Pack like a minimalist pro

Check out the gear we love and always bring with us on our adventures.

What is minimalist packing?

Most people view packing as a chance to bring everything they could possibly need. Minimalist packing views it as a chance to NEED LESS.

Chronic overpacking typically stems from anxiety about not having enough while you’re traveling. We buy into the anxiety that our worst fears will happen and we will somehow need 4 extra outfits per day, 5 pairs of underwear a day, 8 pairs of socks for a trip to the beach, and a different hair product for every climate you’ll be in.

Benefits of Minimalist Packing

  • More freedom while traveling

  • No baggage claim stress

  • Not having to worry about your bags making it, especially on tight connections

  • Less anxiety with luggage

  • Increased safety and situational awareness due to less baggage distractions

  • Less to deal with if you get sick/injured while traveling

Before you start packing

  • Research your destination

    Take a few minutes to map out your adventures! Will you be lounging poolside, exploring bustling city streets, or trekking up a mountain trail? Jot down the must-do activities so you can pack exactly what you need—nothing more, nothing less.

    Person holding a map of Stone Mountain Lake and surrounding trails in a wooded area with trees and foliage.
  • Consider weather and activities

    If there’s a chance you'll be hitting the beach, toss in a swimsuit. Planning a hike? Make room for those trusty boots. A fancy dinner or night out? One outfit that can dress up or down will do the trick. By getting a feel for your itinerary ahead of time, you’ll avoid the classic overpacking trap of “just in case” items and keep your bag light, leaving more room for souvenirs (or snacks—no judgment!).

    A couple holding hands and smiling on a white rooftop near the sea, with white buildings and blue sky in the background, in Santorini, Greece.
  • Consider length of stay

    Don’t pack for the ENTIRE length of the stay. Pack for a fraction of it and plan to recycle everything.

    Clothes, a helmet, and boxes stacked near a window in a room.

Minimalist Packing Basics

A woman with long blonde hair, wearing a pink backpack, standing at a subway station, waiting for a train as it approaches.

The Right Luggage

Person folding a pile of clothes on the floor.
Close-up of a person wearing grey speckled sneakers with white soles, standing on a beige carpet with a box in the background.

Footwear

Wireless over-ear headphones with a white design and adjustable headband.
Clothes hanging on a rail in a minimalist wardrobe, with a mix of orange and blue garments and a matching orange handbag.

Capsule Wardrobe

Travel packing supplies including open suitcase, clothing bags, hat, socks, and toiletries on a light blue surface.

Organization

Tech

Packing techniques

Gear Essentials

The Minimalist Packing Guide

The Minimalist Packing Guide

Want more on minimalist packing? Download our guide. Includes: Minimalist Packing List, Multipurpose Items, and how to pack just the right amount for your trip.