We’ve all been there—overpacking for a trip. You end up carrying a backpack that could probably double as a small car. I’ve been to places like The Hosteller in Rishikesh and Zostel in Manali, and after my third hike through the hills of Karnataka (Shivaganga, Kudremukh, and the lovely Hampi ruins), I learned a valuable lesson: keep it simple.
What to Pack for a Minimalist Backpacking Adventure?
- Backpack (Obviously)
Do yourself a favor and invest in a decent 40-50L backpack. You’ll be living out of this thing for days, so choose wisely. Make sure it’s comfortable, has a good hip belt (trust me, it makes a difference), and isn’t going to make you look like you’re carrying a 10-ton suitcase. Pro Tip: I learned this the hard way after trying to carry 5 kilos of snacks to the top of Kheerganga. Big mistake. - Clothing
You’re going to be staying in hostels (like The Hosteller) or homestays where the bathroom situation may not be as glamorous as a 5-star resort, so pack for comfort over style.- 3 t-shirts (quick-dry fabric is your best friend)
- 1 pair of trekking pants (don’t skimp here, trust me, your knees will thank you)
- 1 pair of shorts (for those moments when you’re chillin’ at the beach in Gokarna)
- 2 pairs of underwear (yes, I said TWO—you’ll wash them out during your hikes)
- A light jacket (It’s the Himalayas, for crying out loud)
- Shoes
A pair of sturdy, comfortable trekking shoes is non-negotiable. I’ve trekked through some muddy paths in North India and Karnataka, and I can tell you that those fancy sandals aren’t going to cut it. Remember: trekking shoes that can double up as a party shoe for a bonfire night at Zostel. Multitasking is key. - Essentials
- A good sleeping bag liner (because who knows what the sheets at that homestay look like)
- A power bank (You’ll need it after your 4th attempt at finding a Wi-Fi signal)
- A water bottle (hydration is life)
- A journal (so you can document how you got lost in a bamboo forest in Tirthan Valley)
- Trekking Gear
For those long treks, like the ones I did in Shivaganga and Kudremukh, you’ll need:- Trekking poles (for stability and avoiding that awkward fall on a slippery rock)
- A small first aid kit (because sometimes your hiking buddies think it’s funny to prank you by making you walk into a thorn bush)
- A small, portable stove for coffee (you’ll need this for early-morning coffee stops at some of those breathtaking views in the Himalayas)
Pack light, but smart. A minimalist approach doesn’t mean you can’t be stylish, it just means you’re not hauling around unnecessary baggage. Trust me, once you get rid of that extra pair of shoes you thought you’d wear for “just in case,” you’ll feel 10 times lighter.
