen

Sunscreen tops my list of must-haves for Hawaii, but be choosy about what you use. The Hawaiian Islands are surrounded by fragile coral reef environments. Do your part to ensure their long-term viability by slathering on the reef-safe sunscreen – it’s just one of those essentials for Hawaii. What makes a sunscreen reef-safe? Beginning in 2021, Hawaii is banning the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate .

One of our best new sunscreen finds is an excellent mineral-based brand, available in both “ kid ” and “ sport ” formulations. The kid sunscreen rubs in more easily, but the sport sunscreen stays on really well. You’ll need this when you go snorkeling in Hawaii.

There’s nothing worse than burned lips, so this is a no-brainer for a packing list for the Hawaii female.

Keep your lips soft and happy by protecting them with an SPF lip balm like this one . (Better to buy a multi-pack since they’re basically always getting lost and you don’t want to be without one of your Hawaii essentials!)

Mosquito repellant

Do I need bug spray in Hawaii? It depends.

The dry leeward coasts of the Hawaiian Islands aren’t plagued by mosquitoes, but if you plan to do any waterfall hikes or visit the stunningly lush areas, come prepared! We typically use spray during the day and evening when we need it and also put “ mosquito repellent bracelets ” by our beds at night – just in case.

If you’re staying on the windward side, also consider bringing a plug-in mosquito repellant , which works even better! Many vacation rental homes in Hawaii use fans and slatted windows rather than AC and solid windows like you’ll find on the mainland, so it’s very possible for insects to sneak in during the evening.

Water bottle

The water in Hawaii is wonderful, so there’s no need to buy bottles. Just make sure to bring a great travel water bottle like this one so that it’s convenient to keep it with you all the time. A reusable water bottle is one of the most important things you need for Hawaii, as respecting the land ( not littering it with a million disposable plastic bottles ) is one of the most important ways to travel responsibly in Hawaii. Check out our round-up of the best collapsible water bottles .

Packable grocery bags

Hawaii has recently instituted a ban on single-use plastic bags. Yay for environmentalism! Pick up some cute reusable grocery bags that pack into themselves so that you’re never caught without one. You can use them for your groceries, souvenirs or even beach items in a pinch. These adorable ones are a great value and include a clip to attach them to your beach bag!

What (and how) to pack for Hawaii: Packing cubes

No matter what clothes you pack for Hawaii, it’s best to organize them in packing cubes. There’s no way we’d be such efficient packers without them. After trying out several brands for our gap year, we still love our old faithful eBags packing cubes. This starter set is perfect – medium for clothing, slims for “delicates” and swimwear, and small for loose items like sunscreen, lip balm, grocery bags and bug spray. Their toiletry kit also gets great reviews from travelers and is high on our wish list now that we need a new one.

Vacation reading

Since you’ll probably spend at least a few days lounging at the beach, grab your favorite easy-reading paperback or stock up your Kindle. We’re drooling over the newer Kindle Oasis model that’s  waterproof . Use it at the beach or use it in the tub with no worries! The 7″ screen is also extremely easy to read even in the bright tropical sun. With a free trial of Kindle Unlimited you’ll never run out of reading material.

If you’d rather watch movies on the plane too, the latest Amazon Fire tablet is an amazing choice! We love our HD screen for movies and reading. Check out all of the options and prices here.

Since you’re heading to Hawaii, put Moloka’i on your list! It’s one of the most incredible books I’ve ever read and adds so much context for modern Hawaiian history and culture. I also highly recommend the sequel, Honolulu .

Compact headphones

Those Beats may sound awesome, but they also take up a ton of space. Grab a comfortable, compact pair of headphones for your in-flight binging or for chilling at the beach. We spent most of our time in Hawaii listening to the awesome Hawaiian channel with our Amazon music trial – grab your free month here .

Things to buy for a Hawaii Trip: Action camera

Hiking, snorkeling, paragliding… Hawaii is full of adventures! You might want an action camera to keep track of all your awesome experiences. We actually got to Hawaii without one and immediately regretted it and ordered this one from Amazon while we were there! Read our full review here or buy your own . 

If your Hawaii itinerary includes any hiking, consider bringing a daypack to store your water, sunscreen, bug spray and photo gear. My top pick is the Camelbak Daystar because 1) it can pass as a semi-normal looking backpack and 2) it has plenty of room for everything you could need (including 2.5L of water in the included bladder).

If you don’t feel like you need something so technical, our other fave is this amazing packable daypack . We used it so much in Hawaii and even on the flight back as overflow for all those aloha-filled souvenirs. It’s a hundred times more comfortable than the cheapie packable backpack we had before and it has subtly chic branding, so we recommend adding it to your Hawaii travel checklist.

Best Hawaii Guidebooks

We have tons of helpful Hawaii articles right here on our website to help you plan an amazing trip, and they reflect our honest experiences as seasoned Hawaii travelers.

Want even more in-depth information? Check out these authoritative guides to all things Hawaii! The author’s series is known as the gold-standard for Hawaii travel guides. I recommend buying a paper copy, because you’ll definitely want to use your highlighter, dog-ear some pages and bring it along as you explore.

What luggage should you bring to Hawaii? Packing list for Hawaii in a carry-on

We’re normally big fans of our travel backpacks because they’re so much more practical than rolling suitcases. No worries about pulling it along tripping people in the airport or hoisting it awkwardly up stairs or onto buses. If this sounds perfect for you, don’t miss our hands-on reviews of the best travel backpacks for women . If you’re petite, the new Tortuga Women’s Setout 35 is perfect for you – read my full review here .

Just remember, your Hawaii vacation packing list is pretty short so you don’t need to overdo it on luggage. I wish I could have told myself that on our first trip to Hawaii with a baby !

But most visitors to Hawaii just go from the plane to a car to a decent hotel with an elevator, and then make the exact journey in reverse at the end. You’re unlikely to walk a mile to the bus stop with your luggage in Hawaii! You have our blessing to use that wheelie (or even spinner!) luggage to your heart’s content. If you’re in the market for a new one, our globe-trotting friends recommend these suitcases for different price ranges:

Things to pack for Hawaii FAQs

As you can read in the list above, you’ll need plenty of beach attire, casual dresses for sightseeing and dinners and a really comfortable pair of flip flops. Read our in-depth list of what to pack to Hawaii for more details.

Wear flip flops everywhere, all the time, unless you’re doing serious hiking – but some Hawaiians wear them then too. And make sure you use sunscreen to avoid that “Mainland lobster” look.

I highly recommend bug spray in Hawaii if you’ll be doing waterfall hikes or spending much time on the lush windward coasts (especially in the evenings).

Sure, you can wear jeans in Hawaii. But unless you’re going up to the summit of Haleakala you’ll probably be more comfortable in almost anything else due to the balmy temperatures and humidity. I have visited Hawaii in every season and never wished I had jeans with me.

If you get cold on flights like I do, you can wear leggings and a t-shirt on your plane to Hawaii. If you’re bringing a rain jacket or packable puffer, keep it in your carry-on for an extra layer. If you’re bringing shoes for hiking, you can wear those for the flight; even if you’re just bringing flip flops, you can always put some socks in your carry-on for those long hours over the Pacific.

Maybe. If you’ll be spending a lot of time on the windward sides of the islands (including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island ) a packable rain jacket will come in handy.

That’s it for my must bring to Hawaii packing list for females. It has everything you need from January to September and beyond. Remember you’re still in America and can get all the things you need, albeit at a higher price. Keep that in mind when you’re deciding what to pack for Hawaii for a week! Even if you’re deciding what to pack for 2 weeks in Hawaii, don’t go overboard on clothes for Hawaii trip packing! Just use this Hawaii packing checklist and you’ll be all set. Aloha!

More resources to plan your trip to Hawaii

See all of our Hawaii travel planning resources in one place

Travel planning resources:

Compare rental car prices for Hawaii

Buy a top-rated travel insurance policy 5 simple money-saving hacks for booking.com

General Hawaii resources:

How to visit Hawaii on a budget

Renting a car in Hawaii: 10 things you NEED to know What to pack for Hawaii

Is a cheap GoPro knock-off worth it?

Hawaii with kids:

What’s the best Hawaiian island for families? Is it worth visiting Hawaii with a baby?

Ultimate packing list for Hawaii with kids

Top 10 things to do with kids on Oahu

The best snorkel gear for kids of all ages

Oahu resources:

Best Oahu travel guide book Perfect 7 day Oahu itinerary Where to stay on Oahu

Family-friendly Oahu vacation rentals Cheap Places To Stay On Oahu

10 Fun Things to do on Oahu for $10 or less

Getting the most bang for your buck on your Go Oahu discount card Insider tips for visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center

The best beaches on Oahu (and why to visit them) Where to find the best shave ice on Oahu The best easy hikes on Oahu

North Shore Oahu complete visitors guide Kayaking to the Mokes with Twogood Kayaks Family-friendly kayaking with Holokai Adventures

Visiting Pearl Harbor

Maui resources:

Best Maui travel guide book

Perfect 3 day Maui itinerary

Cheap Places To Stay On Maui

Big Island resources:

Best Big Island travel guide book Perfect 5 day Big Island itinerary

Cheap Places To Stay On the Big Island

Kauai resources:

Best Kauai travel guide book

Perfect 3 day Kauai itinerary

Cheap Places To Stay On Kauai

Still planning your packing list for Hawaii? Pin this article for later!

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13 Perfect Looks to Pack if You’re Going to Tuscany or Want to Emulate Italian Summer Style — From $10

Starting with a breezy sundress and comfortable walking sneakers.

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As a travel editor who’s been to more than 40 countries, I’ve seen a lot of the world — but I still haven’t found anywhere that compares to Italy in the summer . My sun-kissed memories of cruising around Capri, leather-shopping in Florence, and bike riding through Chianti vineyards are some of my fondest, which is why I can’t wait to get back there in May. This time I’ll be focusing on Tuscany, and you can bet that I plan to live out my dreams of lounging by the villa pool with a spritz in hand.

Of course, I’m going to need a wardrobe that lives up to the glam of this trip (but that fits in a carry-on since I haven’t checked a bag in four-plus years , and I’m not about to start now). With past Italy visits under my belt, I already know I’ll need comfortable walking shoes and a breezy sundress , but I’m adding a few new looks to my suitcase, including wide-leg pants and a matching set . Here’s what I’m eyeing for my trip to Italy — and hopefully, it’ll inspire all of your out-of-office adventures near and far, too.

The Perfect Sundress

I can see it now: I’m walking through Florence with a gelato and admiring the Duomo, wearing the perfect sundress. For this, I’ve already picked up the Melody Smocked Midi Dress from Madewell in black knowing it’ll take me from day to night — city walk to aperitivo — effortlessly. Thanks to its ultra-flattering fit with a smocked top and gentle A-line flare, I wouldn’t doubt if you see this midi dress way beyond Italy this summer. I’m going to pair it with white sneakers during the day and my platform sandals in the evening. I’m also eyeing this beautiful white sundress and this aptly named “Tagliatelle” dress from Reformation .

Comfortable White Sneakers

I’ve been a loyal fan of the celeb-loved Veja Campo sneakers for years now, but after reading rave reviews of these cushioned, platform Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sneakers , I may just make the upgrade before my trip. Even Oprah loves this brand , with shoppers saying they feel like “walking on clouds.” Sounds like they’re worth it, especially since they’re on sale. I plan to wear these with everything from my breezy sundresses to casual shorts. 

Leather Crossbody Bag

Lo & Sons

It’s practically shameful to walk through Florence’s leather market without your own nice leather bag, and this one from Lo & Sons recently changed my world . The stylish, versatile Lo & Sons Waverley 2 4-in-1 Bag has a convertible strap that makes it four bags in one. I can wear it on my shoulder, crossbody for more security, as a belt bag to keep my hands free, and as a wristlet for a night out. That covers pretty much everything on my itinerary — and cuts down on packing space.

Tailored Shorts

These high-waisted shorts are so classy and elegant, they practically scream “Italy vacation.” French-girl-favorite and T+L editor-loved brand Sézane must’ve thought so too because they named this style “Rome.” I love the elevated, tailored details like pleating and cuffs. For the same look for less, I’d spring for these casual $26 linen shorts or classic $25 white shorts from Amazon.

Oversized White Button-down Shirt

I’m convinced there’s no trip I can’t use this Hotouch oversized white button-down shirt for, which is why it’s a permanent part of my travel capsule wardrobe . I can use it to cover up in the morning or evening if it’s chilly or if I enter a church, or I can throw it on over a bathing suit by the villa pool in Tuscany. (Psst, you can shop more of our favorite oversized button-downs here!)

Maybe it’s the White Lotus Tanya McQuoid in me, but I can’t imagine my Italy trip without a silk scarf to tie around my neck or hair (while riding a Vespa, probably). I’m eyeing this pretty, neutral one from Fonyve from Amazon since it’s a steal at $10. I was sold the moment I read this five-star review from a fellow traveler: “Elegant, well-made scarf…The colors of these are very vibrant and look like expensive scarves from Italy.” 

I always had a lot of trouble finding sunglasses that fit my narrow face (I used to buy kids’ sizes!) — until I tried these frames at Warby Parker, the same affordable brand that makes my eyeglasses. I love that they have narrow, medium, and wide sizes to fit pretty much any face, and you can add polarization and your prescription to them, all for way less than you’d normally pay for name-brand sunglasses. There’s far less guilt than if I lost my Ray-Bans, but they’re still nicer than super cheap ones. If you’re still not ready to shell out $95 for a quality pair, you can’t go wrong with these Sojos vintage sunglasses at Amazon, which look just like them but are only $15. 

Wide-leg White Linen Pants

I’ve written before about how Madewell’s Harlow wide-leg pants are the comfiest pants I own and go with absolutely everything (I even purchased another color after originally buying them), but I’ll sing their praises again and again. They are made from a luxuriously soft lyocell-linen blend that keeps things cool even on hot days, and I’ve found they wrinkle far less than my 100 percent linen pants.

Thin Leather Belt

Sometimes crafting the perfect travel outfit is all about accessories, and the right belt can take a good outfit from good to bellissima. This thin, understated option from Jasgood adds just the right amount of polish to a look whether it’s cinching a billowy dress or adding the cherry on top of the perfect pants. Adding a belt is also great for switching up looks from day to day.

Cardigan Sweater

Nights can get chilly in the Tuscan hills — even June and July see lows of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s why I pack a versatile cardigan that pairs with all my looks in case I get cold. To pass my Italy packing list test, I usually ask myself, “Would Audrey Hepburn have worn this?” And this one from J. Crew passed the test . There’s something decidedly European about its classic stripes, and its neutral palette will match with anything I pack. While the 100 percent cotton sweater is on sale for less than $100 (and has an impressive 4.7 rating), I found a more affordable lookalike at Amazon for just $40.

Matching Set

Matching sets are the epitome of no-fuss, one-and-done outfits that look put-together for any event on the itinerary, whether you’re sipping Chianti at a vineyard or exploring town. Plus, you can mix and match them with other shorts and tops in your suitcase for maximum outfit potential. I splurged on the Noah Two-piece Set from Reformation (look how perfect that “linguini” print is for an Italian wedding weekend event!) but I also have and would recommend something very similar to this $33 matching set from Amazon.

Wide-brim Packable Sun Hat

I plan to soak up the Tuscan sun on this trip and to make sure I’m protected and looking stylish, I’ll pack my trusty J.Crew Packable Sun Hat that’s taken me from Egypt to Greece and back. It easily folds right up into my carry-on, and only takes minimal zhuzhing to get back to its original shape. I’d snap one up while they’re still 62 percent off if I were you.

High-waist Yoga Shorts

One of the most magical moments of my last trips to Tuscany was a bike ride through Chianti. I’m planning to convince my travel partners to re-create that, and I know for that I’ll need some athletic shorts like this pair I swear by from The Gym People. They’re perfect when strolling through markets paired with my oversized white button-down, sun hat, and sneakers. 

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