The Smallest Wallet Possible

I mean that in the sense that I've never been excessively wealthy, but also that I've always paid attention to the literal thickness of my wallet. Very few pictures have ever earned a semi-permanent in there; I'd rather stop shopping at a particular grocery chain that carry their thick plastic 'savings club' card. Likewise, my credit cards must take turns being on my person; slips of paper with phone numbers or websites are subject to frequent and ruthless wallet audits wherein they must justify their presence. A wallet relieved of a half dozen extraneous items is noticably lighter and thinner; the leather has a little extra slack in it until it relaxes to its newer, thinner dimensions.

For a lengthy hike or bike ride, or any outdoor activity that involves a risk of getting my wallet wet, I take my minimalism a step further. Will I need any money? If I do, I grab a single bill of appropriate denomination and/or a credit card. I usually bring ID regardless. All of these items I cinch together with a fat rubber band; the rubble also discourages the whole package from slipping out of my pocket. For added piece of mind, I safety pin my pocket shut.

A light wallet, especially a recently lightened one, carried the satisfaction of knowing you've optimized the efficiency and utility of at least one small part of your life. The even more spartan rubber band bundle amazes me with its potential: I could walk into a mall with just these two cards , and walk out with a suit of clothes, a meal, and bag of merchandise. The odds of my doing so during a mountain hike are very low, but it's not about probability: just potential.