quality, versatility, and purpose. Every item they bring serves a specific need or multiple needs, and nothing is wasted. The fewer items that must be brought, the better, even if it demands stepping out of one’s familiar comforts.
1. Backpack
Mindset: A minimalist chooses one durable, versatile bag that meets all their needs. It should be lightweight, compact, and fit carry-on requirements to avoid checked luggage.
One Carry-On Backpack
Top Pick: Osprey Farpoint 40L Travel Backpack ($185)
Lightweight, durable, and designed for hassle-free travel. Its dimensions and weight (22h x 14w x 9d and 3.48 lbs) meets the size requirements of most airlines.
An alternative for the women would be Osprey Daylite 35L Travel Backpack.
Lightweight and durable, and meets most size requirements at the airport. A quick-access compartment is also located at the back panel, so you can get your 16″ laptop out in flash for TSA checks.
2. Clothing
Mindset: Minimalists pack versatile, high-quality clothing that can be mixed, matched, and worn multiple times. They focus on fabrics that are lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying.
2-3 Versatile Tops
Top Pick for Men: Merino.tech Men’s Merino Wool T-Shirt ($45)
Odor-resistant, breathable, and perfect for layering.
Top Pick for Women: Merino.tech Women’s Merino Wool T-Shirt ($45)
Offered in a V-neck or a Crew neck.
1-2 Bottoms
Top Pick for Men: G Gradual Men’s Sweatpants ($30) Durable, comfortable, and suitable for hiking or city exploring.
Top Pick for Women: BALEAF Women’s Hiking Pants ($39).
Light, waterproof, has UV protection, and zip pockets for securing your accessories.
1 Lightweight Jacket
Top Pick for Men: 33,000ft Men’s Softshell Jacket ($65)
Warm, hooded, and windproof, plus an 8000mm fabric waterproofness rating.
Top Pick for Women: 33,000ft Women’s Softshell Jacket ($55).
Fleece-lined, light, and windproof, great for weather that sends an unexpected chill.
1-4 Pairs of Underwear/Socks
Top Pick for Men: ExOfficio Give-N-Go 2.0 Boxer Briefs ($50/pair)
Made by a brand that has been designing garments for the traveler since 1987, breathable fabric, long-lasting performance.
Top Pick for Women: ExOfficio Give-N-Go Bikini Briefs ($35/pair)
Breathable mesh fabric, durable for high activities, easy to wash, and a snug fit.
3. Toiletries
Mindset: Minimalists bring only the essentials, opting for compact, multi-purpose, and eco-friendly products.
Solid Shampoo and Soap
Top Pick: Ethique Shampoo Bar – $16
Plastic-free, paraben-free, and lasts for months, at least 80 washes – the equivalent of about 3 bottles of shampoo.
And did you know they have shampoo bars for managing curly hair, frizzy/dry hair, oily hair, and fine/flat hair? Be sure to check out their shampoo and shaving bar duo, conditioner bars (paired with other shampoo bars), and gentle bars for sensitive scalps. Odds are you’ll find a bar to meet your hair needs.
Tip: Store your shampoo bar in a travel-friendly soap holder.
Compact Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Top Pick: Bamboo Toothbrushes ($9)
Eco-friendly and lightweight. Dispose and replace when necessary.
Top Pick: Toothbrush Travel Cases ($5)
Has ventilation holes and fits standard manual brushes.
Top Pick: Sensodyne Travel Size Toothpaste ($3)
Or go fluoride-free with Boka Fluoride-Free Toothpaste ($16).
Compact Toiletry Bag
Top Pick: Travelon Compact Hanging Toiletry Bag – $20
Swivel hook design, folds to 5.5″ height and expands to 16″ height.
Travel-Sized Deodorant
Top Pick: Native Deodorant Travel Size – $12
Natural ingredients and compact.
Mindset: Minimalists bring one pair of versatile shoes that work for walking, hiking, and casual outings.One Pair of Multi-Purpose Shoes
Top Pick: Allbirds Tree Runners – $135
Comfortable, lightweight, and stylish.
Mindset: Minimalists bring only the electronics they truly need, focusing on multi-functional devices.Smartphone
Top Pick: iPhone 15 – $799
A camera, map, and communication tool all in one.
Universal Travel Adapter
Top Pick: EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter – $25
Works in 150+ countries and includes USB ports.
Portable Charger
Top Pick: Anker PowerCore 10000 – $30
Compact and reliable for on-the-go charging.
Mindset: Minimalists prioritize lightweight, space-saving entertainment options.E-Reader
Top Pick: Kindle Paperwhite – $110 – $200
Carry thousands of books in one slim device. How can it NOT be compact and minimalist? You can get the lightest version, the fast 16GB version, or the fast 32GB version.
Travel Journal
Top Pick: Moleskine Classic Notebook – $15
Compact and perfect for jotting down memories.
Mindset: Minimalists focus on reusable, eco-friendly items to stay hydrated and fueled without waste.Reusable Water Bottle
Top Pick: Hydro Flask Standard Mouth – $35
Keeps drinks hot or cold for hours.
Collapsible Food Container
Top Pick: Stasher Silicone Bag – $12
Perfect for snacks or leftovers.
Minimalists avoid overpacking and unnecessary items. Here’s what they skip:
Multiple Outfits for Every Occasion
Instead, they pack versatile, mix-and-match clothing.
Full-Size Toiletries
They opt for travel-sized or solid alternatives.
Bulky Electronics
Extra Shoes
Physical Books
Jewelry and Accessories
Travel Irons or Steamers
Ready to simplify your travels? Start with these essentials and leave the rest behind.
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This one-page website is designed to inspire minimalist travel while providing actionable product recommendations.