Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away. (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry)
Updated to 2017.
“Where’s your luggage?”
“It’s all I got.”
That’s always how it begins. That’s always what security officers in Ben Gurion airport ask when they see me — sometimes with a tiny backpack, sometimes completely bagless — going abroad. And it is then when I need to disarm suspicions and convince them I am neither a lunatic nor a terrorist.
So I send them to this page.
What’s this page, you’re asking?
It is your travel guide to serendipity, freedom, and joy of life.
You see, for the past decade, I’ve traveled the world almost nonstop thanks to my online money-making tree. And what I’ve constantly noticed was how much of an impact your belongings have on the joy of your trip. It made me realize that minimalism is truly a privilege of the rich. The gurus weren’t lying!
This guide will show you how I gradually minimized my belongings, carefully sculpturing my travel gear to a point where it offers maximum peace of mind and comfort. The result?
After a ton of field tests and about 50 countries later, I can proudly say I have refined my gear to a point where I don’t even need a backpack anymore.
I call this…
No Bag Travel (NBT)
The art of traveling so light you can basically pack all your travel gear inside the pockets of your pants. May also be called ‘No Baggage Travel’, ‘No Luggage Travel’ or even ‘Pocket Traveling’.
The only times I carry a (tiny) bag is when I go on extended periods and need my laptop for work. But regardless, I am always as mobile as a bird.
Minimalist Travel Is About Simplifying Life
It is futile to do with more things that which can be done with fewer. (William of Occam)
You know the classic “backpacker” look, don’t you? Those colorful bracelets all over the arms. That disgusting, sweaty worn-out T-shirt. The gigantic Lonely Planet guide. And the huge NASA rocket harnessed on the back.
What the heck do backpackers (rocketpackers?) fill it with?! To me, that is absolute insanity. Back in my days in the Israel Defense Forces, I had the fetid privilege of spending months in the harsh desert. The funny thing? Neither myself nor my comrades ever carried so much “luggage”.
This joke becomes even more ridiculous when travelers see how better equipped I am compared to them. At first, they’re unable to fathom the idea. How can this guy carry nothing and still look fresher than me?
The “secret”, as secrets always are, is elegantly simple:
You can only wear one set of clothing at any given time, so why not maximize the efficiency of this one single set and ditch the rest? Why not pick something that never stinks, barely needs laundry, and always looks great?
Less is more, and that’s what this minimalist travel gear guide is all about.
Benefits of Traveling Light
The cost of a thing is the amount of what I call life which is required to be exchanged for it, immediately or in the long run. (Henry David Thoreau)
- Less frustration and wasted time. You won’t have to wait at the airport for your luggage, or worse, get frustrated when you lose it (more common than you think). Going on and off airports will be blazing fast.
- Cheaper flight fares. Most low-cost airlines charge additional money for anything more than a tiny handbag. Under my philosophy, you’ll always comply with onboard luggage policies. In other words, you’ll save money. (Related: How to Find Cheap Flight Tickets)
- Flexibility and comfort. You won’t have to waste energy carrying heavy luggage, or finding a place to accommodate it while you’re out there exploring. You’ll have less back pain. You won’t feel exhausted after an hour. You’ll do much less laundry. Traveling light is pure beauty. It allows you to jump on opportunities and adventures as they come. Serendipity will find you. This, my friends, is what real freedom looks like.
- Better infusion with the local culture. There is some degree of disrespect when you come all the way to a Third World nation holding that big, shiny DSLR camera. Being more modest in appearance will make you more inviting and attract more interactions with the locals.
- Less risk. Because you’ll be traveling with so little, you won’t look like the average tourist. You’ll look more like an expat. Vendors will be less likely to rip you off, and malicious people will be less likely to rob you. (Related: Best Way to Take Money Abroad and Avoid Being Robbed)
- You simply don’t need more. Cyril Northcote Parkinson was known for his disrespect to the lack of human efficiency at managing resources. His Parkinson’s Law suggests that “work expands so as to fill the time available to its completion”. Likewise, luggage expands so as to fill the bag available to its storage. When your boss gives you eight hours to complete a task, it tends to take eight hours to complete it. But if he says you’re free to go home if you finish it in two hours, I bet you’ll find a way. Likewise, no matter the size of your bag, you’ll always find a way to fill it up.
- You begin to appreciate simplicity. Before embarking on my first long minimalist trip abroad, I had given my entire wardrobe to charity. I won’t lie, giving everything away did itch. But it was a great lesson, a reminder of the enormous amounts of trash the human race accumulates. Shortly after, I learned a refreshing lesson: An unnecessary item you once owned quickly loses its meaning when gone. You forget it ever existed. When you travel without physical burdens, I find that you’re more focused on your surroundings and the simple joy of life itself.
Minimalist Travel Gear Packing List
You are not your job. You’re not how much money you have in the bank. You’re not the car you drive. You’re not the contents of your wallet. You’re not your fucking khakis. (Fight Club)
My philosophy is not to stink like a barefoot hippy. It is to be efficient. You want to gear up intelligently. We’re going to carry only a few items, so it’s ultra important to make the right choices and make sure we’re as lean and mean as possible. Therefore, our fabric of choice is this:
Wool.
The nastiest mistake I see on the travel trail is the use of cotton or synthetic “travel gear”. The latter may dry quickly and wick sweat away, but it stinks like a mofo. The former not only stinks, but also gets sweaty, takes ages to dry, and doesn’t keep you properly warm when it gets chilly.
And so our savior is wool. But why wool?
- Doesn’t stink. Wool is naturally anti-microbial and odor-resistant, and it quickly evaporates sweat into the air. That means you’ll rarely have to wash it. You can go weeks with a single set of wool clothing. When you do wash it, it’s going to be because of food stains and not the sweat stink.
- Properly regulates body temperature. Wool naturally is both breathable and insulating. It evaporates sweat and excels in both keeping you warm in winter, and cool enough in summer.
- Dries incredibly fast. This feels like a superpower. Imagine being caught under a tropical monsoon. With wool, you’ll be dry again before you know it. With cotton… good luck. Hope you don’t get hypothermic.
- Doesn’t wrinkle. Wool is naturally resistant to wrinkles because of the structure of its fibers. This means you’ll never look like an homeless. And no more time wasted on ironing if you’re a business traveler!
You can use any type of wool — cashmere, mohair, etc — but I like merino wool (which comes from New Zealander sheep). It’s super soft and elegant and is widely available commercially. Plus it never itches like those sweaters your grandma used to knit for you when you were a child.
So, without further ado…
Best Travel Gear: Minimalist Packing List
The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less. (Socrates)
I’m going to assume you’re looking to gear up to a specific trip, so I’ll be recommending different products per climate. If you’re a ‘digital nomad’ traveling full-time, you’ll need to mix & match depending on the range of weathers you’re going to encounter.
Shirt (Base Top Layer)
The base layer helps regulate your body temperature and wick sweat away, keeping your body dry. Cotton, in contrast, retains moisture and can make you cold in the winter even if you have a thousand layers of fleece above it. Wool shirts are never cheap, but it’s a price well worth paying.
So, which base top should you get?
This depends on your travel destination.
Hot and sunny? Get a thin layer (120-150gsm). I recommend something like the Icebreaker T-Lite / Woolly Ultralight Crew / Woolly Tank for men, or the WoolX Wool Tee / Ridge Frankie / WoolX Ella Racerback for women. Btw, for triple the price, you can get a beautiful 130gsm Wool & Prince button-down.
Springlike? Get a 165-200gsm long-sleeve base layer, like the Minus33 Ticonderoga 170 / Merino365 190 for men or the Minus33 Moriah 170 / Icebreaker 200 Everyday Long Sleeve for women.
Cold and wintery? Get a heavier base layer, preferably in the 230-300gsm range. Something like the Minus33 Chocorua 230 / WoolX Explorer 230 / Smartwool NTS Mid 250 / Meriwool 250 for men, or the Minus33 Ossipee 230 / WoolX 230 / Smartwool NTS Mid 250 / Meriwool 250 for women.
Freezing and arctic? Go hardcore and get a 400gsm base layer, like the Minus33 Yukon Expedition for men or the WoolX Alpine for women.
***
Feel an itch to browse some more? Then go check Amazon. Just remember to buy 100% wool, and to choose the weight that best fits your destination’s climate. But don’t obsess over it too much. I was in Canada — in the winter — and a 170gsm base layer kept me comfortably warm. And remember:
You need only a single shirt.
Wool never stinks. Therefore, it’s the only shirt you’ll ever need. Don’t believe me? Right after you buy your shirt, wear it for a couple days straight. Go run with it. Do some workouts. Then put it aside and do the same with a cotton shirt. Then inhale both of them. Smell the difference?
Magic.
Mid Top Layer & Outer Shell (For Cold Weathers)
The mid layer helps insulate your body and traps heat inside. An outer shell protects you from the rain, snow and wind. Obviously you don’t need those when you travel to a warm place, where a single shirt (the base layer) is all you need. But in cold weathers, they are crucial.
For the mid-layer, our best materials are wool, fleece and goose down. Wool never stinks and is able to insulate you even when wet, but warmth per weight it isn’t that exceptional. Fleece is a bit more efficient — plus cheapest of all — but can smell after a while. Goose down is the undisputed king when it comes to warmth:weight & packability, but it insulates only when dry.
So, what to choose? As always, this depends on the weather:
Not too cold? Get something like the West End Knitwear Wool Shawl / Minus33 Isolation Midweight 230 / WoolX Grizzly 400 / Minus33 Yukon Expedition 400 / Pendleton Shetland Wool Sweater for men or the West End Knitwear Merino Wool Coat / West End Knitwear Cable Sweater / Carraig Donn Long Irish Sweater / WoolX Sweatshirt for women.
If you’re on a budget, you can get a $30-40 Polartec fleece in a variety of weights: 100 / 200 (also for women) / 300. However, I prefer paying extra for wool, because fleece can smell. When you go No Bag, it’s noticeable.
COLD? When things get real cold, you want to go with goose down. The higher its Fill Power (FP), the more warming it is per gram of down. For great overall warmth:weight, the Montbell Plasma 1000 (Men / Women) is unbeatable. It offers 1.6oz (45g) of top-notch 1000FP down, and weighs a ridiculous 135g (4.8oz). For very cold climates, you’ll want more fill though, something like the Plasma 1000 Alpine at least. Montbell has a nice line:
Reggie, wait! What about the shell?!
Personally, I wouldn’t bother taking a shell if it’s only a light rain/wind we’re talking about. But if it gets more serious, a shell is important – especially if you wear a down jacket, which loses its effectiveness when wet, or a fleece, which is susceptible to wind. In these cases…
Opt for an ultralight, breathable, fully waterproof shell.
I recommend the Arc’teryx Norvan SL (Men / Women, 4.2oz) Montane 777 (Men only, 4.7oz), Outdoor Research Helium II (Men / Women, 6.4oz) or Patagonia Alpine Houdini (Men / Women, 7.1oz). The two former normally cost about $300, the Patagonia and Outdoor Research you can sometimes find for $100, which is a much better value in my book.
P.S. If you want to combine a down jacket with a waterproof surface, consider the Mountain Hardware Ghost Whisperer (Without Hood: Men / Women, With Hood: Men / Women, Parka: Women). This is very No Bag Travel friendly, especially in fluctuating weathers where you’d otherwise have to sometimes store the shell in your pocket. And the female Parka version looks fabulous!
Oh, and if you’re going somewhere freezing — I’m talking climbing the Everest peak — you’re going to need a full down suit.
What about gloves?
If you’re going somewhere cold, you most likely need gloves. If you don’t want to take a glove off every time you’re taking a photo, you need gloves with touch-screen capabilities, like the 100% wool Arcteryx Diplomat. For freezing climates, look for down gloves, like the Gordini Aquabloc (Men / Women).
Pants
In the past, I used to travel with those brushed nylon convertible travel pants. They were very comfy, but the problem was that, unlike my wool shirt, they started to smell every few days. It wasn’t that bad, and you could notice it only when you sniffed them, but it did inspire me to look further.
Then I found the Wool & Prince wool shorts (discontinued). Those were nice, never smelled, but were too thick for hot destinations, which is where I visit the most. So I started to travel just with my… swim shorts!
Problem Status: SOLVED.
This proved to be a genius move for a number of reasons. First, because I was immersing them in water the whole day — I was diving and bathing a lot — they never smelled bad. Second, I liked their super light feeling. And third… I could even wear them without underwear!
So, which pants/shorts should you get?
Hot destination? Any swim shorts with pockets, like the Kanu Surf Barracuda, will work. For women it’s trickier, because you can’t just walk in bikini the whole day. But women can also get away with wearing tight leggings, which is why thin merino wool tights are perfect. The only problem is you’re going to lack a pocket (for your smartphone), so if you’re going No Bag use pocketed leggings, like the Smartwool Basin Daisy or Icebreaker Comet.
Need long pants? In cooler climates, or if you just want to look more serious, the Makers & Riders Ultra-Lite Merino Wool Trousers are gold. If you’re going somewhere real cold, put wool leggings beneath them as a base layer. Pick weight according to climate: 170 / 230 / 250 / 260. If you’re a woman, simply pick a pair of wool tights thick enough for the weather: 190 / 230 / 250 / 400. Your jacket is going to have the pockets.
P.S. Whatever pants you go with, I highly recommend sewing an internal pocket. This will secure your passport, money and credit card. Been doing it for years. In my experience, this is the best way to take money abroad.
Underwear
Back when I started to travel seriously, I was wearing the famous ExOfficio Give N’ Go boxers because of all the hype around them. They were quite good, but took noticeably longer to dry than the rest of my wool gear. This is why I now wear wool and wool only (that is, when I do wear something — because with the swim shorts I don’t need any undies).
For the past two years I have used two pairs of Minus33. One of them wore out last year, and ever since then I was using the other pair exclusively. But by the middle of my last trip to Greece that second pair was worn out too, so now I have to buy new ones. I’m going to go for WoolX Basix, because they’re 100% wool, have awesome reviews, look great, and all for a great price.
Do you need one pair or two? One can be enough. Those things just won’t smell, even when they’re sitting on top of your nasty area the whole day. But if the idea of wearing only one underwear is abhorrent to you, you can pack another pair in your pocket and alternate between them.
Me personally, I take one. It never smells, but sometimes I’ll just wash it as I’m taking a shower. I’ll then let it dry overnight. Yes, I sleep naked, you perv.
P.S. For those prone to chaffing, I recommend boxers over briefs.
Women can get 100% wool panties from Minus33 or Janus (better reviews). 95% merino wool panties are available from Ridge or Smartwool. As for bras, I searched hard… and found it! 100% merino wool bra, possibly the only one you could find: Ortovox Rock N’ Wool. I’ve read great reviews.
Headwear
In cold weathers, you’re going to need some form of headwear, which in very cold climates will also function as a base layer under your down jacket’s hoodie. You can go with a 100% merino wool beanie, or get something more versatile, like a… wool buff! I have been using it for years. It’s amazing.
You can use it as a beanie, a balaclava, a neck scarf, even an ears warmer. Your creativity is the limit. I once used it to cover my eyes when I wanted to sleep during a flight. I even used it to cover my entire face when I went deep in the jungle and mosquitos were trying to eat me alive. These days though, I’ll only take the buff for cold climates where it’ll always sit on my head.
Footwear
Humans have evolved to walk, run, sprint, jump and climb barefoot. But unless you live on some tropical island, you can’t just walk barefoot all day these days, right? Barefoot shoes to the rescue. This kind of footwear work with your nature rather than against it. What do I mean?
Normal shoes — those without a flat sole — alter your biomechanics, causing you to strike the ground with your heels first when you walk. That hurts your posterior chain (your back especially). The VivoBarefoot and the Xero Shoes, in contrast, allows your body to function as it’s designed to:
My shoes of choice are the Xero Shoes Umara Z-Trail (for warm weathers) and the VivoBarefoot Gobi II (for cold climate). I’m in love with both of them.
With these shoes, you get the best of both worlds. The ball of your feet lands first (providing natural shock absorption) and you get less back pain. Your toes have a lot of room to spread, giving you a stronger, natural grip. And with both, you still get protection from modern hazards (broken glass, hot asphalt, etc) and look like a normal, functioning member of society. Few points:
- The VivoBarefoot Gobi II look so good in leather I actually attend weddings with them. For extra fanciness, get the Hand-Cut Porto.
- Previously, I wrote a Xero Shoes review. It was when I was wearing their huarache sandals. I then moved on to try the Earth Runners, which were awesome and great looking. I liked them both, but they’re not comfortable enough for long hikes. The Umara Z-Trail are much better for that. When I go to some relaxed beach vacation, I simply take my Havaianas.
- If you go somewhere cold and take the VivoBarefoot Gobi II or Porto, you’re going to need socks. Non-smelly 100% merino wool socks, of course! I go with a single pair, and they just refuse to smell.
- If you’re a women, no worries. Both Xero Shoes and VivoBarefoot have female versions. If you’re going somewhere cold, add 100% wool socks.
- If you travel to hot, humid locations, try to avoid closed shoes. Darkness, warmth and humidity is how bacterial infections form on your nails.
- If you have small children, let them wear barefoot footwear from young age. Modern shoes hinder our feet’s natural development, which can translate to back, knee and movement issues later in life. Barefoot footwear will help your children’s feet grow wide and strong.
Smartphone: The Unbelievable iPhone 7 Plus
For 2017, this is the new item I am most excited about. For years I have waited for Apple to implement the dual-lens technology bought from Israeli startup Lynx Imaging. Reason?
As someone who used to photograph for a living, I am obsessed with optical quality and the creative use of depth of field (“bokeh” effect) in special subjects. In the past, I used to carry a big, clumsy DSLR, which could do just that. Plus it helped me zoom in and out without losing quality when I couldn’t get closer, for example when photographing a rare or dangerous animal.
But DSLRs are no way for a minimalist traveler. They’re absolutely massive, heavy as hell, and a little too rude if you ask me. How can you feel comfortable walking into a poor village, where people barely have money for food, and just walk there holding that huge, shiny piece of camera?
Sadly, no smartphone in the world could offer any real replacement… up until now. The iPhone 7 Plus is nothing short of a breakthrough. Here are a couple of unedited, unfiltered photos I took on my last trip in Canada. I actually had to reduce their quality because the files were too large:
Now that is a quality I am happy with. The iPhone 7 Plus uses a setup of two lenses and does the bokeh (blurred background) effect by combining the two computationally. This is the only smartphone on the market that does it right.
One of the lenses is a wide 28mm lens, the other a narrower 56mm lens. This means you can also… switch between them in one click and get x2 zoom without losing quality! Example:
But wait a sec, Reggie! Why use a smartphone and not just a compact camera?
When you have a smartphone that can take these kinds of photos, you have an exceptionally powerful device in your hands. This (and merino wool!) is what truly allows us to go No Bag without sacrifices.
I use my iPhone 7 Plus to book flights. And read books. I use it to log my workouts, scuba dives, and vaccines. It’s my clock. And my music player (Apple Music is awesome). And my GPS. I download maps on it. It lets me monitor my business. And stay in touch with family & friends. When luck strikes, it also lets me store ideas and notes. See where I’m going?
When you have a smartphone like this, you basically have an awesome camera, a phone, a GPS, an ebook reader & a thousand books, a pen and a notebook, your important documents, etc — all in a tiny, slim package that can easily go inside your pocket. I consider my iPhone 7 Plus 128GB a must now.
However, you must be diligent. The easiest way to ruin your travels is to constantly check your emails, browse Facebook and get a false sense of home. Smartphones can easily corrupt the sense of adventure you have been craving so much… if you let it. Don’t let it. Airplane Mode is your savior.
P.S. Forgot to mention, the phone is waterproof, which is vital when traveling in rainy areas. It’s also vital when I shower while playing Top Eleven. Regarding cases, I personally don’t use any, but of all the ones I tested, the Elago Origin Frosted Transparent is my favorite. It’s gorgeously minimalistic.
Toiletries
Hygiene is important. You don’t wanna be that smelly guy that goes past people in the train and leaves behind a trail of disgusting odor. Going No Bag doesn’t mean you have to smell like a homeless.
Deodorant
Did you know that what makes sweat stink isn’t the sweat itself, but the bacteria on your underarms? Not allowing bacteria to grow will make your sweat non-smelly. But regular anti-perspiration deodorants are toxic and dangerous — your body needs to perspire — and they leave icky stains on your expensive clothes. The solution? Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).
Baking soda is so amazing I use it as a deodorant even when I’m home. And a very small amount could last you for a year. When I travel, I fill a tiny nylon bag (the size of a key) and put it in my pocket. Immediately after my daily shower, when my hands are humid, I stick the tip of my finger into the powder and apply it onto my underarms. Never failed me, for years.
Years ago, I used to travel with a Thai crystal stone (potassium alum, not the synthetic ammonium alum) as a deodorant. It works great, but it’s much bulkier and not comfortable for No Bag Travel. Both the stone and the baking soda prevent bacterial growth, allowing you to perspire without smelling.
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
I always carry a Tom’s of Maine 0.9oz trial size toothpaste, which is perfect for No Bag Travel and doesn’t contain nasty substances like peroxide. If I’m going to stay in hotels, I won’t take a toothbrush, because they always offer them. If I’m going to stay in more basic places, I’ll carry a small travel toothbrush.
Soap
Often, I don’t bother carrying any kind of soap. Most places offer soap bars anyway, and I don’t need any shampoo because my hair is always very short. But if I’m going to some remote place, I might grab a small GoToob beforehand and fill it with Dr. Bronner Organic Magic Liquid Soap.
It’s an all-natural kind of soap that you can use to clean yourself and your clothes (if needed). Plus it’s very concentrated. That GoToob — which will prevent the soap from leaking all inside your pocket, and which is small enough to carry on airplanes — will last you much longer than you think.
Other Items
This towel is so light it can easily go in your pocket. When my sister was recruited to the army back in the day, I let her use it for the bootcamp. She was shocked when she took a shower, dried off, hung the towel on a clothesline under the sun, and came back eight minutes later to find it 100% dry.
The sizes are very small, so take a bigger size than you think you need. If you stay in hotels or nice guesthouses, you might not need a towel at all. But if you’re going to stay outside, however, this thing is a godsend.
KOOLSTOF™ Carbon Fiber Money Clip
This is the only “wallet” I use, both at home and when traveling. It’s a perfect representation of pure minimalism. Holds your bills and credit cards tight. And because it’s made of carbon fiber, it’s super lightweight, always springs back to its original shape, passes through airport security, and looks gorgeous.
Fenix manufactures sturdy, waterproof flashlights of unbelievable power per size. The E12 is the perfect companion for travel if the flashlight in your smartphone isn’t enough. Going to Scandinavia when it’s dark all day? Perhaps scuba diving at night a lot? This Fenix could prove very useful then.
Theoretically, this slim, high-noise whistle could save your life. Lost your friends in the middle of the jungle? Your diving boat forgot you in the ocean? Threatened by a dangerous animal? I could think of a thousand other uses. I don’t carry one anymore though, and I hope I won’t regret it.
Is This All Your Travel Gear?!
Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. (Confucius)
Yes. As you can see, all this stuff can go inside the pockets of my pants or jacket (if I’m traveling to a cold place). There’s no need for either a bag or a vest.
But Regev! What about a Lonely Planet guide?!
Those things put you in a passive mode. Instead of approaching people with curiosity and interacting with the environment, you’ll find yourself staring at a chunk of paper. Another problem is that the “untouched!” places listed there quickly become flooded with tourists. I suggest this:
First, to get a good idea about a country you’re going to, invest twenty minutes or so beforehand and read its WikiTravel page. This will be time well spent. Second, when you’re in a new place, pop on TripAdvisor and make yourself a list of things to do, see, and eat. Your taste buds are going to love you.
And so, go out there, explore, interact with the locals, and strive to build your own legend. Your personal unique path will then mold itself organically, and nothing feels more refreshing than good old serendipity.
P.S. Another benefit of minimalist travel is that you can always wait for the end of the day before finding a place to stay. This flexibility will grant you some sweet accommodation deals on Booking.com.
Am I going to wear the same thing every day?!
Yes! And guess what? Nobody’s going to notice. People are so busy with their own appearance that they don’t really care about your clothes. And when they do, they’ll appreciate you even more once you explain to them the philosophy behind your minimalist travel gear. Believe me, if I could live the stories behind Destination Poon with a single set of clothes, you shouldn’t worry.
But I need a bag for my laptop/camera!
For the vast majority of people, I do NOT recommend traveling with a laptop. It is a serious burden, and your smartphone lets you do most things anyway. The only exceptions are if you’re working while traveling.
So if you’re a National Geographic photographer, you’re gonna need that huge DSLR, fancy lenses, and perhaps your laptop to edit on the go. If you’re a “digital nomad” who makes money online and travels all year, obviously you need your laptop. In such cases, you’re going to need a bag too.
Personally? I’ll bring a laptop only if I’m relocating for a long period and plan to work. But nowadays I like having a home-base from where I can focus on work, and then venture on short, intense trips every couple of months. I leave my laptop at home and concentrate on the trip. This lets me best enjoy my travels, while recharging my inner batteries for when I get back. I like this cycle.
P.S. If you’re looking for my recommendation for a laptop, I highly recommend the new MacBook. It is thin, light, and has a huge battery and a 2304×1440 resolution. If you need more power, take the MacBook Pro Retina 13.3″. I used to own Windows machines, but I now use Apple exclusively because of its sealed operation system. It gives me speed, ease of use and reliability over bloatware, viruses and blue screens. If you’re anti-Apple in your heart, any ultralight Windows machine with a similar resolution will work. Remember that resolution is your number one factor for productivity.
Again, you do not need a bag if you’re not going to carry a laptop/DSLR/etc. But when you are, I recommend the Tom Bihn Synapse 19 if you plan on long hikes, or the Peak Design Messenger 13 when it’s more of a work-oriented trip.
The Synapse is a tiny but solid backpack. The Messenger isn’t designed for walking all day, but it’s crafted exceptionally well, with travel photographers in mind. Its unique design allows you to access it even when closed.
If you do eventually end up with a bag, throw in the extra shirt, underwear, etc. You’re going to have plenty of empty space anyway. Don’t waste it.
What about a Kindle device?
Ever since I got my first Kindle, I have never read a physical book again. I love this device. It lets you carry thousands of books while weighing less than a paperback. It lasts weeks on a single charge. Amazon’s e-ink technology lets you read under sunlight with no glare, just like a real book. And it has a built-in light, which means you’re not gonna fall asleep with the lamp on, because the Kindle shuts itself down to save battery when idle for a few minutes.
Want more benefits?
Taking notes and highlights. Built-in vocabulary. Changing text size. Your books are stores in the cloud, so they’re always safe, even if you lose your device. Plus book delivery is instant (and books are cheaper), so you end up reading more books per year. And of course, the lack of distractions (social media and other crap) allows you to really immerse yourself in the read.
However, you can install the Kindle app on your iPhone 7 Plus and achieve most of those benefits. The screen is large enough, and while it’s definitely less comfy than a Kindle for very long reading sessions, it’s a worthy sacrifice when you go No Bag. If you do end up with a bag, throwing in a 300ppi Kindle like the Paperwhite, Voyage, or Oasis is a good decision if you read a lot.
The Minimalist Travel Approach Is Now Yours
I also have in mind that seemingly wealthy, but most terribly impoverished class of all, who have accumulated dross, but know not how to use it, or get rid of it, and thus have forged their own golden or silver fetters. (Henry David Thoreau)
That’s it. You now have in your disposal the only minimalist packing list you’ll ever need. Go out, use it, and enjoy life to its true potential. I wish you loads of sexy adventure, and the safest of travels. Rock on!
Regev, I love your article. I found it very useful. I hope you don’t mind, but I was just improving my “About” page when I discovered your site, and the Saint-Exupery quote was just perfect for what I’ve written a few moments ago, so I “borrowed” it.
I am funny with packing: I fill a couple of bags with heaps of stuff, then I start taking away. I usually end up with a small bag, regardless for how long I travel.
Of course, it’s completely fine.
Yeah, at some point you just realize that ‘heaps of stuff’ are not only unnecessary, but are a serious burden. Thanks for your words.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, you are the only person I know who travels lighter than I do! And most people think I’m insane travelling with under 7kg carry on! Maybe I just need to try harder – but I’m not giving up bras at the age, just saying
Haha, try merino wool bras !
Try these,
No affiliation, I just love advanced performance gear.
https://www.knixwear.com/products/8-in-1-evolution-bra
Oh my goodness, I absolutly loved this article!! honestly, I read it twice! and I loved your hummus reference lmao but honestly I have no idea how you do it. On my way back to the U.S. I was thinking of you and how you managed to do that cause I know I was regretting all the pointless crap I ended up carrying.
I never thought it would be possible to pack like that, but it’s people like you that prove me wrong. I somehow always over pack and carry things that I regret later. So I must say your article was very helpful! Props to you!
Glad it’s been helpful. It’s all about the Hummus, baby!
Kick-ass article Reg! O_O Maybe it’s because I’m a girl, but I’m a chronic over-packer. I used to fill up one of those massive family-size suitcases, plus have one of those carry-on bags AND handbag filled to bursting point.
I’ve improved somewhat lately, mainly because I’ve realised I only ever use a fraction of what I pack. I’ve cut down to one of those mini-suitcases, plus a handbag, when I travel (thanks to my Kindle, I’ve also been able to eliminate the pile of books I usually bring with me). With your encouragement, I think I can take that further! :D
Reading your list, I still feel my mind racing at extra things I would need to pack. Medication, glasses, hairbrush (no way am I going army-style!), sunscreen, makeup…. Hmm, I MIGHT be able to skip bringing a dress and high-heels if I wasn’t going to go anywhere fancy. Gawd, I’m such a girl.
Speaking of which, any of your girl friends have recommendations for a decent sports bra/ crop top? I almost never wear a bra anymore (underwires are the devil, even if they do give uber cleavage), but I’ve yet to find a crop that doesn’t make my rib cage stink like sin after a day of heat. For some reason, sports underwear is almost always synthetic, and we all know what happens with synthetic materials. And I hardly even sweat.
I have another question for you too. What do you wear when you’re washing your clothes? You might get away with waltzing about in nothing but your spare briefs, but I’m thinking a girl doing the same might turn some heads! :P
Great article dude, keep it up!
Thanks Belinda!
All that girly stuff of yours can actually be easily put into cargo-pants. If you don’t mind looking dorky of course.
As for the bra, try merino wool undergarments. Or you can just go-all-natural as you said, some of us men got a thing for that!
I usually wash my clothes when I’m taking a shower (Killing two birds with one stone!) at night, and they’re always ready wen I wake up.
“Or you can just go-all-natural as you said, some of us men got a thing for that!”
Men go for that until the lady hits 50 and her nipples are brushing her belly-button! :P I try to at least wear a crop top when I go out- helps to defy gravity for a little longer! I’ll check out Icebreaker. :D
“I usually wash my clothes when I’m taking a shower at night”
Dude, why didn’t I think of that???
A sarong Belinda – most useful item of clothing/towel/top sheet EVERY invented
Great idea Lissie!
Very cool post. I have a history of over-packing, and with our kids starting to get interested in traveling, I definitely want to minimize my gear.
About the Invisible Shoes: I have been wearing them a lot over the past year. They are incredible, and, aside from barefoot, are my favorite running/walking footwear.
To make them a bit more structured and secure, I replaced the stock nylon strings with 1/2 nylon straps and plastic buckles. The modification cost about $10. There are lots of how-to videos on line to help with the process. I find the straps/buckles work better for me, especially when running and on technical terrain.
I am definitely going to check out the products you recommend.
Thanks!
awesome Aaron,
safe travels and great advice for the huaraches
Regev, thanks for your positive influence in my life…….You rock man!
@Aaron – I’d love to chat to you and see a photo of how you modified your hauraches if you don’t mind? I bought a pair of Xeroshoes and in March and haven’t looked back..I love them they are just a little unsecure as I’d love to use them for running…
Would love to hear from you if you don’t mind!
Thanks!
Marna Marie’ Strauss
Cape Town,
You know, travelling with three children, travelling light is sort of a contradiction in terms – or that’s what I’ve thought every time I’ve seen discussions about it with your or Liz. But – scanning through this post, I do think we can do better. For starters, just having the right clothes (eg things that dry quickly) can make a big difference.
We are trying to simplify, pare down, and declutter our home, both for its own sake, and because in 2014 we are looking at going o/s again, but this time hopefully for about 6 months. So we will need someone to house-sit. I am hoping we will be able to pare down a LOT in preparation for that, but I’m also hoping that the trip itself will give my kids a taste of really simple living. I’ll be coming back to this post before we start thinking about packing for that!
That’s awesome Kirsten
have a blast with your kids overseas and stay safe.
Thanks for all the info you shared here regev… didnt know about those things especially the cool looking flip flops and the quick dry and lightweight clothes…
anytime amigo
This is the best article on minimalism I’ve ever read. You’re a badass, man!
I’m headed to India this weekend and had already decided to bring only one outfit. While trying on my gear, I found this article just looking for other travelers rolling like this. My gear is pretty similar:
-Airblaster’s Merino Wool ninja suit as my base layer
-White 686 Snowboard pants (tough, thigh vents, tons of sealed zip pockets) with the liner removed
-Matix MJ Waffle top layer, because it’s super comfy as pyjamas, doesn’t look hyper-tech, and is awesome
-Merino wool socks and saucony sneakers (for cold nights)
-Vibram 5fingers for hot desert wandering
-Binchotan charcoal toothbrush and charcoal exfoliating / deodorizing pumice stone from occultier.com
I’m an author and music producer as well, so I’m taking my Dakine backpack for laptop, a few books for long bus and train rides, and my taoist herbs and raw chocolate. I’ll be leaving the backpack in the hotel while I hit up the kumbh mela, then decamp back to rishikesh when I’ve gathered enough material to write about.
Really excited to travel ultra-minimalist, man! Thanks for the added inspiration and heads up about some majorly awesome gear.
Muchas gracias Dogson. Enjoy India!
I would like to thank you. I live in Scotland, but I sometimes travel to warmer places, and your tips are priceless. After reading your article almost a year ago, I completely switched to merino base layers and usage of Alum; not only when traveling, but also on daily basis. What brought me to your website, was the mention of huaraches, which I use personally for couple of years, and I share your enthusiasm towards them.
You had a very positive influence on my lifestyle. Thanks again.
You, my friend, has just made my week.
I really agree with the heart of what you’re writing, here — but smartphones and laptops and other mod-con technology is the exact direction you shouldn’t desire to go, as a minimalist and adventurer!
The most fun in adventuring around is not having a smart phone or a laptop with GPS and a translator and all this bullshit to make it feel comfortable and distracting like home! Yes, I understand that it’s CONVENIENT and REALLY COOL to be able to play Angry Birds on the long bus ride into Lhasa. It’s still ridiculous, though, and something real is lost in doing it.
…It’s so sad, when I go to a hostel, and find the common area full of dead eyes and blank faces staring into the glow from their laps!
I agree and that really depends on the situation.
If i’d go for a month-long trip to ‘calibrate’ in nature – I’d leave the laptop and smartphone behind. But if you’re living mobile 365 days a year, and especially if you NEED your laptop to support yourself financially – it wouldn’t be very smart to stop using them.
It’s about balance really. Used with the right dose, smartphones can be very useful and valuable. Too much of them does the opposite.
The Kindle is AMAZING though and id take it anywhere. 2 kilograms of 10 books or 150g of 1000? technology can be very useful and life-enriching as you see.
with all that being said,
i feel like there’s a steep learning curve to go through. when you’re just traveling for the very first times, you learn a lot, and fast. the lack of those technological devices in that case can be quite beneficial because it helps you make it tougher and expand your comfort zone farther. But the moment you hit that specific comfort-zone spot, and when the excitement and novelty of first travels is gone, I feel like the value those devices bring to your life is much much higher than the ‘personality-growth’ bonus points you get without them.
I started traveling with technology from day one to be honest, but that’s only because travel feels like a joke compared to the first year of the Israeli army back there in the desert.
Great article, exactly what i was looking for. I think i’m gonna buy a few stuff, especialy an icebreaker short sleeve… really wanna try to light my backpack !
cheers Louis, thanks
Love this! When I was in Istanbul last year I met a girl on a bus – we got chatting because we were both just starting out on trips through Eastern Europe. She had one of those colossal gap year backpack things – must have been 80l or so looked like it weighed as much as she did. I had an ancient nike school bag – maybe 20l and most of that was laptop. We were both planning on travelling for the same length of time – she couldn’t get her head around it! Nothing compares to the freedom of packing super-light.
Hey dude awesome! I was just wondering if you ever though about hemp as a clothing option? It really does work the same as merino ( warm when cold, cool when hot) not too mention you don’t have to wash it for 4-5 days also. You seem like the kind of guy is aware of the environment and though the benefits of merino are great. Hemp in general is truly superior.
Peace
Oh and also moccasins dude they are perfect for the colder harsher climates ( I’m a bit of a naturalist )
I enjoyed reading your article.
Question: is there a similar clothing list for the ladies?
I don’t particularly like dressing like a guy.
Thank you.
Just get the same stuff for girls. Add in a merino wool bra and you’re gold.
I still think most of the same stuff for girls makes us girls look like bricks, probably I’m picky about the cut. Here’s a dress I found, made of merino wool. https://www.backcountry.com/icebreaker-aria-sleeveless-dress-womens – unfortunately in my size, I bought the last one.
I wanted to find the same thing. All the clothing you list looks like really nice guy stuff, I’m having a hard time finding nice, in style women’s wear that doesn’t look like I’m about to climb a mountain. Obviously you don’t have to worry about that but maybe you know of some nice women’s brands?
Icebreaker does a range of clothing that does not look like you are going to climb a mountain! :-) They do have skirts and tights Other stores you could try are Kathmandu (often have a mix between merino and their Tencel material-whatever that is!), Maxshop (very nice feminine clothing- under their Merino knitwear tab), Glassons, The wool Company NZ, The Tin Shed NZ, Macpac have some options, and I am sure there are more stores selling merino… you just have to hunt around a bit.
Awesome tips and well explained. I have slowly been minimizing my life for the last four years, layer by layering realizing how much I do not need. Still I want to get rid of more. I feel physically lighter and my brain is less chaotic and flustered when I have little stuff to deal with.
So true how having to pick out an outfit every morning can waste precious time if there are too many choices.
Thank you for sharing!
Could you make a nice cheet-sheet out of it? you know, like a minimalist travel checklist PDF or something? would be awesome to have one
Best minimalist packing list Ive found! thanks a lot from Canada :) been looking around for travel light gear and yours looks like a good combo of minimum weight to maximum efficiency
Hey Regev!
Shava tova!
I an finishing my army service next week, and booked a round trip Tel Aviv->New York for 3 months for $750 :)
This reminded me of your first flight abroad haha.
Anyways I wanted to ask where you currently are, and if you’re in the states by any chance maybe we could meet up for a beer.
I’m also gearing up now, re-reading your gear post.
Have there been any advancements/new stuff since you wrote it?
Thanks for being an inspiration for me to live an alternative lifestyle,
Oren.
Baaaaaaaam.
Gear list just updated.
thanks! there’s a couple of useful products i didn’t know yet
Hi,
Really like you article here, it is rather inspiring at least. I am not by far that minimalist yet, but will definitely try some of your ideas.
Just one comment, if you travel without any bag at all, how do you deal with basic misc items? like:
– charging cables (for camera and/or smartphone)
– keys
– ID documentation (e.g. passport)
Thank you!
I always have a charging cable and a passport in my pocket. It’s all small stuff.
I’m a bit late to the party…just read the article while looking for needed travel inspiration. Lately I graduated from a childs’ size suitcase to the grown up kind and wanted to get back to a freer traveling me, I would like to use the ‘chick’ excuse, to allow me a second pair of shoes (whatever works).
I generally travel to warm places so a sarong or a bed linen works as versatile/multifunctional chick outfits and leaves room for the shoes! Dr. Bronners = check, I have a length of stretchy neutral fiber than works to wrap or headband my tresses and quadruples as a bracelet or necklace. A mini kit of water color paint, a pad, a swimsuit, skirt or pants (sarong can do this also) toothpaste, toothbrush, tweezers, deodorant and a few creamy items pretty much tops off my list. Cell phone is 50/50 nice for photos but nice to leave it behind.
Now, the crystal thingy works?! Really, really? That is my big question and thanks for your blog.
The crystal thing does work, but I now use baking soda more often. It’s very effective, and it’s easier to fit in your pockets if you’re traveling bag-less. I suppose it doesn’t matter much if you’re with a backpack, so by all means go for the crystal if you can get your hands on one. You’ll love it.
Is it really possible for a woman to travel light? I’m not vain or anything, but I still end up bringing a lot of stuff no matter how hard I try to keep my bag light.
I can’t speak for the hygiene items. But as for clothing, just get merino wool. You can even get merino wool bras.
Great info I bought the super flip flops you recommended andd gave you credit to the manufacturer when I made the order Thanks for good logical travel suggestions
Awesome, thanks. You’ll enjoy them.
Hey there,
I’m Sergiu and I’m from Romania. I’ve read your article about your Xperia ZR and I was happy to see that you’ve actually been to Romania.
I’d like to travel Romania using the same phillosophy you are: carrying around the bare minimum and I was wondering if you have any tips for beginner travellers like me.
I plan on sticking to Romania for now, just so I can learn the “ropes” of travelling, before adventuring in Europe or further.
I hope to hear back from you soon,
Sergiu :)
Forget the tips, just climb over your back fence and start exploring. You’ll figure it out. You know what, I’ll give you two tips: 1. Wear merino wool. 2. Use common sense.
Awesome minimalist gear Regev! I’m definitely going to adopt some of the tips here. Thanks. I myself travel with a pretty minimalist travel wardrobe, but I never imagined it can be done with no bags at all.
Thanks, John. Yeah and this minimalist travel approach doesn’t even feel that extreme once you get used to it.
I love to read books since i was 7 year old and i switch to e-book and my friend gift me Kindle. Really according to me it is the best gadget i have ever come across in my life. Now Kindle is mine pligramge and E-book is my god.
I am also a kindle fan without doubt. My kindle is still kindle paperwhite, I like its weight and size. Well, mostly the weight!
Great stuff mate. Was impressed when I met you in Burma. Pure travelling dude! Keep me posted about the book! :)
Thanks, brother.
Do you have a Wool&Prince type recommendation for women’s clothing? Love this post I just donated over 3/4 of my clothing. Didn’t get rid of everything because I need something to where while I work on finding the perfect pieces :). Now trying to do the same with other things in my house….
April, did you ever find anything good?
Incredible packing ideas in this article! My job is connected with a lot of traveling and I pack luggage often. The truth is that it is hard to decide what to take and what to leave at home. So, thank you for the tips again!
Anytime, Mira. Enjoy your travels.
hi Reggie,
I found your blog by accident and loved your minimalist travel gear tips. I would love to have your courage to drop everything and travel the world with nearly nothing. I did drop everything, but I stopped in a few cities to live and I carry luggage around, unfortunately. I wish you all the best and hope you get to see as much of the world as it’s possible. This is my dream.
Cinthia
Thank you Cinthia,
all the best, and keep on rockin’
Awesome article, really appreciate the tips! Just one question – do you think a merino wool cardigan would be too warm for Singapore/Koh Samui/Hanoi/Siem Reap in July?? I feel the cold so may need an extra layer at night but not sure if the humidity would make the wool uncomfortable? Thank you!
a CARDIGAN in South East Asia’s July? That’s a sweater, right? You don’t need any more than a single thin merino wool shirt, certainly not a sweater. Even at night, it’s so warm I always sleep shirtless. The kind of shirts I recommend are so thin you don’t feel their weight like old-school wool. And when it’s humid, they evaporate your sweat pretty quickly so that’s another big benefit.
Thanks for the wonderful site. Enjoyed, very much reading. Especially the About section.
All the best !
BTW, I am from Kuwait :)
Cheers!
Thanks buddy, all the best.
Found you through “secrets to cheap flights.” Very helpful, thanks! Love your site, by the way.
Great advice in this article. I try to travel light, but do end up with luggage, just not oodles of bags’ worth. Unfortunately, when you go to visit friends, one shirt ain’t gonna cut it. ;o)
Have a question for you though… what do you do if you’re allergic to wool? I can’t wear it. Period. So, what’s next best?
Love this radical approach to packing – I thought I was being badass when I wore the same black jeans, black sneakers and black leather jacket for one week in Paris. I had a small pull along suitcase and a backpack though, which was handy when bringing back pots of mustard, back when we could do things like that without checking a bag. However, sadly, I AM ALLERGIC TO WOOL :( – any suggestions for an alternative? Thanks!!
Hi I’m summer and I amazing
I’ve been minimizing my stuff for the past few months, and found this article a very entertaining and informative read. Thanks for posting it.
Any opinion on Vibram FiveFingers shoes? I’ve been using them for several years now and can’t imagine travel without them. I only take socks to wear to bed (often this eliminates the need for a blanket) because all of my shoes are barefoot shoes.
I recently went on a river cruise in France and only took about four changes of clothes, which everyone on the ship (mostly snooty retired people haha) found extremely shocking. When I came home I was super irritated with the too-large carry on suitcase I had taken so I bought a 20L backpack and find it more than sufficient. I even have 2-4L of extra space in case I find more books I want to bring home :P
I never tried the Five Fingers, but many people love them. I know smelling is a real problem with them, but I may be wrong. Maybe Vibram have fixed it by now.
Put some baking soda in them!
Very useful post! I agree with your choce of laptop 100%. I have a Macbook Pro with retina and love it! I can’t recommend it enough for traveling.
Leaving for Bolivia (for the first time) in a week. Only have two shirts and thought, ‘crap, I should have kept those t-shirts I donated earlier this month.’ Instead, I’m gonna wear the same dang outfit the whole week. Thanks for helping me regroup and remember why I’m going to South America in the first place :)
Blessings,
Anna from Cali
Awesome, Anna, but know that my approach is optimized for wool. If you’re gonna wear one set of cotton, it will be a nightmare, and you’re gonna stink. Enjoy your trip and stay safe.
Lejeim Dude!
Good stuff. Also a big fan of minimalist travel! My record is a five litre waterproof strap over. Still wanna do just a ”fanny pack”. Most legendary I saw was a guy doing a weekend trip with just a tooth brush. Good stuff :)
The book looks interesting. I searched for it on amazon but couldn’t find it – what happened? Staying away from the corporates? How the sales going? You would think if you get it to the right place it should be a killer book. Thinking of I hope the serve beer in hell and The game etc.
Anyway, thanks for the cool content man!
Lo meveim sandwich le mesada…
Peace out,
MC
Hey Regev,
I was checking out your blog and was hoping I could talk to you about the clothes you wear while you’re traveling. It’s clear that you’re a travel pro, so I’m sure you have some definite go-to’s that you love! My company, Betabrand, has a passion for creating unique clothes that make life way more comfortable (and a bit more stylish!)
Lately, we’ve been discussing how to create the most fashionable, yet comfortable outfits for those who are always on the go. I reached out to you specifically because we’re looking for advice on what makes a great ‘wanderlust wardrobe.’
Would you like to share your thoughts on this topic? Hopefully there will be some common themes we can pick up on and then we can put them into action and create more amazing travel clothing.
Best,
Megan T.
Community Manager
Betabrand
Short answer: WOOL JEANS.
Long answer: Create an amazing looking, stylish, 100% merino/cashmere wool button shirt (think Wool&Prince), and a 100% wool jeans that fits and looks great, and i’ll be your fan forever. Versace used to have one that looks nice, but they discontinued it. Add a pair of wool briefs and you have just created the best travel gear set ever made.
Hi Regev!
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly and I appreciate your input :) I love the idea of minimizing travel gear and have a functional and comfortable outfit to work the whole trip! I love your idea of creating wool jeans, definitely would be perfect for traveling.
For this project we are reaching out to travel gurus, such as yourself, to create a post about their perfect travel outfit. We really want to get the conversation going and want to dig into what people look for when it comes to comfortable travel clothing.
Hello Regev,
I am a young professional with a new job that requires frequent global travel. However, I am female which means wardrobe expectations vary dramatically by region. Do you have any recommendations of female travelers’ blogs you have come to know along the way or just from what you have experienced to advise an aspiring No Bags (or one tiny bag) traveler?
Thank you
Jana
This article is pure gold. My husband and I are planning our first minimalist motorcycle trip down the coast of Oregon. While I’m not ready to give up all of my clothes and worldly goods, many of the tips on here will be great for cutting down on the superfelous items I tend to take with me “just in case.”
The wool clothing, super absorbant towel, and specific lack of a travel guidebook are my favorite 3 tips that I will definitely make use of.
Thank you for reminding me how needless the rest of the stuff is.
Hi! after 20 years i managed to travel with only 6 kilos last summer. I´ve reached some phase in life from 30 on that i realised i really didnt need to many things to live. Apllying this to travelling is now my challenge. Last year i bought my new 32 liter backpack (smallest i ever had) and i was so happy i could pack all my stuff in it for 15 days trip. Maybe its nothing yet but i am so inspired by your article and a lot of similar articles i´ve been reading! Thank so much! Yes, i am a girl and yes i believe girls can do it too!! :-)
Love this stuff. thanks for the travel hacks ~!
Hey, Reg!
Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your thoughtful, focused, detailed blog entries.
I stumbled on your site in my ongoing search for minimalist inspiration, and I wasn’t disappointed. Your posts are both informative and fun to read. I particularly appreciated your entries on low- or no-gear travel, something that I’ve been working on for a while now. (In my case, “simplifying” has become a central life goal.)
Your review of the Tom Bihn 19-liter backpack was really good. Lately, I’ve been on a quest for a quality bag in the 20-liter range. Anyway, good stuff, man. It’s great to read blogs from like-minded individuals who choose quality and functionality over quantity or popularity… and who really get behind the idea that “less is more.”
Thanks for writing — and if you have any new thoughts about your “favorite” travel backpack, please let me know.
Mike Bailey
miqesi.com
This was great! First time here and will look at other articles. I have full plans to migrate fully onto Merino wool (aside from one of those zip short/long pants as I managed to get one at an opp shop) as I have two icebreaker hiking socks that I fawn over when ever I go hiking. I might be classified as a digital nomad in the future as it’s my ultimate aim to be a freelancing vagabonder (Wacom Cinteq as opposed to a laptop). My aim is to be self sufficient on the road. Only carry-on. I got a 40L Osprey Farpoint backpack for long term as it would meet my requirements in the future.
A part of me wishes to take this ‘barely anything’ or just a normal backpack route for the long term but another thinks it’s slightly troublesome to go that far with the way I’m likely to travel with my art streak, aspiring profession, and random camping/hiking streak. I’m thinking I can afford to if I’m staying in country for at least a year. I aim for ultralight gear at least.
Still, I plan to try the minimal method (again if I think about it. I never brought much to camps in army cadets) when I go to Brazil in June-July as it’s only 46 days, with two pairs of clothes as opposed to one (I will be seeing the same people day to day so two seems reasonable ) Definitely rethought the clothes, phone and camera here though. I’m debating whether to bring my small tough camera with me at all. I have a thief proof bag ( though not so thief proof at gunpoint), Pacsafe Metrosafe 200, that I’m thinking I can can fit everything necessary into and pack a packable light weight backpack to store everything not needed when I go out and about.
How did you manage to get your flash light stolen? … multiple times ? that makes very little sense to me right now :)
It was stolen from me once, in the Philippines, and since then I haven’t gotten one. Today I just use my smartphone, which seems to work just fine for lightweight travel.
How about bamboo for the people who are alergic to wool?
Bamboo never got inside my minimal travel wardrobe, so honestly I don’t know.
Great!!! Your blog is interesting and so informative.
Shalom Regev!
GREAT article. I’m about to leave for a short trip to LA at the end of this week, and my total weight including the weight of my pack (the REI Flash 18 day pack, which will double as my hydration pack for the hikes I have planned) is under 3.7 kilos. Fun fact: I purchased several of the items you recommended after some of my own research, including the Thai Crystal deodorant stone, Marmot rain jacket and the Earth Runners minimalist sandals. Even though this trip is just for a long weekend, my packing would be the same for a month or six months or indefinitely, assuming warm-ish weather. I feel like I’ve never been better equipped for travel and am LOVING how super light and small my bag is. In addition to the essentials, I’ve even got a full-size beach towel, super comfy travel pillow, the novel I’m about to read next (The Time Machine by H.G. Wells), AND space to spare in my little bag. Merino wool clothing has me feeling like a boss, too. The icing on the cake is that my pack is so tiny that I don’t need to pay for carry on luggage for my super cheap flight with Spirit Airlines (they consider it a “personal item” which is included in the fare). Anyway, just wanted to drop a note and thank you for the truly invaluable information and flat-out enjoyable read. Safe & happy travels!
Best,
Jackie Shiloh
Great article! I was searching for ways for packing for a 13 day road trip with my husband and 4 year old—and your article came my way. I’m impressed and (once again) taking one more step towards a more minimalist lifestyle—and traveling light is it. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
-Nicole
P.S. tried to find merino wool bras in my size…no luck! But the rest is so doable!
The phrase “stinks like a mofo” is now going to be stuck in my head for the rest of my life :)
So much of the clothes we think we need is about social conventions. My family and I all have “go bags” for travelling – a small bag each that we like to think we can just grab and head off – but you’ve got me rethinking the contents. I am curious what you wear to formal events if you’re basically living in shorts… thinking of possible examples…
1. Lifestyle doesn’t throw formal events at you much, 2. You hire formal wear, 3. You ignore convention and wear your one outfit, 4. “What do you mean ignore convention, this looks good already!” :) … or ? I don’t know.
Hahahahhahahahahhaha
When I’m abroad and invited to a formal place, I just wear what I have. I mean, when some random Vietnamese guy invites you to his wedding, which happens right there, last thing you’re gonna worry about is changing clothes.
Also, I’m not traveling all year anymore, and when I’m in my home base, I wear long jeans/pants for weddings, meetings, etc. But 99% of the time I’m wearing shorts.
When I saw the picture on facebook, I was sure the picture was from Romania!!!!
This list is incredible! I really cant get my head around going without a bag at all and I thought I was minimal. Doesn’t going without a bag leave you with bulging pockets and cargos?
I try to go light, ive got everything I need for a month down to 3kg/15L, but a kilo of that is just medical supplies for type 1 diabetes, something that really contradicts going minimal. Ive parred myself down as much as I’m willing to risk medically but find it prevents true minimalism, or is going ultralight what allows me to make up for the bulk of medical necessities? When does going light sacrifice safety?
No bulging pockets whatsoever. My credit card, money and passport are inside an internal pocket sewn inside my pants. My smartphone and its charger, each gets its own pants pocket.
I don’t think lightweight travel sacrifices safety at all. But if you have some medical items which you can’t get in your destination and which would be absolutely necessary in times of emergency, by all means find a way to carry them.
As a missionary who lives out of a suitcase and frequently downsizes, I read your article with great interest. For years I have traveled to various places with three bags (one large suitcase, a gym bag, and a backpack that holds my MacBook Pro with its accessories). The ideas you shared have inspired me to think of ways to downsize even more. One complaint I have is the unnecessary swear words near the end. They ruined an otherwise great article. I like what one motivation speaker says, “If you can’t be interesting without profanity, then let’s face it: You’re not that interesting.”
Hey Reggie,
Can you elaborate on how you carry, and use, baking soda as deodorant.
I make my own deodorant using baking soda, coconut oil (naturally antibacterial), beeswax and shea butter. You can buy small deodorant sticks on Amazon. It works way better than chemical based deodorant and for a few days. I use rosemary and lavender for fragrance.
Great post!!
I can’t speak for Reggie, but I carry my bicarb soda in a small plastic screwtop container (probably 25x50mm). To use I rub around 1/2 tsp under each arm immediately after toweling down following a shower. It works better than any deodorant I have ever used, doesn’t stink of perfume and protects me from the chemical load I’d rather not expose myself to. I wouldn’t put anything on my skin that I wouldn’t eat.
I carry my baking soda in a tiny bag that I put in my pocket. I use extremely small amounts, right after shower. I just shove my finger in the dusty powder and rub whatever sticks to the finger right in my underarm. I do this twice, once for every side. I agree with you, it works tremendously better than any deodorant I have ever tried. Plus the shirt doesn’t stain.
Agreed. Minimal travel is the way to go for sure. Towel is key! I have minimal travel towels for sure. I hiked Half Dome this summer and should have left the DSLR behind. It turned out to be a space hog and I needed up using my iPhone more and anything. Might want to consider a Bolstr bag? It is for essentials and when traveling its my grab-and-go and where I put keys, wallet, passport, phone, keys and sunglasses so I never lose them. When packing and unpacking, it is easy to put one of your EDC items down and lose it in a pile. I just keep it all in the bag when I return to my room and never have to worry about. If I use my phone, I put it back in the bag immediately…
https://www.koyono.com/collections/bolstr-edc-bags-and-accessories
Love this. I a traveling to Spain/France fro three weeks and would like to add to the conversation the Sport Coat by scottevest that I plan on wearing.
This is a great article. And thank you for sharing your list to us. I been traveling backpacking. Travel is fun but sometimes it can’t be that so much fun if you forgetting to put that specific thing to your travel bag. When I planned my travel, I always write things down now.
Amazing travel advice!!!
Thanks A Million Buddy!
I just traveled for two weeks and people trip when they realize how little you actually have. I saw your average traveler takes so much junk I get depressed looking at it. My biggest take-away was the wool shirt. I bought a Wool & Prince for $68 and wore it everyday, it was as fresh as day one at the end of the trip. Thanks again you really inspired me! My two take-aways were more underwear fewer socks and a giant battery pack for the Smart Phone.
I really liked your list! I’m not really a minimalist but I consider myself a lightpacker and I think it’s the best (and cheapest) way to travel.
Nice article!
Yeah, we really don’t need anything much other than a toothbrush and a nail clipper(absolute musts lol). It also helps when everything is anti-bacterial, anti-odor, quick dry and stuff. also make the backpack waterproof. Then go with the wind. Wherever you end up.
The wind never disappoints!
‘never own anything you are sad to lose’ has been on my mind a lot recently.
i gave away majority of my belongings a couple years ago, still have too much, but i’m working on it. the quote is a head twist – but when you actually give away the most precious things/jewellery/clothes etc you own, you feel such a freedom!
thank you reg for your brutally minimalist post – it has helped – a lot. (!!!)
as a zero waste-wannabe, i carry an insulated klean kanteen thermos (doubles as a water bottle), a produce bag & stainless steel lunch box with me almost all times in a canvas tote bag. but that’s it.
when i travel, i just add
a pair or undies,
light woolsilk long sleeve shirt & long johns = ninja suit
wool socks &
patagonia UL down jacket
to it and i’m ready to roll!
(for the ladies; make up take up sooooo much space, time, money & effort, ditch it and you’ll be so much happier! your face doesn’t beat your personality, so invest in adventures instead….. ;-) )
Thanks for the travel advice. For me traveling with only one pair of clothing, even something made out of merino wool is a miss for me. I usually bring 3 or 4 days of clothing. I usually spend a month overseas every year. I have aNikon D7200 that I bring as well as 2 lenses. Most of my coworkers at work and friends, will not be able to take a trip like the ones I have taken. Unfortunately most people will never leave their neighborhood. I like to show people the pictures I have taken. I have developed a reasonable travel kit, that I use and that works for me. I also bring a 100% silk travel liner.
Thanks for the article and safe travels
Thank you for this amazing article and it is really inspiring. I’m currently travelling for I don’t know how long since I quit my job and taking a lot of domestic flights (going under 7kg bag). My question was what do you do with phone and camera chargers, plugs for different countries and medication like malaria pills?
What if you go somewhere fancy ?
Safe travels!
V.
My phone is my camera, so I carry one charger only. It’s a tiny iPhone’s charger, so it fits my pockets easily. Plug I take a small adapter that will fit my destination, or a universal adapter like the Kikkerland if I’m going between many different areas. Medications I never take.
If I go somewhere fancy… it’s never on my plans really, but when it does happen, I just go. Always brings a smile to my face to enter an expensive restaurant with a black T shirt. With wool pants and button-down shirt, you can look great though, at least as a man.
I really enjoy this article and come back to it often across the years. It’s hard for me to be this minimal as a committed dad but the principles are my escape hatch and I have created my emergency go bag wuth synapse 19 that I could just grab and go. I’m just curious to know if you carry a trimmer or razor – how do you keep your hair/beard in shape. And when you’re at home and not travelling do you have any extra items?
Hey Mark, glad it’s helpful. I do not carry a trimmer. I just go to a barber shop every two weeks or so and shave my head/beard off completely. Currently I’m more settled than in the past, so I definitely have extra items. But when I go traveling (still a couple of times a year), I go completely No Bag these days. I find it rejuvenating.
Hey Regev! After using this article as my bible after finding it years ago, it’s awesome to see you’ve updated it. Looking forward to reading more from you.
Come back over the next days, I’m not done yet. And if you loved what’s here, you’re gonna love the book.
Oh I’m reading Destination Poon right now man on my kindle. It’s great so far. Unless there’s another book I’m not aware of?
You’re on the right one. There’s another book on the plans, but it’s going to take a while.
Any options if you are allergic to wool?
For all those reporting allergies to wool (Wendy, Laurel, Rachel), let me ask you this: Are you 100% sure it is wool you are allergic to?
Most of the time, the red rash and itching are just a reaction of your skin against the friction of thick wool fibers. Most people find that they don’t experience this when they move to soft, refined wool – like merino or polwrath. Before you ditch wool completely, try merino wool and see if the reactions persist. Look for a low micron count, which refers to the thickness of each fiber. The lower the count, the finer the fiber and less likely it is to irritate your skin. As far as I understand, most people feel itchy at around ~30 micron count, but merino wool base layers these days are only about 15-20! This is why most people who “can’t wear wool” suddenly find that they actually can when they try soft wool like merino. And even at high micron count, wool allergies are very rare. It is usually dust or wool processing chemicals residues. If you want to know for sure if you’re allergic to wool, try organic, low micron count merino wool and see if your body reacts. Chances are you’re not allergic.
Hi Reg – Thank you for this great post. For the women, Ibex also sells merino wool undies, which have become my favorite. Initially I thought “wool underwear?!” but since I was loving all my other merino clothing I decided to give them a try. Love ’em. They are pricey but they occasionally go on sale, they last a long time and they are great, especially for travel. Ibex also has some merino bras but I prefer the ones Icebreaker has (just personal preference). Ibex also makes other merino clothing, some of which might be more “fashionable” for the women who were asking about clothes that don’t make them look like they are wearing men’s clothing. Nice men’s stuff at Ibex, too. Also, merino pants… my husband has some Kuhl Outback pants that are 50% merino, 50% nylon and loves them. He had a tailor add a discreet side-leg zipper pocket that fits phone/passport and they are great for travel. He actually got the pants a little long and the tailor took a bit off the length to make the edging for the pocket :) In any case, thanks for your post. We are always trying to travel a bit lighter and you have given us some new ideas! Thanks!
Thanks for the update Reg. I’ve completely changed from a lugging massive suitcases around to a minimalist traveller, all thanks to your blog. I threw away *all* my tech t-shirts, briefs and socks and only wear merino shirts. I even bought a merino dress shirt for business trips. I got myself a Synapse 19, that I test drove yesterday on a business trip to Cairo.
I was wondering, can you link me to the your tiny nylon bag (the size of a key)? I tried baking soda but haven’t quite got the hang of it, but I’ll get there.
Cheers mate
The “tiny nylon bag” isn’t anything special. Anything can work. Improvise! I once used a hotel toothbrush’s nylon wrap for months.
Very inspiring article, glad I found it, thank you.
I’m currently traveling New Zealand and will certainly give a try to some of your ideas/advice. Especially when Merino wool is actually local product.
Heard from Kiwis that you can get them really cheap at local merino wool brands outlets over there.
Hey Reg,
This was an amazing read, thanks for putting this up. Wish I had seen this sooner so I could prepare some stuff for my upcoming trip. Will try at least to find those legendary 100% wool shirts!
Cheers!
I made the switch from 35 pounds of mostly usless weight to about 5 pounds of ONLY useful weight about five years ago. I’ll never go back! Just essential items pocketed and my medicines and spare “rotation” underwear and minimal added layers are hand carried in a 3 ounce nylon cinch bag. Additional toilet items, meds, hand laundry Soap and a few tech items weigh about five pounds. I suppose I could go bagless just by rolling my spare clothing and strapping it but in my case with six medicine bottles I just use the cinch bag. Still minimal and light weight!
I would like to add that I have discovered Wrangler “stretch” jeans! They don’t stretch but they are made with a light weight denim that dries fast after the “slosh slosh roll it in a towel and stomp” weekly washing. Super strong and reliable. ONE pair of pants worn period. And no I don’t care about how I look as much as I care about what I’m CARRYING!
Hint: Your spare socks stuffed in with a wallet or passport stops pickpockets! So does a Humangear nylon spork pocketed tines up and out! It’s entertaining too!
Very good advice here! Thanks for your “research” and suggestions!
Great thread. I travel 6-9 mos/year in Asia=hot. This year I switched to a big checked bag which I’m hating. BUT I decided I wanted to take 9 months of supplements and meds, which add huge weight and bulk. 1 pillx180 days x 10 supplements + antibiotics, + I also take resistance tubes so my fitness doesn’t go to shit.
You guys have inspired me to Merino a 2nd chance. So far I hate wool on my skin when it’s hot. I prefer Nike Dri-fit tank tops.I also love RailRiders Adventure Pants which have huge pockets are superlight. I roll them up and use plastic clothes pegs to keep em up.
I carry a custom Sil nylon poncho which is the best Asia rain gear, doubles as a blanket. I also carry a 4 oz Thermarest Zlite sleeping pad. Airport bed, yoga mat, pad mattress support.
And last, I carry 3M Pelator earmuffs=huge unminimalist aviation industry quality that makes sound disappear: snoring in a hostel? Gone!
I’ll see if I can wean myself into Merino starting today.
Next trip I’ll go all Reggie except for the above. I’d love to figure out the supplements.
This post was very insightful, I never knew about the benefits of wool. But wholly crap, you take minimalism to the last. Only 1 outfit?!? ONLY ONE OUTFIT?!? I’m trying to move to a more minimalist lifestyle and I see I have a long way to go. Thank you for all of this information, keep traveling.
Do wool shirts / pants offer sun / UV protection?
How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? Thanks a lot for this Regev~~!! love it
Definitely saving this. I don’t travel, but a lot of the things here can apply to everyday normal life as much as they do international travel.
Thanks for this, I’ll definitely be using some of these tips to go under 5kg next time, it’s so doable. It is totally amazing what you can accomplish if you try. Having said that, you definitely have a disorder which comes across both in your masturbatory writing and your obsessive behaviour. And your weird desire to conquer poon of all races and religions lol. Good thing it sells though, therapy ain’t cheap.
hahahahahahahahahaha, we all got our faults don’t we
Hi Reggie,
Thank you for giving a detailed guideline on traveling light. I found your recommendation on wool particularly useful. I’ll try out some of your tips and modify accordingly to my upcoming Euro trip next month.
You inspire me to start recording my own minimalist journey. I’ll revisit your blog in the near future to keep you posted. Thank you!
Cheers,
CGL
Awesome, good luck Lioness and keep us posted
Shalom, This is the most wonderful article about travel I have ever read, and it’s all in one. It’s a great lesson about travel and living simple. I also found your story very inspiring and the laughter of your grandma made me laugh, thank you for sharing, Regev
I will be traveling soon and thank you for the insights
ES
<3
Thanks, you mentioning my grandma made my day.
I heard wool is very fragile, What do you say? Is it true?
E.g. when bicycling, the wool gets ruined.
when I bought my wool-undergarments, so they recommended me buying a mix of polyester and wool, which I did. And it does smell. :-/
(I wish I read this article before buying it, but it was 2-3 years ago)
What about packing for long-term travel with work/studying? (more than 5 months)
and if I need to bring more stuff/clothes when traveling long-term (more than 6 months),
what sort of bag do you recommend?
suitcase? duffle bag? backpack?
Hey! I love the way you think! Big props for these great packing list.
I wonder what do you think about sunglasses….necessary item?
Love the article. It’s very enjoyable to read. Honestly, I also like to travel light. Not as light as you for the time being, but who knows, someday maybe? I always make sure that whatever I carry on my back should be less than half of my body weight. I am small in size, and not tall either. That enables me to have smaller clothes and use small bags all the time. The biggest backpack I’ve owned was a 30L backpack.
Now I am travelling with a 28L backpack by Osprey. I purposely bought that size. It forced me to pack the most important things for my travels. I can’t travel with anything smaller, not until I have more money in my pocket. Of course, if I have more money, I will travel with even less.
You’re right about the unnecessary need for carrying a laptop while travelling. I can leave mine behind if I don’t need it. But I make money from writing, so I pretty much need it even while I’m travelling.
Overall, I really love the article! Thanks.
Very nice article.
For now I’m a permanent nomad, don’t have a permanent home and have been on the road for more than 2 years and definitely more years to come…
I love minimalism, but don’t go that extreme, I make sure to stay under the carry-on limit.
About merino wool, I have a few merino products and really like it.
I think the only con about merino is, that it’s not so durable?
A tip for people who travel around and stick longer at some places and want some more clothes to wear. Try to find second hand shops for clothes. Many of them are charity shops, it’s very cheap and we are saving the planet by recycling.
When I leave the place I just bring the clothes back to the charity shop again.
And yes the crystal deodorant stick is amazing, I put some after my shower and never smell anymore. And the stick lasts for a very very long time(years).
Ah, how do we find these gems on the innernest? What an amazing web!
So, I am 50+, female, planning a solo walking for 2 weeks in Spain (not the Camino), with a 40 liter, 15 lb backpack. Four days before departure, I tripped on a broken sidewalk and painfully bruised my ribs. After a day of couch and ibuprophen, I removed two lbs of stuff from my pack. This included my swimsuit and sandals. So I traveled with only one pair of shoes and never did find a good swim spot. There is nothing I missed that I had removed, and a few things I took that I didn’t need after all, and a few things I hadn’t thought of that I wished I had. I also cut a few excess bits off my actual pack – straps and so on – to save a few ounces. My final day in Barcelona was really, really long, but even though by then my pack weighed 28 lbs (chocolate and fabric, mostly), I had gained enough strength that all day long, the weight didn’t bother me at all. This is my first trip like this, and I will do it better next time.
Remember- No benefits of wool will ever outweigh the abuse and torture the sheep go through in order to produce that wool. I am sure there are plenty alternatives to wool that will be adequate.
Great story so inspired! But maybe you should do a packing video on your youtube channel that will be so much helpfull! Plus we can see it in real life how you do it.
Hi, your travel gear page approach is very interesting and good! I was wondering though that you are not carrying a water bottle even though you travel in some very hot climates? Second thing is travel adapter, surely iphone charger is not compatible with all those countries you have visited?
Do you know a good website that talks about or tells you where to buy traveling clothing for young kids (like the clothes you mentioned here)?
I’d look on Amazon. The principles are the same as for adults, just look for children sizes.
I tried a zero bag challenge back in January for a long weekend trip to Pensacola, FL. I learned a lot, it gave me more perspective for future trips. I have been a one bag traveler for years (Tom Bihn synapse 25), but doing a no-bag was a leap for me. I enjoyed it and the added challenge that it was winter, albeit only in the 40’s, made me feel real good about it later. Since then, I no longer carry a purse or a work bag. My future one bag travel bag will be the Tom Bihn synapse 19 or their new pop tote. I’ll be trying a second run of a zero bag travel trip this summer also for a weekend in Pensacola, we will see how that works compared to the winter trip.
I just spent a one week summer vacation luggage free I packed all my stuff into my favorite purse! Think carryon or one bag travel is impossible for fashionistas? Well, there s no more excuses!