Minimalist Backpacking Packing List
You don’t need an 80‑liter pack or cargo pants with 8 zippers. Pack smart and everything fits into a carry‑on backpack — promise. Here’s my proven minimalist packing list. No fluff, no nonsense.
🧳1. The Backpack
- 40–50 L is plenty (carry‑on size = no extra fees, no waiting at baggage claim)
- Look for: comfortable harness, hip belt, front opening (not just top‑loading!)
👕2. Clothing (about 7 days)
- 4–5 T‑shirts or tank tops (ideally quick‑dry)
- 2–3 shorts / light pants (one with a zip pocket)
- 1 long pair of pants (e.g. joggers or linen – comfy & airy)
- 1 hoodie or light sweater
- 5–7 underwear
- 4–5 pairs of socks (Merino? Jackpot!)
- 1 swim short (also works as sleepwear)
- 1 light rain jacket or poncho
- 1 microfiber towel (small & fast‑drying)
- Optional: 1 light shirt for “a bit dressier”
👟3. Shoes
- 1 pair of comfy sneakers or trail runners (daily wear + outings)
- 1 pair of flip‑flops (beach, shower, chilling)
🧼4. Hygiene & care (travel size + minimalist)
- Toothbrush + mini toothpaste
- Bar soap (saves space, won’t leak – I often only use this!)
- Deodorant stick
- Nail scissors or a mini kit
- Sunscreen (buy at home) – often cheaper and better quality
- Insect repellent I usually buy on site – better matched to local pests
- Tissues – just in case (you know which cases)
- Mini first‑aid kit: only the basics for 1–2 days (e.g. painkillers, plasters, anti‑diarrheals) – everything else is cheap and easy to find locally
💻5. Tech & accessories
- Smartphone + charging cable + power bank (at least 10,000 mAh)
- Universal travel adapter
- Headphones (lifesaver on buses)
- Kindle / e‑reader (lightweight & entertaining)
- Second phone (old spare device) – has saved my butt multiple times when battery, signal, or something else failed
- Important documents (passport, insurance, etc.) also stored in the cloud – access anytime, even if something gets lost
📄6. Documents
- Passport (ideally with a digital copy)
- Vaccination record, health insurance, driver’s license if applicable
- Credit card + some cash (€100–200 starter cushion)
- Emergency contacts on paper & digital
🧠7. Misc & lifehacks
- Packing cubes or zip bags (order = less stress)
- Padlock for hostels
- Sleep mask + earplugs (hostel standard kit)
- Laundry bag for dirty clothes
🙅♂️8. What NOT to bring
Travel iron🙃500 ml shower gel bottles3 pairs of jeans(one is enough – or none)10 books(Kindle is enough)Fear of forgetting something– you can buy almost everything on the road