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Minimalist Travel Gear – What to Pack and Why
Howdy folks, I want tell you about some of the basics of minimalist travel gear. The idea is simple, carry a small bag, and take less stuff. But there are some important tips and tricks you need to know to keep yourself happy and safe before venturing forth into the unknown.
What minimalist travel gear do experienced travelers bring that allow them to pack so light? How do you pack for travel without looking like a disheveled hippy? How do you stay safe while traveling with minimalist travel gear and avoid being robbed or losing your stuff? We have the answers to all these questions and more.
Luggage
The key to minimalist travel is simple, bring only one small carry-on size bag, and no more. This will limit the amount of clothes and stuff you can take. You find quickly discover what’s really important to you when you force yourself to fit all of your possessions in a single bag.
If this is your first adventure into minimalist travel gear, I would recommend starting out with a maximum carry-on size bag. Most airlines are trimming down size requirements, but generally the standard is 9 x 14 x 22. This size will fit in the overhead (not under the seat) of most carriers. The goal is to eventually work down to an even smaller bag, but this is a good place to start.
There are a lot of good options to hold your minimalist travel gear. Sometimes the options can be overwhelming. There are a ton of good choices, and no right answer. The bag you choose will depend on your preference and travel style. A good place to start researching bags is the Comparison Table from One Bag Travels. It lists many of the most popular minimalistic travel bags, with links to reviews.
Clothes
Bring basic, stylish clothing that can be worn together, and are interchangeable. Avoid bringing “outfits” and clothes that only goes with one other thing. Instead, opt for clothes that can be mixed and matched. Think basic neutral colors, solids or simple patterns.
Tip: If you are going to a cooler climate and need to bring a jacket, you can wear it on the plane. Clothes on your body don’t count!
Fabrics should be either natural fibers like merino wool, or sturdy, quick drying synthetic fabrics. Avoid thick, bulky cotton clothes, and sweaters. Merino wool is expensive, but it is a natural antibacterial fabric, which won’t hold odors. You can wear them day-after-day without the need to wash. Synthetic fabrics also tend to hold less odors than cotton. They are lighter, pack smaller, and you can wash and dry them quickly.
Shoes can quickly fill your travel bag and are the bane of good minimalist travel gear. Avoid the urge to bring shoes for every activity. Bring only one pair of sturdy, versatile, walking shoes or boots. You may choose to bring a second pair of sandals, flip-flops, or flats, if they pack small.
Electronics
Repeat after me, “I do not need to bring my laptop to Paris.” They are big, and just distract you from your trip. With electronics, less is more. Minimalist travel gear does not allow for large or heavy laptops or cameras. Focus instead, on small multi-purpose gear. Smart phones can double as cameras , maps, guide book, language translators, and actual phones (gasp!). Unless you are a professional photographer, or on business and need a laptop for work, leave these items at home.
One smart phone, and one e-reader or tablet is all you need. You can store hundreds of books, guidebooks, and maps on your tablet. The phone can be used for everything else. Unlock your phone before you leave and buy a local SIM card with data when you arrive at your destination to save on international roaming fees.
Toiletries
Minimalist travel gear fans rejoice! TSA has made our lives easier here. No more full-size shampoo bottles exploding in the overhead. You are allowed as many 3.4 sized containers of liquids or creams as you can fit in a quart sized bag. Really all you need to do here is to buy some 3.4 oz bottles and fill them with the products you currently use. Put them in a sturdy freezer bag so they don’t leak.
Preventing Theft
This part is my favorite. Have you heard the story of the bear and the campers? When a bear approaches, one camper begins to put his shoes on. The second camper says “why are you putting your shoes on, you can’t outrun a bear?” at which point the first camper exclaims “I don’t need to outrun a bear, I just need to outrun you!”
Your equipment doesn’t need to be theft-proof. It just needs to be more theft-deterrent than the person next to you. Most of the dangers of travel are mitigated by following a few simple steps, one of which is carrying one bag with minimalist travel gear. A bit of redundancy with your valuables helps as well.
Leave the watch at home
Have you ever known a traveler that got an expensive piece of jewelry stolen that they didn’t take with them? Of course not. Don’t take flashy valuables with you when you travel, and you won’t be a target. Leave the gold watch at home. You can’t lose what you don’t have.
Carry two forms of ID, and credit cards
Does the thought of getting pick-pocketed or mugged when abroad scare you? Do you think that would ruin your trip? What if it didn’t have to? What if losing your wallet didn’t affect your ability to enjoy your trip in the slightest? I’ll tell you how.
This is slightly contrary to the minimalist travel gear theme here. But these items are small so we get a pass. Take two of everything, and keep them separate. Two forms of picture ID, passport and driver’s licence (or other picture ID). Take two credit cards, two debit cards, as well as a paper photo copy of all your ID and cards. Include a small amount of cash, enough to get a hotel and eat for a day or two. Take one set with you, and hide one set in your luggage which you will leave in a safe place in your hotel room when you are out.
Losing your identification or credit cards is no fun. They are also difficult to replace while abroad. With 2 cards you can simply cancel the lost one, and continue your trip as planned. Replace it when you get home. If you lose your passport, all is not lost. You will have to visit the embassy to get a replacement passport. But with a second form of ID, as well as copies of all your cards, this process will go much smoother. A little extra cash (in local currency) will help you survive until you can get these things done.
Summary
That’s it! Take a smaller bag, this forces you to carry less stuff. Bring quality, interchangeable clothing, in neutral colors, and good shoes. And exercise a few simple rules of safety. Now you’re ready to take on the world with your minimalist travel gear without the distraction of excessive luggage!
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I run One Bag Travels as an independent website, I am not directly associated with, nor do I take payments from any of the companies featured on this site. My opinions are based on my personal experience with these products, as well as years of experience as an independent traveler.
Any revenue I receive from One Bag Travels is from affiliate marketing relationships, meaning if you click on one of the product links, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. I strive to review products that I like, or are popular in the one bag/minimalist travel community, not just brands that I receive a commission on. Sometimes a company will send me a free product to review, I am however under no incentive or obligation to give them a favorable review.
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