Pack Like You Mean It: The No-BS Minimalist Packing Guide for Digital Nomads Who Actually Travel
Three flights in Bangkok. That’s when I learned.
I was dragging two camera bags, a rolling suitcase, and a “personal item” that weighed more than some toddlers through Suvarnabhumi Airport at 2 AM. My back was screaming. My shoulder strap had carved a permanent groove into my collarbone. And I still couldn’t find my passport because it was buried somewhere in the chaos.
That trip changed how I pack forever.
Now? One 40L backpack. Gear for filming. Clothes for a month. Tech for running PeekatThis. Everything I need to shoot a short film or catch a last-minute flight to anywhere. And I can sprint through an airport if I have to.
This isn’t about owning less to feel superior. This is about moving faster, thinking clearer, and never checking a bag again.
The Real Problem Nobody Talks About
We pack for imaginary versions of ourselves.
The version that goes to fancy dinners every night. The version that suddenly becomes a gym person. The version that needs seven pairs of shoes because “what if.”
I’ve shot films in eight countries. I’ve worked from beach shacks in Indonesia and freezing Airbnbs in Iceland. And here’s what I learned: that imaginary version never shows up. Real you just needs the basics that actually work.
The weight isn’t just physical. Every extra item is a decision you’ll make fifty times: Do I bring it today? Where did I pack it? Is it worth carrying up these stairs?
When you’re trying to focus on work—on capturing that perfect shot or nailing a deadline—decision fatigue from your overstuffed bag is the last thing you need.
Why We Overpack (And How It Screws Us)
It starts with fear.
Fear we won’t have what we need. Fear we’ll look unprepared. Fear that leaving something behind means we’re not taking it seriously.
I get it. Before shooting “Going Home,” I packed like I was preparing for the apocalypse. Three lenses I never used. Backup clothes for imaginary meetings. A full toiletry bag that could stock a pharmacy.
The result? I spent more time organizing gear than actually shooting.
Here’s the truth: the heavier your bag, the less agile you are. Physically, sure. But also creatively. When you can’t move fast, you miss moments. When you’re exhausted from lugging gear, you don’t have energy for the work that matters.
Plus, most places sell toothpaste. If you forget something, you can buy it. Revolutionary concept, I know.
The Minimalist Solution: Pack for Reality
Start with this question: What do I actually use every single day?
Not “what might I need.” Not “what would be nice to have.” What do you physically use?
For me:
- Laptop (work happens here)
- Phone (backup camera, communication, navigation)
- One camera body (Blackmagic Pocket for projects)
- Two lenses maximum
- Seven t-shirts (one for each day before laundry)
- Two pairs of pants
- One jacket that works everywhere
- Underwear and socks for a week
- Basic toiletries
- Universal adapter and charging cables
That’s it. That’s the foundation of a carry-on only lifestyle.
Everything else is optional. And optional usually means unnecessary.
How Many Clothes Should You Actually Pack?
The formula that works: one week plus one.
Pack enough clothes for seven days, plus one extra outfit. Then commit to doing laundry weekly. This is the “rule of 1 week” that experienced digital nomads swear by.
Here’s my specific breakdown:
- 7 short-sleeve shirts (merino wool or quick-dry synthetic)
- 2-3 long-sleeve shirts or layers
- 2 pairs of pants (one casual, one slightly dressier)
- 1 pair of shorts
- 7 pairs of underwear and socks
- 1 jacket
- 2 pairs of shoes maximum (one for walking, one for everything else)
Why this works: You’re never more than a week away from laundry, clothes mix and match easily, and you’re not carrying dead weight for “just in case” scenarios.
Implementing the System: How to Actually Do This
Okay, theory is nice. Execution is where people fail. Here’s the step-by-step.
Step 1: The Brutal Audit
Lay out everything you think you need.
Now remove half.
Seriously. The first time you do this, you’re still overpacking. We all do. Remove another 20% after that.
Ask about each item:
- Did I use this daily on my last trip?
- Can this do multiple jobs?
- If I forget it, can I buy it for less than $20?
If the answer to all three is no, it stays home.
Step 2: Build Your Capsule Wardrobe
Forget fashion rules. Here’s what actually works:
Stick to 2-3 colors max. I do black, grey, and olive. Everything matches. No thinking required.
Prioritize merino wool. Sounds expensive, but one merino shirt lasts longer than five cotton ones. It doesn’t smell after multiple wears. It regulates temperature. It’s the cheat code.
The 5-4-3-2-1 method is your friend here:
- 5 tops
- 4 bottoms
- 3 pairs of shoes (though I do 2)
- 2 dresses or specialty items
- 1 jacket
Adjust based on climate, but this framework prevents the “I have nothing to wear” spiral.
Step 3: Master Packing Techniques
Rolling vs Folding: Roll casual wear like t-shirts and jeans. Fold anything structured or wrinkle-prone. I roll 90% of my clothes because I live in t-shirts.
Packing cubes are non-negotiable. One cube for tops. One for bottoms. One for tech. You’ll find things faster, pack tighter, and stay organized through constant movement. The compression ones from Eagle Creek or Peak Design are worth the investment.
Dead space is wasted space. Stuff socks inside shoes. Roll cables into pouches. Every gap is an opportunity.
Weight distribution matters. Heavy items (laptop, shoes) go at the bottom near your back. Lighter items at the top. This keeps the bag balanced when you’re hauling it around.
Step 4: Tech Setup for Creators
This is where digital nomads and filmmakers differ from regular travelers.
One laptop that can handle everything. Don’t bring a backup. If you’re paranoid, have cloud storage and a phone that can handle emergencies. I’ve edited short films on a 13″ MacBook Air. It’s fine.
Consolidate chargers. Everything I own now charges via USB-C. One cable type. One power adapter. One 20,000mAh Anker power bank. Done.
Cloud everything. Google Drive for documents. Backblaze for media files. If your laptop dies, you’re not screwed.
Camera gear decisions: Bring the minimum that gets the job done. When I shot “Married & Isolated,” I had one camera body and two lenses. That’s it. No gimbals, no lighting kit, no “just in case” accessories. Constraints breed creativity.
Step 5: The Laundry System
Hand-washing in hotel sinks isn’t romantic, but it’s reality.
Get a travel-sized soap bar. Rub it on problem areas (collars, armpits). Let soak for 5 minutes. Rinse. Done.
Microfiber towels are magic. Lay clothes flat on the towel. Roll it up tight. This wrings out 70% of the water instantly. Hang to dry overnight.
Choose quick-dry fabrics. Polyester, nylon, and merino wool dry in hours, not days. Cotton is your enemy.
Portable clothesline: The stretchy kind with suction cups. Sets up anywhere. I’ve hung laundry in bathrooms across four continents with this thing.
Step 6: Climate-Specific Adjustments
Hot climates: Light colors, loose fits, UV-protective clothing. One light rain jacket that packs tiny. That’s your “winter coat.”
Cold climates: Layering system. Base layer (thermal), mid-layer (fleece or sweater), outer layer (down jacket that compresses). Skip bulky items.
Wet climates: Waterproof shoes, quick-dry everything, compact rain jacket. A packable rain shell weighs nothing and saves your ass constantly.
Mixed climates (my favorite): Two layers you can combine. A long-sleeve shirt plus a light jacket covers 80% of situations. Add a beanie and you’re good to freezing.
Real-World Packing List: What’s Actually In My Bag
Here’s what’s in my backpack right now. This setup has taken me through 2-week film shoots and 2-month work trips.
Tech & Work:
- 13″ MacBook Air
- iPhone (doubles as backup camera)
- Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera
- 2 lenses (25mm prime, 12-35mm zoom)
- 3 batteries
- SD cards (64GB x3)
- Universal power adapter (works in 150+ countries)
- Anker 20,000mAh power bank
- USB-C cables (3-foot versions, x2)
- Small tech organizer pouch
Clothes:
- 7 t-shirts (5 merino wool, 2 synthetic)
- 2 long-sleeve shirts
- 2 pairs of pants (one olive chinos, one black jeans)
- 1 pair of shorts
- 7 pairs of underwear
- 7 pairs of socks
- 1 packable down jacket
- 1 rain shell
- 2 pairs of shoes (running shoes, casual sneakers)
Toiletries & Misc:
- Travel soap bar (laundry + shower)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Razor
- Nail clippers
- Small first-aid kit
- Microfiber towel (doubles as beach towel)
- Portable clothesline
- Earplugs and eye mask
- Sunglasses
Total weight: About 9kg (just under 20 lbs). Fits in overhead compartment. No checked bag fees ever.
The Stuff I Don’t Pack (And Why You Shouldn’t Either)
Backup laptop: Cloud storage exists. Your phone can handle emails in emergencies.
More than two pairs of shoes: I wore three pairs once. Used two. The third sat in my bag for 6 weeks like a rock.
Cotton clothes: They’re heavy, slow to dry, and smell faster than synthetics. Hard pass.
Full-size toiletries: You can buy shampoo anywhere on Earth. Promise.
“Nice” clothes for hypothetical fancy dinners: In 20 years of travel, I’ve needed dress clothes exactly twice. Both times, I borrowed them.
Books: Kindle or phone. One device, unlimited reading.
Souvenirs: Experiences > objects. If you must, ship them home. Don’t carry them.
Common Questions I Get Asked
How often do you do laundry? Weekly. Sometimes twice if it’s hot and I’m sweating through clothes. It takes 15 minutes and dries overnight.
What if you need something you didn’t pack? You buy it. I’ve purchased exactly four items in three years of travel: a winter hat in Iceland, flip-flops in Thailand, a phone charger in Portugal, and a raincoat in Scotland. Total cost: maybe $60.
Don’t you get bored wearing the same clothes? Honestly? No. I’m working and exploring new places. Nobody cares what I’m wearing. And having 7 shirts means I’m not repeating outfits daily—just weekly.
How do you pack fragile camera gear? In the middle of the bag, surrounded by soft clothes. Camera goes in a padded sleeve, lenses in protective pouches. In three years, I’ve never broken anything.
What about different seasons in one trip? Layering. Base layer + mid layer + jacket covers 90% of temperature swings. If I’m going somewhere truly freezing, I’ll ship a heavier coat ahead or buy secondhand on arrival.
Can you really travel with just carry-on? Yes. I’ve done 8-week trips with this setup. The key is washing regularly and being okay with wearing things multiple times.
What This Actually Looks Like Long-Term
I’ve been packing like this for three years.
The first month was weird. I kept thinking I forgot something. I hadn’t. The anxiety was just habit.
By month two, I stopped thinking about my bag entirely. It became invisible. Just a thing that held my stuff.
That’s when the real benefits showed up.
I moved faster between cities. No waiting at baggage claim. No paying for checked bags. No worrying about airlines losing my stuff.
I thought clearer. Fewer decisions. Fewer possessions demanding mental energy.
I saved money. No extra baggage fees. No replacing lost items. No buying duplicates because I couldn’t find something in my overstuffed bag.
But the biggest change? I became more spontaneous.
When someone says “Let’s catch a 6 AM flight to Copenhagen,” I can pack in 10 minutes. When a film opportunity comes up last-minute, I’m not spending hours organizing gear. I’m ready.
This isn’t just about packing. It’s about designing a life that moves at the speed of opportunity.
Your Turn: Start Small, Test Often
You don’t have to nail this immediately.
Start with one trip. Pack 20% less than you think you need. See what you miss.
Next trip, cut another 20%. Refine your system. Figure out which clothes actually work for your life.
By trip three or four, you’ll have it dialed in. And once you do, packing becomes automatic. 15 minutes, bag’s ready, you’re out the door.
The world’s waiting. Pack light, move fast, make stuff that matters.
Click here to download your customizable packing template!
Want more travel and filmmaking wisdom? Check out my Essential Travel Tips for Digital Nomads or dive into How I Shot Going Home with Minimal Gear for the full breakdown on guerrilla filmmaking while traveling.
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About the Author
Trent Peek (IMDB | Youtube \ Stage 32) is a filmmaking wizard with over 20 years of experience making award-winning content for film, TV, and social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram.
Former president of Cinevic (Society of Independent Filmmakers), Trent’s work ranges from snapping stunning stills with Leica and Hasselblad to handling powerful cinema cameras from RED and ARRI.
His recent short film “Going Home” was selected to the 2024 Soho International Film Festival in New York, showcasing his storytelling prowess to a sold-out crowd.
He’s currently obsessed with the cinematic magic of compact cameras like the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema. When he’s not behind the camera, you’ll find him globe-trotting, buried in a good book, or plotting his next short film masterpiece.
Tune In: Catch my guest spot on the Pushin Podcast for some cinematic chatter and behind-the-scenes insights!
