Minimalist Packing for Full-Time Travel

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may receive a small commission when you make a purchase using my link.

What You Really Need for Every Climate

Have you ever stared at your overflowing suitcase, wondering how you’re supposed to fit your entire life into this tiny suitcase or better yet a backpack? Trust me—I’ve been there. When we first started full-time travel, we had more stuff than I can even comprehend now, five years later. We went from a house packed with belongings—closets overflowing, drawers jammed shut, storage bins stacked high—to living in a space so small that every single item had to be intentional.

Downsizing wasn’t easy. At first, we clung to things we thought we might need, filling an entire storage unit for over a year. Fortunately, we had a transition period to adjust—moving from a house to an Airstream, then to a suitcase, and finally to a backpack. I remember dragging those heavy aluminum suitcases through cobblestone streets, sweating and cursing every unnecessary item I had packed. It was exhausting. But the more we traveled, the more we realized how little we actually needed. Slowly, we let go of the excess, learning to prioritize what truly added value to our lives. Fast forward to now, and we’re traveling lighter than ever, with just a backpack each—without sacrificing comfort, style, or practicality.

And if you’re considering getting a storage unit like we did, I’d strongly recommend against it. By the time you make it back to sort through those "precious" possessions, you’ll likely find yourself laughing at how much you once thought you couldn’t live without.

If you're dreaming of full-time travel, whether as a solo adventurer, a digital nomad, or a traveling family, figuring out what to pack (and what to leave behind) is a crucial step. The good news? You don’t need as much as you think. In this guide, I’ll break down exactly what to pack for full-time travel in every climate, how to build a functional travel wardrobe, and the essential items that will make your journey smoother. And hey—if you want to keep up with our full-time traveling family and grab our free essential packing list (with a bonus section on what to bring vs. buy!), be sure to join our email list.

The Transition?

When we lived in Scottsdale, Arizona, I had two full closets packed with clothes I barely wore. My husband and son also had more than they needed—shoes, jackets, kitchen gadgets, random home decor, and bins filled with things we had completely forgotten about. Our home was beautiful, spacious, and comfortable, but looking back, so much of what filled it was just stuff we had accumulated without thinking. The idea of getting rid of it all felt impossible—until we finally made the decision to do it.

Downsizing wasn’t just about decluttering; it was a process. We didn’t just pack up a few boxes and move on. We sold, donated, and gave away over 95% of everything we owned. I remember sitting in our empty living room, the walls bare, the shelves cleared, sleeping on our mattress on the floor because we had already sold our bed frame, thinking, Shit, this is actually happening. Every day, more of our belongings disappeared—furniture, kitchenware, clothes, sentimental items. Some things were easy to let go of, others not so much. We told ourselves, It’s just stuff, but in reality, it felt like we were dismantling the life we had built over the last decade.

Moving into the Airstream was our first real lesson in "do I really need this?" At first, even that space felt small. We had downsized significantly, yet we were still holding onto too much. The first few months in the Airstream were a constant game of Tetris—shuffling things around, realizing we still had too much, and letting go of even more. It was a strange but liberating feeling to finally shed the weight of excess.

Then, when we took the leap into international travel, we faced another massive purge. The Airstream was already small, but transitioning to just a suitcase each forced us to strip everything down to the absolute essentials. We traveled for over two years out of our aluminum Away suitcases, which we still absolutely love and plan to use again one day. My husband and son shared a medium and I had the larger carry-on. These two suitcases carried everything we owned in the world. Now our travels are evolving and we have decided to make the move to gear a bit more practical for the rugged terrain we will be traveling.

That’s when we made the final shift: backpacks only. Now, everything we own fits into a single backpack each, well technically my husband fits all my son’s items into his backpack. No checked baggage, no unnecessary weight, no more hauling things we don’t actually need. And honestly? We’ve never felt more free.

Mastering the Art of Packing Light

I won’t say we’re pros at this—because can you ever really be? But after years of trial and error, we’re as close to expert level as it gets. Through experience, we’ve learned some key packing lessons. If you don’t love it, don’t pack it. If you try to prepare for every “what if,” you’ll overpack and end up not using most of it. Layering is the key to handling different climates, and if you truly need something, you can almost always find it locally.

The middle minimalist approach is all about balance. You don’t need to go full-on extreme minimalist—I’m not trying to wear my underwear inside out on day two—but you also don’t need to bring your entire closet. Everything you pack should be useful, versatile, and something you genuinely love.

Building a Travel Capsule Wardrobe

The key to packing light without feeling deprived is curating a capsule wardrobe. Every item should mix and match, allowing you to create multiple outfits with fewer pieces. Sticking to neutral colors, lightweight fabrics, and multi-purpose clothing makes this process effortless. Instead of packing for "what if" scenarios, pack for your actual lifestyle. If you need something for a special occasion, buy it locally instead of carrying it around for months.

Over time, we realized that black is the ultimate travel color. Of course, this isn’t a hard rule, but I can usually spot an experienced traveler by their style—practical, high-quality clothing in neutral shades rather than perfectly curated outfits. I tend to wear all black because it’s easy, versatile, and, quite honestly, I just love it. The boys stick to tan or taupe-colored shorts and pants with black tops. Black washes well, hides the inevitable wear and tear that travel brings, and always looks put together no matter the occasion.

The Key to Packing for Every Climate: Layering

One of the most common questions we get is how to pack for multiple climates when you’re on the road long-term. The answer? Layers. Instead of packing separate outfits for warm and cold weather, focus on pieces that can be layered together.

Warm climates call for breathable fabrics like linen and cotton. Tank tops, lightweight pants, and sandals are essentials. For colder regions, a few well-chosen layers make all the difference. Merino wool base layers, an insulated jacket, and a lightweight rain shell can take you from fall in Japan to winter in Eastern Europe. The trick is wearing your bulkier items on travel days to save space in your bag. If you’re heading to mixed climates, rely on layering and choose clothing that works in multiple settings. The beauty of long-term travel is that if you need something specific, you can find it almost anywhere.

Instead of packing a heavy winter coat—which would be bulky and impractical—we layer strategically to stay warm in colder climates. A long-sleeve base layer, an R1 or sweater, a Nano Puff or lightweight packable jacket, and finally, a rain jacket for wind and moisture protection. This system not only keeps us warm but also allows for flexibility in different temperatures.

Pro tip: When storing your Nano Puff, avoid keeping it tightly compressed for long periods. Unbundling it when possible will help maintain its insulation and extend the jacket’s longevity.

The Three-Shoe Rule: Choosing the Right Footwear

When it comes to footwear, less is more. It took me a while to break the habit of packing multiple pairs of shoes "just in case." Now, I stick to three pairs: a sturdy walking shoe, a sandal, and a pair of trail runners for hiking and adventure activities. Anything beyond that just takes up valuable space. Below I share the exact shoes I currently travel with.

Toiletries & Personal Care: Keeping It Simple

Toiletries are another area where we’ve learned to simplify. When we first started traveling, I packed way too many products, trying to anticipate every possible need. Now, I keep it minimal. Solid shampoo and conditioner bars save space. A compact first aid kit covers the basics, and baby wipes have become an essential for everything from freshening up after long travel days to cleaning hands before street food adventures. I am a digital nomad who works on the road and I do carry some essential makeup for video calls. The peak design toiletry bag is our favorite bag we have used so far, and the hook for hanging is essential.

Tech Essentials for Digital Nomads

Tech essentials are a big consideration for anyone working remotely. A lightweight laptop, an unlocked smartphone with an eSIM for international data, and a kindle are must-haves. Depending on your work, a camera or GoPro might be useful, but I’ve found that most content can be captured well on a high-quality smartphone. The biggest mistake people make with tech is overpacking—if you don’t use it regularly, it’s not worth carrying, and a friendly reminder that the best camera on the market is the one that you use… We learned this lesson the hard way.

Choosing the Right Bag: Suitcase vs. Backpack

When it comes to long-term travel, the best bag isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer—it depends on where you’re going, how long you’re traveling, and what kind of experiences you’re planning. We’ve traveled with both suitcases and backpacks, and each has its advantages and challenges.

For city travel, slow travel, or trips where you’ll mostly be using trains, planes, or taxis, a suitcase can be a great choice. We love our Away suitcases and will keep them for life. They roll smoothly, protect your belongings, and keep everything organized with minimal effort. But not all destinations are suitcase-friendly.

We learned this the hard way while backpacking through Central America. By the time we were hauling our suitcases through ferry ports and unpaved roads, we regretted our choice. The tipping point was when we traveled overland from Panama back to the U.S. without taking a plane—a trip that involved dozens of buses, boats, tuktuks and even walking long stretches with our luggage. That experience made it clear: sometimes, a suitcase just isn’t practical.

For trips with frequent movement, rugged terrain, or places where rolling a bag isn’t realistic, a backpack is the better option. We personally use Tom Bihn bags for all our bags. It allows for easier mobility and hands-free travel. The key is choosing a comfortable, well-fitted pack with a supportive frame if you’ll be carrying it for extended periods.

Before deciding, ask yourself: Where am I going? How often will I be moving? How much do I want to carry? If you're staying in cities with smooth sidewalks and elevators, a suitcase makes sense. If you're hopping between villages, taking public transport, or heading into nature, a backpack will save you frustration.

Fold vs. Roll? Packing Cubes or No Packing Cubes?

There’s no single right way to pack—what works best depends on the type of luggage you’re using and your personal preference.

I personally never roll my clothes. I use the KonMari folding method in both suitcases and backpacks because it keeps my items compact, organized, and easy to see at a glance. Clothes folded this way stack neatly, making it simple to grab what I need without disrupting everything else.

As for packing cubes, my approach depends on my luggage. In a suitcase, I prefer to pack without them, aside from a small cube for underwear and bras. Without cubes, I can maximize space and fit everything more efficiently. But in a backpack, I always use packing cubes. They help compress clothes, keep things from shifting, and make packing and unpacking much smoother when living out of a single bag.

At the end of the day, packing is personal. Some people swear by rolling, others can’t travel without packing cubes. The key is to experiment and find what works for you—because the best system is the one that makes your travels easier.

Common Packing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overpacking is by far the biggest mistake new full-time travelers make. It’s easy to fall into the trap of bringing things "just in case," but the reality is, most essentials can be found wherever you go. Another common mistake is packing bulky fabrics that take up too much space. Stick to lightweight, quick-drying materials instead. Many people also forget about cultural considerations when packing. In some countries, covering your shoulders and knees is expected, so having a scarf or long skirt can be helpful. Researching local customs before you pack can save you from scrambling to buy appropriate clothing later.

Exactly What I Have Packed Right Now

✔ Fitted Cotton Tee
✔ Fitted Long Sleeve Cotton Tee
✔ Linen Long Sleeve Button-Up
✔ Shelf Bra Tank
✔ Swing Tanks (x2)
✔ Merino Wool Tee
✔ Wide-Leg Linen Pants (Short & Long Length)
✔ Linen Shorts
✔ Kuhl Hiking Pants
✔ Leggings
✔ Nano Puff Jacket
✔ R1 Zip-Up Jacket
✔ Cardigan
✔ Rain Jacket
✔ Trail Shoes

Final Thoughts: Packing for Freedom

Packing for full-time travel isn’t just about what goes in your bag—it’s about embracing a lifestyle of freedom. When you own less, you stress less. You move easier. You spend more time enjoying experiences instead of managing stuff.

If you're ready to take the leap into full-time travel, join our traveling family. We share tips, behind-the-scenes adventures, and even a free essential packing list with a bonus section on what to bring vs. buy. It took us years of trial and error to refine our system, and we still tweak it depending on where we’re headed next. The beauty of long-term travel is that it constantly evolves, just like we do. If you're just getting started, experiment with different packing styles and adjust as you go. You’ll quickly learn what you actually use and what just takes up space. And if you need a little help figuring it all out, grab our free essential packing list—it includes a bonus section on what to bring vs. what to buy along the way. Sign up today!

Hi! I'm

Mom, entrepreneur, and full-time nomad, looking to spark a love for adventure in families by sharing our wild and wonderful journey as full-time nomads. Through down-to-earth travel guides, relatable stories, and handy tips, I want to build a community that’s excited to pack up, hit the road, and explore the world together—with kids in tow or not. Thanks for reading!