Traveling minimalist means packing light without sacrificing safety, thermal comfort, or versatility. Whether for a multi-day trek, a combined train and foot crossing, an active road trip, or an expedition where every gram counts, the key lies in garments that serve multiple functions. The AYAQ collection, built around high-performance membranes, RWS merino wool, and modular designs, is designed for use where the essentials cover 90% of situations.
1. Challenges of Minimalist Travel
- Limited weight: each garment must maximize utility per gram.
- Significant weather variations: heat, wind, showers, cold nights.
- Multiple uses: hiking, urban travel, cycling, transport, bivouac.
- Quick drying: to set off the next day without spare clothes.
The more versatile a garment, the more valuable it is in a minimalist system.
2. The Base: RWS Merino as Foundation
RWS merino base layers fulfill three essential functions in minimalist travel: temperature regulation, odor control, and gradual drying without losing comfort.
- BIAFO: 100% lightweight merino, ideal for long walks, cabin stays, or travel by transport.
- MEFONNA: 100% versatile merino, perfect for wider temperature ranges.
- SHIRWALI: merino + Tencel (~240 g), great for cool evenings, damp mornings, or early travel.
One or two t-shirts often suffice for several days thanks to merino’s natural odor neutrality.
3. Dynamic Pieces: Trail & Running T-Shirts
For warm, active days, AYAQ’s lightest pieces take over:
- MOLVENO: ultra-light t-shirt with side mesh, perfect for sustained climbs.
- LEVICO: light, breathable, ideal for fast transitions.
- TENNO: highly ventilated tank top for hot days.
- HURON: technical t-shirt, quick-drying, excellent for alternating walking and transport.
They pack small, dry overnight, and suit both hot climates and intense effort.
4. Midlayers: Controlled Warmth, Minimal Weight
KOKANEE
Active, breathable, lightweight fleece, perfect to complement a minimalist system. Suitable for hiking, urban use, evenings, or transport.
AROLLA
Brushed fleece, warmer, useful for cool nights, bivouac, or high-altitude conditions.
5. Outer Layer: One Piece = Maximum Protection
The hardshell is the cornerstone of minimalism, as a single piece must provide protection in all conditions: rain, wind, damp cold, storms, altitude.
AYAQ hardshells — SKORA, LONAK, SKORA-XT — feature the same hydrophilic non-microporous membrane tested up to 52,000 Schmerbers, RET < 12, PFC-free, ultra-light, and fully windproof. Ideal for a “one jacket does it all” system.
- SKORA: the purest and lightest, perfect for pure minimalism.
- LONAK: more enveloping design, enhanced thermal stability.
- SKORA-XT: the most functional, suited for demanding or technical trips.
They compress into a tiny pack and can literally save the day during unexpected storms.
6. Compact Down Jackets: Targeted Warmth and Optimized Carry
ULTAR
AYAQ’s warmest down jacket: for trips where temperatures can drop sharply (bivouac, altitude, damp nights).
BALTORO
Innovative blown-fiber down jacket offering high insulation and exceptional freedom of movement. Ultra-versatile for active travel and busy days.
FORNO (sleeveless)
Down vest with magnetic system allowing removal even under a hardshell. Perfect for modulating warmth without disrupting pack organization.
All three pieces share compressibility and quick deployment.
7. Minimalist Pants: Balance of Weight, Protection, and Breathability
- LEVICO / HURON Shorts: lightest pieces for hot days or long approaches.
- RIMO: front windproof + rear breathability. Highly versatile for active travel.
- CLIFTON: full windproof membrane, ideal for cool mornings or demanding environments.
- NUNATAK: carry only if expecting prolonged rain.
Minimalism relies heavily on good anticipation: two bottoms often cover 100% of needs.
8. Typical Outfits for Minimalist Travel
- Warm travel + moderate altitude: TENNO + SHANDAR + KOKANEE.
- Multi-day trek with unstable weather: MEFONNA + KOKANEE + SKORA.
- Bike travel + hiking: HURON + KOKANEE + SHANDAR + FORNO.
- Technical or mountain travel: SHIRWALI + BALTORO + SKORA-XT.
9. 100% European Manufacturing and Sustainability
As with the entire AYAQ range:
- fabrics sourced from France, Italy, Germany,
- manufacturing done in Portugal,
- recycled materials of very high technical quality,
- RWS-certified merino wool,
- all pieces field-tested by Mike Horn and Vincent Defrasne.
Conclusion
Minimalist travel doesn’t mean giving up comfort: it means choosing pieces capable of replacing multiple garments alone. Combining merino base layers, active fleeces, 52,000 Schmerber hardshells, SHANDAR windbreakers, compact down jackets, and versatile pants, AYAQ offers a coherent system for light, reliable travel ready to face all conditions encountered on the trail.