Welcome to The Packable Life

Hi, I’m Noel. Thanks for stopping by!

I’m a minimalist traveler and ultralight backpacker who seeks out budget-friendly destinations. Through this website, I earn money to fund my adventures.

I created The Packable Life to help you:

  • Pack lighter
  • Travel longer
  • Hike farther

Help me help you…

… and join my newsletter for expert tips and resources. You’ll get access to gear giveaways, travel and backpacking trip reports, in-depth product reviews, helpful advice, and more:


Ready to get started?

Next, check out some of favorite posts to help you along your journey:

Travel Resources

A man sitting in a natural pool of water above Mooney Falls in Havasupai, Arizona
Travel Resources

How to Become a House Sitter (& Find Long-Term Sitting Jobs)

Travel Essentials: Necessities for Men & Women in 2025

Budget Travel Tips: Frugal Advice on How to Travel Cheap

Minimalist Travel: Packing List + Best Gear [Ultra-Efficient]

Personal Item Bags for Underseat Carry-On Travel in 2025

Pack Light, Travel Right: How to Travel With Less (Like a Pro)

Travel Guides

Train in Hanoi, Vietnam coming down the tracks in a narrow alley
Travel Guides

Hanoi in One Day: A 24-Hour Guide (Tips, Costs & Itinerary)

The Ideal Colorado Road Trip Itinerary (Ideas, Costs & Map)

Vietnam on a Motorbike: My 10-Day Road Trip (Route + Itinerary)

Best Things to Do in Portugal (Recommended by a Local)

Osaka Street Food: 12 of the Best Street Eats in Japan’s Kitchen

Denver in One Day (On the Cheap): A Local’s 24-Hour Itinerary

My Travel Journal

A man sitting on a motorbike in the middle of a muddy dirt road with a wooden shack to his right and jungle in the background
My Travel Journal

My Chengdu Street Food Marathon: 32 Snacks in 10 Hours

5 Days in Hong Kong: My Spontaneous, Wild & Itinerary-Free Trip

Traveling Sucks Sometimes: My 12 Worst Travel Stories

Living in China: What Life is Like as an Expat (Pros & Cons)

A Couple Traveling Solo: Why We Prefer to Divide and Conquer

Fostering Pets Abroad: Kittens Have Taken Over Our Apartment

Hiking & Backpacking Resources

Ultralight travel and hiking gear laid out across a wooden floor
Hiking & Backpacking Resources

7.8-lb Ultralight Backpacking Gear List | 2025 Optimal Setup

Best Backpacking Tents [Budget, Ultralight & More]

Best Ultralight Tents for Backpacking & Thru-Hiking

0-Degree Sleeping Bags [for Winter’s Cold Weather]

Get Paid to Hike: 10 Hiking Jobs to Make Money on the Trail

14 Hiking & Backpacking Essentials (Best Gear of 2025)

Hiking & Backpacking Trip Guides

A hiker with a hat on a winding mountain trail
Hiking & Backpacking Trip Guides

Best US Cities for Hikers: Visit (or Live) Here for Primo Hiking 

Torres del Paine ‘O’ Circuit: Patagonia’s Top Trek

Columbine Lake Trail: Superb Hiking Near Silverton, Colorado

Huemul Circuit Hiking Guide (Route, Camping, Equipment, Weather)

Hiking the Appalachian Trail: 20 Tips from an AT Thru-Hiker

Hiking Peru’s Inca Trail to Machu Picchu [Step-By-Step Guide]

Hiking & Backpacking Gear Reviews

Above view of muddy boots on a hiking trail
Hiking & Backpacking Gear Reviews

Osprey Exos 48 Review: A Formidable Ultralight Backpack

Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka Review

Solomon Quest 4D 3 GTX Review: An Elite Backpacking Boot

Montbell Permafrost Light Down Parka Women’s Jacket Review

Patagonia R1 Review: Regulator Fleece Pullover Hoody

Zpacks Offset Trio Review: A Spacious 3-Person UL Shelter

Thanks for stopping by! Let me know if you have any questions, comments, or feedback about my travel and hiking journey.