After traveling the world for the past 10-years, I’ve learned a lot about staying safe – sometimes the hard way. Here are my best travel safety tips for avoiding trouble on your trip.

COVID UPDATE: Before you travel, research if there are any restrictions for the country you plan to visit. Many countries are open for travel but require proof of vaccinations, a negative COVID-19 test, quarantine or other restrictions. Traveling during a pandemic requires a few extra steps to stay safe.

Nothing ruins an adventure quicker than getting sick, scammed or robbed when you travel!

One time in Panama, some women distracted me at a bar while stealing my laptop from a backpack. I thought it was gone, until this happened months later. I got lucky.

In Mexico, a pickpocket grabbed my iPhone on the street. I managed to get that back too, chasing the thief down the road screaming like a maniac and brandishing a bottle of tequila! LOL.

You don’t even need to travel internationally to have bad stuff happen. In Miami Beach, my camera was stolen when I wasn’t paying attention.

After many years traveling the world, I’ve grown accustomed to deceitful taxi drivers, two-faced tour guides, insincere offers of help, and an occasional theft or scam.

For the most part, the world is a pretty safe place for travelers. I don’t want to scare you too much! However, it’s wise to be prepared.

With that in mind, here are my best travel safety tips to help minimize your chances of something bad happening to you during your travels.

Top Travel Safety Tips For 2022

1. Learn Common Travel Scams

Wherever you go in the world, you’ll always find people ready to trick you out of your hard-earned cash. If you’re lucky, they’ll be kinda obvious – but there are plenty of craftier, professional con-artists out there too.

Everyone thinks they’re too smart to be scammed — but it happens.

Here are some of the most common travel scams I’ve come across. I recommend you learn them all – then fire up the Google and do even more in-depth research into the worst scams happening at your specific destination.

For example, the milk scam in Cuba. “Broken” taxi meters in Costa Rica. Or the famous ring scam in Paris. Every country has its own special scams to watch out for!

Forewarned is forearmed, and this research can help defend you from being tricked out of hundreds, maybe thousands of dollars (while suffering the kind of frustration and misery that ruins a dream trip).

2. Write Down Emergency Info

If disaster strikes, you might not have time to search for numbers for local police or ambulance services, or directions to the nearest embassy for your country. You may also be too stressed and panicky to think straight.

Don’t put yourself in that position. Instead, record that information in advance, and create an “Emergency Plan” for you to follow if things go badly. Save it on your phone somewhere (I use the Evernote App).

I also recommend you write it down on a small card or sheet of paper, get it laminated (easily done at your local office supply store) to protect it from moisture, and keep it in your wallet/purse.

You can also save the information on a small USB thumb drive, along with copies of your passport and other important documents.

That way, if something goes wrong while traveling, you’ll always have access to your documents, plus know exactly who to call and where to go for help.

3. Check The State Department Website

The U.S. Department of State has a travel advisory page for every country in the world, where it lists all known difficulties and current threats to the safety of visitors.

However, a big caveat for this one: it’s the State Department’s job to warn you about everything that could go wrong, which is sometimes different to what is likely to go wrong.

This means their advice is generally on the hyper-cautious side. Factor that in, while you dig up more on-the-ground information.

But researching travel warnings will give you a general idea of what’s going on in the country you’re visiting, and specific problem areas you may want to avoid.

For example, just because certain parts of Thailand or Mexico have problems, doesn’t mean you should completely avoid those countries altogether.

4: Lock Up Your Valuables

Putting aside the fact that traveling with anything super valuable is usually a bad idea, there will always be something you absolutely cannot afford to have stolen. I travel with a lot of expensive camera gear for example.

Your job is to minimize the easy opportunities for theft.

Firstly, know that most travel backpacks aren’t very secure. It’s easy to feel that a zipped, even locked bag is a sufficient deterrent to any thief, and doze off next to it. Waking up to find someone’s slashed a hole in the side!

Unless it’s a slash-proof backpack, the material can be cut or torn by anyone determined enough. Many zippers can be forced open with sharp objects like a writing pen.

Always be aware of your valuables, and try to keep an eye on them in such a way that it would be impossible for someone to steal without you knowing. I’ll use my backpack as a pillow on train/bus routes that have a reputation for theft, and will sometimes lock it to a seat using a thin cable like this.

Secondly, call your accommodation to ask about secure storage options like a room safe, lockers, or a locked storage area. Carry your own locker padlock when staying at backpacking hostels.

5: Get Travel Insurance

You never think you need it, until you do. If you’re really worried about the safety of yourself and your gear while you travel, you can almost completely relax if you have some good insurance.

People ask me all the time if I’m worried about traveling with an expensive computer and camera. I was, when I didn’t have insurance for them. Now that I do, I’m not worried. If stuff gets stolen, it will get replaced.

Everyone should carry some kind of health and property insurance when traveling. Why? Because stuff happens. Whether you think it will or not. It doesn’t matter how careful you think you are.

My recommendation is SafetyWing for short-term travel insurance. They make it super easy to buy online. (They also cover COVID-19!)

If you’re going to be traveling for a long time (like as a digital nomad), there are good long-term options like expat health insurance from SafetyWing Remote Health mixed with photography/computer insurance from TCP Photography Insurance.

Travel Insurance Options

Protect yourself from injury, illness, or theft. SafetyWing offers affordable travel insurance that covers COVID-19 too!

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6: Ask Locals For Advice

If you really want to know which neighborhoods are safe and which might be sketchy, ask a local resident of the area.

Most locals are friendly, and will warn you about straying into dangerous areas. On the other hand, if a stranger offers up advice, it’s also wise to get a second opinion – just in case they don’t really know what they’re talking about but simply wanted to help (or worse, are trying to scam you).

Taxi drivers can be hit or miss in this regard. Some can be excellent sources for good information, others are miserable assholes who might actually lead you into trouble.

I’ve found that hostel or hotel front desk workers are generally pretty good sources for local advice.

Don’t be afraid to ask them which parts of the city to avoid, how much taxi fares should cost, and where to find a great place to eat!

7: Register With Your Embassy

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, from the U.S. Department of State, is designed to make a destination’s local embassy aware of your arrival and keep you constantly updated with the latest safety information.

It’s free, it’s available for all U.S. citizens and nationals living abroad, and it’s a great way to get reliable, up to date safety information as you travel, along with an extra level of security in case of emergencies.

Canada has it’s own version, called Registration Of Canadians Abroad.

That way if an emergency happens, like a natural disaster or terrorist attack, the local embassy can get a hold of you quickly to share important information or help with evacuation.

8: Email Your Itinerary To Friends/Family

Once you’ve worked out where you’re going and when, make sure someone else knows too.

The best way is to email the full itinerary to a few family members (and double-check with them that they received it – don’t just assume it landed in their Inbox, make sure it did). Then, if you can, check in from time to time.

Before I travel anywhere, I make sure my parents know where I’m going, what my general plans are, and when I should be back.

That way, if they don’t hear from me for a few days after I’m supposed to return, they can help notify the proper local authorities, the embassy, etc.

9: Don’t Share Too Much With Strangers

If you’re ever tempted to make your itinerary more public, say in a Facebook post, just remember it can be a roadmap of your movements – just the sort of thing someone with ill-intentions would love to know.

I also don’t recommend sharing too many details about your travel plans or accommodation details with people you’ve just met. For example, don’t tell a local shop owner or street tout where you’re staying when asked.

If someone does ask, rather than be rude, you can be vague about an area of town rather than the name of your hotel. Or lie and name a hotel you’re not actually staying at.

Sometimes people will ask if it’s your first time visiting their country or city. If you don’t trust them yet, you can pretend it isn’t your first trip. Because sharing that you’re new might also signal you’re a good target for scams.

When feeling vulnerable in a strange place, little white lies won’t hurt.

10: Don’t Do Stupid Things For Photos

In the age of Instagram & TikTok, it often feels like tourists are engaging in increasingly riskier activities just for likes on social media. Every week now you hear about people falling off cliffs or getting attacked by wildlife because they were trying to get an awesome photo.

Know your personal limits! Don’t do stupid things that have a high potential to get you hurt or killed. I’ll admit I enjoy a bit of risk now and then, but I try to be smart about it.

Don’t stand on the edge of a cliff if it’s windy or looks unstable. Pay attention to posted signs and warnings wherever you go. Keep your distance from wildlife, because animals are unpredictable.

Put yourself in the shoes of the locals, be respectful of the places you visit, and don’t trespass on private property either.

11: Splurge On Extra Safety

If you’re traveling as a budget backpacker, like I was, it can be tempting to save as much money as possible with the cheapest accommodation, the cheapest flights, the cheapest activities.

But it’s important to know that this isn’t always the safest way to travel.

Ultra cheap backpacker hostels aren’t always the safest places. I’ve stayed in some without locks on the doors, that felt like make-shift homeless shelters for drug addicts and other seedy people.

Budget flights can often arrive in the middle of the night — usually not the best time to be hailing down a cab in a dangerous city and hoping the driver doesn’t abduct you.

Sometimes it’s worth the extra few bucks to splurge on a slightly better hostel, a more convenient flight, a taxi home from the bar, or a tour operator with a strong safety record.

12: Be Aware Of Your Clothing

When it comes to travel, the wrong clothes scream “TOURIST” and make you a target for scammers, thieves and worse. The less obviously a visitor you look, the less attention you’ll get from the wrong kind of people.

Wearing the right clothes is a sign of respect. Many Islamic countries have specific dress code guidelines that are often strictly enforced – and other destinations have laws that may catch you out (for example, walking topless through the streets of Barcelona is illegal for both sexes).

However, it’s possible to stay within the law and still offend locals with what you’re wearing – generating a lot of hostility towards you in the process. Ignoring local customs can come across as both arrogant and ignorant.

In conservative countries, it’s just safer to dress more conservatively yourself. Obviously as a foreigner you’re still going to stand out a bit, but much less than those who ignore the local customs.

Start by checking out Wikipedia’s general advice on clothing laws by country – and then narrow down your research until you find someone giving advice you can trust, ideally a resident or expat turned local.

13: Stay “Tethered” To Your Bag

Most quick snatch-and-run type robberies happen because the thief can do it easily, and has time to get away. Therefore, anything that slows them down will help prevent it in the first place.

If you can keep your bag tethered to something immovable at all times, and do so in a really obvious way, thieves will consider it way too risky a job – and leave you alone.

A simple and effective method is to use a carabiner clip. Even a regular strap around your leg or chair.

It doesn’t need to be secured with a steel cable and padlock all the time, just attached to something that will make a snatch-and-run attempt too difficult.

14: Learn Basic Self-Defense

You don’t need black-belt skills, but joining a few self defense classes is a worthwhile investment in your personal safety. Some good street-effective styles to consider are Krav Maga or Muay Thai.

Next, learn WHEN to apply it. Just because you can kick someone’s ass, doesn’t mean you should in all situations. In the words of author Sam Harris:

“Do whatever you can to avoid a physical confrontation, but the moment avoidance fails, attack explosively for the purposes of escape.”

A great way to neutralize a threat is to get yourself as far away as physically possible. If someone with a gun or knife just wants your phone, give it to them, run away, and live another day.

Use force only when your life is threatened & there are absolutely no other options available.

If you want an extra level of personal security, pick up a tactical pen (and learn how to use it). I often carry one, and it doesn’t set off any alarms when going through customs.

15: Project Situational Awareness

Did you know that a majority of human communication is based on non-verbal body language? This projection of confidence can prevent you from becoming a target.

Keep your head up, stay alert, and aware of you’re surroundings. When you’re confident, potential attackers can sense it through your body language and eye contact.

Most will choose to move on and find an easier victim to attack.

In many places, making direct eye contact with potential threats can help ward off an attack, ensuring they notice you see them and what they may be planning. Yet in other parts of the world, too much eye contact might invite trouble…

Generally you should stay aware of who is around you, walk with a purpose, and don’t look worried, lost, or scared (even if you feel that way) — but I’d also avoid staring contests with sketchy looking strangers.

16: Tell Your Bank Where You’re Going

Imagine the agony of doing absolutely everything right and keeping yourself perfectly safe and secure – only to have your trip ruined because your bank thinks you’re the thief, and locks down all your cards.

If this happens and you’re lucky, you’ll be asked security questions to determine your identity. The rest of the time, you’ll get a notification from the bank’s fraud detection team that irregular activity has been recorded on your card, and they’ve put a hold on all transactions until the situation is resolved – which might take days.

The solution is simple. Most online banking services have a facility for letting the bank or credit card provider know about your upcoming travels. Make sure you use it, shortly before leaving – and keep them in the loop if your travel plans change.

I also recommend using your debit card at the airport ATM machine as soon as you arrive in a new country, as this also helps let the bank know you’re traveling.

17: Hide Emergency Cash

While it’s good to do everything you can to prevent worst case scenarios – it’s equally smart to assume it’ll happen and plan ahead for it. This is the thinking behind having an emergency stash of funds, stored in a safe place.

Some of my favorite hiding places include:

• Secret pocket sewn into your pants
• Behind a patch on your backpack
• Rolled into an empty chapstick container
• Inside a hidden compartment (like this hair-brush or belt pouch)

How much emergency cash? This will be personal preference, but I usually prefer $200 spread out in 2 different places. Some hidden on me, some hidden in my bag. A hidden backup credit card is wise too.

Now if things got really dire, and everything’s gone, what then? You call up a friend or family member, and ask them to send you the emergency money you left with them before you went traveling, via a Western Union or Moneygram transfer.

Hopefully it will never come to that. But these things do happen occasionally, and it’s better to practice safe travel techniques than to remain ignorant about the possibility.

18: Food & Water Safety

After traveling extensively the last 10-years, to over 50 countries, eating all kinds of weird stuff, I’ve only had food poisoning a couple of times.

Don’t be scared of the food when you travel! In fact, eating strange new foods can be a highlight for many people on their adventures around the world.

My food-obsessed friend Jodi recommends the following tips:

• Eat at popular places with long lines
• Try to watch how your food is prepared
• Pack translation cards to express your allergies
• Fully cooked food is always the safest
• Only eat peel-able fruit to avoid bacteria

I also recommend getting a filtered water bottle. In many modern cities around the world the water is safe to drink, but outside of those places it often isn’t.

Sure, you could keep buying bottled water everywhere you go, but that plastic waste is a huge environmental problem. Why not get one sturdy filtered bottle, and re-use it for years?

It pays for itself and saves the environment at the same time!

19: Use ATMs Wisely

You may have been told to cover your hand when keying in your PIN number at an ATM. That’s good advice worth following, both for others looking over your shoulder, as well as hidden cameras trying to record your pin.

Always take a close look at ATM machines before you use them. Pull on the card reader a bit. Does it have any questionable signs of tampering? If so, go into the bank and get someone to come out and check it (and then use another machine, regardless of what happens).

If an ATM machine appears to have eaten your card, run a finger along the card slot to see if you feel anything protruding. The “Lebanese Loop” is a trick where a thin plastic sleeve captures your card (preventing the machine from reading it) – then as soon as you walk away, a thief yanks it out and runs off with your card.

Another overlooked factor is where other people are when you’re at the machine. Can someone peer over your shoulder? Are they close enough they could grab the cash and run off?

If so, use another ATM elsewhere. Better safe than sorry! Never let anyone “help” you with your transaction either.

20: Stop Using Your Back Pocket

It’s the first place any pickpocket will check – and short of putting a loaded mousetrap in there (not recommended if you forget and sit down), the best way to deal with the dangers of having a back pocket is to never use it…

And if putting money in the back pocket of your pants is a habit you can’t seem to break, grab some needle and thread and sew it shut!

Your front pockets are a lot harder to steal from without being noticed.

If you’re REALLY worried, or plan to travel to a city where pickpockets run rampant, you can wear a money belt. I’m not a fan, but I know many who use them for peace of mind.

21: Travel In Numbers

The more people around you, the more eyeballs are on your valuables – and the more legs are available for running after thieves.

A group is also a much more intimidating physical presence, which helps ward off predators of all kinds. It will help to keep you safer than trying to go it alone in a foreign country.

If you’re traveling solo, consider making some new friends and go exploring together.

Staying at backpacker hostels is an excellent way to make some new friends. Often you’ll find other solo travelers there, who may want to do some of the same activities you want to.

However, I’d also like to highlight the importance of not trusting new people TOO quickly. There are some professional scammers who use the backpacker trail to take advantage of other travelers looking for a friend.

Don’t leave your expensive or important stuff with someone you just met. No matter how friendly they seem.

22: Pack A First Aid Kit

Injuries can happen when you travel abroad, not matter how careful you are. That’s why traveling with a basic first aid kit is always a good idea.

You don’t need to go crazy and bring your own needles and scalpels, but stocking the basics to treat cuts, sprains, stomach issues, and burns can help if you or people around you may need them.

I prefer a basic waterproof adventure first aid kit with a few additions of my own:

• Small tube of sunscreen
• Re-hydration salts
• Anti-histamine tablets
• Small pair of scissors
• Extra pain pills (Ibuprofen)
• Emergency space blanket
• Small tube of petroleum jelly (helps prevent blisters)

23: Stay (Relatively) Sober

Getting too drunk or high when you travel is almost always unacceptably risky. If you’re wasted, you’re not present, and anything could be happening around you (or to you).

I’m not saying don’t enjoy yourself. Hell I have plenty over the years! Just do it responsibly, stay hyper-aware of how much you’re consuming, keep hydrated & fed, and make sure you don’t lose control of the situation.

Harder drugs are especially risky — it’s a good way to get in trouble with the police, who may not be as forgiving (or even law-abiding) as authorities back home. Not to mention having to deal with potentially nefarious people who are providing those drugs — and their own alternative motives.

On a similar note, if you’re partial to late nights out partying until pre-dawn hours, be careful assuming that unfamiliar destinations will be as forgiving as back home.

Many generally safe destinations (especially ones filled with tourists) become far less secure late at night – and if you’re stumbling around intoxicated, you’re far less aware of your surroundings – and a VERY easy target for all kinds of bad stuff.

24: Trust Your Instincts!

This one is easily overlooked – and incredibly important.

You are a walking surveillance network. Your body sees and hears more things than you could ever process into coherent thought. Let’s call it your “spidey sense” — the ability to sense danger.

Your body might sense signs of danger before your brain is fully aware.

This is why gut feelings are always worth examining! If you’re feeling uneasy and you don’t know why, try not to write it off as irrational fear. Stop and pay closer attention to the situation. Can you figure out what the problem is?

It’s easy to dismiss your instincts as “silly”. Never treat them as such. Those gut feelings and intuition have kept humans safe for millions of years.

25: Travel Safety For Women vs. Men

All the tips on traveling safely above are equally important for both men and women. I don’t think the ability to travel safely should be focused on gender.

Unfortunately women are victims of violence everywhere, including here in the United States & Canada. Traveling doesn’t necessarily increase that threat, it simply changes the location.

Women worried about being assaulted or harassed might prefer to visit a local street bazaar or nightclub in a group rather than alone. Especially if it’s a common problem for the area.

I know some women who feel safer carrying a safety whistle and door stop alarm when they travel solo too.

However men also have specific safety concerns they need to watch out for, related to their egos. Like getting goaded into a physical fight that isn’t necessary. Or being scammed by a beautiful woman.

Travel safety is really about staying street smart, prepared for the unexpected, and minimizing your exposure to risky situations in a new and unfamiliar country.

A Few Words About Risk…

If you want to travel, you cannot avoid risk. There is no way to be 100% safe from any threat, in any part of life. Risk is an integral part of adventure too.

This means when you hit the road, you’re bound to get scammed sooner or later, or find yourself in unexpectedly challenging circumstances. It happens to all of us.

Risk is unavoidable – but it can be managed, so you can stay safer.

How do most people hear about events in other countries? It’s usually through the news. This is a big problem, because the media is biased – but not the way politicians would like you to believe.

The media reports on unusual events (most often negative ones). Things get featured in the news because they rarely happen. That’s the definition of “newsworthy”.

If the news was truly representative of what’s happening in the world, 99.9% of each report would sound like: “Today in Namib-istan, absolutely nothing dangerous happened, and everyone had a perfectly normal day – yet again.”

The news media makes other countries feel a lot less safe than they really are. In fact, the world seems to be getting safer every decade, according to data collected by economist Max Roser and psychologist Steven Pinker.

This isn’t saying that bad things don’t happen. It’s saying they’re usually a misleading representation of what normally happens.

Don’t believe the over-hype. Generally speaking, it’s never been a safer time to travel! So get out there with your new-found knowledge, enjoy your trip with confidence. ★

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READ MORE HELPFUL TRAVEL TIPS

I hope you enjoyed my guide on travel safety tips! Hopefully you found it useful. Here are a few more wanderlust-inducing articles that I recommend you read next:

• How To Save Money For Travel
• Best Travel Tips For Beginners
• Travel Jobs That Let You Work Abroad
• Ultimate Travel Vaccination Guide
• My Backpacking Checklist (What To Pack)

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Have any questions about travel safety? What about other suggestions? Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to share!

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

Travel Photography Gear

I’ve been working as a travel photographer & blogger for 10-years, so I get a lot of questions about what kind of photography gear I use. Take a peek inside my camera bag!

Now, when you’re reading this list, please understand that I’m a working professional freelance photographer. I own a lot of gear. Much more than I first started with.

Most travelers don’t need backup cameras, drones, and multiple lenses.

If you’re simply interested in a good portable camera for traveling, make sure to check out my complete guide to the best travel cameras for every budget.

I also share some photography gear recommendations for beginners at the end of this post, and you can check out my personal Amazon Shop to see all my photography & travel gear.

Keep in mind that I don’t pack absolutely everything on this list in my camera bag all the time, instead I pack according to each trip and shooting scenario.

My Travel Photography Gear In 2022

Sony A7R III – Main Camera Body

I was a Canon fanboy for years and started my backpacking adventures back in 2010 with the Canon 7D. However, when Sony came out with their smaller (and superior) mirrorless A7 line, I made the switch.

Since then I’ve been using Sony cameras & lenses for the past 6-years.

Sony’s camera & sensor technology is often far ahead of competitors these days — in fact, even Nikon uses Sony sensors in their cameras!

The Sony A7R III is built for high-end landscape photography with a massive 42.4-megapixel full-frame sensor. This sensor is HUGE! But the camera body isn’t, which is pretty incredible.

Frankly, this is far too much camera for most travelers though.

If you are trying to save some money, another great option is picking up a used Sony A7 III or Sony A6600. Both are amazing cameras for travel photos.

Camera Lenses

Sony 16-35mm F2.8 – Wide Angle Lens

The 16-35mm F2.8 is the lens that’s on my camera 75% of the time. As a landscape photographer, I love shooting wide to capture as much of a big landscape as possible.

But you can also get decent portraits out of it zoomed in to 35mm and stopped down to F2.8. This lens works well for night and star photography too.

There is a less expensive version of this, the Sony 16-35mm F4 which is another decent option too.

Sony 24-70mm F2.8 – Medium Zoom Lens

Occasionally I need a little more reach. Or, I only have space for one lens (like on bigger hiking trips), and want the best of both worlds.

The 24-70mm F2.8 isn’t quite as wide, but often wide enough for most landscapes. With the added ability to zoom in to small subjects far away, or to compress the background making mountains “look” bigger.

This is also my go-to portrait lens for taking photos of people!

Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM – Telephoto Zoom

The 100-400mm F4.5 is my wildlife photography lens, outdoor portraits, or to compress big mountain ranges. I don’t use it that often, and don’t bring it along on every trip. If weight is an issue, it’s usually the first to be left behind.

But if I have a particular shot in mind that requires a telephoto, I’ll bring it.

By adding a Sony 1.4X teleconverter, I can increase the range to 560mm (which is nice for safari photography).

Additional Photography Equipment

Sony RX100 VII – Backup Camera

For a long time, I only traveled with one camera. But as I began getting hired for professional photography gigs, I realized that a backup camera was a wise investment.

The Sony RX100 is a tiny point & shoot pocket camera with professional features. It offers full manual control, and the ability to shoot in RAW format.

I also use it for shooting time-lapses, vlogging, and for certain situations where I don’t want to bring my large camera with me. Like sketchy parts of town, into bars/nightclubs, etc.

For most travelers, this would be a perfectly fine primary travel camera too! It’s super small, but super powerful. It even has a 200mm zoom for wildlife!

GoPro Hero 9 – Action Camera

I’ve been using a GoPro since I started traveling ten years ago. I’ve owned almost all the models! Currently, I travel with the GoPro Hero 9.

GoPro cameras are great at capturing hands-free action or “b-roll” and you can attach them to almost anything. Plus, they are waterproof and shockproof!

I use my GoPro for surfing, mountain biking, hiking, snowboarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, cliff jumping, interior and exterior moving-vehicle footage, and more.

Just owning a GoPro is not enough to get great images and video. The magic of these cameras is in the multitude of accessories that are available for them!

DJI Mavic Air 2 – Flying Drone

The perfect tool for capturing aerial photography and video, while costing much less than renting a helicopter! Drones have really come a long way.

I couldn’t be happier with the DJI Mavic Air 2.

It flies super fast, is extremely reliable, and shoots high-quality RAW photos and 4K video. Not to mention it folds up crazy small!

The 360-degree sensors help stop you from running into things while flying, so you can concentrate on the shot. Active track and intelligent flight modes can do a lot of the work for you.

Top Online Photography Courses

Want to improve your photography? Fancy gear is nice, but learning from other photographers is a better investment.

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Camera Bags For Travel Photography

Peak Design Travel Backpack – Camera Daypack

It took me a while to find a great camera backpack that I really loved, and I went through many different ones.

I finally found a winner in the Peak Design Travel Backpack. It holds everything I need it to, sits comfortably on my back, and has the perfect amount of weatherproofing and gear protection.

You can strap on a tripod, hiking poles, and other day-hiking gear. There’s a dedicated laptop pocket, room for a jacket and snacks, plus it opens from the back for easy access on the ground. It’s perfect to carry-on airplanes or walk around a city with my photo gear.

Now, it’s not really set up for long-distance trekking or overnight camping though. For that, I use a different setup.

Peak Design Range Pouch – Camera Lens Bag

This is a special lens pouch, and the large size is big enough to keep a 100-400mm zoom lens safe & secure.

Or you can fit two smaller lenses in it (with a divider) or even a drone.

I use this specifically for long-distance trekking adventures, when I want to bring along an extra lens or my drone, but I also need to carry a regular hiking backpack filled with food, clothing, and camping gear.

It’s also handy for safely packing a camera lens in my suitcase, if my camera bag is going to be too heavy for some smaller airplane flights (specifically tropical islands!).

My Lightweight Camera Tripod

Peak Design Travel Tripod – Lightweight Tripod

As a landscape photographer, a solid yet lightweight travel tripod is a key piece of my photography equipment.

I use my Peak Design Travel Tripod (full review here) to stabilize the camera in low light situations and with high f-stop settings (for maximum focus range). It allows me to get shots I just can’t achieve hand-held.

Sunsets, sunrises, the northern lights, star photography, and motion blurred waterfalls are just some of the situations where having a tripod is important.

I also use it to film myself for vlogs, as well as to shoot travel selfies when I’m hiking on my own. There are cheaper tripod options available, which I share in my guide to the best travel tripods.

Favorite Camera Accessories

Peak Design Capture Clip

I love this thing so much! Basically, the Peak Design Capture Clip allows you to “clip” your camera onto your belt, or on the shoulder straps of a backpack, for easy access (and to keep your hands free).

I use it constantly for day hikes, long-distance trekking, walking around cities, and basically, anywhere I know I’ll want quick access to my camera. While I still use a camera strap sometimes, this is the primary way I carry my camera. You can even run with it!

It’s also a great photography gift idea, if you’re unsure what a photographer would want.

HINT: If you have a larger camera, the Peak Design Pro Pad makes carrying it on your belt MUCH more comfortable.

Peak Design Camera Strap

When I’m not using my Peak Design camera clip mentioned above, I snap on this Peak Design Leash Camera Strap and sling it around my shoulders it like you’d wear a rifle.

The Peak Design quick release system allows me to easily remove the strap if it’s getting in the way, or snap it right back on. Adjusting the strap length is also super fast. It’s pretty minimal and doesn’t take up much room in a camera bag. 

Camera Rain & Snow Protection

So, if I’m carrying my camera on my backpack straps, what happens if it starts raining? While my Sony A7R III has decent weather sealing, in bad weather I throw on my Peak Design Shell Rain Cover. This helps protect my camera from the elements, while also keeping it ready to access.

Now if the rain or snow is REALLY coming down, or I’m shooting near the ocean (like in Antarctica), or maybe under a waterfall, I also pack a simple plastic rain sleeve like this.

External Microphones

For video, the internal microphones on cameras just aren’t very good. In fact, they’re pretty terrible. Because audio is SO important for creating a good video, I pack two different external microphones.

One is the Sennheiser MKE 400 Shotgun, which goes on the top of my camera. Great quality, and very small.

The other is the Tascam DR-TL Lavalier. This goes on my body, so I can get great audio even if the camera is far away, the room has a lot of echoes, or if it’s super windy out. You can than easily sync the audio to the video later while editing.

LED Video Light

This tiny but powerful Aputure ALM9 LED Light mounts to the camera’s hot-shoe and allows me to shoot video at night. It takes up almost no space and can be recharged via USB cable.

Camera Lens Filters

Lens filters help you achieve certain photography effects that just aren’t possible with software yet. Think of them as sunglasses for your camera.

I carry a Hoya Fusion One Polarizing Filter to help reduce glare & reflections on water, glass (like through helicopter windows), and to darken up the blues and clouds in a sky.

I also carry a Tiffen Variable ND Filter (neutral density) which cuts down the amount of light going into the camera to different degrees, depending on how much you spin it. Why? To create special effects like motion blur in a waterfall, even when it’s sunny outside.

Wireless Remote

One of my favorite pieces of gear is the Sony Bluetooth Remote. This allows me to shoot photos or video remotely, when I’m away from my camera.

I used to own a wireless radio intervalometer remote, but newer Sony cameras have the time-lapse function built into their camera software (FINALLY!), so it is no longer needed.

However I do still like to shoot photos of myself, or group photos, with the ability to auto-focus, and this Bluetooth remote does that perfectly without any special camera attachments!

Memory Cards

Because I shoot in RAW, with very large camera files, I use very fast memory cards. I own a mixture of Sony High-Performance 64GB and SanDisk Extreme Pro 64GB class 10 cards which read/write at around 300 mb/s. 

Spare Batteries

There is nothing worse than running out of battery power during an epic photography moment! That’s why I always carry spare batteries for my cameras.

I own 4 batteries for my Sony A7R III, 2 batteries for my Sony RX100, 3 batteries for my drone, and 3 batteries for my GoPro.

Portable Hard Drives

I travel with an Apple Macbook Air 13″ with a 2TB SDD, which is usually plenty of room for the images & video I shoot on any given trip.

To back that up, I also pack a super small 2TB Sandisk Extreme Portable SSD. Once I get back “home”, I move everything over to a larger desktop RAID system.

Cold Weather Protection

I bought a cold-weather jacket for my camera a while back, for a few winter projects I was working on. Like camping on a frozen lake in Manitoba, and snowmobiling through the Russian wilderness.

It keeps your camera, batteries, lens, and your hands nice and toasty while shooting outdoors in below-zero temperatures. It’s a bit of a specialty product, and only makes it into my bag when I know I’ll be shooting in very extreme weather conditions.

Clear Accessory Pouches

I own a few Think Tank Camera Accessory Pouches to keep all my cables, battery chargers, and GoPro Accessories organized. The clear sides allow me to quickly figure out what’s inside.

Camera Cleaning & Maintenance

Microfiber Lens Cloths

There’s nothing worse than a foggy or smudged camera lens! I pack no less than 3 of these K&F Concept Microfiber Lens Cloths on every trip. Two go in my camera bag, one goes in my pocket for easy access. 

I always end up losing them too, so it never hurts to have more than you need laying around.

Air Blower

The problem with changing your lenses on mirrorless cameras is that the mirror is exposed to the elements, and they’re a magnet for dust. Dust on your sensor leaves you with “dust spots” on your photos (or worse, video).

A few quick bursts of air with this Camera Air Blower on your sensor can help clear that dust away.

Sticky Sensor Stick

When the air blower doesn’t work, and the dust on my sensor is too stubborn to blow away, I break out the big guns, my Eyelead Sensor Stick. It’s kind of like a gummy bear on a stick that pulls the dust away.

Budget-Friendly Camera Kit Examples

Yes, I own a lot of camera gear now. But that wasn’t always the case.

When I first started traveling, all I used was a Canon 7D, a wide angle zoom lens, a tripod, and a GoPro.

If you are still new to travel and adventure photography, don’t get discouraged by this giant list of gear-porn that I’ve accumulated over the years!

I do this professionally, so I can afford to go a little crazy.

For those of you traveling on a tighter budget, I’ve put together my ideal “starter travel photography kits” below — which won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

The Minimalist Backpacker Kit

• Sony RX100 VII – Compact Point & Shoot
• Joby Gorillapod 3K – Compact Tripod

Travel Photography Enthusiast Kit

• Sony A6600 – Compact Mirrorless
• Sony 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 – Travel Zoom Lens
• MeFoto Backpacker S – Travel Tripod
• Peak Design Everyday Sling – Mirrorless Camera Bag

Improving Your Travel Photography

Ok! That was a big post. But people kept asking about my gear, so there you go.

However please remember that gear isn’t everything.

The best way to improve your travel photography is to practice as much as possible and learn new skills.

Even after ten years doing this, I’m still learning new techniques to get better.

Joining some online photography classes can really help you improve your images, as well as learn about the business side of photography.

Finally, check out my top travel photography tips for beginners too! ★

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TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR

As a professional travel photographer, I get a lot of questions about what’s the best camera backpack for hauling your photo gear around. These are my favorites, and why.

Let’s be honest. Most tourists these days take photos with their smartphones, or maybe a compact travel camera. They don’t need a dedicated camera bag.

But what if you travel internationally with a ton of photography equipment like me? Or take your gear hiking?

Multiple cameras, lenses, a drone, etc. Maybe photography is your passion, or you run a YouTube channel, or work as a professional photographer?

You probably want a specialty photography backpack to pack that expensive gear safely and securely. I prefer traveling with a dedicated carry-on friendly camera backpack, and have spent the last few years trying out all kinds of different camera bags.

But what’s the best camera backpack for storing and traveling with your photo gear?

There’s no easy answer to this question. Different people will have different requirements and budgets for choosing a good camera backpack.

My goal with this camera backpack buyers guide is to help you narrow down the overwhelming choices — and pick the perfect camera backpack so you’re prepared for your next trip.

Why listen to me? Experience! I’ve been traveling around the world for ten years as a professional travel photographer, licensing images to brands like National Geographic.

Matthew KarstenThe Expert Vagabond

Here’s everything we’re going to cover (feel free to click to a specific section if you want to skip around).

Ultimate Camera Backpack Buyer’s Guide

Quick Answer: Best Camera Backpacks Of 2022

Backpack

Description

Price

Best Camera Backpack For Travel

Peak Design Travel Backpack

• FEATURES: Rear & Side loading, comfortable, durable, lockable zippers.
• WEIGHT: 4.5 LBS (2 KG)
• CAPACITY: 30-45L

CHECK PRICE

Best Urban Camera Backpack

Peak Design Everyday Backpack

• FEATURES: Top & side loading, comfortable, minimalist.
• WEIGHT: 4.65 LBS (2.1 KG)
• CAPACITY: 30L

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Stylish Camera Backpack

Nomatic McKinnon Camera Pack

• FEATURES: Rear loading, comfortable, waterproof.
• WEIGHT: 5.75 LBS (2.6 KG)
• CAPACITY: 35-42L

CHECK PRICE

Adventure Camera Backpack

Lowe Pro Whistler 350

• FEATURES: Rear loading, waterproof, durable, room for outdoor gear.
• WEIGHT: 5.6 LBS (2.5 KG)
• CAPACITY: 30L

CHECK PRICE

Trekking Photography Backpack

F-Stop Anja Camera Backpack

• FEATURES: Rear loading, waterproof, durable, room for outdoor gear.
• WEIGHT: 3.75 LBS (1.7 KG)
• CAPACITY: 40L

CHECK PRICE

Important Camera Backpack Features

WEIGHT – Obviously you want the lightest camera backpack you can find that’s also comfortable, because this will save your body from fatigue. The materials a backpack is made of can also affect its weight, and super light-weight fabrics can increase the price.

SIZE & CAPACITY – Backpack sizes are usually quoted in liters of volume they can hold. Generally, camera backpacks are going to run between 20-40 liters. However some adventure camera backpacks are designed to carry hiking & camping gear too, and can run 45-60 liters.

GEAR PROTECTION – The whole purpose of a specialized camera backpack over a regular bag is to help protect your expensive gear, while making it easily accessible too. Some bags go over the top with too much padding which adds to the overall weight.

SIDE/REAR LOADING – Camera backpacks are usually rear-loading, meaning you need unzip a panel on the back of the bag to access your photo gear. Some camera bags also offer side entry, so you can pull your camera out without taking off your backpack.

STRAP TYPES – A padded waist strap distributes the weight of your backpack on your core, instead of just your shoulders. This helps avoid sore shoulders and back pain, especially when wearing it for long periods of time. Especially handy for camera backpacks.

GEAR POCKETS – This is subjective, and everyone is different, but I prefer a minimal amount of pockets on my camera backpack. Some important ones include a quick-access pocket for things like keys, passport, sunglasses, etc. I also love when there’s a laptop pocket, and one for my filtered water bottle.

ZIPPERS – I prefer large, easy to use zippers on a backpack. Bonus points if they’re lockable zippers, specifically designed to be secured with a small luggage lock.

PROPER FIT – You could have the best travel backpack available, but if it doesn’t fit right, you’ll be miserable. Your torso length is more important than your height. Here’s a great backpack fitting guide.

LOOKS – Some camera backpacks are built to look like normal backpacks, others scream “there’s an expensive camera in here!”. I prefer a more subtle & minimalist look, but it’s ultimately up to you how important looks are.

WEATHER RESISTANCE – The material a backpack is made of can determine how weather-resistant it is. Some backpacks need a special rain-cover, others have rain-resistance built right in. You don’t want your gear getting wet!

CARRY-ON FRIENDLY – Airlines are getting stricter about the size and weight of your carry-on bag. As a general rule, I wouldn’t try to bring anything larger than a 40L camera backpack for carry-on luggage to be safe.

What Kind Of Photographer Are You?

When choosing a camera backpack, it’s important to have a general idea about how you plan to use it. Generally, I split photographers up into some different categories.

If you don’t lug a ton of photo equipment around, a small discreet camera backpack that you can carry-on an airplane and walk around a city with will do just fine. However, if you’re a professional photographer with lot of camera gear, or go on overnight treks with a lot of hiking & camping gear — you might want a larger adventure-style camera backpack.

Travel Photographers

Most typical travel photographers are going to want to keep their camera equipment on the plane with them in a camera backpack that’s not too big, and will look good when walking around the streets of Paris or Rome. They might embark on the occasional day hike too, but won’t need to fit camping gear inside their bag.

Adventure Photographers

Adventure photographers spend a lot of time shooting in the mountains, deserts, and jungles. Maybe they prefer visiting more remote destinations, and need space in their bag for a sleeping bag and tent. They pack their own multi-day backpacking and camping equipment to survive outside in the backcountry.

The camera backpack you choose from the guide below will depend on what kind of photographer you are (or think you’re going to be).

Online Photography Courses

Want to improve your photography? Fancy gear is nice, but learning from other photographers is a better investment.

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Top 6 Camera Backpacks For Photographers

1. Peak Design Travel Backpack – Matt’s Top Pick

Weight: 4.5 LBS (2 KG)
Capacity: 30-45 Liters
Load Range: 20-40 LBS
Colors: Black, Sage
Best For: Travel & Day Hiking
Price: Click Here For Latest Price

The best designed camera backpack I’ve tested so far, the Peak Design Travel Backpack has loads of space, makes it easy to access your gear, and the quality is fantastic. It was designed as a carry-on travel bag, but works amazing as a camera backpack too when paired with camera-specific packing cubes (which come in different sizes).

You can adjust the size of the bag from 30L to 45L depending on your travel needs. Backpack straps can all be hidden super fast, which is awesome. Accessing your photo gear is super easy and fast, it’s comfortable to carry, and it protects your equipment while traveling or hiking. There’s a dedicated laptop pocket too.

OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS:

2. Peak Design Everyday V2 – Urban Camera Backpack

Weight: 4.65 LBS (2.1 KG)
Capacity: 22-30 Liters
Load Range: 20-40 LBS
Colors: Black, Grey, Blue
Best For: Travel & Day Hiking
Price: Click Here For Latest Price

The Peak Design Everyday Backpack is a popular walk-around camera bag that’s great for lugging your camera equipment around cities, for day hikes, or as a carry-on camera backpack. The material looks great but is pretty weather resistant too.

It has three points of entry into the bag. From the top, as well as two side flaps for easy access to your camera gear without needing to remove the backpack completely. The MagLatch system leaves part of the bag open on the sides, because there’s no drawstring closure.

OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS:

3. McKinnon Camera Pack – Stylish Camera Backpack

Weight: 5.75 LBS (2.6 KG)
Capacity: 35-42 Liters
Load Range: 20-40 LBS
Colors: Black
Best For: Travel & Day Hiking
Price: Click Here For Latest Price

The Peter McKinnon Camera Pack from Nomatic is the perfect bag for every adventure. It allows you to pack camera gear and clothing in the same bag. With removable folding dividers, expansion, and external carry straps it allows you to pack it any way you want.

OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS:

4. LowePro Whistler 350 – Adventure Camera Backpack

Weight: 5.6 LBS (2.5 KG)
Capacity: 30 Liters
Load Range: 30-40 LBS
Colors: Grey
Best For: Outdoor Adventure Photography
Price: Click Here For Latest Price

The LowePro Whistler 350 has been my favorite travel camera backpack for years now! The special TPU coating can take a lot of abuse from the elements, and a large easy-to-use zipper allows you to open the camera compartment quickly, even with gloves on. The newer versions have a laptop pocket too.

It holds a deceptively large amount of gear, and I regularly carry it on airplanes loaded down with 30-40 lbs (don’t tell the airlines!). There’s a large front pocket to pack your lunch, a jacket, or even avalanche equipment. External gear straps can hold snowshoes, a snowboard, skis, your tripod, or anything you need.

LowePro also makes a larger 450 model, but it’s too big for airline carry-on.

OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS:

5. Strohl Mountain Light – Adventure Photography Backpack

Weight: 2.2 LBS (1 KG)
Capacity: 45 Liters
Load Range: 30-50 LBS
Colors: Black, Blue
Best For: Outdoor Adventure Photography
Price: Click Here For Latest Price

From day hikes to overnights, the Strohl Mountain Light Backpack was designed by professional photographer Alex Strohl to be lightweight and nimble. Constructed using rugged custom materials, taped seams, and thoughtful external storage.

The backpack is weatherproof and adaptable to any type of mission you can think of. Quick Back panel access and a compact camera unit allow easy camera carry and fast access. It’s also the lightest camera backpack in this guide!

OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS:

6. F-Stop Anja – Mountain Series Camera Backpack

Weight: 3.75 LBS (1.7 KG)
Capacity: 40 Liters
Load Range: 30-50 LBS
Colors: Black, Green, Orange
Best For: Outdoor Adventure Photography
Price: Click Here For Latest Price

The rugged and weather proof F-Stop Anja Backpack was created for adventure photographers who need to pack hiking & camping gear along with their photo gear. At 40-liters it’s still airline carry-on approved for most airlines too.

It has an internal aluminum frame for support, waist belt, and comfortable shoulder straps. It comes with a Slope Medium ICU for holding a professional DSLR with an attached lens & other gear. However there are other ICU sizes available depending on the amount of gear you need to carry.

Its outer shell is fully water resistant, features plenty of small pockets for extra storage and it is hydration system compatible. There’s also a 13″ laptop compartment, quick-access top pocket, and plenty of attachment points for adventure gear like skis or ice axes.

OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS:

What’s In My Camera Bag?

Take a peek inside my camera bag to learn what I pack with me on my travel photography adventures around the world.

Click Here For Free Guide

FAQ: Top Camera Backpack Questions

Well, I hope you learned a little bit more about the different kind of travel cameras available, and are able to choose one that fits your budget and needs. Or maybe if you’re researching nice gifts to give a photographer in your life.

Happy travels, and let me know which camera model you decide to pick for your next vacation! ★

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This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

Badakhshan, Afghanistan

I spent 2-weeks exploring the remote mountains of Afghanistan on a backpacking trip. Not your typical vacation destination, but one of my favorite travel experiences to date. Here’s a glimpse of the beauty of Afghanistan.

What comes to mind when you think about Afghanistan? War? Terrorism? Osama Bin Laden? The Taliban? Poppy fields? The Burqa?

While much of Afghanistan is still dangerous — there’s also incredible beauty, hospitality and kindness that doesn’t get reported on there.

It’s far too easy to vilify or write-off an entire nation when you don’t have to look those people in the eyes. People with the same hopes and dreams as you — to simply survive, find happiness and provide for their families.

I was able to experience the positive side of Afghanistan and its wonderful people, up close and personal, during my trip in the summer of 2016 as an American tourist. It’s since become my most memorable travel adventure to date.

Here are some of my favorite photos of people & landscapes from my 100-mile backpacking trip into Afghanistan’s remote and mountainous Wakhan Corridor in Badakhshan Province.

Witness the “other” side of Afghanistan that you don’t see in the news.

Improve Your Photography

Want to get better at photography? Learning from other photographers is key. Here are my favorite online photography classes!

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Afghanistan Photo Essay

Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor

The Wakhan is a rugged and wild region of Northeast Afghanistan, part of Badakhshan Province. It’s a narrow piece of land, about 400 km long, surrounded on three sides by Tajikistan, China, and Pakistan.

Two large mountain ranges dominate the area, the Pamir in the North, and the Hindu Kush in the South. The Wakhan Corridor was created by politicians in the 1800’s during the “Great Game” in an attempt to leave a buffer zone between British India and the Russian empire.

Remote Mountain Trekking

During my hiking adventure in Afghanistan we traveled primarily on foot, but I also managed to hitch a ride on a yak for a portion of the route after running into a group of Wakhi men leading their yaks through the mountains.

While they stopped for tea, they let us borrow their yaks, which we led further into the valley — until their owners caught up with us later.

Yaks are the ultimate Eco-friendly 4×4 in Afghanistan, able to climb steep rocky terrain and power through icy cold rivers. There are no trees above 10,000 feet, so locals are forced to trek for 3-days to lower elevations with their animals in order to gather firewood for cooking and warmth.

Afghanistan’s Ancient Silk Road

The Wakhan region in Afghanistan was once part of the ancient silk road, an important trading route connecting China to Europe. Along with silk, horses, and other goods, it was a highway for armies and explorers too. Explorers like Marco Polo who is believed to have passed through here during the 13th century.

Crossing steep mountain passes and high desolate plateaus, passing caravans of yaks and donkeys loaded with goods, spending the night in stone shelters with traveling merchants — I felt like I was getting a glimpse of what the silk road must have been like all those years ago.

READ MORE: 17 Useful Travel Photography Tips

The Many Faces Of Islam

Just like the many different branches of Christianity, there are many different branches of Islam, all with their own beliefs and values. Many people living in Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor are Ismaili Muslims, who practice a moderate form of Islam. They number 25 million worldwide, and despise the Taliban.

Their spiritual leader is the Aga Khan, a successful British businessman and Imam who runs the Aga Khan Development Network, a super important charity organization that improves living conditions and opportunities for the poor in Africa and Central Asia.

Untamed Blue Rivers

The Wakhan River runs through the Wakhan Corridor, fed by the high altitude mountains of the Hindu Kush on the border with Pakistan. It snakes its way through the mountains and is a major lifeline for the people living in this harsh and unforgiving landscape.

The bright blue color of this water is due to reddish hues of the rock formations around it, as well as the crystal clear source (a glacier). Water molecules absorb other colors, like red, more efficiently than blue.

READ MORE: How To Pick A Travel Backpack

Epic Afghanistan Landscapes

When the weather was clear, I was rewarded with incredible views of the mountains like this! The trail was well worn, as it’s used daily by small groups of locals who travel in caravans of yaks or donkeys from settlement to settlement.

The 10 day trek ranged in altitude from 10,000 to 16,000 feet, and we averaged about 10 miles per day of hiking. I began to feel the effects of altitude on my body around 12,000 feet with shortness of breath. At 16,000 feet hiking became even more tiring and difficult.

The Roof Of The World

The Kyrgyz people of Afghanistan are semi-nomadic, moving from valley to valley herding their animals to different grazing pastures depending on the season. They live in cozy yurts made of sheep felt, which can be broken down and transported long distances.

Each settlement consists of 2-3 families living and working together. Originally from the area around Kyrgyzstan, their ancestors were kind of trapped in the Wakhan after the Soviets took over Central Asia, forcibly settled nomadic tribes, and sealed off the silk road route.

READ MORE: How To Visit The Afghan Wakhan

Salty Yak Milk Tea

Both the Wakhi and Kyrgyz people drink large amounts of salty milk tea, called Sheer Chai. It’s served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Basically, it’s a mix of yak and goat milk, boiled down for hours and dried into a portable block. It’s prepared by adding boiling water, loose-leaf tea, and rock salt.

The salt is great for rehydration at high & dry altitudes — I called it my Afghan Gatorade. It took a while to get used to (salty hot milk anyone?), but by the end of the adventure my body was craving sheer chai for every meal. You can also dissolve raw butter into the tea at breakfast for extra calories.

Ancient Afghan Petroglyphs

Near the end of my 2nd day on the trail, we hiked past a set of ancient petroglyphs scrawled into a dark colored boulder overlooking the valley. My local guide, Yar, couldn’t tell me much about them, other than they think these markings are a few thousand years old.

They depict hunting scenes, men armed with what appear to be bows, as well as large game like ibex and the rare Marco Polo sheep. This was just one of many petroglyphs that dot the landscape in these mountains. They are thought to mark ancient hunting grounds claimed by different tribes.

Schools In Afghanistan

This simple 3 room school in the remote Afghan village of Bozai Gumbaz was built by Greg Mortenson and his Central Asia Institute. You may have heard of Greg before, he’s the author of the best selling novel Three Cups Of Tea, about building schools for girls in Pakistan.

The school at Bozai Gumbaz, where I spent the night playing cards with Afghan army soldiers, was prominent in his 2nd book, Stones To Schools. The next morning a group of boys showed up on donkeys for class. I saw many CAI schools along the road from Eshkashim to Sarhad-e Broghil.

Backcountry Camping In Afghanistan

As a big fan of the outdoors, one of the highlights on this trip was the opportunity to wild camp in the mountains of Afghanistan. Most nights we were able to stay at small Wakhi or Kyrgyz settlements in basic guest huts, but we also camped out in tents a few nights too.

Normally I’m a camping hammock kind of guy, but because I knew there weren’t going to be any trees for most of this trek, I packed my super lightweight Nemo Hornet 2P Tent. It snowed a few times during the journey — in August!

READ MORE: My Complete Travel Gear Guide

As-Salāmu ʿAlaykum

I was constantly greeted with As-salāmu ʿalaykum which means “peace be upon you”. A shorter version of this is just salām. Shaking hands is common, and so is placing your hand on your heart, which simply means your greeting comes from the heart.

Another important term I used during my journey is taschakor, meaning thank you. I always recommend trying to learn 10 of the most used words in a local language before traveling there. In the Afghan Wakhan, most people speak some Dari (Farsi) along with local dialects.

Women In Afghanistan

Many people were asking if I saw women in Afghanistan. Yes I saw women during my trip, but most were extremely shy, especially if I had my camera out. Plus in their culture, talking with strange men is taboo. But shooting portraits of men or kids was not a problem.

Near the border town of Sultan Eshkashim, with a large Sunni population, many women wear a full-length blue burqa that covers their face. In more rural areas of the Wakhan, it’s less strict. Women wear long colorful dresses with a simple headscarf. I was able to say hello and see their faces.

Afghan Shrines & Tombs

I encountered a few ancient burial tombs during my time exploring the Wakhan Corridor. Near the Afghan military outpost of Bozai Gumbaz, there’s a collection of strangely shaped Kyrgyz beehive tombs, along with evidence of Soviet bombing (craters, bomb fragments) from the 1980’s occupation.

At the settlement of Langar, we found a pile of ibex horns marking the burial place of a powerful big man. In Afghanistan, wealthy & powerful men are often called “big men”. It’s a bit like calling someone “boss.” The more animals, land, and wives you have, the “bigger” & more influential you are.

Some Very Rough Roads…

Before I began the 10 day, 100 mile trek through the mountains, I had to hire a 4×4 van to drive me to the last village at the end of the road. We passed a few military checkpoints along the way, stopping for tea & candy with officials before continuing on.

The drive took 2 days, and the roads were some of the worst I’ve ever seen. Dust seeped into the vehicle, covering us in dirt. We forded rivers, drove along the edge of sheer cliffs, and were frequently stopped by huge herds of goats blocking the road. The van suffered 6 flat tires during the journey.

Staying At Wakhi Settlements

While I entered Afghanistan alone, I decided to hire a local translator/guide and horseman to accompany me on the trek into the mountains. It would have been extremely difficult to communicate with others without their help. We spent a few nights at Wakhi settlements during the hike.

Wakhi homes are basically stone huts with dirt floors, constructed using manure for cement. The roof is made of logs, grass, and more manure to keep it waterproof. Some shelters had stoves inside, others just had a fire pit. Either way it was pretty smokey inside with a fire…

Children Of The Wakhan

Life in the Wakhan is rough, especially for kids. About 60% of children here die before the age of five, the highest infant mortality rate in the world. If they do survive, they are put to work helping out with the family business — animal herding.

There are a few schools out here, thanks to the Central Asia Institute, but it’s up to the parents if they go. In some communities, only the boys are sent to school. The morning commute can take a few hours by donkey due to the lack of roads and distance between settlements.

Wildlife In Afghanistan

I was really hoping to see a snow leopard or Marco Polo sheep while I was traveling through the mountains of Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor. You know, Walter Mitty style! Unfortunately both of these endangered animals are extremely difficult to spot — but I did find camels!

Luckily the Wildlife Conservation Society has staff in the area, often spending weeks in the field gathering data to protect wildlife in the Wakhan. They estimate there are about 100-200 snow leopards living in these mountains. Wolves and bears also call this wilderness home.

A Glimpse Of The Other Afghanistan

So there you go. A peek at the other side of Afghanistan that we never see on the nightly news. After traveling the world extensively for the past 6 years, I’ve noticed this is a common theme.

Don’t let our media, which is primarily focused on negative & sensational topics, be your only window into the dynamics of a foreign country you’ve never been to.

I’m not going to tell you that Afghanistan is safe. It’s not. Our troops who’ve served there can tell you. Afghans themselves are well aware of the dangers that plague their country too.

But I think there’s another side to Afghanistan that deserves some attention. The rugged, scenic mountain landscapes. The friendly, hospitable local people.

I’m hopeful for the day when Afghanistan’s problems fade away, and more travelers can safely enjoy the beauty this incredible country has to offer. ★

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READ MORE TRAVEL TIPS

I hope you enjoyed my Afghanistan photos! Hopefully you also found this post useful. Here are a few more wanderlust-inducing articles that I recommend you read next:

• How To Visit The Wakhan Corridor
• Top Travel Quotes For Wanderlust
• Great Compact Cameras For Traveling
• 40 Travel Jobs For Digital Nomads
• How To Become A Digital Nomad

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This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

Photography Gear Review

After 4-years of development, the Peak Design Travel Tripod is finally out! Here’s why I think it’s the best lightweight tripod for travel & backpacking adventures.

If you’re a frequent traveler like me, or enjoy hiking out into the backcountry with your camera, finding a great lightweight travel tripod can be a difficult task.

You want it to be sturdy of course — but small, lightweight, and easy to pack too.

I’ve owned many travel tripods over the years, but Peak Design’s new Travel Tripod is the closest I’ve found to perfection — lightweight, compact, and an innovative design makes it the best lightweight tripod on the market right now.

If you’re looking for a high-quality tripod for travel & backpacking, it’s a great choice!

Below I’ll give you a rundown of its features, the how to use it, and some of the reasons it’s become one of my favorite pieces of photography gear.

Peak Design Travel Tripod Review

The Travel Tripod is available in two versions and price points — aluminum ($350) and carbon fiber ($600). I own and have been using the carbon fiber version since July, and it became a mainstay in my travel photography kit.

I’d say I pack it on 75% of my photography trips these days, due to its compact nature. It’s really easy to travel with compared to other tripods!

Tripod Specs & Features

Weight (Carbon Fiber Version): 2.81 lbs (1.27 kg)
Weight (Aluminum Version): 3.44 lbs (1.56 kg)
Maximum Height: 60″ (152 cm)
Minimum Height: 5.5″ (10 cm)
Folded Length: 15.2″ (39 cm)
Load Capacity: 20 lbs (9.1 kg)
Tripod Leg Sections: 5

The Ultimate Travel Tripod

My favorite feature of the Peak Design Travel Tripod is just how small & sleek the tripod is when fully collapsed — there is no wasted empty space!

I don’t know how they did it, but the tripod’s folded diameter is very small, so it can fit into a water bottle pocket on the side of a backpack (or even INSIDE a camera backpack).

The tripod’s legs have five sections with a lever lock for each. Its maximum height is 60” inches (152.4 cm) with the center column raised. This is actually very tall!

Because I’m six feet tall, with most travel tripods I have to bend over quite a bit to look into my camera, but not this one. Which is pretty amazing with how small it packs down!

Its minimum height with the collapsed legs extended wide (“low mode”) is 5.5” (14 cm). In “table top mode” the maximum height is 22.5” (57.2 cm) with the center column raised and 13.125″ (35.9 cm) with the center column down. 

Lightweight Yet Stable

As for weight capacity, it easily carries most cameras and lenses. Including a 70-200mm telephoto lens. It’s incredibly sturdy even with the tripod leg sections fully extended.

In fact, this is what’s most surprising about the tripod. Many lightweight travel tripods with several leg sections can be wobbly and unstable in the wind — this one is not!

Peak Design’s special omni-directional ball head is another great feature. It is ARCA SWISS compatible and has a standard camera plate, an adjustment ring, locking ring, quick release, and a tiny bubble level built right in.

It also features two removable pins that make it L-bracket compatible. The ball head is detachable from the center column as well (I’ll talk more about this below).

The Travel Tripod In Action

Setting up the Peak Design travel tripod is simple. The cam levers are easy to open and lock very securely so there’s little chance of them opening accidentally.

The tripod won’t slip on most surfaces thanks to its rubberized feet (if you shoot in icy or snowy conditions and want more grip, Peak Design sells a spiked-feet set for $25).

A small adjustment knob controls the raising and lowering of the center column. The adjustment ring is smooth and easy to operate. A locking ring prevents the quick release from being used accidentally.

There is a detachable hook on the bottom end of the center column that you can hang your bag on for even more stability.

Removable Center Column

The ball head is detachable from the center column. This allows the tripod to go into “low mode” (5.5” or 14 cm from the ground), which is perfect for wide angle, macro, or creative shots.

It also gives you the option of using Peak Design’s universal head adapter, which you use to attach a third-party tripod head, like one with video pan & tilt controls.

You can also make the tripod weigh even less! The company sells ultralight conversion kit, which consists of three special feet that transforms it into a table-top tripod. Perfect if you are trying to save weight on a long-distance backpacking trip!

Other Cool Peak Design Features

Hex Wrench Tool

The tripod has a hex wrench tool mounted to a removable leg clip holder, plus a bushing removal tool (used for maintenance and stored in a hidden pocket in the tripod case).

The hex wrench is for attaching the plate to the camera, to remove the two pins on the ball head plate, and remove the ball head from the center column. Not something I personally do on a regular basis.

Secret Mobile Phone Mount

The travel tripod comes with a a very cool mobile phone mount, stored in the bottom of the center column above the detachable hook (a magnet keeps it from falling out when you remove the hook!).

It snaps easily onto the ball head and grips phones securely.

I find its great for shooting Instagram Stories of yourself on the go, and for Instagram or Facebook Live posts. No need to lug around a separate iPhone tripod mount!

A Lifetime Guarantee!

Yup, that’s right. If your travel tripod ever breaks, Peak Design will send you a new one! This alone is worth the slightly higher price tag on these incredible tripods.

If any part of your Peak Design travel tripod becomes non-functioning or defective, they will repair or replace it with a fully-functioning one in the same or better condition.

Unfortunately it doesn’t include cosmetic wear & tear — I’m rough on my equipment!

A Few Downsides…

Despite all of the great features of the Peak Design travel tripod, it does have a few minor disadvantages. One is that the legs only have two leg angles — tall or very low, there’s no middle angle. Many tripods usually have 3-angles.

Not a huge deal, as you can create a 3rd angle by adjusting two of the legs to low angle, and the third to high angle.

Another potential issue is the lack of a panning knob. For video work, or some kinds of landscape photography work, you might want to replace the included ball head with one that allows panning (which you can totally do!)

The hex wrench tool is pretty easy to lose. I’ve already lost mine once, so now I just keep it in my camera bag rather than attached to the tripod.

Finally, the awesomeness of this travel tripod comes at a price. The aluminum model is $350 while the carbon fiber model costs $600. Not the most expensive tripods out there, but not exactly cheap either.

The Peak Design Travel Tripod is a great piece of photography gear. Its compact size and low weight make it ideal for traveling, backpacking, and every-day photography.

It’s stable, well designed, and securely supports the vast majority of cameras, even your smartphone. And if you have a favorite ball head, simply swap it in using the ball head adapter.

While not cheap, it’s an outstanding lightweight tripod overall. It will keep your camera secure and your back happy while traveling and hiking! ★

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

Nomadic Living

Want to live & work from a Caribbean island or a historic European city? Special international freelance visas for digital nomads and remote workers are finally here!

Traveling the world while working online from your laptop has been a dream for millions of self-proclaimed digital nomads — including me.

However working from foreign countries while traveling on a tourist visa is technically illegal in most places.

Tourist visas also usually expire after 30-90 days, and it’s not always easy to renew them. What if you want to stay longer?

That doesn’t stop digital nomads from working while traveling, but it can make things complicated, and with travel restrictions due to COVID-19, it’s much more difficult to work & travel internationally.

Visa laws in most countries are not set up to deal with this new class of modern nomads who are living and working remotely around the world.

But that’s finally starting to change, as some countries have recognized the need for so-called “digital nomad visas”, “remote work visas”, or “freelancer visas” specifically to entice foreigners to come work & contribute to their economies.

Many of these destinations are hoping the remote work visas will generate income to help make-up for lost tourism revenue due to the pandemic.

Nomad Travel Insurance

Protect yourself from injury, illness, or theft. SafetyWing offers affordable travel insurance that covers COVID-19 too!

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Digital Nomads vs Freelancers

Digital nomads are basically remote workers who travel to different locations on a regular basis. They use modern technology to work from coffee shops, hotels, co-working spaces, or libraries with a WiFi connected laptop or smartphone from anywhere in the world.

Freelancers are self-employed, working for themselves or other companies as independent contractors. Freelancers can travel while they work, or just work from home while living in one place on a long-term basis.

The two are similar, but not exactly the same. The visas listed below can be obtained by both kinds of workers, digital nomads and freelancers.

Best Countries With Visas For Digital Nomads

1. Antigua & Barbuda

The Caribbean island nation of Antigua & Barbuda has announced a digital nomad visa called the Nomad Digital Residence (NDR). It’s for remote workers who can show the means to support themselves and any family members joining them.

This visa is good for 2-years, and visitors will be required to maintain their own health insurance plan while staying within the country and enjoying its 365 different beaches.

Basic Conditions

• You own a location independent business (and/or)
• You work remotely for a company based outside of Antigua & Barbuda
• You earn at least $50,000 per year
• You have your own travel/health insurance plan

How To Apply

• Fill out the online application form
• Provide proof of employment and a police background check.
• Pay the visa fee: $1,500 for one person, $2,000 for a couple, $3000 for a family of 3 or more.

2. Bali

The beautiful island of Bali, Indonesia has long been a popular location for remote workers to base themselves. And while there are no formal details just yet, Bali has just announced they are looking to implement a brand new digital nomad visa sometime later this year.

The Bali remote work visa would be good for up to 5-years, and holders of the visa would NOT have to pay taxes on any income earned outside Bali.

This is big news! I’ll make sure to post any updates on details of Bali’s digital nomad visa as they become available. I’m sure many nomadic types would love to take advantage of such a visa, and work from Bali legally.

3. Barbados

Barbados has also opened its borders to digital nomads and remote workers who are looking to escape the pandemic while basing themselves in a beautiful island destination.

The “Barbados Welcome Stamp” is a special 12-month visa for remote workers, which can also be renewed for even longer. Why not live next to the beach and work from home in Barbados!

Basic Conditions

• You own a location independent business (and/or)
• You work remotely for a company based outside of Barbados
• You earn at least $50,000 per year
• You must undergo mandatory COVID-19 test and 48-hour quarantine

How To Apply

• Fill out the online application form
• Submit all required paperwork and pay the $2000 visa fee.

4. Bermuda

Bermuda joined the remote work visa club! Their recently released “Work From Bermuda” digital nomad visa is just an expansion of an older residency program, which allows digital nomads and remote workers to stay in the country for up to a year.

Aimed at professionals who normally work from home, they hope the new visa will attract long-term travelers who want to base themselves from an island destination.

Basic Conditions

• You own a location independent business (and/or)
• You work remotely for a company based outside of Bermuda
• No minimum income requirement!
• You must undergo mandatory COVID-19 test
• Show proof of travel insurance

How To Apply

• Fill out the online application form
• Submit any required paperwork and pay the $263 visa fee.

5. Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands launched a special visa for digital nomads called the Global Citizen Certificate (GCC). It allows travelers to stay in the islands for up to 2 years.

The income requirements are much steeper than other countries in this list though: individuals must provide proof of an annual salary of at least $100,000, or $150,000 for couples.

Basic Conditions

• You must be employed by an entity outside of the Cayman Islands.
• A notarized bank reference letter.
• Applicants are subject to background checks.
• Show proof of health insurance coverage.

How To Apply

• Fill out the online application form
• Submit required paperwork and pay the application fee of $1,469.

6. Costa Rica

There are many digital nomads who choose to base themselves in Costa Rica due to the relaxed lifestyle, great surfing, nice beaches, and diverse landscape of volcanoes, waterfalls, and jungle.

Costa Rica has a freelancer visa called the Rentista, allowing foreigners to stay for up to 2-years, with the ability to extend it. Often used by retirees with a fixed income and some entrepreneurs — because you can’t be an employee for another company on the Rentista.

Basic Conditions

• Show an average income of $3000 USD per month.
• Obtain travel medical insurance that will cover them in Costa Rica.

How To Apply

• The application process for Costa Rica’s new Digital Nomad Visa is still being worked on at this time. Applying for the Rentista Visa can be done on Costa Rica’s Migracion Website, but hiring an immigration lawyer is recommended.
• All your documents must be translated into Spanish, as well as authenticated in your home country.
• Pay the visa fee (unknown yet for the Digital Nomad Visa, and $250 USD for the Rentista Visa).

7. Croatia

As of January 2021, Croatia has started issuing digital nomad visas. The visa is available for different lengths of time, with a maximum of 12-months. From what I’ve read, it seems you need to physically be in Croatia to apply for this long-term residence permit, you can’t apply from overseas.

basic conditions

• Provide proof of self-employment or ability to work remotely (written statement, employment agreement, client contracts, etc)
• Minimum of €2500 EURO per month in income or savings
• Pass a criminal background check from your home country
• Proof of accommodation/rental agreement
• Obtain travel/health insurance valid for length of stay

How To Apply

• Obtain an OIB identification number
• Fill out the application form found here
• (2) Passport photos
• Pay the application fee of 590 kuna plus 35 kuna in tax stamps

8. Czech Republic

Spend your weekends exploring the historical towns and mountains of this Central European country, and work remotely during the week using their fast internet connection! The Czech Republic offers a freelancer visa called the Zivno. It’s valid for one year, and can be extended too. It’s a bit more complicated than other visas in this list, but it’s doable.

Basic Conditions

• You have a trade license for one of the trades listed here
• Proof of accommodation for at least a year
• Proof of at least €5,587 in your bank account (per person)
• Pay about 1,800 Kč ($80 USD) per month in local taxes

How To Apply

• It’s probably wise to hire an agency like this one to help you.
• Gather this list of required documents
• Make appointment at a Czech embassy for the long-stay visa
• Pay the visa fee of €100

9. Dubai (UAE)

The city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates has just launched their own one-year virtual working program in October allowing digital nomads and remote workers to live and work by the beach from their famous desert oasis mega-city. Dubai was awarded a ‘Safe Travels’ stamp from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), recognising their work to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The new remote work visa gives you the freedom to come to Dubai, bring your family, work remotely all while remaining employed in your home country. Dubai does not levy income tax on individuals. You also get access to all required services, including telecoms, utilities, and schooling options.

Basic Conditions

• Proof of Employment from current employer with a one-year contract, or proof of ownership of company.
• Minimum of $5,000 USD per month salary, last months’ payslip and 3 preceding months’ bank statements.
• Health insurance with UAE coverage validity.

How To Apply

• Fill out the request for application section here.
• Pay the visa fee of $287 USD visa fee

10. Estonia

Estonia became the first country to create an e-residency program that allows foreign entrepreneurs to license an EU-based online business. Then, in June 2020, they also opened up a one-year digital nomad and freelancer visa that allows foreigners to live in the country while working remotely.

Basic Conditions

• You own a location independent business (and/or)
• You work remotely for a company based outside of Estonia
• You earn at least €3504 per month for the last 6-months

How To Apply

• Fill out the online application form, sign it, and make an appointment at your nearest Estonian Embassy/Consulate to submit it in person.
• There are two types of digital nomad visas: Type C (short stay) costs €80, and Type D (long stay) costs €100.

11. Georgia

Partly due to the dramatic drop in tourism because of the Coronavirus pandemic, the country of Georgia is one of the latest to offer a digital nomad visa called “Remotely from Georgia” to help stimulate their economy. If you’re a remote worker, why not wait out the pandemic and work from a country known for its low-cost of living, colorful cities, and epic mountain landscapes?

Basic Conditions

• You own a location independent business (and/or)
• You work remotely for a company based outside of Georgia
• You must prove financial ability to pay taxes while staying in Georgia
• You earn at least $2000 per month
• You must undergo mandatory 14-day quarantine
• Obtain travel insurance valid for six months

How To Apply

• Fill out the online application form

12. Germany

Germany has its own special freelance visa called the Aufenthaltserlaubnis für selbständige Tätigkeit (good luck saying that!). It’s a residence permit that allows foreign freelancers and self-employed people live in Germany for 6-months up to 3-years. One downside is that it can take 3-4 months to get approved for this visa. Plus speaking German, or knowing someone who does, will help a lot.

Basic Conditions

• You need an address in Germany.
• Proof of health insurance.
• Proof of financial self-sustainability.
• Work clients based in Germany. They want to see that you are providing services that will help the local economy.

How To Apply

• Gather all documents required here.
• Secure a residence in Germany
• Book a visa appointment at the immigration office here.
• Pay the visa fee of €100

13. Hungary

The nation of Hungary has long been a favorite stop for digital nomads, especially the capital city of Budapest. Well now they’ve made it even easier to stay long-term, with their new “White Card” – a special 1-year long digital nomad residency program.

Basic Conditions

• Not for EU nationals, only 3rd country nationals can apply.
• You can not work for a Hungarian company.
• Financial self-sustainability. Must show income equivalent to at least €2000 per month.
• The white card is valid for one year, with the ability to renew for another year.
• The White Card does not give family members automatic residency.

How To Apply

• As of February 2022, details on how to apply for a White Card haven’t been released by the government yet.

14: Iceland

Yes, you read that right. Iceland has its own long-term visa for remote workers and digital nomads! Iceland is one of my favorite countries in the world, there is sooooo much cool stuff to see there. Landscapes that look like they were crafted from your wildest dreams.

Iceland’s long-term visa is good for only 6-months though, so it’s one of the shortest digital nomad visas available. If you apply while you’re already in the European Schengen Area, then it’s only good for 90-days.

So that means you can’t spend 3-months vacationing in Europe, then try to get this special visa to stay another 6-months on top of that.

Basic Conditions

• You must own your own location independent business or work remotely for a company located outside of Iceland
• Provide proof of your (self)employment
• Show a minimum monthly income of 1,000,000 ISK (about $7,763 USD) or 1,300,000 ISK for a couple
• Proof of travel/health insurance coverage for Iceland

How To Apply

• Complete the application form found here
• Pay the 7800 ISK processing fee

15: Malta

Malta has created its own Digital Nomad Residence Permit specifically targeting remote workers from outside the EU. The Mediterranean island of Malta has been attractive to digital nomads for years now, due to its sunny island lifestyle, widely spoken English, and strong internet infrastructure (including nationwide 5G service).

It’s also located close to mainland Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East — which means there are many opportunities for travel addicts to get out and explore nearby.

To qualify for Malta’s one year long Nomad Residence Permit, applicants must prove they can work remotely via the internet. A permit holder may renew their Nomad Residence in Malta for a maximum of up to 3 years.

Basic Conditions

• You must work for an employer registered in a foreign country, conduct business for a company registered in a foreign country as a shareholder or partner, or offer freelance or consulting services to clients whose permanent establishments are in a foreign country.
• Applicants must reach a gross monthly income threshold of €2,700 EURO.
• Proof of travel/health insurance coverage for your stay in Malta
• Hold a valid property rental or purchase agreement in Malta
• Pass a background verification check

How To Apply

• Complete the Application Form
• Pay the €300 EURO administrative fee

16: Mauritius

Mauritius is another island nation that has just launched their own special visa for remote workers. It’s a stunningly beautiful country, with crystal clear water, thick jungle, and epic mountain peaks to climb.

To qualify for their one year long (and completely FREE) Premium Visa, you need to produce proof of your long stay plans and sufficient travel and health insurance during your stay.

Basic Conditions

• You must own your own location independent business or work remotely for a company located outside of Mauritius
• Proof of plans to stay in Mauritius – they may ask for details about the purpose of your visit and intended accommodation
• Proof of travel/health insurance coverage for your stay in Mauritius

How To Apply

• Complete the application form
• There is no visa fee, it’s free!

17. Mexico

Mexico is a favorite hot-spot for digital nomads, partly due to their long 6-month tourist visa, however they also offer a Temporary Resident Visa that’s good for one year with the ability to renew for another 3 years.

You will need to provide documents proving that you had a monthly income of at least $1,620 USD over the last 6-months or a bank account balance of $27,000. Mexico is open to offering temporary residency to remote workers that are financially self-sufficient.

Basic Conditions

• You own a location independent business (and/or)
• You work remotely for a company based outside of Mexico
• You earn at least $1,620 USD per month or have a bank balance of $27,000.

How To Apply

• Gather required documents and complete the application form.
• Make an appointment at the nearest Mexican consulate.

18. Norway

Norway has been in the news a lot lately, touted as a Scandinavian paradise with its strong social democratic system, wealth, natural beauty, and progressive population.

Lots of foreign digital nomads and remote workers would jump at the chance to move to Norway. And they can, for up to 2-years, with Norway’s Independent Contractor visa.

Basic Conditions

• You must be self-employed with a contract to work on a project for a business in Norway.
• You must have relevant qualifications to work in your profession.
• Proof of accommodation in Norway
• Show an income of at least €35,719 per year before tax

How To Apply

• Gather the required documents listed on Norway’s Directorate of Immigration website.
• Fill out the application, and bring it to the nearest Norwegian Embassy.
• Pay the visa application fee of about €600

19. Portugal

Portugal offers both a temporary resident visa (D7 passive income visa) and residence permit for independent workers and entrepreneurs for one year, with the ability to renew for up to 5 years. After 5 years you can apply for permanent residency.

As a foreign visa holder and resident, you will be given a residence card, the Título de Residência. This is your official ID in Portugal. The beautiful Portuguese island of Madeira in particular has become a remote worker hub, especially with the launch of their Digital Nomads Village.

Basic Conditions

• Proof of income from property, proof of business ownership, or proof of financial means.
• You earn at least €600 EURO per month.
• Proof of private travel/health insurance.
• Submit to a criminal background check.

How To Apply

• Gather the required documents, print out and complete the application form.
• Make an appointment at the nearest Portuguese consulate.
• Pay the €83 EUR visa fee and €72 EUR resident permit fee.

20. Spain

Spain has a Non-Lucrative Visa which allows foreigners to stay in Spain for at least a year, with the ability to renew. With it’s low-cost of living and mix of beaches, mountains, and relaxed lifestyle, it’s a favorite with many location independent people. However technically you are not allowed to “work” on this visa — they’re looking for people who are “retired” and self-sufficient.

Basic Conditions

• Show that you can support yourself financially through investments or retirement income of at least €2151 per month or hold €25,816 in savings.
• Proof of private Spanish health insurance
• Get a police/FBI background check
• Get a Medical Certificate of Good Health

How To Apply

• You need to apply in person at the closest Spanish Consulate or Embassy.
• All your documents must be translated into Spanish, as well as authenticated in your home country.
• Sign a sworn statement before a Notary that you agree not to work while living in Spain.
• Pay the visa application fee of $140 USD

21. Anguilla (UK Territory)

Finally, the British territory of Anguilla has just launched their own special visa for digital nomads who would like to “work from home” on a beautiful Caribbean island destination. With only 3 confirmed COVID cases on the island and no fatalities, Anguilla was designated COVID-19 free by the World Health Organization (WHO) in June 2020.

There is an additional fee to pay, $2000 per individual or $3000 per family which covers two (2) tests per person, surveillance and costs associated with the additional public health presence, the cost of extended immigration time/entry and a digital work permit.

How To Apply

• To apply for the year-long stay, click here.
• Pay the visa fee of $2000 USD per individual, or $3000 per family.

Living A Nomadic Life Overseas

This relatively new phenomenon of countries launching digital nomad visas to attract remote workers was predicted over 20-years ago by Japanese technologist Tsugio Makimoto who wrote that remote working would force nations “to compete for citizens”, and that digital nomad-ism would prompt “declines in materialism and nationalism”.

His prophecy is coming true, and I fully expect to see many more nations opening up their borders to these “citizens of the world” who are able to work remotely from their laptops in the years to come.

The future of remote work is going to be interesting, that’s for sure! ★

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READ MORE DIGITAL NOMAD TIPS

I hope you enjoyed my guide to countries with digital nomad & remote work visas! Hopefully you found it useful. Here are a few more wanderlust-inducing articles that I recommend you read next:

• How To Make Extra Money On The Side
• Useful Tips For Digital Nomads
• The Best Jobs That Let You Travel
• How To Work From Home
• Becoming A Freelance Photographer

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Have any questions about remote work visas? Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to share!

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

Nomadic Living

I’m a digital nomad. This means I can work from anywhere in the world. Here are some tips for how to become a digital nomad and travel long-term if you’d like to give it a try.

After 10-years working remotely as a digital nomad, living in foreign countries and traveling around the world while earning income online — I’ve learned a lot about nomadic living.

I’ve based myself in places like Mexico, Thailand, Nicaragua, Italy, Spain, and South Africa over the course of my travels. I’ve also visited over 50 different countries while working from my laptop.

In fact, I’m currently writing this article from a Greek island overlooking the sea. That’s my son above fact-checking my work!

Living as a digital nomad, you’re able to see incredible places, learn from different cultures, and work when or where you want to — true freedom.

As the reality of a worldwide recession sets in, location independence and remote work opportunities have become increasingly sought after. Lately I’ve been getting questions about how to become a digital nomad.

So I thought it was about time I put together a free guide sharing some of my best tips and advice for others who want to give it a shot in 2023!

Why listen to me? Experience! I’ve been traveling around the world for ten years as a digital nomad, while visiting over 50 countries.

Matthew Karsten

Here’s everything we’re going to cover (if you want to skip around).

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What Is A Digital Nomad?

Digital nomads are remote workers who travel to different locations on a regular basis. They use modern technology to work from coffee shops, hotels, co-working spaces, or libraries with a WiFi connected laptop or smartphone from anywhere in the world.

There are many types of digital nomads out there. Some people travel around their own country by campervan or RV. Some live on sailboats, working from different ports of call.

Others stay in backpacker hostels or rent Airbnb apartments while flying from country to country.

Complete freedom of movement while working online is the general idea.

Pros & Cons Of Location Independence

The Benefits

There are many upsides to the location independence that digital nomads enjoy. Who wouldn’t want to check off their ultimate bucket list while working from a laptop anywhere in the world?

• Save money living in a low cost-of-living area
• The flexibility to live where you want
• Ditch the toxic environment of office politics
• Experience new cultures & make new friends
• Learn new skills or languages
• Broaden your mind through travel experiences
• Set your own schedule and take time off when you want to
• Spend winters on the beach, and summers in the mountains!

The Downsides

Working from anywhere is a dream for many people. But like all life choices, there are both pros and cons to a nomadic lifestyle. Here are some of the downsides:

• Moving constantly is exhausting
• Your productivity can suffer
• Digital nomads often battle loneliness
• Finding stability is difficult
• A general lack of private space
• Travel loses its luster & wow factor

After 10-years exploring the world, these downsides finally caught up with me, and I moved back to the United States with my wife and kid and bought a home.

That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy my nomadic life for all those years! Just for me, living out of bags for so long eventually lost its charm. I was ready to start a family, settle down, work from home, and travel less.

Yet because I’ve been around the block, I’m happy to share my experiences with those who are just getting started with the digital nomad lifestyle!

Tips For Becoming A Digital Nomad

STEP 1: How Digital Nomads Make Money

So, you’re ready to give nomadic life a shot. Well before you can quit your job and travel as a digital nomad, you need to figure out how to make money online.

Luckily there are many options out there, which continue to grow each year as businesses downsize and hire remote workers to reduce physical costs like office space.

The global pandemic has only accelerated this transformation.

You can work for other companies remotely, or become an entrepreneur and start your own online based business.

Digital Nomad Job Examples

It would be impossible to list all jobs that can be done remotely, but these are some frequent examples I’ve come across during my travels. For an even larger list of jobs that allow you to travel, click here.

Personally, I run a travel blog. It’s just what I’m good at, and what I enjoy. There are many types of blogging options out there — food blogging, DIY blogging, personal finance blogs, gear blogs, hiking blogs, photography blogging, etc.

If you’re interested in starting a blog to make money writing about something you love, I recommend you start here.

Remote Work & Entrepreneurship Resources

Figuring out how you’re going to earn money as a digital nomad is one of the biggest hurdles to location independence.

Unfortunately I can’t tell you exactly what to do — everyone has their own skill set, experience, and preferences. You’ll need to figure it out for yourself.

What I CAN do is point you in the right direction with the following books and websites that I’ve found super helpful over the years!

They helped me get to where I am today, so I’m sure they’ll help you too.

BOOKS

• Remote: No Office Required by Jason Fried aims to help you convince your boss why it makes sense to allow you to work remotely.
• The 100 Dollar Startup by Chris Guillebeau interviews 50 different people who started successful businesses for as little as $100.
• The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss gives tips for working less and earning more by starting a business and hiring others to run it.
• Job Escape Plan by Jyotsna Ramachandran explains the steps of building a location independent business on the side before quitting your job.
• Rework by Jason Fried shows you how succeed with starting a business as quickly and easily as possible in the modern world.

WEBSITES

• Flexjobs has an updated job board for remote work opportunities.
• Remote.co is dedicated to resources for remote workers.
• How To Become A Freelancer shares the basics of a freelance career.
• Power To Fly lists dream jobs around the world.
• We Work Remotely is the largest remote work community online.
• Working Traveller is a place where employers can hire digital nomads.

STEP 2: The Logistics Of Nomadic Life

Ok, so you’ve found a way to earn income remotely. But there’s much more to becoming a digital nomad.

Things you may not have considered like wifi availability, registering your business, banking, communication, physical mail, insurance, health considerations, where to stay, and much more.

So let’s dive in!

Starting A Business

If you’re starting a new business in the United States, it needs to be set up properly. Generally I recommend that people start as a sole-proprietor to make things simple.

Once you begin earning regular income, you can change it over to an LLC for some tax & legal benefits. Legal Zoom is a good site for registering your business in your state. It’s what I used and they make it easy to do online.

Taxes For Digital Nomads

How do you pay taxes as a digital nomad? Basically, Americans need to file taxes even if they are living overseas. This is not true for most countries.

There are some exceptions, for example if you spend most of the year outside the United States, and pay taxes to the foreign country you’re living in, you can claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, which allows you to avoid paying US taxes on up to $100,000 worth of income.

Some people set up companies based from digital nomad friendly countries like Singapore to reduce their tax bill.

If you’re serious about becoming a digital nomad, you should eventually hire a good accountant who specializes in working with people who live overseas.

Banking For Digital Nomads

Managing your money while traveling can have its own set of challenges. For example, cards getting canceled when they’re used from foreign countries, and how to get paid while living overseas.

I highly recommend picking up a Wise Account (their fees are cheaper than PayPal, but you should have a PayPal account too).

If you’re not from the US or UK, Payoneer is also a good option.

Having a good travel credit card is also very helpful, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred. It has no foreign transaction fees, includes car rental insurance, boasts a low annual fee, and will ultimately help you score free flights the more you use it through collecting points & miles.

Staying Connected

What’s the first question every digital nomad asks a hotel, coffee shop, or Airbnb owner? How fast is the WiFi!

Digital nomads can only work when they have a fast & reliable internet connection, so good WiFi is incredibly important. Luckily you can find decent internet connections in many places around the world now.

I recommend downloading the SpeedTest App to help you determine connection speeds, and make sure to read my guide on the best international cell phone plans for travelers and nomads.

Virtual phone numbers are also very handy — like from Google Voice, Skype, or MySudo. They allow you to have a US number for things like 2 Factor Authentication (2FA).

Signal is a wonderful secure messaging app that’s far safer than Facebook or WhatsApp.

Picking A VPN To Stay Secure

The internet is censored in many parts of the world, so to ensure you can access the websites you want (plus an extra level of privacy), it’s important to download a good VPN (virtual private network) before you leave.

I personally use Proton VPN, they have an iPhone app too. Love it!

How To Receive Mail & Packages

Receiving mail when you’re moving around all the time used to be a problem, but it’s not anymore. Signing up for a virtual mail service like Earth Class Mail gives you a physical address to send important mail, with the ability to read your mail online and get it forwarded anywhere you want.

Insurance For Digital Nomads

Accidents happen. And without insurance, depending on the country you’re in, you could be screwed. Luckily there are some good health insurance options specifically for digital nomads. The two most popular are SafetyWing and World Nomads. I’ve used them both!

You can learn more about insurance for nomads here.

Getting Around

Once you fly to your destination, there are a few ways to get around. Unlike the United States, many countries have much better public transportation systems in place. Buses, trains, and taxi service are all viable options.

In other countries, its possible (and not too expensive) to rent a motorbike or small car for months at a time. In Thailand and the Philippines I rented scooters, in Mexico, Spain and Italy I used public transportation and simply rented a car when needed.

Finding Accommodation

• Booking.com is the best hotel & hostel search engine I’ve found for locating short-term accommodation. It’s really easy to use.
• Airbnb.com is where most digital nomads go if they want to rent a local apartment for a month or two. More convenient than local classified ads.
• Coliving.com is a site that specializes in sharing long-term accommodation with other digital nomads around the world.

Making Friends

Isn’t it lonely being a digital nomad? Sure, but there are ways to mitigate that feeling. Backpacker hostels are a fun way to meet other travelers, but it can be tough to get work done in a party atmosphere like that.

Working from cafes or co-working spaces is one way to put yourself in a position to meet like-minded people no matter where you are.

There are expat communities in virtually every country, and you’ll be able to find other foreigners who are looking to meet new people. There are also some good digital nomad Facebook Groups like Global Digital Nomad Network and Digital Nomads Around The World.

You can go to local events, festivals, take a language class, search for local meetup groups through MeetUp.com or Couchsurfing.com

Of course, there’s always Tinder too!

Emergency Backup Plans

When you’re traveling by yourself overseas, it’s always wise to have an emergency fund set aside for, well, emergencies. A death in the family, a car accident, getting robbed, running out of money, political unrest, natural disasters, a worldwide pandemic, alien invasion, etc.

You want to be able to fly home quickly, and have enough money for accommodation if needed, and maybe to ride out a few months without any income. You never know! Make sure to read my guide to travel safety too.

I’d recommend setting aside $3000 – $5000 in a separate checking or savings account that you won’t be tempted to touch while you’re traveling.

STEP 3: Where To Go?

Working On Tourist Visas

Most digital nomads travel on tourist visas, which is kind of a legal grey-area. You are not technically supposed to “work” on a tourist visa.

Unfortunately digital nomads are not well understood in many parts of the world, and the laws are not set up kindly for us. While we are technically working, we’re not taking jobs away from locals — which is what work visas try to prevent.

When immigration asks what you’re doing in their country, most digital nomads say “tourist”.

When officials ask what I do for a living, I say I work in marketing, and I’m traveling on vacation. Keep it simple. Complicated explanations will get you pulled aside for more questioning, and possibly denied entry if they don’t like or understand your answer.

Digital Nomad Work Visas

There are a few progressive-thinking governments out there that have been trying to attract digital nomads to come live and work in their countries. They’ve created special remote work visas that you can apply for. Some examples:

• Estonia
• Georgia
• Barbados
• Bermuda
• Croatia

Popular Digital Nomad Destinations

Many digital nomads seem to congregate in certain “hub” countries due to a combination of low-cost living, decent internet access, and the ability to renew tourist visas over and over again.

I’ve lived in a few of these locations over the years, like Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Below are some of the most common ones, but you can do even more research on this website.

• Thailand
• Indonesia
• Mexico
• Portugal
• Hungary
• Spain
• Colombia

But you don’t need to live in a foreign country to be a digital nomad.

There are many remote workers who live in their own country — for example I lived temporarily in Colorado, California, Texas and now Utah over the past few years.

Many digital nomads buy RVs or convert vans into homes too.

The key is location independence — freedom to move without many obstacles.

STEP 4: Making The Digital Nomad Leap

Saving Money

While it’s certainly possible to travel very cheaply, it’s not free, and you’ll need to save some money before starting your adventure around the world.

If you currently have a day job, you’ll need to try and downsize your lifestyle, spend less, maybe find a way to earn some side income, or take on a second part-time job on nights and weekends.

I DO NOT recommend quitting your day job until you either have a very healthy savings account that will pay for your travel, or you’ve already built up a side-hustle that is making regular income.

It’s not fun running out of money in a foreign country!

Build your online business first, or find a job that allows you to work remotely before leaving to travel as a digital nomad. Here are some articles to help:

• How To Save Money Before Traveling
• How To Make Extra Money On The Side

Getting Rid Of Your Things

There was something magical about selling or donating most of my worldly possessions back before I left the country. I swear it was therapeutic.

Embrace minimalism, and start listing your crap on Craigslist, Ebay, and Facebook Marketplace. It will be hard to part with things at first, but it eventually becomes addicting.

You can keep sentimental stuff like photos, important papers, or special heirlooms with family members or rent a small storage unit.

Optimizing your life to fit inside a backpack, you’ll soon realize just how little we really need to survive.

Dealing With Criticism

Trying to explain to family and friends that you want to quit your job and travel around the world is often a difficult task. Many people won’t understand or support your choice.

Choosing to ignore the critics and try anyway can be tough, for myself included.

If everyone you know and love is telling you it sounds like a bad idea, you’ll start second-guessing yourself.

Just know that there are currently millions of digital nomads out there doing this, so you’re not alone.

Tell them you’re taking a Gap Year or Sabbatical, just as an experiment. Send them some books or articles to read — like this one.

If your digital nomad experiment doesn’t work out, you can simply come back and get a “real job” again. It’s not the end of the world!

A Little Dose Of Reality…

In our heavily marketed online world, it seems everyone and their grandmother is trying to sell you a course or workshop touting the miracles of making money online and/or traveling the world.

Unfortunately there’s lots of smoke & mirrors out there, and it can be daunting trying to figure out who is legit, and who’s just full of sh*t.

After 10-years working online, I’ve seen everything. The reality is that people CAN make money online and travel as digital nomads — but not everyone is successful. Some people just aren’t cut out for the lifestyle or running the business side of things.

But the same is true for any new endeavor, whether it’s opening a restaurant or going to medical school. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it!

It’s not easy. Becoming a digital nomad takes time, sacrifice, and hard work.

STILL WITH ME? GREAT! I know that was a long post. We’re just scratching the surface too — I’m writing a lot more on this topic soon, so make sure to sign up for my free monthly newsletter to get all my latest updates!

History & Future Of Digital Nomads

Now before I lose your attention to something else on the internet today, I wanted to share some fun digital nomad history with you.

The very first digital nomad was a guy named Steve Roberts who biked across America in 1984 while working from his Radio Shack Model 100 personal computer!

Writing articles from the road, then uploading them to his assistant in Ohio via a pay phone and a CompuServe account.

Then, in 1997, Japanese technologist Tsugio Makimoto predicted the rise of digital nomads in a book. He believed remote working would force nations “to compete for citizens”, and that digital nomad-ism would prompt “declines in materialism and nationalism”.

All of this was revolutionary back then, but look at us now…

These days I can post social media updates from a remote backpacking trip in the mountains of Afghanistan via satellite!

Remote work is only going to get easier in the future, as more companies realize they don’t need a physical office space anymore and new technologies like Elon Musk’s high-speed satellite internet service Starlink go online.

The future is looking bright for digital nomads and remote workers! ★

FAQ: Top Digital Nomad Questions

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READ MORE NOMADIC TRAVEL TIPS

I hope you enjoyed my guide to becoming a digital nomad! Hopefully you found it useful. Here are a few more wanderlust-inducing articles that I recommend you read next:

• What’s In My Travel Backpack?
• Useful Travel Photography Tips
• How To Become A Freelance Photographer
• Travel Scams You Need To Avoid
• This Is How I Get Paid To Travel

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Have any questions about working as a digital nomad or long-term travel? Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to share!

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

Curious about the travel gear I bring with me on my international adventures? I’ve put together this gear page to share my long-term travel packing list. Obviously, I recommend traveling with high-quality, lightweight & durable stuff.

The travel gear I use may not work for everyone. I carry extra photography equipment to maintain this travel blog, along with camping equipment for trekking up mountains, hitchhiking long distance, or exploring rainforests from time to time.

All travelers have different tastes & requirements while on the road. The following gear list is just what I’ve found works best for MY particular “adventure” travel style.

While I often travel on a budget, my gear can be expensive. I want it to be functional, multi-purpose, comfortable, and very tough. I don’t want to keep replacing worn-out equipment every few months while abroad — plus I have a slight obsession with keeping travel gear as lightweight as possible!

“He who would travel happily must travel light.“ ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

(One of my favorite quotes about travel!)

Top Travel Gear List For 2022

Travel Luggage: Suitcase VS Backpack

Ah, the eternal question. Travel backpack, suitcase, or rolling duffel? This is going to come down to personal preference — and what kind of traveling you plan to do.

If you’re riding chicken-buses through Central America or hitchhiking around Africa, you’ll probably want a travel-friendly backpack. If you spend a lot of time in cities or fly frequently, you might prefer a rolling duffel or suitcase.

I started vagabonding around the world with a backpack, but my travel style has changed over the years, where I now find a suitcase more convenient for most trips.

Mainly due to carrying a lot more photography gear, plus traveling with kids.

My Main Travel Bags

I currently travel with up to 3 different bags. A rolling suitcase as my main bag, a backpack for trips that entail hiking mountains or trekking, plus an airplane carry-on camera daypack.

I usually only need to check one bag, the hard shell suitcase. The hiking backpack can lie-flat inside it. For bigger trips that require more technical gear (like trekking or winter camping), I’ll check both.

Victorinox Suitcase

My favorite lightweight travel suitcase with lots of room, strong locking zipper and a tough outer shell. Quiet 360 degree wheels that can take plenty of airport abuse.

Hiking & Travel Backpack

This lightweight, comfortable hiking & travel backpack includes full front-zipper access to all my gear. It lies flat in my suitcase if needed.

Camera Daypack

Amazing carry-on camera & laptop backpack. I use this for day hikes with my camera gear, but it has room for things like snacks, water, jacket, full-size tripod, and more.

READ MORE: How To Choose The Perfect Travel Backpack

Basic Travel Gear

This is my basic, standard travel gear that goes with me on every trip. From items that make flights more comfortable to gear that helps me stay organized while traveling.

Filtered Bottle

Packing Cubes

Multi-Tool

Travel Pillow

Travel Scarf

Earplugs

Toiletry Kit

Flatpak Bottles

Passport Wallet

Travel Scale

Folding Duffel

Headlamp

READ MORE: Best Gifts For Travelers In 2021

Backpacking & Camping Gear

As an adventure addict, I do a lot of overnight backpacking, trekking, and camping when I travel. So I pack some specialized outdoor gear for these types of journeys, much of it pretty high-end (super lightweight & durable).

Nemo Tent

Sleeping Bag

Sleeping Pad

Camp Stove

READ MORE: My Complete Backpacking Gear Checklist

Travel Clothing & Apparel

You don’t need a huge wardrobe to travel. Here’s some of the clothing I pack when traveling around the world. I try to buy stuff that’s lightweight and wrinkle resistant. As for how much?

Travel Blazer

Travel Pants

Travel Shorts

Boxer Briefs

Dress Shirts

T-Shirts

Fleece

Socks

Travel Shoes

Sandals

READ MORE: How I Do Laundry While Traveling

Tech Gadgets For Travelers

I would not be able to produce a travel blog of this caliber without some computer equipment. Other electronics are not absolutely needed, but they improve my quality of life on the road enough to be worth the weight.

Travel Plug

Power Bank

Kindle

Headphones

13″ Macbook Air

Unlocked iPhone

Hard Drive

My Travel Photography Gear

For the photographers out there, this is the camera equipment I use for adventure travel photography around the world. While I shoot images for this blog, I also sell images to magazines, brands, and national tourism boards. I carry more camera equipment than the average traveler because it’s part of my business. You can see all my camera gear here.

Sony A7R III

GoPro 9

Mavic Air 2

Travel Tripod

16-35mm

24-70mm

Microphone

Camera Clip

READ MORE: Best Travel Cameras For Different Budgets

Why Not Travel Carry-On Only?

Both my wife & I have traveled carry-on only before, and still do occasionally for short trips. However as I’ve collected more camera gear for the travel photography side of my business, and because we have kids now, I check a bag again.

And you know what? After ten years of regular travel, the airlines have only lost my checked-bag 4 times. In all but one of those cases my bag showed up the next day — it was not a big problem. Losing a bag for a day is not the crisis some travelers pretend it is.

Only once did it take a week to get my bag back. While this particular situation certainly sucked, having this happen once in 10-years, with all the flying I do, does not make it a frequent occurrence.

Checking a bag is not the end of the world… and odds are very high it will be waiting for you at luggage claim.

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

Outdoor Gear Guide

Learn how to pack for a successful overnight backpacking or trekking adventure with lightweight gear essentials like a tent, stove, and clothing. My backpacking checklist!

As you’re about to see with my personal backpacking checklist here — I’m a total gear nerd!

From backpacking in Greenland, trekking in Afghanistan, or hill-walking in Ireland, I’m always searching for the lightest and most comfortable hiking & camping equipment. Updating my gear guides on a regular basis.

Fortunately, you get to benefit from my expensive hobby of collecting and testing outdoor backpacking gear by learning from my experiences using it during adventures around the world.

At the end of this guide, you’ll find a FREE printable backpacking checklist that you can download and use for your next trip!

Why listen to me? Experience! I’ve been trekking around the world for ten years through mountains, deserts, forests, jungles and National Parks in multiple countries.

Matthew KarstenThe Expert Vagabond

Here’s everything we’re going to cover (feel free to click to a specific section if you want to skip around).

Favorite Backpacking Gear For 2021

Backpacking VS Trekking

First off, I want to define the difference between backpacking, trekking, and hiking. These words are sometimes used interchangeably — but they can also have different meanings depending on who you ask.

Backpacking is a hiking trip that includes overnight camping. Packing everything you need to be self-sufficient in the wilderness on your back. Like my 10-day solo backpacking trip on Greenland’s Arctic Circle Trail.

Trekking is hiking long-distance, for days or weeks at a time. You might pack everything in yourself, but more likely you’ll have a guide and pack animal or human porter to help you. You may or may not need to bring your own shelter. Like my trek in the mountains of Afghanistan with a local guide & pack horse.

Hiking is just walking on a wilderness trail through the mountains, forest, desert, or even the countryside. Generally, this is used to define day hikes that don’t require an overnight stay. Like my day hike up Ireland’s highest mountain.

I’m going to focus on a typical 2-5 day backpacking trip, packing in your own food, water, and camping gear. But much of this will also work as a trekking packing list.

Lightweight Backpacking Checklist

Backpacking checklists & packing lists can be a controversial subject. Everyone has an opinion about what’s the best hiking and camping gear to bring on a trip!

You have your traditional backpackers, lightweight backpackers, and even ultra light thru-hikers who all do things differently.

For this backpacking gear checklist, I’m sharing my personal setup, which is considered “lightweight” with a 20 lbs (9 kg) base-weight.

Backpack base-weight is the weight of all your gear except for food, water, and fuel — which varies depending on the length & location of your trip.

Choosing A Hiking Backpack

Overnight Backpacks

For multi-day hiking & backpacking, where you’ll need to carry everything in on your back, I recommend choosing a 40-65 liter backpack that will hold your tent, sleeping bag, food, water, and other backpacking essentials.

• Gregory Mountain Zulu 55 – This is the backpack I take with me on most 2-3 day trips. It’s super lightweight (3.5 lbs), comfortable, and well designed. The front-loading pannel makes it a great travel backpack too.
• Arc’teryx Bora 50 – For long-distance treks with the potential for more extreme weather, or more weight (like winter camping), I prefer this for superior weather resistance and a more comfortable hip-belt.

Day Hiking Backpacks

You may or may not want a day pack — it depends on the type of trip. Other than a traditional day-hike that doesn’t require camping, you might also want a day pack to wear during a guided trek, for easy access to certain items while the rest of your gear is with a porter or pack animal.

I do not bring a day pack on independent overnight hiking & camping trips.

• Osprey Stratos 24
• Arc’teryx Alpha AR 35

Waterproofing Your Pack

What if it rains during your backpacking trip? Most hikers bring a waterproof rain cover for their backpack, and I used to as well. Until I discovered the magic of using a trash compactor bag (or two) to line the INSIDE of my pack.

Why? First of all, they are much cheaper. Second, they are multi-use items. Finally, they are much more effective. Sure, the outside of your backpack will still get wet, but everything inside will be bone-dry. Even if you fall into a river.

Color-Coded Stuff Sacks

To keep your backpack organized during your hiking adventure, I recommend using a few lightweight stuff sacks and/or packing cubes, in different colors, so it’s easy to grab important gear quickly.

• Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil Stuff Sack – I use a few of these in different sizes & colors for my spare clothing, cold weather gear, and more.
• Eagle Creek Specter Sacks – I also have a few of these for smaller items, like my repair kit and to store my (occasionally damp) microfiber towel.

Tents & Overnight Shelters

If you plan to sleep outside in the wilderness, you’re going to need a quality shelter to pack with you. Traditionally this would mean using a tent, but a camping hammock or bivy bag are other possible options. While I own and use all three types of shelters, generally I think most people should start with a tent.

Lightweight Tents

This is one of your most important pieces of backpacking gear. You want to find a tent that is a good combination of lightweight, spacious, waterproof, and easy to set up. It’s basically where you’ll be living during your trip!

• Nemo Equipment Hornet 2P – My current favorite lightweight backpacking tent if I’m on my own. Perfect for one person plus some gear, but a bit tight with two people. I use this 75% of the time.
• Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 – Another great tent I own. Slightly more room if I’m going to be sharing it with someone else.

BUDGET OPTION: REI Quarter Dome 2 Tent

Camping Hammocks

If you’re going to be camping in a forest or jungle, it might make sense to hang a hammock for your backpacking shelter. A camping hammock keeps you off the ground, away from bugs & wet conditions, but is also easy to pack with no aluminum poles. Some people prefer sleeping in them to tents also.

• Hennessy Hammock Jungle Explorer – I’ve used this camping hammock on many adventures. From hitchhiking America, canoeing the BWCA, and even exploring the jungle in Panama’s Darien Gap.

Warm Sleeping Bag

For a good night’s sleep, you need a warm sleeping bag. They key is to pick a bag rated warm enough for the weather you’ll encounter on your backpacking trip. I own two sleeping bags (30F & 0F), but if you can only get one, I’d probably recommend something around 15F degrees.

Down sleeping bags are warmer with less weight, but also more expensive. Synthetic bags weigh a bit more, but are more affordable. For extreme cold weather conditions (under 0 degrees F), layering two sleeping bags is ideal.

• Nemo Riff Down 15F/-1C – An amazing 3-season down fill bag that packs up super small, with zipper air vents for those warmer nights. Spoon shape for comfortable side sleeping. I own the 30F version of this.
• Nemo Sonic Down 0F/-18C – A fantastic winter mummy sleeping bag for staying warm in very cold conditions. They also make a -20F version.

BUDGET OPTION: Marmot Trestles 15F Synthetic

Comfortable Sleeping Pad

Sleeping pads have come a long way over the years. From bulky rolled pieces of foam, to lightweight inflatable versions with high-tech baffles that take up far less room in your pack. A good sleeping pad can make a huge difference in how much you enjoy camping outside.

• Sea to Summit Ether Light XT – I’ve tried countless sleeping pads over the years, and this is my favorite by far. Weighs only 15 ounces, but is insulated and inflates to 4-inches thick. I’ve never slept better in the backcountry!

Backpacker Kitchen

You don’t need to lug a ton of pots & pans into the wilderness anymore. A lightweight backpacker kitchen allows you to boil water for cooking simple dehydrated meals on the go.

Camp Stove & Fuel

MSR WindBurner Backpacking Stove – After years of using a JetBoil, I made the switch to MSR’s new system due to better cooking in windy conditions and faster boil times.

Mug/Bowl/Spoon

GSI Infinity Mug – While I could technically use the thin “cup” included with my MSR Windburner stove, I prefer a proper insulated mug that keeps coffee warm longer, with a spill-proof cap.

GSI Essential Spoon – Awesome long-handled camping spoon that can reach deep into a dehydrated food bag.

Hiking & Trekking Clothing

Base Layers

Arc’teryx Velox SS Crew – Lightweight, breathable, synthetic t-shirt. I wear one, and pack a spare. They weigh nothing.

Smartwool Merino 150 Top & Smartwool Merino 150 Pants – I always bring one pair of thermals to sleep in, or wear under my clothes in cold weather.

Mid-Layers

Arc’teryx Konseal Hoody – Lightweight fleece pullover for when the temperature starts to drop.

Fjällräven Vidda Pro – My favorite trekking pants. Lightweight but tough. You can add wax to them for increased waterproofing. For warm weather, I prefer the Abisko Lite.

Down/Synthetic Puffy

Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody – Lightweight, packable down jacket with a hood. For extra cold conditions, or under a waterproof shell jacket.

BUDGET OPTION: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Jacket

Socks & Underwear

I generally pack 3 pairs of socks on my backpacking trips. Two pairs to alternate for hiking (so my feet are always dry) and some thick wool socks for sleeping. One spare set of underwear.

Darn Tough Socks – My favorite brand of hiking socks. As the name implies, they last a long time!

SAXX Boxer Briefs – Expensive, but sooooo comfortable. Quick drying very breathable. I also use them for travel.

Backpacking Outerwear

These are the outer layers that protect you from nature’s wrath — the wind, rain, and snow. You should always pack some sort of rain gear on any backpacking adventure.

Waterproof Shell Jacket

Arc’teryx Zeta SL Jacket – Super lightweight waterproof and packable rain shell for hiking.

BUDGET OPTION: Mountain Hardwear Ozonic Jacket

Waterproof Shell Pants

Arc’teryx Zeta SL Pant – Super lightweight waterproof and packable rain pants for hiking.

BUDGET OPTION: Mountain Hardwear Ozonic Pants

Warm Gloves & Hat

Obviously this is going to depend on the season, but I usually bring something to keep my head and hands warm just in case the weather turns bad, or it’s colder than expected at night.

Smartwool Sport 150 Hat – Lightweight merino-wool hat to help keep my ears and head warm when it gets cold or windy.

Arc’teryx Rivet Gloves – Thin but wind-resistant gloves that are comfortable for accessing the controls on my camera.

Hiking Shoes Or Boots

There is an ongoing discussion in the backpacking world about the benefits of using hiking shoes over heavy hiking boots. I own a pair of each, and use them for different situations.

• La Sportiva Akyra – Lightweight mountain running shoes that I use for most day hikes and shorter backpacking trips.
• Scarpa SL Active Boot – My heavy-duty backpacking boots, that I break out for long-distance trekking in more extreme environments.
• Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro – Insulated winter mountaineering boots for hiking on snow & ice with crampons.

Backpacking Food

Here’s the deal. I’m not a backpacker gormet cook like some people are. Food is just fuel to me. So I keep my diet simple and fast to prepare.

Trail Mix & Snacks

Usually bags of trail mix (nuts, dried fruit, etc) and some energy bars. I prefer Lara Bars and Clif Protein Bars. These act as both snacks and my lunch. Maybe some Sour Patch Kids or chocolate as an extra treat.

Dinner: Dehydrated Food

Good-To-Go Backpacker Meals – Tasty dehydrated bags of food that just need some hot water to prepare. You can eat right out of the bag too!

Breakfast: Instant Oatmeal

Quaker Protein Oatmeal – Instant oatmeal packets with some extra protein in different flavors. I usually add some dried berries too.

Coffee!

Starbucks Via Instant Coffee – I’ll be the first to tell you I’m not a big Starbucks fan in person. But their instant coffee packets are pretty damn good.

Bear Proof Container

Ursack Major Bear Bag – Easier to pack than a hard-sided container, this Kevlar bag keeps bears and rodents out of your food.

Personal Hygiene Items

Wilderness Wash – Biodegradable soap that’s safe for the environment.

Quick-Dry Towel – To dry off after a cold-water dip in lakes or rivers!

Bamboo Toothbrush – Cut it in half for a travel-sized (and environmentally friendly) version.

Shaving Kit!

Ok, this isn’t a backpacking essential. But a simple shaving kit is part of my own personal hygiene routine. So I thought I’d include it for entertainment value!

I pack a razor, small tube of environmentally friendly shaving cream, and a camp mirror. Generally shaving my head and face every 2-3 days during a trip.

Pooping Kit

Everybody poops. But there’s a particular way to poop in the backcountry that minimizes your impact on nature in the spirit of Leave No Trace principles.

• Deuce Potty Trowel – Lightweight aluminum backpacking trowel for digging a “cat hole” to do your business.
• Toilet Paper – Self-explanatory. You probably don’t need a full roll. Take out the cardboard center core to minimize weight and make it easier to pack.
• Biodegradable Wet Wipes – For a fresh & clean finish!
• Hand Sanitizer – To get rid of any left-over germs.
• ZipLock Freezer Bag – To safely store & pack out your used paper products when possible.

The 10 Backpacking Essentials

These are the 10 most essential items to take with you on any backpacking adventure. From long-distance trekking to simple day hikes. They will help you survive in the wilderness during normal conditions or in an emergency situation.

1. Navigation

Getting lost in the wilderness can turn dangerous quickly. Knowing where you are, and where you need to go, is an essential part of safe backpacking.

• Paper Map & Compass – Old school, but the most reliable (as long as you know how to use them).
• Gaia GPS App – Amazing iPhone and Android GPS hiking trail app that works offline, even if you don’t have cell service.
• Garmin InReach Mini – Personal locator beacon (PLB) and/or satellite communicator device. Alert authorities in an emergency, plus send & receive text messages via satellite.

2. Headlamp

Always pack a light to find your way back down the trail after an epic summit sunset! Or overnight camping trips. Plus a set of spare batteries.

• Black Diamond Revolt – Powerful, lightweight, rechargeable & waterproof headlamp that has a great locking feature so it won’t turn on inside your bag.

3. Sun Protection

Many people underestimate the power of the sun, and a bad sunburn or sun-blindness can quickly ruin a great trip. I always pack a combination of wilderness-friendly sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a lightweight Buff.

4. First Aid Kit

Some kind of first aid kit is a must on any outdoor adventure. You can buy a pre-made one like the one below, or create your own custom kit, which is what I do.

Adventure Medical Kits 7 – Covers all the basics. Bandages, pills, tweezers, blister care, etc.

5. Water & Filtration System

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Always research how much water you need to bring on a hike to stay properly hydrated, and bring a water purification system too. There are many ways to do this, my setup for long-distance hiking is:

• Nalgene 32oz Bottle – I still prefer a wide-mouth Nalgene bottle so I can add re-hydration salt packets to it.
• Sawyer Mini Water Filter – Tiny water filter. With the included straw, I can drink dirty water out of my Nalgene, or attach directly to a water bag (below).
• Evernew Hydration Bags – Lightweight and fold-able water bladders that screw into the Sawyer Mini, plus they can stand on their own.
• Aquatabs – Emergency backup water purification system.

6. Sharp Knife

A key piece of survival equipment for hiking & backpacking trips. My favorite wilderness knife is the Enzo Trapper, but you’ll also get along fine with something less fancy like a Swiss Army pocket knife.

7. Fire Kit

To help you cook food, boil water, and stay warm in an emergency situation. You don’t need to go crazy. I usually bring a pair of Bic Lighters, some cotton balls in a tiny zip-lock bag for tinder, and a few water/wind-proof matches.

8. Emergency Shelter

If you’re on an overnight backpacking trip, you’ll already have a tent as I mentioned earlier. But I also recommend bringing an emergency shelter (tent blows away, burns down, etc). It’s also wise to pack a shelter on long day hikes, in case you get injured or lost and need to spend the night.

SOL Emergency Bivy Bag – This heat reflective and breathable bivy bag will keep you warm in an emergency.

9. Extra Food

Always bring at least an extra half-day’s worth of food with you on day hikes, and a full extra day’s worth of food on longer multi-day backpacking trips for unexpected situations.

10. Extra Clothing

Pack a few warm layers (thermal underwear, extra socks, hat, gloves, etc.) to help you stay warm & dry if the weather turns bad, you fall into a river, or have to spend an unexpected night in the wilderness.

My Favorite Luxury Items

While you could pack ultra-light and reduce all unnecessary luxuries from your backpacking gear checklist, sometimes a little extra weight is worth the comfort. Here are my personal favorite hiking & camping extras!

• Trekology Inflatable Pillow – I’ve tried many backpacking pillows over the years, this has the best combination of comfort mixed with lightweight pack-ability. It really improved my sleep quality!
• Black Diamond Trekking Poles – Trust me on this one. Your knees will thank you. Especially on steep descents — and if you’re over 30 years old…
• Anker Portable Battery – For recharging my iPhone, GoPro, or satelite beacon. Small but powerful. Recharges a phone up to 3 times.
• LuminAide Packlite – Lightweight inflatable solar lantern for lighting up your tent or campsite area. Nice backup light to a headlamp.
• Earplugs – They weigh nothing, and are very helpful if you want to sleep through thunderstorms, owls, insects, bears walking around your tent, snoring friends, and other nature sounds that are louder than expected.
• Repair Kit – Miscellaneous repair gear with 50 feet of paracord, sleeping pad puncture kit, Tenacious Tape, safety pins, zip-ties, sewing kit, etc.
• OR Hiking Gaiters – For those especially wet, muddy, snowy, or rough backpacking trips. Helps keep your feet and pants dry and protected.
• Camp Shoes/Sandals – Something lightweight and comfortable to wear when you’re done hiking for the day. Can also be used for river crossings.

Backpacking With Camera Gear

Ok, what about hiking with camera gear? I could probably write a whole article about this subject too. For a photography-heavy day hike, I usually bring my LowePro Whistler 350 Camera Backpack.

On longer multi-day backpacking or trekking adventures, I tend to bring much less photo gear, attaching LowePro Toploader Pro Bag to the front of my shoulder straps.

I might also use a Peak Design Camera Clip and a Peak Design Rain Cover, if I want to travel super light in regards to camera equipment.

You can check out all my photography equipment here.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Backpacking Checklist

If you’d like a simple, one-page backpacking checklist that you can print out to help plan future trips, you can download it for free below. Enjoy!

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

Lone Pine, California

Carefully planting one foot in front of the other, breathing heavily and climbing in snow with my ice axe, I push on to summit California’s highest mountain — Mt Whitney.

Mount Whitney is the highest mountain in the lower 48 states at 14,505 feet. Yes, California is home to both the lowest point in the United States (Death Valley), as well as one of the tallest!

The mountain has also become one of the most popular hikes in the state — so popular that you need to enter a lottery in order to win a permit to hike Whitney.

Well, at least during the summer months.

Rather than deal with 100 other hikers and the very real chance I wouldn’t win a permit, I decided to climb Mt. Whitney during the winter (technically early spring) month of April, when a permit isn’t required.

Of course, this meant hiking through snow and camping overnight in freezing temperatures. I also choose a more difficult trail called The Mountaineer’s Route.

This path requires basic mountaineering skills and isn’t for beginners.

Mt Whitney Hiking Guide

Don’t Underestimate This Mountain!

Before I get into the details of my hike up Mount Whitney, I want to emphasize how difficult this hike can be for those who are unprepared.

Approximately 30,000 people attempt to hike this mountain every year, and only about 30% of them make it to the top.

It’s not a particularly long hike, but it is VERY steep. You gain altitude extremely quickly. And if you don’t hike or train on a regular basis, it might just kick your butt.

Hiking in the winter or early spring, like I did, adds an extra level of difficulty with the snow. Many people have been injured or killed over the years trying to climb steep snow-covered sections without proper gear (or the skills to use it).

Whitney’s Different Hiking Routes

1. Mount Whitney Day Hike

DISTANCE: 22 miles (Round Trip)
ELEVATION GAIN: 6500 feet
TIME: 12-18 hours
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
SUMMARY: Easy Class 1 hiking, but a lot of it and at high elevations. It’s a very long day, and you need to start before sunrise to make it down before dark.

2. Mount Whitney Overnight

DISTANCE: 22 miles (Round Trip)
ELEVATION GAIN: 6500 feet
TIME: 2 days
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
SUMMARY: Spending a night on the mountain helps break up the hike, but you’ll also need to pack camping gear, which means a heavier backpack.

3. The Mountaineer’s Route

DISTANCE: 5 miles (Round Trip)
ELEVATION GAIN: 6600 feet
TIME: 2-3 days
DIFFICULTY: Difficult
SUMMARY: This is a more physically demanding Class 2 & Class 3 hiking route that requires some scrambling. It’s much shorter distance-wise, but with the same elevation gain. So you’re hiking straight up. This is the route I describe here.

Securing A Permit For The Hike

If you plan to climb Whitney during the normal permit season, between May 1st and November 1st, it requires signing up for their lottery system.

Only about 160 hikers are allowed on the trail per day.

Permits cost $15, and they can be hard to come by, especially if you’re trying to hike over a weekend. You can begin applying for a permit for the summer season on February 1st. Lottery winners are announced in March. If you’re one of the lucky ones to win, you can purchase the actual permit starting April 1st.

An alternative option, which is what I did, is to self-issue yourself a free permit in the off-season. Permits are free if you hike during the winter months between November 2nd and April 30th.

However hiking in the winter requires a bit more experience & specialized gear.

Climbing Mt Whitney (DAY 1)

My own Mount Whitney adventure began by driving to the Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center in Lone Pine, CA during the 2nd week of April and self-issuing myself an overnight permit. If you don’t own a bear-proof container and WAG Bag (for pooping), you’ll have to pick up those too. Bear canisters can be rented here.

With my permit set, I jumped back into my jeep drove up to the closed gate on Whitney Portal Road. The upper part of the road leading to the Whitney Portal Campground and Campsites is closed this time of year.

There are two gates. The first one was open, but eventually, you’ll hit the closed one. The road is closed for maintenance as they clean up the annual spring rock falls with heavy machinery.

After parking on the side of the road, I gathered my gear and began walking up the pavement under the late afternoon sun. Hiking about 2000 feet of elevation gain over 2 miles to reach the official trailhead.

The road ends at the Whitney Portal Campsite where I set up camp for one night of acclimatization (at 8,300 feet). This early in the season, the campsite is closed but they have open bathrooms and freshwater.

Climbing Mt Whitney (DAY 2)

The next morning I was packed up and on the trail by 7am, ready to officially start my hike up the main Mt Whitney trail. Soon veering off to the right onto the North Fork Trail and The Mountaineer’s Route.

This is the same route that John Muir took on his solo summit of the peak on October 21, 1873.

My first obstacle was crossing the fresh spring runoff of the North Fork creek multiple times, through thick brush and saplings. Occasionally it was difficult to find the best route through this mess of vegetation.

Next up, the Eversbacher Ledges. This section of trail sends you zig-zagging up a steep wall (hiker’s right) via a series of narrow and exposed ledges. As long as it’s not icy, you’ll be fine. There’s one particularly sketchy section that requires a bit of a scramble up.

After you clear the ledges, you’ll find yourself at Lower Boyscout Lake. You can camp here if you need to, but a better location is further on, at Upper Boyscout Lake.

The more distance you can cover now means a quicker summit attempt tomorrow.

Overnight On The Mountain

I decided to push on past Upper Boyscout Lake in the afternoon and began looking for a suitable campsite in a rocky open area between it and Iceberg Lake, which sits at the bottom of the “chute”.

If you were hiking this route in the summer, most people spend the night next to Upper Boyscout Lake or Iceberg Lake to take advantage of a water source.

But with all the snow around to melt for water, there was no need for me to camp beside a lake.

I’d packed an avalanche shovel to use for building a snow wall if the wind was strong, but I lucked out with a clear, calm night. Got up in the middle of the night to take a few star photos too!

Climbing Mt Whitney (DAY 3)

Waking up at 6am, I re-packed my backpack to prepare for the summit push. Leaving behind my tent, sleeping bag, cooking kit, and additional overnight items I wouldn’t need to haul all the way up to the top.

Once you reach Iceberg Lake (12,621 feet), you’ll easily spot Mountaineer’s Gully, the steep 35 degree snow chute that’s next. In the winter, crampons and an ice axe are definitely required for this section. A slip here would send you falling over 1000 vertical feet down the chute…

A climbing helmet should be used too, as hikers above you often knock pretty large boulders loose or ice chunks that come tumbling by. Which happened a few times during my own ascent — luckily nothing came too close.

The Chute is a slow, steep slog. The high elevation doesn’t help either. I was resting after every 10 steps or so to catch my breath.

At the top of the chute, the snow clears to reveal a Class 2/3 rocky scramble up to the “notch”, a pillar of stone where the ground levels out a bit.

This is a good place to rest and have a snack while you plan your next move.

Reaching The Summit

From The Notch, there are a few different routes you can take to the summit. For the “True Mountaineer’s Route”, you head straight up a 400 ft Class 3 section of climbing, where ropes may or may not be used depending on your skill level.

As I was hiking solo, without ropes, and this was my first time up here, I decided to play it safe and take the alternative route — a longer alpine Class 2 traverse around the backside of the mountain and up to the summit.

Which turned out to be plenty sketchy in its own right!

Traversing the steep mountain face is pretty straightforward with crampons and your ice axe, except in a few sections where the snow was pretty thin, where you’re forced to down-climb steep sections attempting to find solid footing on the rocks just beneath the snow.

My adrenaline was certainly pumping in overdrive while trying to make it across…

With the traverse over, I began hiking up the backside. Pretty soon the Mount Whitney Summit Hut came into view, aka the Smithsonian Institute Shelter.

Built in 1904, this hut was used by scientists to study high-altitude phenomena, astrophysics, and for waiting out storms.

With the sun shining and a perfect blue-bird day, I ate lunch enjoying the incredible 360 degree views from the summit. I’d made it!

Hiking Mount Whitney solo in the late winter/early spring — the top of California (and highest point in the lower 48 states) at 14,505 feet.

Additional Hiking & Packing Tips

My Winter Packing List

Packing for a winter hiking adventure up Mt. Whitney is different than a summer day trip. You’ll need more backpacking gear than usual. My 50-liter backpack weighed 37 pounds using the free scale at the trailhead.

Mount Whitney Hiking Tips

• If you plan on camping, please keep in mind that wood fires are not allowed. Not that you’ll find much wood above the treeline anyway…
• Store your food outside the tent in a bear canister or Kevlar bag. You’re unlikely to see a bear, but marmots (large rodents) are a problem.
• This is not a quick & easy day hike, and reaches high altitudes. Know your personal limits, and don’t feel bad about turning around to stay safe.
• You really need to pay attention on timing your summit climb, and leave the top early enough that you’re not hiking down in the dark.
• Hiking the Mountaineer’s Route took me 2 full days (one night), plus another half day to hike up the closed Whitney Portal road and camp out at the trailhead the night before.

This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.