Traveling light isn’t about deprivation. It’s about freedom. The freedom to move, to change plans, to trust that what you don’t have won’t break you. Here are ten hard-earned lessons on packing light—and living even lighter. With each bicycle tour I took, I carried less.
Tips Section:
- Lay it all out—then cut it in half.
You probably won’t need that third shirt. Or the extra ‘just in case’ stuff. Trust me, I’ve made the mistake. - Choose the right bag, not the biggest one.
A smaller bag forces discipline. A big one just invites clutter. - Go wool or go home.
Merino wool shirts don’t stink. That’s worth the price tag. - One pair of shoes. Period.
If they can’t walk five miles and handle a casual dinner, they’re not coming. - Think in systems, not items.
Layers. Multi-use tools. Things that earn their weight. - Lose the guilt.
That book you “should” read? Those art supplies you never use? Leave ’em. - Do you really need all that cooking gear? It’s a tough call, but it weighs a lot. I’ve opted for going al fresco. I miss coffee, but I grab a cup along the way.
- A simple toiletry kit is enough.
Hotels have shampoo. Pharmacies exist everywhere. You’re not climbing Everest. - Pack a little courage.
The lighter you pack, the more you trust the world. And yourself. - It’s not about the stuff.
The best stories never start with, “I packed everything I needed.” They start with, “I made do.”
Travel light enough, and you start hearing your own thoughts again. You learn what matters. You stop lugging around things—physical or emotional—that don’t serve the journey.