The art of packing a bag minimally is a complex balance of being prepared with exactly what you need and nothing more. You have to predict the circumstances and the weather that you may encounter. Some find themselves constantly over packing because they want to be prepared for every possible scenario.
The trick is to pack as minimally as possible without extra gear weighing you down. This will allow your trip to run smoothly without clutter. The goal is to have exactly what you need and know where it’s packed so you can access items in the moment and be prepared for the task at hand.
In a basic sense, minimalism means extreme simplicity. What are your very basic needs and nothing more? Can you identify them and then have the self control to pack just what you need? Some have a tendency to want to over prepare to be ready for every possible scenario, but overpacking can add chaos and mess to our trips. It makes it harder for us to locate the things we actually need while rummaging around things that are just in the way.
Sometimes this requires rewiring the way we were taught how to pack or shedding old habits in order to become minimalist packers. Simple packing systems make life easier in the backcountry. And, simplicity can improve safety because knowing exactly where the gear is that you need means you can access it quickly in an emergency.
Start by analyzing your trip. What is the weather going to be? What kind of activities are you planning? What gear do you need for those activities? What clothes do you need for the day and in the evening? Is there anything you have forgotten? By asking yourself these kinds of questions, you can visualize your trip and honestly get an idea of what you will need from start to finish.
After visualization, make a plan. Assess every possible angle and use past experiences as a guide. Check and evaluate your gear and your choice of bag for your adventure.
Now actualize your thoughtful plan by laying everything out in front of you on a bed or on the floor. By placing all of your gear in front of you, you get a better vantage point to visualize what you may be missing, and you can make a plan for packing your gear.
Ask yourself if you are certain to use every item you have packed so far. Try to be honest with yourself. Can you live without something? Is there a way you can downsize packaging or extra clothing you aren’t likely to wear? Is there a smaller container you can fit your soap into? By asking these questions, you put yourself in a better position to shed weight and pack a more minimalist bag of gear for your trip.
Now actually pack your bag! Pack the heavier items at the bottom towards your center of gravity. Make sure to disperse the weight in a way that is comfortable on your back and shoulders. Place items that you will need more regularly and sooner in more accessible locations inside your pack. Have your water and snacks accessible as well. Use added comfy layers you aren’t currently wearing to pad your back area and make your gear sit more comfortably.
Oftentimes after a trip there is space for reflection that can be very helpful for future endeavors. Make a note to yourself if you didn’t use a piece of gear that you thought you would or if you only wore two shirts instead of three. By noticing that you can easily get by without something, you can reduce gear in the future. This awareness is a process and can help you identify true necessities and reduce situations of over preparedness.
Mistakes are a part of growth, so understanding where we could have improved creates opportunity for change the next time around. Minimalism is a mindset we continuously work towards. It is a tool that gets easier to use with time and practice.