A few have thought it was a political or even religious stance e.g. environmental-based, anti-corporation/capitalist. No I just don't like lugging around and burdening myself with unnecessary stuff. although I suppose it does influence certain views e.g. sustainability.

I completely disagree with your premise about the free market and its implications; however I think the second question is helpful.

What are your guiding principles that help you make decisions in everyday life?

I support people and businesses that operate in a manner that is inline with my values. Similarly, that’s how I try to live. You vote with your money and your actions. Economically a freer market would better allow this; as an individual you have the power of choice over many things; collectively, aligned parties without ego and other ulterior motives, can achieve great things.

Some of the values I have surround the following:

• Healthfulness
• Kindness
• Utility
• Sustainability
• Efficiency

Watching less of these but still enjoy following:

• According to Nicole Canadian minimalist with interesting videos about lifestyle design, (FIRE, Minimalism, Stoicism, etc.)
• Simply Fatima Amiri- Kenyan rural minimalist, really interesting videos, different culture but many similarities, particularly in outlook
• Aki (Samurai Matcha)- A minimalist who is a school teacher living in a small village in Japan
• Joana Almeida - Architect who lives an productively minimalist lifestyle.

I've posted a list of 'Extreme' Minimalists on this site too.

The traffic. Even if 8/10 posts would be easily answered by reading the sidebar, doing a search, or taking a long hard look at oneself; those 2 posts would be pretty good.

I love taking photos, so many great moments have been captured, wonderful people, and stunning locations. It is also a creative release.

Do what suits you best. For me, I either shoot analogue or limit the photos I take during notable moments. I.e. you don’t see me recording a concert on my phone, nudging purges out of the way for that selfie, or paparazzi-style blasting friends and family during get-togethers.

Is amazing how much focus and clarity constraints can bring. Thanks for sharing.

• Prepare to wash my clothes whilst traveling
• Try to avoid bringing additional footwear, or west bulkier ones whilst traveling
• Packing cubes if necessary (less so now)
• Opt for a bag with less internal compartments

• Passport
• Wallet (Card and 150USD or equivalent)
• Spare bank card
• Smartphone with Organic Maps and location downloaded
• Fully charged phone powerbank and cable
• Small snack to get you through 6h
• Mini First Aid kit - (Altoids tin or similar with a few pain killers, plasters, and wipes, perhaps a bandage)
• Torchlight/Head Torch
• Prescriptions (if necessary)
• Hygiene kit
• Weather appropriate layered clothing (1-3 days)

Muji or Uniqlo are good go to shops.

Four of those on the list would beg to differ. However, minimalism bloggers tend to mainly be female. There are some good male ones that have started since however.

I view ‘extreme’ Minimalism as branding or a deliberate way to differentiate what would have been just ‘minimalist lifestyle’ 10 or so years ago against what is a heavily commercialised trend now.

The benefits are basically what is normally espoused about a minimalist life: clarity, mindful living, better financial management, flow, agility, and peacefulness.

It is a mindset largely. I own more a backpacks worth of stuff, although what I own is valued, used, and maintainable.

To quote Francine Jay:

In general, all the “things” in my life can be replaced; and in some cases, I may not even bother to replace them.

Fantastic response, whilst I don’t agree with everything Is say you’re pretty much on target.

When you get to the point where all of your shit is in a backpack or you eat only whole foods or you have exactly 100 items or whatever, you start to really FEEL the impact of having more financial resources, having more geographical freedom, having more time, and being less psychologically tied down

It is the result or realisation of owning just what you really want and need and it being so little. The possibilities expand and you realise how much stuff you wanted or owned was effectively noise. This of course leads to one being even more intent with theirselves which can be a little unnerving. However life is much better and more enjoyable as a result.