My Top 4 Minimalist Travel Essentials

Is it ever too early to start looking for the perfect gift for the loved ones in your life? Probably not. I’m a chronic procrastinator, so the fact that I’m even getting this out BEFORE black Friday is a miracle!

I’ve broken this guide down into four categories and by price range within each category from $20 to $100+. The categories are: things to make travel days easier, things to make outdoor adventures easier, and things to wear traveling or adventuring.

I will only recommend products that I own and use and love, so I can personally vouch for their usefulness/effectiveness/amazingness!

Also! This guide contains affiliate links, which means that if you choose to purchase something based on my recommendation I get a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Let’s get into it –

$25 or less:

• Portable charger: On several occasions I’ve had long travel days without access to an outlet! Sometimes smaller planes don’t have a place to charge phones either, and these days with plane tickets and maps on our phones, it’s so critical to have a fully charged phone!

• Passport holder: I love this passport holder to help me stay a bit more organized. You can also put smaller tickets or cards like a metro card or train ticket to stay organized and make sure things don’t get lost.

• Belt bag: I don’t go anywhere without this belt bag. This is the cheap version of the original Lululemon belt bag but serves the same function. This is great when you are trying to travel with carry on only items and want to be able to keep the essentials close to you.

$25-50:

• AirFly: This is a Bluetooth connector that allows you to connect your air pods to the seat back entertainment system on the plant. This is the best little tool for the minimalist traveler in your life. A MUST.

$50 or more:

• Away Carry on suitcase: I’m obsessed with my Away suitcase. I have traveled around the world and back with it several times for several years, filled it to the brim, and dragged it across cobblestones and it is still in great shape.

$25 or less:

• Nalgene Travel Kit: I wanted to level up my camping cook set up this year, and these little bottles were perfect to pack spices, oils, and even maple syrup.

• Bug Net: You might not think you would need one of these, but they are super handy when you do! And when the bugs are bad enough, you will want one – trust me! Great stocking stuffer.

$20-$50:

• Coleman Classic 1-Burner Camp Stove: Super easy to use single burner stove for car camping! Camp breakfasts got a whole lot better.

• Aeropress: Love this little gadget to make actually good coffee while camping. No more instant coffee for me. Easy to use, easy to pack.

• UCO Mess kit: Love this kit because it’s two built in bowls and plates and stacks up nicely.

$50 or more:

• Jet Boil: A standard in my camping kit! Even now that I have a stove, I love being able to heat water up super quickly for instant noodles, freeze dried food, or hot drinks.

• Helinox Chair One: Love this chair! Was one of my first camping purchases, and it’s sturdy, light, and packs down really small.

• HiBear Adventure Flask: Another really fun camp tool for pour over coffee, loose leaf tea, or even making cocktails!

• Campwell Sleeping Pad: I just bought this sleeping pad this year, and can confirm it’s legit. I have back problems, and I can sleep on this and wake up without feeling sore.

• Marmot Women’s Sleeping Bag: I LOVE this sleeping bag! It’s super warm, the color is fun and it has a roomy toe box. I feel warm and snuggly without feeling suffocated.

$25 or less:

• Crop tank: I’m pretty obsessed with this piece. I wear it for literally everything – hiking, travel days, working out, cozy days… you name it. Solid purchase!

• Universal Thread Leisure Studio Knit Hoodie: Great as part of the lounge set with these pants, or as a stand alone cheap but super soft hoodie.

• Darn Tough Hiker Socks: These socks truly live up to their name. I’ve had several pairs for years that I wear all the time and are still not worn out! My go to wool sock for all activities.

$20-$50:

• Athleta Conscious Crop: I love this top for yoga, hiking, and travel days. One of those pieces that I live in weekly!

• Sahara Sun Hoodie: One of my favorite travel/adventure shirts. It’s thin but also protective, making it easy to pack and layer!

$50 or more:

• Athleta Salutation Jogger: I am currently wearing these as I am writing this. I live in these! Yoga, light hikes, travel days, WFH days. They are comfy and easy to move in.

• Vuori Performance Hoodie: One of my favorite pieces for travel days! It’s soft, lightweight, and warm enough for chilly planes.

Splurge:

• Blundstone Original High Top Boots: From the Canadian Rockies, to Europe in the winter, to rainy walks in Portland… these boots are so versatile and sturdy, warm and waterproof. I live in them all winter!

There you have it! Feel free to ask any questions about a specific product. I have and love everything on this list!

Happy shopping and happy holidays 🙂