Pack Right & Travel Light: A Minimalists Guide to Backpacking

Navigating the past four months with just a 40-liter backpack has prompted us to think about the future when we return home and ask ourselves, what do we really need?

Before we started on this travel adventure, we did some substantial downsizing to our lifestyle. When Mason and I initially crossed paths, each of us had our own apartments, filled with stuff. We had walk-in closets that were crammed with every seasonal necessity for Midwest living, and our collection of shoes was enough to cater to any occasion. When we moved into a two-bedroom, one-bath bungalow together, it was barely 700-square-feet and only slightly larger than our previous, individual apartments.

Prior to moving in, we went on a significant decluttering journey, drawing inspiration from The Minimalist Documentary and their book. The minimalist lifestyle struck a chord with us, prompting us to embrace this intentional way of living. We were able to accomplish decluttering and instantly felt the positive affects of having a space with less stuff.

If you told me last year after wrapping my head around this mindset shift that I'd then be living out of a single backpack, I would have laughed and been entirely fearful of that thought, but here we are. The important possessions from our little home are now neatly packed into four boxes, seamlessly fitting into a coat closet as we continue on our world adventures.

We paved ourselves simple stepping stones that led us to this way of living and we are curious what our life might be like when we return to reality. After spending our money on experiences instead of things, we wonder what we will genuinely want to unpack after months of not using or seeing these things as they are merely just things.

Deciding to declutter and see your life as a minimalist can be considered beneficial for several reasons, and the advantages extend into other aspects of your life. Here are our reasons why we have fallen in love with this view on life:

1. Reduced Clutter and Simplified Living: Minimalism involves decluttering and simplifying your living space. By owning fewer possessions, you can create a more organized and tidy environment, leading to a sense of calmness. It also can reduce stress and anxiety associated with excessive materialism. You can truly feel the anxiety falling off you as your house becomes less and less full.

2. Financial Freedom: Adopting a minimalist lifestyle can help you become more intentional about your spending habits. Spending less on unnecessary items means you have more financial resources available for experiences, savings, or investments, contributing to greater financial freedom. We realized our $$$$ could be spent on a trip of a lifetime rather than the newest kitchen gadget, the next clothing trend, or nicest car with a pretty monthly payment.

3. Increased Focus on What Truly Matters: Minimalism encourages individuals to prioritize what is truly important to them. By eliminating distractions and non-essential possessions, you can focus more on relationships, personal growth, and experiences that bring genuine joy and fulfillment.

Living out of a single backpack, we intentionally packed our belongings to what was truly necessary. We have learned a profound lesson in appreciating the little we have and cherishing the freedom that comes from a lifestyle without excess.

Two reminders before you begin to create your packing list are below:

Pack Light and Smart: Traveling light will be your best decision as it’ll likely be a money saver if your luggage fits as a carry-on item. Be sure to check with your airline requirements for this one! This is why we chose 40-45 liter backpacks. Look for multi-purpose clothing and choose a durable, sustainable travel backpack like Osprey. Remember, pack only what you need because nine times out of ten, you can buy it once you get to your destination!

Reusable Essentials: Bring reusable items such as water bottles, a reusable shopping bag, a quick-dry towel, a compact raincoat to avoid plastic ponchos, and travel-size refillable bottles for soaps! We’ve found refill shops are all over and fairly easy to find. Before leaving, we stopped by our favorite Kansas City Soap Refill Store, to get our shampoo, conditioner, creams and so on for our journey. We have been able to find two stores in Thailand and Australia since to replenish these items for far less than buying new.

The packing list we made is below, with the items we wish we had packed from the beginning marked with an asterisk (*). I’ll tell you now, you will be an outfit repeater, so packing things that mix and match is a great way to liven your travel wardrobe!

Clothing:

1. Tops:

   • 3-4 lightweight shirts that are interchangeable and neutral

   • 1 button up, light weight long-sleeved shirt for cooler evenings/sunny days

   • 1 work out top

2. Bottoms:

   • 1 pair of comfortable travel pants

   • 1 pair of lightweight, breathable pants

   • 1 skirt

   • 1 pair of biker shorts

   • 2 dresses that are lightweight

   • Mason says “2 shorts, 2 pants, 1 pair of workout shorts”

3. Layers:

   • 1 lightweight sweatshirt

   • 1 versatile jacket or coat suitable for different climates*

   • 1 packable rain jacket

4. Undergarments and Sleepwear:

   • Enough underwear for a week

   • 2 bras

   • 1-2 pairs of sleepwear

5. Footwear:

   • Comfortable walking shoes

   • Sandals - I adore my Earth Runners!

   • Shower flip-flops

Accessories:

1. Headwear:

   • Hat for sun protection

   • Lightweight shawl for temples

2. Swimwear:

   • 2 swimsuits

Toiletries:

1. Travel-sized Toiletries:

   • Shampoo, conditioner, and body soap

   • Toothbrush and toothpaste

   • Basic skincare items (moisturizer, cleanser)

   • Sunscreen & insect repellent (I would buy when you arrive)

2. Minimal Makeup:

   • Only essentials (mascara, powder, etc.)

3. First Aid Kit:

   • Basic medications (pain relievers, motion sickness tablets)

   • First Aid Kit

   • Any prescription medications (contacts, inhaler, etc.)

Electronics and Miscellaneous:

1. Travel-Friendly Electronics:

   • Smartphone and charging bank

   • Universal adapter

   • Lightweight laptop if necessary

   • HDMI to connect laptop to TV for movie nights*

   • Corded headphones

2. Documents and Money:

   • Passport, ID, and necessary visas

   • Travel insurance information

   • Credit/debit cards and some local currency

     • Credit card that does not accrue currency exchange fees*

     • Look into opening an international bank account for long term travel

3. Travel Gear:

   • Osprey backpack

   • Packable daypack for short excursions

   • Travel towel that’s quick dry

   • 1 compact, small umbrella*

Other Essentials:

1. Reusable Items:

   • Reusable water bottle - like my Owala!

   • Reusable shopping bag*

2. Laundry Supplies:

   • Small laundry bag

   • Packing cubes

3. Misc.:

   • Travel journal + pen to document your journey and experiences

   • Pack of playing cards

   • Sleep mask for hostels, buses, and long plane rides

I keep my Amazon Storefront with Backpacking Outfits and Travel Essentials updated regularly as we continue traveling but that sums up just about everything we have with us.

Check out the pretty places I’ve worn these items!

As we continue to explore with only the essentials in our backpacks, the ease of transitioning from our small home to now traveling with much less prompts reflection on what truly matters. What will we genuinely want or need when we return to the routines of everyday life? This trip continues to be a journey of self-discovery. Embracing a simpler existence, we're witnessing a richer and more meaningful way of living—one that we're eager to see its impact as we make our way back to reality.

I hope this post helps you narrow down on what you will need for your next adventure, now get outta town!