Lightweight traveling is so much fun. Although many people feel like they can’t get through the morning without their favorite type of coffee made in a special brewer, lightweight traveling can significantly enhance your experience and make it better.
Everything has its pros and cons, and with this adventure idea, you get to enjoy nature as it is without becoming too tired or carrying tons of stuff with you. You might not be able to do your coffee routine in the morning, as we mentioned, but you will experience much more by not wearing a ton of stuff in your backpack.
If you find this idea interesting and want to try a trip without dragging an oversized and heavy backpack, check out some of the main postulates of going on a lightweight adventure. Follow up and learn more about this idea to enjoy nature perfectly.
1. Plan where you’re going and what you’re doing

The first thing to do when going lightweight is to know what you can expect in the days ahead. Plan every step of the way, so you will know how much supplies you must pack. If you’re going for only a day, you might not even need a backpack.
For a few days, you will need to figure out where you will sleep, how much food and water you need, and whether you need some extra clothes. Planning will give you the chance to know what might go wrong and help you act accordingly.
2. Pack only essentials that will get you through the trip
Once you realize what you’re doing, where you’re going, and how long you will be staying outside, you will know exactly what to pack. Avoid stuffing items that are not essential. Essentials are only food, water, and a few extra clothes if you’re sleeping outside.
Humans have been living barefoot and without anything extra in nature for centuries. Nothing will go wrong, and you have nothing to worry about. Of course, we’re still 2023, and there’s no need to feel like a martyr, so pack the essentials and go explore the great outdoors.
3. Think about the type of transport to the place you’re going

If you’re going far away, you will need transport. Some people love the idea of driving their UTEs or trucks to a designated location and continuing on foot from there. That gives you the chance to pack more stuff in your UTE’s cross-deck toolbox, but only take the essentials on your adventure.
Some love biking across the globe, others hitchhike, and some enjoy bus trips from one city to another. Think about your options, make sure you know where you’re going, and enjoy learning about new places and cultures.
4. Use only your smartphone and leave all gadgets at home
Navigating nature back in the day meant carrying all sorts of stuff. From compass to physical maps to many other little items that will help you get your way through forests, mountains, and fields. Today, your smartphone has everything you need.
Install the right apps, charge your phone to the max before leaving home, and enjoy. Don’t think that you’ll need an oversized camera, your laptop, or something similar. The smartphone has everything you need when you’re planning to travel lightweight.
5. Invest in a durable and versatile pair of shoes

Although most people think that traveling lightweight means going on an affordable trip, this is often not true. Investing in an expensive pair of shoes that will withstand all sorts of weather conditions, but will also be lightweight and easy to wear is something to think about.
With shoes like these, you can spend miles without feeling tired nor you will need to change them on different grounds. If you’re traveling ordinary, you’ll most likely pack at least an extra pair that you’ll be able to wear in case your first pair becomes wet. A great pair of water-resistant shoes will save you from these types of trouble.
6. No just-in-case items on board
A mistake many people make – packing “just-in-case” items. In 90% of the cases, these items are not used, and you’re carrying them for nothing. Leave all of these items at home. Be sure that you will not need them. Even if such a situation occurs, you’ll find a different solution.
Nature provides everything you need, and the only essentials are basic supplies, like water and food. Leave everything else at home and enjoy nature in its rawest form. You’ll see that you’ll enjoy and have fun without feeling the need for technology.
Conclusion
These six points show you what lightweight packing and traveling are all about. Plan, pack only the crucial items needed for the trip, and you’ll spend an amazing time in nature. If you’re still a beginner, you might think about having a backup plan and heading to the wilderness by car, in which case you will surely be safe.
Good points. I pack way too many “just in case” items.
Thank you for reading! 🙂