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After over 5 years of on-off travel as a digital nomad living out of my luggage, I've learned an important lesson when it comes to baggage - the lighter your bag, the better your experience. (Of course, there are exceptions if you’re heading to the arctic or high altitudes, this calls for extras). But a heavy pack screams newbie, while the most seasoned travellers I know glide effortlessly through foreign lands, unburdened by excess.
Travelling light isn’t that hard, it simply means letting go of our ego's desire for trending outfits and instead focuses on multifunctional, lightweight essentials. Trust me, packing just ten days' worth of clothes for a longhaul trip is not only doable, it's liberating.
Here's my hand-picked selection of lightweight travel gear that'll transform the way you explore. These are the essentials I’ve had me for my most recent three-month trip across Vietnam and India along with things that are top of my travel gear Wishlist.
Minimalist Carry-On Only set up: Backpack & Waistbag
I bought a Pacsafe waist bag back in 2018 but it wasn’t until a trip across Europe that I realised the true value of feeling secure. I wandered hands-free through the streets of London and Barcelona (pickpocket hotspots) without a care in the world knowing that it would take a Houdini level pickpocket to get anywhere near my phone or wallet once secured with the Pacsafe lock system. Don’t underestimate piece of mind while on the road.
This is a really minimalist set-up but carrys a surprising amount. I keep my Pacsafe Vibe 20 Anti-Theft 20L Backpack (20L, 820 grams) on my back and then have the Pacsafe Anti-theft Waistpack on my front (3.5L, 300 grams) on my front. When I’m travelling, I keep all my passport and travel documents, wallet (Pacsafe V50 Anti-theft Travel Wallet) headphones, kindle and notebook in the Waistbag to keep me entertained and place my backpack overhead.
Once I make a base somewhere, I will unpack my bag and use it as a commuter day pack. The Pacsafe Vibe 20L Anti-theft backpack fits my 13 inch MacBook Pro nice and snug in the water bladder pocket - this bag is multifunctional and can absolutely handle being taken on the trails too. I love the sleek designs of these items, they’re simple but so functional. Ideal for busy markets and crowded airports, they’re lightweight, comfy, minimalist, and keep all my essentials safe. The Pacsafe Anti theft locks do what they say on the tin. Nobody’s stealing your stuff while your bags on your back. And when you’re sitting down at a cafe you can lock your bags to the chair. It’s just so great!
Lightweight Sandals & Trail Runners (Only 2 Shoes Needed)
I’ve cut my shoes down to the two essentials. These can cover pretty much all situations you may find yourself in on your travels. One pair of lightweight, versatile sandals, Teva Universal Sandals are lightweight, durable, and stylish enough for all-day wear. They pack down flat at the bottom of my pack, taking up minimal space and weighing practically nothing (363 grams). Remarkably versatile, Tevas effortlessly pair with any outfit, you can dress them up for dinner or down for the beach. Don’t underestimate their durability, either; I've comfortably taken mine hiking in Thailand, proving they're more than capable of handling adventurous terrain. Other options could be something like Birkenstocks or Chaco.
To complement those are some lightweight trail running shoes. I’m obsessed with my Salomon Speedcross 6 trail runners. Although they’re designed for trail running in mind, to me they’re lightweight all-rounders, seamlessly transitioning from serious trails to city exploration. What makes these particularly great for travel is their effortless slip-on design, thanks to the Salomon quick-toggle laces. It's something I never appreciated until I breezed through airport security checkpoints, hopped on and off trains, or slipped them off quickly when entering temples and houses during my journeys. Now, I genuinely pity friends fumbling with traditional lace-ups.
This minimalist footwear duo saves valuable pack space, reduces weight and prioritises mobility and adventure over excess baggage.
Merino Clothing & Underwear
Icebreaker's Cool-Lite clothing is my secret weapon for lightweight travel. Made from naturally breathable merino wool, these pieces are super-light, quick-drying, and odour resistant. Staying fresher for longer means fewer washes, less gear, and more space for adventure. As a full-time traveler, I love how effortlessly these clothes can handle hot hikes to chilly flights, and even dodgy laundrettes. I’ve had some items for years and they still look great. All the while lasting years and still looking great. Plus, choosing sustainable materials and B Corp (like Wild Earth) makes me feel good. My favourite pieces are the Cool-Lite Tank, Icebreaker Undies, - once you switch to Icebreaker underwear, you won’t want to go back.
Other great Merino brands to look out for are Mons Royale and XTM (also both B-Corp!).
Layers: Staying Warm Without the Bulk
One big travel lesson I've learned is layering wisely, not just more layers, but smarter ones. Lightweight layers let you adapt quickly, whether you're in the mountains, catching flights, or exploring city streets at dawn.
My favourites include The North Face 100 1/4 Glacier Fleece, a lightweight fleece that's warm without being bulky. It's made from soft microfleece, weighing only about 220 grams, making it incredibly light. The fleece’s special lofted design traps air to provide warmth without sacrificing breathability—meaning you'll stay cozy without overheating or feeling sweaty. It’s perfect for chilly bus rides, cool evening walks, or layering beneath a jacket. Plus, its compact size means you can easily stuff it into your bag without adding bulk.
For base layers, I swear by Icebreaker 200 Oasis thermals, super-thin, incredibly warm, and easy to stuff in any corner of my pack (they also double up as Pajamas).
My windbreaker and rain jacket is The North Face First Dawn Rain Jacket, but you can count on anything lightweight and breathable. I’ve heard great things about the Mont Lightspeed Rain Jacket.
Right now I’m in an endless digital summer in Asia, but something I wish I had for when the temperature drops, is the Mont Zero Ultralight Down Jacket packs tiny but delivers incredible warmth. This is also a great top layer to wear while travelling as you can fill the pockets with any additional accessories.
Compact Comfort & Convenience
Some smaller essentials really punch above their weight. Matador is one of my all time favourites and their lightweight travel bathroom essentials are great. The Matador NanoDry Trek Towel dries fast and packs down to palm-size, perfect for spontaneous swims or quick showers. I really like how it comes in a nice travel case that can hook to your bag allowing it to dry without making all your stuff smell damp. I clip it to the outside of my pack to save space. Matador’s refillable toothpaste tubes, Flatpack Toiletry Bottles, flat pack soap bar case make it super easy to refill on the go. I’ve minimised my hair products down to just a shampoo and conditioner bar (the flatpack case fits both) - which for someone with hair like mine is a pretty big achievement!
Sleeping comfortably while traveling has always been tricky for me, so the Matador Sleep Mask & Earplug Kit is a tiny luxury I’m loving (the earplugs conveniently have a little poocket so it’s easy not to loose them). It's super light, ensures quality sleep in noisy hotels or overnight flights, and keeps me refreshed for whatever adventures await the next morning.
Organisation & Safety
When it comes to organisation, I'm obsessed with my Sea To Summit Lightweight Dry Bags. They're perfect for separating clean from dirty clothes, protecting electronics, and generally keeping my bag tidy. I use a dry bag for my toiletries too as they take up minimal space and you can shove them into the mesh side pocket for easy access. And because travel always comes with surprises, I keep an AMK 0.7 Ultralight & Watertight Medical Kit (237 grams) handy—small but mighty, it covers minor injuries, blisters, cuts etc without weighing me down. Make sure you add: Ibuprofen for aches and pains, Imodium for diarrhoea, Movicol for constipation and nausea tablets for those bumpy rides on boats or around mountains. That should cover you for the most common issues you’ll be facing. It goes without saying that you need to ensure your travel insurance is up to date. I’ve used World Nomads for years and I’m yet to find a provider with better coverage (not an #ad).
For quick-access items, Traverse Accessory Carabiners are simple but super useful. They're lightweight, functional, and easily clip onto your bag, letting you attach water bottles, hats, or jackets securely on the go.
Wishlist Essentials: Next On My List
There are a couple of things I don't have right now but wish I did—top of the list is the Grayl Ultrapress Water Purifier (354 grams). It instantly turns questionable tap water into safe drinking water, cutting down wasteful plastic bottles, essential for sustainable travel.
I'd also love the Langdom Airwave Pro Sports Headphones (32 grams), they let you stay entertained while still being aware of your surroundings, perfect for walks or exploring new cities safely. I just experienced an ear infection in Vietnam and my in-ear headphones contributed to this. I like the idea of headphones that don’t sit inside your ear.
The Matador Global Travel Adapter (just 108 grams) is another must-have for international travel and something that I’ll be grabbing if my trusty OSA adaptor fails me (which it hasn’t in 5 years, so it makes up for its size in reliability). It’s compatible with outlets in over 150 countries, covering everywhere from Europe to Asia to the Americas, so you'll never find yourself stuck without power. Designed in a more minimalist way than others on the market, it also includes two USB ports, perfect for charging your phone and Kindle simultaneously.
Final Thoughts: More Thought, Less Gear = Better Adventures
Packing lightweight gear genuinely transforms how you travel, but it’s more than just practical, it changes your whole mindset on the road. After years of trial, error, and refining my packing list, I've learned that minimalism isn't just about what fits inside your bag; it’s also about the freedom you gain when you're not burdened by excess baggage.
You can say goodbye to airport escalator drama, sweaty treks through crowded city streets, and the anxiety of having too much stuff to fit in a city or hostel locker. Instead, you’ll glide through airports, stroll confidently through new cities, and adapt effortlessly wherever your adventures take you.
Remember, the beauty of lightweight travel isn’t just about carrying less, it's about experiencing more. By carefully selecting a few thoughtfully chosen essentials, you'll be amazed at how little you actually need. The gear listed here isn't just what I've tested and loved; it's also the gear that has genuinely improved my life when I’m on the road.
Happy travels!
Not sure what gear you need for your adventure? Chat with our friendly team of Outdoor Gear Specialists in-store or online today and don’t forget to share your adventures with us on Instagram by tagging @wildearthaustralia and #mywildearth in your next post.
