How to Pack Well: Minimalist Packing for Versatility
Pack fast, move fast. When I travel, I’m often in several different environments. I need to be prepared for cities and trails, street food or table service, clear skies or soggy streets. Here are a few insights to make your packlist fast and functional.
Start by pre-packing. If you’re already packed, that means that you have less decisions to make in the lead up to departure. I have a toiletry kit that is ready to go with duplicates of all critical supplies. My backpack and duffel contain a few essentials that I always travel with — cables, water bottle, notebook, tea. Pre-packing establishes a mindset of always being ready to step out the door. If you don’t want to buy duplicates of everything, just keep a checklist handy and channel Atul Gawande.
Dress for micro-climates. Regardless of where I’m traveling, I dress for unpredictable weather. I love walking new cities, which means that footwear is critical. I wear gore tex sneakers, which are breathable, waterproof, and acceptable for most sartorial conditions. I also travel with super light weight minimalist dress shoes for more formal environments. They take minimal space and are comfortable for walking. Merino socks are an incredible asset, seldom need washing (they can be worn repeatedly) and the brand that I prefer somehow comes with a lifetime warranty. Puffer jackets are extremely packable. As a travel hack, you can bring a merino neck gaiter and stuff the puffer inside for a makeshift neck pillow. It may look a little silly but no sillier than conventional travel pillows.
Waterproof backpack is nonnegotiable. The core kit includes a pouch for electronics. I always bring a backup travel battery and a super long power cable (which is very handy if you need to charge in an inconvenient location). USB-c everything. Chapstick, eyedrops, floss, tiny bottle opener are within a small pocket. They are all useful. A slender waterbottle accompanies me on every trip. 25oz is the perfect size. Not an ounce more or less.
I’ve never had to use it, but I keep a small airtag tucked away within my backpack. Reusable handkerchiefs are convenient and multifunctional. A single book and a kindle accompany me on travel. For overnight flights, keep a toothbrush handy. Swamp-mouth is an inevitable symptom of redeye itineraries. A fresh mouth in the morning can rejuvenate. In a pinch, stewardess-supplied gin functions as mouthwash.
For sketching and journaling, I bring an A6 pocket notebook and a small plastic bag of pencils and paint markers. For pens, I always use the same brand, which has a precise and consistent inkflow, perfect for executing the micro-script that I prefer.
Grooming and toiletry essentials. I keep all the basics prepacked in duplicate, ready to travel. I also bring prescription anti-nausea medication and immodium (both are highly recommended for unexpected stomach issues). Earplugs, sun tan lotion, antibacterial salve are savvy tools for the well-prepared traveler.
The weekender approach. I choose to travel with a waterproof duffel over a boxy roller. Most people will not agree with me on this one and they’re probably correct, when it comes to comfort. However, I prefer the agility of the duffel bag. It’s easier to stuff into small places and allows me to run in the event I’m dashing for a connection (it happens). Would it be too much to claim there may be a muscle-building advantage to porting duffel bags?
In terms of clothing, every trip requires some customization. I opt for layering, flexibility and always leave a little space in the bag for gifts (local coffee beans for my wife, exotic candy for my kids). That means bringing a few less items than you think you might require. Yes, this may be hard for some of you to hear, but wearing clothing twice is perfectly acceptable.
A couple bags of tea travel with me — Sencha for mornings, Valerian for evenings. Synthetic undergarments are a smart technology — super light and fast drying in case you need to wash in a sink. I always bring running gear. An early morning run is an excellent way to cover ground and to see how a city awakens. Kit includes: running vest, water bottles, and a plastic bag with paper towels. Merino t-shirts are essential.
Earbuds accompany me on every trip. This brand has survived being dunked in a soaking tub and a full laundry cycle. They are comfortable, hold a charge, and listening to a good travel mix en route brings me joy. Music and motion amplify one another and there's really nothing better than listening to John Fahey on a moving train.
Ok, I think that's it.
Cumulatively, this appears to be an extensive list. Compiled, it remains superlight. Of all the things I travel with, the spatial luxuries include the sketch materials and the physical book. But much of travel is the space between the destinations. Waiting and mild boredom are inevitable. I find that sketching or reading is a much more productive use of time than scrolling. It also keeps you more connected to your environment in case a conversation comes your way.
With this packing strategy, travel becomes habitual and consistent, rather than the rare, occasional experience. Having an intentional mindset translates into being perpetually ready to step into a new world.
Oh, one more thing. I travel with business cards. It's an old fashioned gesture but a nice analog move for connecting with people. I also bring a small gift for pleasant coffee shops. If I find myself blessed with a window seat in a coffee shop that smells of cardamom rolls, I will gladly share a mixtape with the barista.
My dream is to one day enter a coffee shop where this mix is randomly being played. I would sit there all day and drink a million macchiatos.