Best MINIMALIST WALLETS of 2023

JUMP TO: HAWBUCK / SLIMFOLD TYVEK / SLIMFOLD SOFT SHELL / FLOWFOLD BIFOLD / HMG MINIMALIST / VAULTSKIN MANHATTAN / ZPACKS ZIP POUCH / FLOWFOLD ZIP POUCH / SÜLGEAR

Author: Sam Brilleman

The Short Version

The Long Version

Nobody enjoys walking around town with a brick in their pocket. And with an extensive range of minimalist wallets on the market, there is no need to.

A minimalist wallet is simple and lightweight… yet it still provides everything you need from a wallet!

So why am I writing about the best minimalist wallets on a website devoted to hiking and lightweight backpacking? Well, because the lightweight backpacking community has been the birthplace for a number of awesome ultralight minimalist wallets. Minimalist wallets align with the ultralight backpacking philosophy… to keep things as simple and lightweight as possible, without sacrificing functionality or performance.

And minimalist wallets can often be manufactured from the same materials as used for constructing ultralight backpacking gear.

 

Several of the wallets included in the review (clockwise from top-left): 1) Hawbuck Lean Wallet, 2) Slimfold Micro Soft Shell Wallet, 3) Flowfold Vanguard Bifold Wallet, 4) Zpacks Wallet Zip Pouch, 5) Flowfold Essentialist Coin Pouch, 6) Hyperlite Mountain Gear Minimalist Wallet, 7) Slimfold Micro Tyvek Wallet, 8) SÜLgear Adventure Wallet. NB: the Hawbuck and Zpacks wallets look more weathered since I’ve been using them for years!

 

In this article I review the best minimalist wallets on the market — covering everything from bifolds to coin pouches to wearable wallets.

The list includes some seriously ultralight options, as well as some slightly more conventional wallets that weigh a bit more than the ultralight choices but are still lightweight and minimalist in design.

If you love reading this review of the best minimalist wallets, then you'll likely love reading some of our other gear review pages:

Need advice on style?

Unsure of what style you want? … Or what you need from a minimalist wallet?

Then check out our guidance on the different types of minimalist wallets at the bottom of the article.

Best Overall: Hawbuck Lean Wallet

WEIGHT: 0.2 oz / 5 grams

DIMENSIONS: 3.9 x 2.8 inches / 9.9 x 7.1 cm

MATERIAL: Dyneema Composite Hybrid

WATER RESISTANT MATERIAL: Yes

PRICE: $$

Hawbuck is a small cottage business with one tightly focused goal: to make the anti-wallet. And the Hawbuck Lean Wallet is pretty much just that. Weighing in at around 5 grams, wallets don’t get much more minimalist than this!

Hawbuck wallets are made from ultralight Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) — a material renowned for its strength and water resistance.

The DCF material is then laminated with a 50-denier polyester face fabric to help with abrasion resistance and durability. The result is a hybrid material that is durable, seriously ultralight and water resistant. It should stand up to several years of everyday abuse, if not more. Downsides of the fabric are that it is a bit crinkly compared with something like leather.

The quality of the sewing on this wallet is impressive. And design features such as a thumb slip on the card holder also make this tiny wallet more functional (it allows you to store multiple cards in the same slot and still easily access them).

Hawbuck wallets are designed on the principle that cash is becoming less frequent and that a few cards (say maximum of 8-10 cards) is all you will ever really need. The cards help give the shape to the wallet, whilst the bifold compartment is designed to be tall enough for the relevant bank notes… but only just!

To ensure their wallets are as minimalist as possible Hawbuck offer several variations depending on which country you are based. The standard H01 model is designed to accommodate US bank notes, whilst the H08 model accommodates larger notes such as Euros and British pounds. Lastly, Canadians can choose between the H01 or H09 models — with the H09 model providing a slightly more relaxed fit for Canadian notes.

But remember that this wallet is seriously minimalist — so if you plan on carrying a lot of cash then perhaps look elsewhere.

Most models are available in several colours and sometimes in a range of colourful prints or patterns. And because their wallets are so slim and ultralight, Hawbuck offer free shipping worldwide on all products!

Best for Ultralight: Slimfold Micro Tyvek Wallet

WEIGHT: 0.1 oz / 3 grams

DIMENSIONS: 4.0 x 2.9 inches / 10.0 x 7.3 cm

MATERIAL: Tyvek

WATER RESISTANT MATERIAL: Yes

PRICE: $$

The Slimfold Micro Tyvek Wallet is another very impressive wallet when it comes to specs.

At just 0.1 ounces this wallet is so ultralight that I almost had to add another decimal point to the weight category of this review just to accommodate it.

It is a pretty thin (and trivial) margin, but nonetheless the Slimfold Micro Tyvek does come in a gram or two lighter than the Hawbuck offerings and so can be considered the lightest wallet in this review.

Although this wallet is paper light and paper thin it is actually made from tear-resistant Tyvek — essentially a sheet plastic. I have no major issues with the look of the Tyvek material, especially given its ultralight weight. But if you are willing to pay a bit more and sacrifice a few additional grams of weight then perhaps consider the Slimfold Micro Soft Shell Wallet (described below). It uses the same design as the Micro Tyvek but is made from a more attractive soft shell fabric.

It is well manufactured and thoughtfully designed. The main card slots are accessible from the centre of the fold and the one of the left hand side has a viewing window suitable for storing a drivers licence or other type of ID card.

The bifold compartment is designed to accommodate all US bank notes and most other notes from around the globe. Although some larger notes (e.g. 50 Euros) will need to be folded.

A useful feature is additional card slots on the inside rear of the bifold compartment. This means that if you have too many cards to store in the main card slots, then you can store the excess ones securely behind your bank notes.

The Slimfold Micro Tyvek is available in a range of colours. Some colour options include an RFID blocking option.

Best Soft Shell Bifold: Slimfold Micro Soft Shell Wallet

WEIGHT: 0.5 oz / 14 grams

DIMENSIONS: 4.2 x 2.9 inches / 10.3 x 7.3 cm

MATERIAL: Soft Shell

WATER RESISTANT MATERIAL: Yes

PRICE: $$$

The Slimfold Micro Soft Shell Wallet is a slightly heavier and more expensive version of the Slimfold Micro Tyvek Wallet described above.

This version is made from a waterproof soft shell fabric that is more stylish than the Tyvek.

The weight specs might not quite match that of Micro Tyvek — but don’t let that mislead you — this wallet is still extremely minimalist! It weighs just half an ounce (14 grams) and is only 4 mm thick.

If you only tend to carry cards and not cash, or are willing to fold your bank notes into thirds, then perhaps consider the Slimfold Nano Soft Shell Wallet. Slightly shorter than the Micro version, the Nano version matches the height of your credit card rather than the height of a US bank note. This means you would have to fold bank notes when you carry them, but it might be a compromise you are willing to make for the reduced dimensions.

Both the Slimfold Micro & Nano Soft Shell Wallets are available in several colours. This includes colour combinations for the face fabric and stitching — with the coloured stitching being a hallmark of the Slimfold look. And for a few extra dollars the face fabric can include an RFID blocking layer.

Best for ID Cards: Flowfold Vanguard Bifold Wallet

WEIGHT: 0.7 oz / 20 grams

DIMENSIONS: 4.3 x 3.3 inches / 10.8 x 8.3 cm

MATERIAL: X-Pac or Lite Skin (composite materials)

WATER RESISTANT MATERIAL: Yes

PRICE: $$

The Flowfold Vanguard Bifold Wallet is another ultralight bifold wallet made from a water resistant lightweight material. The difference here is that it has a clear “see through” ID card slot on each side of the interior fold.

This wallet is available in either of two materials — “X-Pac” or “Lite Skin”. Both are synthetic composite materials made of several layers. Both are abrasion and water resistant and should withstand years of use.

The X-Pac material is available in a range of colours, whilst Lite Skin material is only available in a heather grey. Although both materials are pretty cool, I personally love the aesthetics of the Lite Skin. These are the same materials used for Flowfold’s stylish range of backpacks.

In terms of size, the Flowfold Bifold Wallet isn’t as minimalist as the Hawbuck offering. It is instead relatively standard in size and will easily accommodate a range of bank notes. Nonetheless at 0.7 oz (20 grams) it is still seriously lightweight.

There are four card slots, all accessed from the centre of the fold. This differs to some other bifold wallets such as the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Minimalist Wallet (described below) where the card slots are “top loading”. The Flowfold approach is a bit more secure since your cards aren’t able to fall out. But some people might prefer the “top loading” card slot design due to aesthetics and the ease of being able to visually inspect the top of your cards when trying to find the one you need. It all comes down to personal preference.

If you require card security, then check out the RFID blocking version of this wallet. Or if you want something a bit more unique then check out the version made from recycled sailcloth!

Best Top Loading Bifold: HMG Minimalist Wallet

WEIGHT: 0.7 oz / 20 grams

DIMENSIONS: 4.4 x 3.3 inches / 11.1 x 8.3 cm

MATERIAL: Dyneema Composite Hybrid

WATER RESISTANT MATERIAL: Yes

PRICE: $$

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Minimalist Wallet is another reliable ultralight bifold wallet. It weighs in at 20 grams — so isn’t quite as minimalist as Hawbuck — but is still seriously ultralight.

Similarly to the Hawbuck and Zpacks offerings, the HMG Minimalist Wallet is made from a DCF hybrid material. It is the same bombproof material used for HMG’s ultralight backpacks.

This ultralight minimalist wallet offers 4 card pockets, 2 hidden pockets (accessed from the interior centre of the fold), and a bifold compartment for banknotes. So even at 20 grams you will have plenty of space for all the necessities.

Craftsmanship and attention to detail on the stitching isn’t anything special, but if strength and ultralight simplicity is what you are after, then the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Minimalist Wallet is another minimalist wallet that fits the bill (no pun intended).

Best Leather Bifold: Vaultskin Manhattan Card Wallet

WEIGHT: 1.3 oz / 38 grams

DIMENSIONS: 4.1 x 3.0 inches / 10.4 x 7.6 cm

MATERIAL: Leather

WATER RESISTANT MATERIAL: No

PRICE: $$

If you want to go minimalist but can’t quite bring yourself to quit the leather, then check out the Vaultskin Manhattan Card Wallet.

For a leather bifold the Vaultskin Manhattan is about as minimalist as they come. It weighs in at just 1.3 oz (38 grams) and has dimensions that just allow it to fit in US height bank notes.

If you need to fit larger notes — such as British pounds or larger denominations of Euros — then go for the Vaultskin City Card Wallet. It has a similar design and the same capacity as the Manhattan but fits larger bank notes.

The wallet has four card slots, accessed from the centre of the fold. It also has an additional card slot on the exterior of the wallet so that you can easily access cash or the card you use most often without having to open the wallet.

And with the Vaultskin Manhattan Card Wallet you get the benefit of RFID blocking, so the information on your cards remains safe from scanning devices.

Best Overall Zip Pouch: Zpacks Wallet Zip Pouch

WEIGHT: 0.2 oz / 6 grams

DIMENSIONS: 4.3 x 3.0 inches / 10.8 x 7.6 cm

MATERIAL: Dyneema Composite Hybrid

WATER RESISTANT MATERIAL: Yes

PRICE: $

The Zpacks Wallet Zip Pouch is crazy ultralight! But that isn’t the only benefit of this wallet. It is also water resistant, large enough to comfortably fit up to about 6-8 cards, as well as notes and coins, and it is cheap!

If you aren’t too hung up on style then the Zpacks Wallet Zip Pouch is an awesome minimalist wallet. I’ve used it as my primary wallet for years, and I love it.

It has a small sewn fabric loop at each end of the zipper, so you can hang it from a leash or carabiner if needed. The zipper itself is water resistant, and better yet, the seams on the wallet have been taped to prevent water from seeping in through the stitching.

The wallet is made from an ultralight DCF hybrid material — same as the Hawbuck and HMG wallets mentioned above. It is the same ultralight waterproof material that Zpacks uses for their ultralight backpacks.

The material is relatively durable — my last wallet survived about five years of everyday use before it needed replacing.

If you want ultralight simplicity at a fair price, the Zpacks Wallet Zip Pouch is hard to look past.

Best Customisable Zip Pouch: Flowfold Essentialist Coin Pouch

WEIGHT: 0.5 oz / 15 grams

DIMENSIONS: 4.5 x 3.5 inches / 11.4 x 8.9 cm

MATERIAL: X-Pac or Lite Skin (composite materials)

WATER RESISTANT MATERIAL: Yes

PRICE: $

The Flowfold Essentialist Coin Pouch is another awesome ultralight zip pouch. Although it is slightly larger and heavier than the Zpacks Wallet Zip Pouch, it is still seriously lightweight.

Similar to the Flowfold Vanguard Bifold Wallet, the Essentialist Coin Pouch is made from either “X-Pac” or “Lite Skin” material.

Features on the Essentialist Coin Pouch are — as you would hope — minimalist. There is a small sewn fabric loop at the end of the one-way zipper so you can hang it from a leash or carabiner if needed.

But that is about it.

If however you do need additional features, then Flowfold offer the following variations:

Best Wearable Wallet: SÜLGEAR ADVENTURE WALLET

WEIGHT: 0.1 oz / 4 grams

DIMENSIONS: 3.5 x 3.0 inches / 8.9 x 7.6 cm (useable dimensions)

MATERIAL: Dyneema Composite Fabric

WATER RESISTANT MATERIAL: Yes

PRICE: $

It might not be the ideal choice for everyone, but in the right situation a wearable wallet can be invaluable. And the SÜLgear Adventure Wallet is about as minimalist as a wearable wallet can get.

This wearable wallet is sold as part of a small cottage industry project. But don’t let that deter you. This wallet is carefully pieced together, based on a well thought out design, using high quality materials.

It is made from Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) — the same material used for the Hawbuck and Zpacks wallets. The DCF material is waterproof and has a super strong tensile strength, meaning it shouldn’t sag or stretch over time. Whilst the Hawbuck and Zpacks wallets use a DCF material that includes a face fabric for added abrasion resistance, this isn’t the case for the SÜLgear Adventure Wallet. However that shouldn’t be an issue — because the wallet is worn around you neck, it won’t be subject to the same wear and tear as a wallet that is constantly being taken in and out of your jeans pocket.

The lanyard itself is also made from Dyneema. This means it is super strong and won’t absorb water. Even the lanyard adjuster is well thought out. It is a flexible silicone stopper — this means it can be moved up and down the lanyard without the need for a spring mechanism. This means it is lighter, smaller, and softer than a traditional plastic or nylon cord lock. This sums up the attention to detail found on this wallet!

If your preference is for a wearable wallet, or you could use one in certain situations such as travelling or backpacking, then the SÜLgear Adventure Wallet is almost certainly the lightest and most minimalist one you will find.

TYPES OF MINIMALIST WALLETS

Ultralight Bifold Wallets

A bifold wallet is a relatively traditional wallet design. It offers space for cards as well as a bifold compartment for bank notes. The card slots are usually accessible from the centre of the fold, but may sometimes be “top loading”. A bifold wallet is best when you tend to only carry cards and bank notes and not coins.

 

The Slimfold Micro Tyvek Wallet is an example of an ultralight bifold wallet, with the card slots accessible from the centre of the fold.

 

Zip & Coin Pouches

A zip pouch is the ideal choice if you live in a country where you tend to carry coins. Or if you like to be able to store small items such as keys or guitar picks in your wallet. They generally consist of a single compartment with a one-way zipper. Anything more substantial than that (e.g. more than one compartment) can’t really be considered minimalist!

 

The Flowfold Essentialist Coin Pouch is an example of a zippered coin pouch. in which you can store coins, keys, and more, in addition to the usual cards and bank notes.

 

Wearable Wallets

A wearable wallet generally consists of a small pouch with a neck lanyard attached. They are designed to be warm around your neck and are especially useful for travelling or crowded situations like festivals. In these situations personal security might be an issue, e.g. due to pickpocketing, or losing your wallet could be more than just an inconvenience. Wearing your wallet around your neck makes that scenario even less likely!

Wearable wallets are pretty comfortable, as long as you don’t carry anything too bulky or heavy in them. If the items are too heavy, then the movement of the pouch can get a bit irritating. But if you are just storing cards, notes, and maybe a key or two, then they are a handy and discrete alternative to a traditional wallet.

 

The SÜLgear Adventure Wallet is an example of an ultralight wearable wallet, made from ultralight DCF material and with an adjustable lanyard.

 

MORE INFORMATION

I hope you enjoyed this review of the best minimalist wallets. Hopefully it can help you downsize the package in your pocket! Looking for other cool travel accessories? Maybe check out our in-depth review of the Heroclip.

If you enjoyed reading this review then you'll likely love reading our other gear-fiend related articles:

Happy hiking and take care out there in the wild!