Hi, I’m Eric. If you’re anything like me, as soon as the weather starts to turn and the calendar hits March, your mind starts drifting toward the road. Whether it’s a weekend getaway to the mountains or a long-awaited trip across the pond, there is something about summer travel that just feels right.
But let’s be honest for a second: traveling can be a lot of work. I’ve spent my fair share of time lugging around a massive backpack that felt like it was filled with lead bricks, sweating through my shirt while trying to find my passport at the bottom of a dark bag. It’s not fun. In fact, it’s the opposite of why we go on vacation in the first place.
Over the years, I’ve learned that the secret to a better trip isn’t bringing more stuff: it’s bringing the right stuff. That’s why I want to talk to you about the "light and rugged" approach. It’s a philosophy I’ve built into everything I make at The Kilted Leatherworker LLC. It’s about keeping your hands free, your essentials secure, and your memories protected, all without the bulk of a heavy pack.
Why Less Really Is More
I remember one of my first big trips where I thought I needed everything "just in case." I had three different jackets, two extra pairs of shoes, and a backpack so large I practically needed a permit to wear it. By day three, I was exhausted. I wasn’t looking at the scenery; I was looking for a place to sit down and take that weight off my shoulders.
Little did I know then that I could have had a much better time with just a few well-made items.
The minimalist carry isn't about depriving yourself. It’s about freedom. When you strip away the "extra," you're left with the essentials that actually matter. For me, that usually boils down to a sturdy belt pouch for my phone and wallet, and a small journal to jot down thoughts. When you aren't fighting with zippers and straps every five minutes, you can actually be present in the moment.
If you're curious about how a small change in gear can make a big difference, you might want to check out my thoughts on belt pouches vs purses. It’s a great deep dive into why moving your gear to your waist can change the way you move through the world.
The Power of the Belt Pouch
When I’m in the workshop, I’m often thinking about how a piece will feel when it’s actually being used. There is something incredibly satisfying about the "click" of a closure or the way a pouch sits comfortably on your hip.
For vacation, a belt pouch is my absolute go-to. Think about it: you’re at a crowded market or walking through a busy terminal. Your hands are full of coffee or a map (or maybe just your kids' hands). Having your most important items: your passport, your phone, and your cards: right at your side is a game-changer.
I love making these because they are built to take a beating. When you’re traveling, your gear gets tossed into overhead bins, leaned against stone walls, and occasionally caught in a summer rainstorm. I use high-quality leather (often a rugged buffalo suede or a sturdy cowhide) because I want you to know that your gear is going to survive the trip and look even better when you get home.
A good belt pouch stays out of the way. It doesn't bounce around like a messenger bag, and it doesn't strain your neck like a heavy lanyard. It just sits there, keeping your stuff safe until you need it. Plus, let’s be real: there’s a certain rugged, timeless look to it that a nylon fanny pack just can’t touch.
Capturing the Moment: The Mini Journal and Padfolio
In a world where we take a thousand photos on our phones that we’ll probably never look at again, I’ve found that there is something special about carrying a physical journal.
I’ve always been a bit of a note-taker. Whether it’s a sketch of a cool building I saw or just a quick list of the best cafes in a new city, having a place to write things down helps me remember the trip better. But I don't want to carry a full-sized sketchbook. That’s where the mini journal and the mini padfolio come in.
These are designed to be small enough to tuck into a pocket or your belt pouch but tough enough to handle being handled. I ensure that every stitch is perfect because I know these covers are going to be opened and closed hundreds of times.
There’s a real tactile joy in pulling out a leather-bound journal. The smell of the leather, the way it feels in your hand: it makes the act of writing feel like an event. It turns a simple "to-do" list into a travel log. If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between a simple notebook and a protected cover, I wrote a bit about protecting your pages that might help you decide what's right for your next adventure.
The Minimalist Packing List
So, what does a "light and rugged" carry actually look like? If I’m heading out for a day of exploring, here is exactly what’s on my person:
- The Belt Pouch: This holds my phone, a backup battery, and my keys.
- A Minimalist Wallet: I don't need my library card or my local grocery store loyalty card when I'm in another state. I pack just the essentials: ID, two credit cards, and some cash.
- The Mini Padfolio or Journal: For my itinerary, tickets, and a pen.
- A Sturdy Belt: You need something that can support the weight of the pouch without sagging.
By keeping everything on my belt or in my pockets, I don't need a backpack at all. I can walk for miles, hop on and off public transit, and squeeze into crowded bistros without knocking things over with a giant bag on my back. It’s a very freeing feeling.
Crafted with Adventure in Mind
People often ask me why I started The Kilted Leatherworker LLC. It really comes down to a love for the craft and a desire to make things that last. I grew up appreciating things that were built to endure: tools that get passed down from father to son.
When I’m in my shop, surrounded by the tools of the trade, I take things one step at a time. I’m not interested in mass-producing thousands of identical items. I like the character that comes from hand-stitching. I like knowing that the piece of leather I’m working on today might end up seeing the streets of Rome or the trails of the Rockies.
Every time I cut a piece of hide or dye a cover, I’m thinking about the person who is going to use it. I want it to be reliable. There’s enough stress in travel as it is; your gear shouldn't add to it. If you're interested in the "why" behind the work, I’ve shared a bit more about my leatherworking journey on the blog. It was a long road to get here, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Preparation is Part of the Fun
There’s an old saying that half the fun of a trip is the planning. I tend to agree. Choosing your gear, breaking in a new wallet, and organizing your mini padfolio is part of the ritual. It builds anticipation.
When you choose handmade leather, you're making an investment in your future stories. That journal cover will pick up scratches and scuffs that mark where you’ve been. That belt pouch will soften and mold to your side over time. They become part of the experience.
If you’re getting ready for a trip, I’d love to help you find the right setup. You can browse through our current collections to see what we have ready to ship, or feel free to reach out if you have questions about which size pouch would fit your specific phone.
Final Thoughts
Traveling light doesn't mean you have to leave everything behind. it just means you have to be intentional. A rugged belt pouch and a simple leather journal are often all you really need to have a successful, stress-free day of exploration.
I hope your summer is full of adventure, whether you're going halfway around the world or just down the road to a new park. Thanks for taking the time to read a bit of my story and for supporting small, handmade businesses. It means the world to me that I get to spend my days making gear for people like you.
Safe travels, and keep it light!
If you have any questions about my process or the products I’ve mentioned, don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m always happy to chat about leather and travel.
Warmly,
Eric
Founder, The Kilted Leatherworker LLC