Tips for Minimalist Packing - Hiking Adventures

If anyone asked me a few years back if I was a minimalist packer, I would have laughed. Shoes, alone, would have filled up my carry-on luggage! Thankfully, I’ve honed my packing skills these past couple of years. My perspective on “essentials” certainly has evolved after traveling by airplane for a few hiking and backpacking trips. I’ve landed on the right essential’s “formula” for me!

These days, I comfortably travel with my 28-liter Osprey Backpack on week-long hiking adventures during the spring, summer, and fall months. I may rinse out clothing during my stay; however, doing so is convenient and not much effort. I primarily take my Osprey, foregoing the option for carry-on luggage on airplanes. If needed, I’ll bring a small lightweight bag to carry extras like snack, reading material, and gifts.

I travel pretty minimalist for my backpacking trips, also. I usually take a small bag as my lone carry-on item and check my 55-liter backpack. I haven’t found an airline yet that would allow that pack as a carry-on item. At some point in the future, I’ll author a post about my backpacking trip essentials.

Perhaps you are looking for lighten your load for happier hiking. I hope my tips for minimalist packing for hiking adventures help you decide what works best for you!

Tips for Clothing

Travel Days – I generally wear the same shirt going to and from a location. Furthermore, I will wear one pair of hiking pants and pack another. My flight pants can be used for 2-3 days of hiking; whereas, I have an extra pair in case I need them hiking and/or for the trip home.

Reuse Clothing – I used to be guilty of overpacking. As a result, I now tend to wear some hiking clothes more than one day on a trip. My clothing is lightweight, made of quick-dry fabric, and easy to rinse and reuse.

Hiking Boots – Wearing my hiking boots on flight days has worked well for me. I often relax with them off on an airplane as my wool socks keep my feet warm. Moreover, my boots are comfortable when I need to travel on foot in a city before reaching my hiking destination.

Camp Shoes – My lightweight sandals easily fit in the sides of my backpack. They are cute and comfortable, working as camp shoes, travel shoes, and going out shoes.

Socks – Bringing 2-3 Injinji wool socks on trip has worked very well for me. They are not bulky and are easy to rinse and reuse.

Underclothes – In addition to a couple bras and few pairs of underwear, I may bring one sports bra and a swimsuit bottom for swimming. Both are dual purpose. For example, I wear the sports bra hiking and use the bottom as underwear. Underclothes are easily rinsed and reused.

Jackets – My Shade Hoodie and my rain-jacket provide ample warmth on the plane or when hiking, especially when layered with another shirt. Rain-jackets are great wind-barriers and are indispensable to me. For easy access, I can easily stash one or the other in the vented storage flap on the backside of my backpack.

Tips for Non-Clothing

Non-Clothing Items – I have three small zipper pockets in my backpack (one is inside, outside, and on the hip-belt) where I can stash other non-clothing items. Examples include electrolytes, compass, headlamp, money, etc. Additionally, I bring a small emergency kit that fits in the bottom of my backpack.

Optional Hiking Gear –

For snow or icy conditions, I bring my Yaktrax instead of snow spikes. (Per the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Website, spikes are not allowed in carry-on luggage.) Yaktrax easily fit inside my pack or in an external attached pouch.
I substitute lightweight water shoes for my camp sandals when I foresee many water crossings. See my Gear Page for more information.
Poles are not allowed in carry-on luggage (per the TSA Website). Consequently, the following are great options when polls are desired: A) Guide Operations provide them; B) Friend loans an extra pair; and C) Purchase a $20-25 pair for Amazon delivery to location just before arrival (Important: Call ahead to let someone know date you’ll pick them up.)
When I expect buggy conditions, Ben’s InvisiNet for head protection packs down small. It worked wonders for me on a backpack to Yellowstone!

Extra Storage Bags – My Flip and Tumble 24-7 bag and/or SeaToSummit Ultra-Sil Daypack are lightweight-bag travel options with integrated pouches. These are useful for storing clothing or other items when I am using my Osprey pack for hiking. Otherwise, when not using, I pack them small and insert into my backpack.

Snacks and Meals – I obtain snacks and meal items upon arrival at my vacation destination.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about my tips for minimalist packing for hiking adventures. Are you also a minimalist traveler or are you hoping to be? Do you prefer just taking carry-on bags for air travel like I do? I would love to learn your tips for minimalist packing!

I recognize minimalist packing may not work for everyone. Honestly, for most of my life, it didn’t work for me either. And certainly, if my trip exceeds a week and/or I’m traveling for work, I generally have both carry-on luggage and a backpack as my personal item. Per the TSA website, the size of carry-on bags on aircraft varies by airlines. Please check your airline regarding its size requirements.

Following are photos of and links to items I bring for day-hiking vacations. You can also access my Gear Page for a comprehensive summary of my hiking and backpacking gear.