Last Updated on February 17, 2023
Ultra-Minimalist Travel Packing List for a Week or More
Ultra minimalist travel — these three words sound a tad extreme, don’t they?
If they conjure up images of a sunburnt drifter hobbling down the sidewalk with ragged clothes and nothing to their name, I can’t blame you.
But, it’s not like that, I swear.
Ultra-minimalist travel is anything but an aimless struggle. It’s quite the opposite, actually.
Traveling with way less means thinking deeply about what actually matters and leaving the rest behind. It means experiencing the world feeling light as a feather, unbothered by the burden of a bunch of unnecessary stuff.
So, let me share some of the ultra-minimalist travel wisdom I’ve gained over the years. I’ll give you the exact packing list I use to prepare for minimalist trips of a week or more, and I’ll analyze every single piece of gear I bring along with me.
Stay tuned, it’s time to lighten up.
ULTRA MINIMALIST PACKING LIST:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What is Ultra Minimalist Travel?
- Ultra Minimalist Packing List for a Week
- Minimalist Travel Bags
- Must-Bring Travel Essentials
- In-Transit Travel Clothing
- Minimalist Travel Wardrobe
- Cold-Weather Travel Clothing
- Connectivity & Organization Gear
- Minimalist Travel Toiletries Kit
- Everything Else
- Final Thoughts: Ultra Minimalist Travel
- More Travel & Hiking Packing Lists
Before we jump in, I’ll try my best to answer this tricky little question.
In my eyes, ultra-minimalist travel is the art of packing the absolute minimum you need to explore your destination comfortably. Much like ultralight backpacking, the goal is to trim the fat and only pack the essentials.
But there are no set rules for ultra-minimalist travel. What’s essential to one person might be expendable for the next. The truth is that ‘ultra minimalism’ has a different meaning depending on who you ask.
However you define it, ultra-minimalist travel is the most liberating way to move about the world. By packing less, we free up time, space, energy, and money to experience our journey without any dead weight holding us back.
Ready to travel with way less?
Great, because I’m going to give you the exact packing list I use for ultra-minimalist trips of a week or more. I don’t pack the same way for every single trip, though, so here’s a brief overview of my setup, and a few different variations depending on my type of trip.
Note: None of the following weights include the ‘in-transit clothing’ I wear while I’m traveling.
Fully-Loaded (Four Season)
Weight of Backpack: 10.6 lb | 4.8 kg
Volume of Setup: 30 liters
This setup includes everything on my minimalist packing list for a week, including cold-weather clothing. I can travel in chilly climates, take professional quality photos, and work on my blog full-time with this setup.
Fully-Loaded (Warm Weather)
Weight of Backpack: 9.2 lb | 4.2 kg
Volume of Setup: 25 liters
This setup includes everything on my minimalist packing list for a week, except for my cold-weather clothing. I can travel in mild to warm climates, take professional quality photos, and work on my blog full-time with this setup.
No Laptop (Four Season)
Weight of Backpack: 6.5 lb | 2.9 kg
Volume of Setup: 24 liters
This setup includes everything on my minimalist packing list for a week, except for my laptop and carrying case. I can travel in cold climates and take professional quality photos with this setup.
No Laptop (Warm Weather)
Weight of Backpack: 5.2 lb | 2.4 kg
Volume of Setup: 19 liters
This setup includes everything on my minimalist packing list for a week, except for my laptop, carrying case, and cold-weather clothing. I can travel in mild-to-warm climates and take professional quality photos with this setup.
No Camera (Four Season)
Weight of Backpack: 9.1 lb | 4.1 kg
Volume of Setup: 27 liters
This setup includes everything on my minimalist packing list for a week, except for my camera equipment. I can travel in cold climates and work on my blog full-time with this setup.
No Camera (Warm Weather)
Weight of Backpack: 7.7 lb | 3.5 kg
Volume of Setup: 22 liters
This setup includes everything on my minimalist packing list for a week, except for my camera equipment and cold-weather clothing. I can travel in mild-to-warm-weather and work on my blog full-time with this setup.
Bare Bones (Four Season)
Weight of Backpack: 5.1 lb | 2.3 kg
Volume of Setup: 21 liters
This setup includes everything on my minimalist packing list for a week, except for my laptop, carrying case, charger, and camera equipment. I use this setup for cold-weather adventures when I won’t need my computer or camera.
Bare Bones (Warm Weather)
Weight of Backpack: 3.6 lb | 1.63 kg
Volume of Setup: 16 liters
This setup includes everything on my minimalist packing list for a week, except for my cold-weather clothing, laptop, case, charger, and camera equipment. I use this setup for mild-to-warm-weather adventures when I won’t need my computer or camera.
Remember this as you look over my packing list: What works for me might not work for you.
Don’t feel like washing your own laundry as you go? Want to bring along your favorite pair of sandals? Do you think hip packs dorky and unnecessary? Great! Bring what’s essential for you and leave everything else behind.
And if, after reading over this packing list, you’re convinced that minimalist travel will leave you cold, dirty, and underprepared, give it a try anyway. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how little you actually need.
Minimalist Travel Bag
Travel Backpack
Ultralight Daypack: Zpacks Bagger Ultra 25
In the world of ultra-minimalist travel, it all starts with your backpack. I’m over the moon with my ultra-functional Zpacks Bagger Ultra 25 liter pack, which is waterproof and weighs a ridiculous 10.7 ounces. Can’t afford to fork out 250 bucks? Check out the Matador Freerain28.
Is the Bagger Ultra not quite your style? Check out 2023’s best minimalist travel backpacks to find the pack that best suits you.
Minimalist Packing Essentials
Cell Phone
Wallet/Purse
Passport/Visa
ID Card/Drivers License
Cash/Credit Cards
Tickets
Insurance Documents
Copies of Passport/Visa
Maps/Guidebook
Travel Itineraries
Travel Reservations
Do-it-All Cell Phone: iPhone 13 Pro
A quality smartphone should be a key cog of anyone’s travel packing list. My iPhone 13 Pro has a ton of storage (512 GB), a fast processor, an incredible camera, and a beautiful display. Yes, this is an expensive smartphone, but I got a huge discount buying refurbished.
Minimalist Wallet: Herschel Charlie
There’s no room for gigantic, bulging wallets in minimalist travel, so keep it simple. The Herschel Charlie does everything you’ll ever ask of it while never being a bother. It has an RFID blocking layer as well, so nobody can skim your credit card info.
In-Transit Travel Clothing
Long-Sleeved Shirt
Pants
 Shoes
Hat
Sunglasses
Underwear
Socks
Travel Belt
Breathable Long-Sleeve Shirt: Carhartt Force Extremes
If you check out my ultralight backpacking setup or my carry-on only packing list, you’ll notice that I’m completely in love with this shirt. It’s soft, comfortable, lightweight, and versatile enough for travel, backpacking, and everything in between.
Do-it-All Travel Pants: Wool&Prince Stretch Canvas
Travel pants are an essential part of any ultra-minimalist wardrobe, and I only travel with one pair. My drawers of choice are a Merino/poly blend from Wool&Prince. They’re stretchy, stylish, durable, and don’t hold odors. Yes, they’re a splurge, but it doesn’t get any better.
Trail Running Shoes: Salomon XA Pro 3D
My style of travel — lots of hiking, exploring, and city strolling — calls for a durable and versatile set of shoes. To meet all of these needs, I chose the Salomon XA Pro 3Ds. These lightweight trail runners can handle backcountry, sidewalks, and everything in between.
Baseball Hat: Zpacks Classic Trucker
Like many ultra-minimalist travelers, I simply can’t be bothered with styling my hair every single day. For that reason, I always travel with my trusty mesh-back trucker hat. It’s lightweight, stylish, breathable, and allows me to get up and go without needing to look into a mirror.
Durable Sunglasses: Merry’s Vintage
Though I rarely lose things, I’ve can never seem to hold onto sunglasses longer than a year or two. Luckily, I discovered Merry’s – a durable, polarized, and stylish set of shades that costs less than $15. Now, next time I lose a pair, I’ll skip feeling sorry for myself and buy another set.
Breathable Underwear: ExOfficio Give ‘n’ Go
Antimicrobial underwear is oh so important in the world of minimalist travel, and that’s why the Give ‘n’ Go’s have been my go-to boxer brief for nearly 10 years. They are exceptionally comfortable and wick away moisture while consistently keeping the stink of travel at bay.
Super-Comfortable Socks: Darn Tough No Show
I’m a sock snob, I’ll admit it. That’s why I’ll only buy Darn Tough brand socks, even if they cost damn near $20 a pair. They’re expertly crafted from an ultra-comfortable Merino wool blend and each pair comes with a lifetime guarantee, though they’re so durable you may never need to use it.
Anti-Theft Travel Belt: Jasgood
It’s smart to have a secret place to hide your cash in the unfortunate event that your wallet gets lost or stolen, so wear an anti-theft belt to keep your money safe. Because no matter what happens, you’ll always have your secret stash of cash safe and secure.
Minimalist Travel Wardrobe
T-Shirts (2)
Underwear (2)
Socks (2)
Athletic Shorts
Rain Jacket
Packing Cube
Dry Bag
Merino Wool T-Shirts: Montbell Plus Light
I love these Merino Wool t-shirts because they breathe well, fit perfectly, and don’t trap the inevitable odor of travel. They’re a 53% Merino Wool/47% polyester blend, which helps wick moisture away and keeps me cool on hot days. They’re a solid staple of my minimalist packing list.
Breathable Underwear: ExOfficio Give ‘n’ Go
I’m a bit addicted to the Give ‘n’ Gos’; they’re the only underwear I’ll ever buy. When ultra-minimalist traveling, I cycle between three pairs of the Give ‘n’ Gos and wash them as I go. If needed, I can stretch their usage an extra day or two between washes.
Super-Comfortable Socks: Darn Tough No Show
When I find a product I love, I’m not afraid to blatantly sing its praises. That said, my Darn Toughs are so delightful — so utterly comfortable — that I’m going to give you some advice: buy these damn socks. When traveling, I only pack two extra pairs and, of course, I wash them as needed.
Lightweight Athletic Shorts: Patagonia Nine Trails
When I’m washing my travel pants or need something to wear when I’m working out or swimming, I throw on my Nine Trails. They’re comfortable, have three zippered pockets, and take up barely any space in my bag, making my minimalist wardrobe all the more versatile.
Ultralight Rain Jacket: Montbell Versalite
I hike a lot when I travel, so I consider a rain jacket an essential part of my ultra-minimalist packing list. Weighing only 6.4 oz, the Montbell Versalite is incredibly lightweight and packable, my rain jacket of choice. It will always have a spot in my bag.
Compression Packing Cube: SuitedNomad
In the world of extreme minimalist travel, the space inside your bag is at a premium. To best maximize my space, I use a compression packing cube to store my clean clothing. The cube’s clever set of zippers smushes my clothes into the tightest space possible.
Laundry Bag: Outdoor Research CarryOut 5L Dry Bag
You may have noticed that there aren’t enough socks, underwear, and shirts on my minimalist packing list to stay fresh for a week. That’s where the dry bag comes in. When my clothes get dirty, I add them to this dry bag with water and a touch of Dr. Bronner’s soap and wash my laundry as needed.
Packable Cold-Weather Clothing
Winter Jacket
Thermal Top
Long Underwear
Warm Hat
Gloves
Lightweight Down Jacket: Arc’teryx Cerium LT
For cold-weather trips, a packable down jacket should be part of every minimalist traveler’s arsenal. I travel with my trusty Arc’teryx Cerium LT, which weighs 10 ounces and packs down to the size of a Nalgene bottle. It keeps me toasty warm into temperatures well below freezing.
Thermal Top: TSLA Baselayer
In spring and fall climates, a down jacket can be a bit much, so I pack a thermal top instead. Layered with my travel shirt and my rain jacket, this handy thermal traps my body heat and keeps me comfortable when temperatures are chilly, but not downright freezing.
Long Underwear: Patagonia Capilene
If the weather on my upcoming trip is chilly enough to pack a down jacket, then I’m definitely packing my long underwear. I bring the ultra-packable 4.7 oz Patagonia Capilene bottoms to insulate my lower half on my adventures to cold-weather destinations.
Multifunctional Headwear: Merino Wool Buff
Neck warmer, bandana, face mask, beanie – this Merino Wool Buff can transform into whatever type of headwear you need it to be. It will take up zero space in your pack and is far more versatile than a typical lightweight winter hat. It’s a minimalist traveler’s cold-weather dream.
Merino Wool Gloves: SmartWool Touchscreen Liner
Looking for warm set of minimalist gloves that’ll allow you to use your smartphone? These SmartWools are perfect for the job, and while I’ll admit they’re not the warmest gloves on the market, they’ll give your hands all the protection and functionality you need.
Tech and Photography Gear
Laptop
Laptop Case
Camera
Camera Clip
Headphones
Travel Adapter
Laptop: MacBook Pro 14
I know, a laptop is so not ultra-minimalist, but I’m a travel blogger, and I rely on my computer to make a living. For now, it’s an essential part of my weeklong minimalist travel packing list. I’ve considered switching it out for an iPad Pro but I’m not there yet.
Laptop Case: ProCase 13 – 13.5 Inch
I rely dearly on my laptop and I need to keep it protected at all costs. This sturdy, water-resistant case shields my computer from the harsh rigors of travel and fits perfectly into the back compartment of my backpack for easy access.
Lightweight Travel Camera: Olympus O-MD E-M10
Should you travel with a camera when your cellphone is perfectly capable of taking photos? That’s up to you. For my line of work, photography is essential, so I designed my packing list to fit my compact micro four-thirds camera, which is perfect for minimalist travel.
Extra Camera Battery: Powerextra
If I use my camera regularly — say 100+ photos a day — a fully-charged battery will last between 3-4 days. So, if I’m minimalist traveling for a week, I’ll include one extra camera battery on my packing list. If I’m traveling for longer than that, I’ll bring along my battery charger as well.
Minimalist Camera Clip: Peak Design Capture V3
If you’re a minimalist traveling with a camera, and this clip isn’t part of your packing list, you’re doing it wrong. This ergonomic and lightweight clip allows you to stash your camera safely on your belt, backpack strap, or any other number of convenient places. It’s incredible, plain and simple.
Lightweight Earbuds: Panasonic ErgoFit
I tend to lose or break headphones on a regular basis, much like I do with sunglasses. For that reason, I opt for the ultra-budget-friendly and minimalist ErgoFit earbuds. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and pump out surprisingly quality sound, all for under $10.
USB Charging Cable: Cable Creation 6″
Yes, I’m aware this charging cable is extremely short, but being an ultra-minimalist traveler means packing the bare minimum. I can’t really use my phone while it’s charging unless I want to jam myself up next to the outlet and look ridiculous, and I’m entirely okay with that.
Minimalist Travel Toiletries
Toiletries Bag
Soap
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Dental Floss
Glasses/Contacts
Contact Solution/Case
Ear Cleaner/Swabs
Razor
Nail Clippers
Tweezers
Medications
Advil
Sleep Aid
Multivitamins
Lightweight Toiletries Bag: Sea to Summit Traveling Light
Ultra minimalist travelers don’t need to sacrifice hygiene in order to travel light. A compact and well-organized toiletries kit can hold everything you need to stay fresh, clean, and stink-free on the road. My 1.6 oz Sea to Summit 2L bag holds all of my hygienic staples with room to spare.
Biodegradable Liquid Soap: Dr. Bronner’s
Dr. Bronner’s is the perfect minimalist travel soap, hands down. Why is it so special? For starters, it’s a liquid soap, which makes it extremely easy to travel with. It’s highly potent and has multiple uses – body wash, dishwashing liquid, and laundry soap to name a few.
Foldable Toothbrush: Lingito ‘On the Go’
Squeezing every single toiletry on your packing list into a tiny bag is like a game of minimalist Tetris: you’ll need all the right sized pieces to make it work. A compact foldable toothbrush is a perfect part of the kit, and will free up room for all your other micro-sized health products.
Travel-Sized Toothpaste: Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint
The Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap I mentioned earlier can be used to brush your teeth, but I’ve tried it before and I’m just not feeling it. That said, the company does make actual toothpaste that is full of high-quality ingredients that are good for your body and the environment.
Flosser Sticks: Plackers Micro Mint
Traditional floss can get tangled, grimy, and messy during travel, so I bring along these handy flosser sticks instead. They’re washable, reusable, and make flossing your teeth quick and convenient. For a week of minimalist travel, 2 or 3 of these should be all you need on your packing list.
All-Natural Deodorant: Sam’s Natural
My search for an all-natural deodorant that could stand up to the rigors of travel seemed hopeless until I came across Sam’s Natural. This stuff lasts all day long and smells incredible. It doesn’t come in travel-size, however, so I move mine into a smaller container that will fit seamlessly into my kit.
Ear Cleaner: Mudder Ear Pick
Traveling with a ton of pesky q-tips is annoying, wasteful, and inefficient. That’s why a metal ear pick will always be a part of my minimalist packing list. It’s compact, easy to clean, and is healthier for ear hygiene than using traditional q-tips.
Noise-Deadening Ear Plugs: Howard Leight
Earplugs are the most underrated travel item that exists. They’re like a mute button for the constant annoyances of travel. Screaming baby on an airplane? Loud party outside of your hotel room? Someone snoring in the bed next to you? Pop these in and enjoy the sweet sound of silence.
Ultra-Minimalist Travel Towel: Lightload Microfiber
Most hotels and hostels offer full-sized towels to customers, so it doesn’t make sense to lug around one of your own. I do, however, recommend packing a hand-sized Lightload travel towel instead. Weighing only half-an-ounce, they’re compact, convenient, and there when you need them.
Everything Else
Journal
Pen
Water Bottle
Travel Journal: Moleskine Soft Cover
Whenever I travel without a journal, I feel naked and I’m a hell of a lot less productive. But when I do bring my journal, I use it to take notes, make to-do lists, and recap my days. When my memory fails me one day, at least I’ll have my Moleskines to pore over and relive my glory years.
Waterproof Pen: Fischer Space Bullet
A durable travel journal deserves a reliable pen that will get ink on the paper under any circumstances. For me, that pen is the Fischer Space Bullet, which can write underwater, in extreme temperatures, and at any angle. This pen is sleek, timeless, and minimalist. Need I say more?
Collapsible Water Bottle: Sawyer 32 oz Pouch
Staying hydrated during travel can be difficult, so I pack a collapsible water bottle that comes with me everywhere I go. When not in use, this ultralight pouch rolls up and stashes away into my hip pack or back pocket. It’s not only perfect for travel but for hiking and backpacking as well.
Ultra-minimalist travel doesn’t come naturally to most people, plain and simple. We rely on our possessions for comfort and familiarity when traveling, so packing next to nothing can make us feel a bit vulnerable. I get it.
But if ultra-minimalist travel were too extreme, I’d never have written this article.
Because choosing to pack only what adds value (and nothing more) is a liberating and eye-opening experience. Less is more, in the world of travel, and all it takes is one perfectly-packed minimalist trip to understand why.
So, before your next trip — whether it’s a day, a week, or a year — I challenge you to give this ultra-minimalist packing list a chance. You’ll experience the world light on your feet, with a clear mind and a heavy weight off your shoulders.
Want more help planning your next journey? Here are a couple more personal packing lists that I’ve used to travel and backpack throughout the world.
Carry-On Only Travel Packing List
For those of you that still aren’t ready to give ultra-minimalist travel a chance, I’ve got just the packing list for you. This carry-on-only travel packing list is more luxurious while still being lightweight and portable. It comes in at just about 20 pounds and is carry-on friendly.
Though I no longer travel with this much gear, I’ve used this exact packing list for several unforgettable trips in my past: a spontaneous motorbike adventure through Vietnam, a wild five-day jaunt through Hong Kong, and an exhilarating trip to Mexico City and its infamous black market.
Ultralight Backpacking Gear List
In addition to being an extreme minimalist traveler, I’m a hiking and ultralight backpacking junkie. I keep my ultralight backpacking gear setup as simple and lightweight as possible. My base weight — everything besides food, water, fuel, and consumables — is just under 9 pounds.
My gear holds up to nasty weather and has allowed me to hike for a week without resupply. With this setup, I’ve hiked the life-changing ‘O’ Circuit in Torres del Paine National Park, solo trekked into the Atacama Desert, and traversed over glaciers on the Huemul Circuit.
Is my ultra-minimalist packing list too extreme or not minimalist enough? What’s the least amount of belongings you’ve ever traveled with? Are you an over-packer or an under-packer? What piece of travel gear can you never leave behind? Leave me some feedback by leaving a comment below!
Hey, this is a fantastic list! I have a similar one that I am trying to upgrade for winter travel in pretty cold climates and wanted to get your thoughts:
1. Do you layer the Versalite over the cerium LT when it’s really warm or windy? I’m considering the versalite or something more substantial as a winter shell. Do you think the versalite works as a winter shell? Do you even find it necessary?
2. How cold can you get down to with all of the winter gear on?
Your list is obviously super well thought out and I really enjoyed the read! One thing I often throw in for urban travel would be a lightweight umbrella, like the ones sold at Montbell 🙂
Thanks!
Tyler
Hey, Tyler! I’m glad you enjoy the list and practice ultra-minimalist travel of your own. It’s definitely the most efficient way to move around the world.
Let me answer your questions:
1. I can remember layering the Versalite over the Cerium LT on a couple of occasions during cold rain/snow and it worked very well at keeping precipitation from seeping into the down jacket. That said, the Cerium LT is a very, very warm jacket and does pretty well at blocking wind on its own. The Versalite will work well as a winter shell, mainly for blocking moisture rather than wind. I would travel with the Versalite when you are going to cold/humid environments since the Cerium LT doesn’t shed moisture well.
2. On its own, the Cerium LT is very, very warm. If I pair it with my thermal layers, the Versalite, my Buff, and some gloves, I feel comfortable in temperatures well below freezing. I haven’t yet taken this setup out into brutally low temps, but I’d venture a guess that it would keep me warm down into the 0-10 degree Fahrenheit range. I’d definitely consider getting warmer gloves than my Smartwools and possibly a more substantial hat, though, if you’re visiting places with temps this low.
Thanks for the kind words about the blog post! I put a lot of thought, time, effort (and money) into it. I’ve never been much of an umbrella person, as I usually fall back on rain gear, but I might change my tune with more of an ultralight version like the ones sold at Montbell or Zpacks. I’ll consider one for my next wet-climate trip!
Take care, thanks for the feedback, and keep me posted on your travels! I’d love to hear what gear systems you end up putting together.
Thanks, Noel. That is super useful information.
I previously traveled long term in 40-90 F weather with a OR helium 2 rain jacket and a synthetic insulated jacket, but that combo wouldn’t be adequate for freezing temperatures. I’ll be spending this winter in northern Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, so need something pretty legit. The versalite + cerium LT seems like a killer combo. I guess I can try that out and see if I need to upgrade anything later. Glad you found the versalite works well as a winter shell, I was a bit worried because of it’s thinness. Also was looking into some of the Arcteryx FL options (like zeta FL). But worried about breathability and packability.
Out of curiosity:
1. Do you ever wear a windshirt? Or does the versalite do a good job at being breathable over the thermal layers? Some people have different opinions on the necessity of windshirts.. I would prefer wearing one instead of a rain jacket if it’s cold and not raining, but I dont know if I’d call it a ‘necessity’. Do you have any thoughts on that? The houdini only weighs 100g but it’s a bit redundant with the rain jacket.
2. Do your WP trail runners do well in the snow? This would be my only concern. I have a pair of Salomon trail runners (sense ride, non-WP) but I think my feet would get wet if hiking on snowy trails. Thinking about picking up some waterproof trail runners if they will do the trick in snow.
My personal packing list happens to be really similar to yours (with a few substitutions from your winter list) after tuning it obsessively for quite a while. So there must be something to it! Here’s my lighterpack if you’re curious: https://lighterpack.com/r/32vbgs
Thanks again for your advise!
Tyler, it seems like you’re just as obsessive with your gear list as I am! Always happy to chat with another gear nerd about the inner workings of our packs. Our lists do have a lot in common, even down to the headphone splitter! (I need to add that to my post.)
Sound like you’ll be in for a very cold winter, so getting your down jacket game dialed in key. As I said, the Cerium LT is incredibly warm, but I’ve never tested it in temperatures below zero. I imagine it would perform well, but I can’t tell you with 100% certainty. I think it would be a great addition to your pack, though, and if it doesn’t keep you completely warm, you can always add another layer to your setup.
1. I pack the 48 gram Zpacks Ventum Wind Shell when I’m hiking and backpacking, but don’t normally take it with me when I travel. I usually don’t use it as a shell over my Cerium LT, since the jacket has been warm enough so far, but I imagine it would be great at stopping the wind and adding some warmth in the frigid winter temperatures you’ll be dealing with. It packs down insanely small (slightly smaller than a tennis ball) so it might be a nice non-redundant addition to your pack.
2. I actually just sent my WP trail runners back to REI because they weren’t breathable enough for me. I head the GORE-TEX versions are much more breathable than the ones treated with Climashield, so keep that in mind. They were extremely comfortable but would leave my feet sweating in normal conditions. It doesn’t help that my feet run hot to begin with. I haven’t removed them from my website because I haven’t decided on a suitable replacement quite yet. I imagine the GORE-TEX Salomon Trail runners would work well in the snow but know that they won’t keep your feet dry in snow above your ankles. Snow will enter the shoe from above, melt, and get your feet wet. You might want to consider a Salomon boot if you’ll be hiking in deep snow. I’ve used the Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX in the past, but they might not be minimalist enough for your needs. These ones could be a good compromise between boots and trail runners for the deeper snow you’ll likely be experiencing up north.
I hope this reply helped you out a little bit more. Feel free to keep asking questions, I’m always glad to help if I can. I do leave for the Colorado Trail on Saturday the 15th, so I’ll be out of range starting then.
Feel free to check out my ultralight backpacking gear list if you haven’t already, as I think you might also find it useful.
Thanks again for the feedback!
Take care.
Hey Noel,
Thanks for the advice on the windshell and boots, i’ll keep those in mind.
BTW, the versalite and cerium LT arrived a few hours ago and I’m extremely happy with them. The cerium fits great and is insanely warm, as you said. The versalite has a really nice design too for the most part. Definitely a huge upgrade from the helium 2! Certainly keeping the and thanks again for the recommendation and answering my detailed questions 🙂
I did check out your backpacking post as well and really enjoyed it. I only go backpacking a few times a year and don’t have too much gear of my own. But I do enjoy learning about how to live and survive as simply as possible, so I always like studying the systems people use for backpacking. A lot of them I’ve incorporated in my own travel systems.
I think you’ve answered my questions for now, thanks again. And hope you enjoy yourself on the colorado trail!
Oh, man… the feeling when new gear arrives in the mail. Can’t beat it!
So glad your first impressions of the gear are positive; I think the Cerium LT and Versalite will serve you well during your travels.
Keep me posted on your gear/travel journey, and always feel free to stop by and drop a comment. I’d be happy to chat any time (especially about gear, hiking, and traveling).
Thanks again for reaching out. I always appreciate the feedback.
Take care, and stay tuned for some Colorado Trail content coming this fall.
Hey Noel, I had one last question for you:
I noticed you have the Montbell puffy now. I didn’t end up keeping the cerium LT because it was pretty tight on my armpits when layering and was actually checking out the Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka. I thought it might be warmer and lighter than the cerium LT (even though I really liked the fit and finish of the cerium and may just size up). Do you have any thoughts on how the two jackets compare? Also eyeing the EOS from feathered friends. Thanks!
Hello again! Sorry for the late reply. I’ve been hiking the Colorado Trail for the last month and just returned. I’ve been completely off the grid!
The Plasma 1000 is a much looser fit and will work better for layering underneath. You might want to give it a go if you can digest the price tag. Both jackets are extremely warm; it’s hard to say which is warmer. Keep me posted!
ALSO! You might find this article useful: https://www.thepackablelife.com/hiking/gear/reviews/montbell-plasma-1000
Hey, hope you had a great time on the Colorado Trail! I went with a custom down jacket from goosefeet gear. For a similar price to the cerium and plasma, it seemed like the way to go (custom fit, a bit more down (4oz fill), and lighter (~8oz)). Only thing is I’ll need to wait several weeks to get it! I’m sure it will be comparable to the other two options, thanks for all of your advice!
I should mention this one has hood, full zip, and 950 fill power, DWR treated down (downtek) and I went with a burlier 20D face fabric for durability, wind, and moisture protection. Will report on it, or might make a full review at some point.
Congrats! Sounds like an incredible jacket. Please do report back once you get it, as I’ve been interested in their gear for a while now. I’ve been considering buying a pair of their down socks for my winter backpacking endeavors. Hope your jacket arrives quickly!
Hey Noel, the jacket from Goosefeet gear is great! 4oz of 950 FP down and came in at 9.1oz. So it’s a little warmer than the Montbell one, which has 3.4 oz of 1000FP and a weight of 8.4oz. I did end up getting some extra internal pockets, which added about 0.5 oz or so. And also am glad I went with the 20 denier outer fabric because I’m already super paranoid about ripping it. I’d say it’s a great jacket but it sounds like if you’re happy with the montbell, you can’t go wrong with that one :). They are probably very similar at the end of the day
Take care!
Tyler
Thanks for the update, Tyler! Your jacket does sound a little warmer and less delicate than mine (I’m pretty sure my jacket is 7 denier!), so good work finding it! I’d love to see a picture of it if wouldn’t be too much trouble to send one to my email, noel@thepackablelife.com. I’m highly considering Goosefeet Gear’s down socks and down pants for winter hiking/backpacking. Glad you got the perfect jacket for your needs, and I hope it kicks ass for you this winter.
Bare Bones (Warm Weather)
Weight of Backpack: 3.6 lb | 3.2 kg
Volume of Setup: 16 liters
There’s a mistake in the weight conversion here, 3.6lb is 1.6kg, not 3.2kg. I was confused why the Warm Weather bag was heavier than the Cold weather bag when I was looking through.
Thank you for pointing that out! Going to fix it right away.
Great lists! Mine are fairly similar with minor alterations such as an extra set of clothing, swim trunks, a merino hoodie etc. The biggest difference is my pharmacy. I have everything from muscle relaxers, inhalers(prescription) sunscreen, aloe vera, throat lozenges, bite cream, anti-odor spray, anti-fungal cream, nasal spray etc. So much but needed at one point in the past. It’s all well and good to travel without in my own country but nothing beats walking around Kutaisi trying to ask for anti-histamines in broken Georgian; showing people how bad your mozzie bites are. lol
Glad you like the list, Michael. I’m going to be updating mine soon, as it has changed over the last year or so. I like your compact traveling pharmacy! I don’t bring much of one, but have ended up regretting it in the past. How do you enjoy traveling in Georgia? It’s always been a pretty fascinating place in my eyes.
Happy travels!
Hi Noel,
I prefer to travel light myself. Your post is helpful and inspiring. So thank you! My pack for 2 months of work travel in Vietnam and Nigeria is now very similar to yours. Have to take semi-formal wears for meetings and presentations :).
Regards,
Kaus
Thanks for commenting, Kaus! Traveling light is definitely the way to go. How did you enjoy Vietnam? One of my favorite countries. My packing list has changed a bit and is definitely due for an update, so stay posted.
Cheers!