Tips for a lighter backpack for long-distance hiking and camping

During a long-distance hike, the weight of your backpack can make the difference between an unforgettable experience and a journey from hell. Nothing puts a damper on the spirits than a heavy burden on your shoulders. A lighter backpack makes hiking more enjoyable. With fewer kilos, you can also walk further. But how to get a lighter backpack without sacrificing safety and comfort whilst hiking?

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7 ways to travel in times of corona

These corona times are tougher for some than for others. We can imagine that stay-at-home kind of couch potatoes with an unhealthy Netflix addiction content themselves with some extra time to binge. Others, whose feet get itchy when they remain too long in one place, might be more hard-hit by the instruction to stay at home. For all of those with a serious fit of Fernweh, an ache for distant places, we present our tips on how to travel in times of corona, quarantine and social distancing.

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The art of disconnected travel: Is it possible to travel without a smartphone?

I always travel without a smartphone. For the simple reason that I don’t own one, never have and I have no intention to buy one in the near future.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against technology.

I don’t use a horse and carriage to get to places. (Instead, I cycle, walk or use public transportation.)

I don’t live in a mud hut in the mountains of New Zealand, disconnected from electricity and running water. (At least not yet.)

I definitely don’t carry around a portable typewriter, like the bohemian writers and beatniks of the old days. (Although I admit that the idea sounds kind of cool.)

No, on the contrary. As of late, I’ve evolved in quite the flashpacker. I almost invariably carry a laptop (for writing), a camera and an iPod (remember those?) around. I am fond of my toys. But a smartphone? Nope, I’d rather have my balls slowly removed with a rusted spoon.

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