What tech will I be using?
My answer to this question has dramatically changed from when I had the initial ideas of walking for a living.
I thought I’d bring a big “proper” camera (rather than a mobile), a tripod, selfie-stick, etc. However, with a camera, you could possibly carry different lenses, but even just one, plus a camera can weigh a great deal. Also, carbon fiber, lightweight tripods are not actually that lightweight, at 2.5lbs/ 1.1kg, when you consider all of the other things I’d be carrying on my back. And on top of that, it would take up around 16”/41cm in space, height-wise.
Once I realised it all has to go on my back I quickly made different decisions.
Therefore, for photos and videos, I’m using my phone.
Phone: trusted Google Pixel 7A. For those of you who are into tech – it has a 6,1” (155mm) full-screen display, with HDR support. It has over 24-hour battery life, which extends to 72-hours when used with Extreme Battery Saver. The camera is excellent with 13 mega pixels on the front camera and 64 on the rear. The importance of this means that the photos can be blown up to print, rather than just stay the size you see them on your phone!
Laptop: Google Pixelbook Chrome – I’m only able to take this because it’s ultra-light: 1kg and it’s ultra-thin too, at 13mm. It has all of the advantages of a normal lap top, but its weight makes it perfect for travelling. It also has a touch-screen, and a high-res duo cam, so you can video chat. https://store.google.com/gb/product/pixelbook_go?pli=1&hl=en-GB_
Powerbank: This is another important piece of tech. Even though it’s another 0.5kg it is well worth having to carry it, as it charges up my phone, 5 times if needs be. I can recharge it with a plug, but it’s also got solar capacity so will be able to get some charge from the sun. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08XXTZFVC?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1
I’m also taking a lamp – well, a light. I’m taking a running light/head torch that I intend to hang from the ceiling in the tent to have light in the evening. This is also rechargeable.
I’m also purchasing a Motorola Satellite connection, for use in case of emergency, should I not have a signal.
What will I be using my tech for?
Obviously, I can use my phone for what they were originally made for – phone calls. Plus, I can text, chat – all the other things that we often do more of than actually make calls!
I’ll be taking photos and possibly short videos to share on my blog and on my social media platforms. The boys, Doctor Watson and Captain Hastings have their own Instagram profile: https://www.instagram.com/watsonandhastings/
This is where ‘they’ will be posting about our escapades during the walk, keeping everyone up to date about where we are walking and what we are up to.
My phone will be my space to follow the route in case I lose my way. And obviously, in case of any emergencies it will be my lifeline.
My laptop will be for work, when I have zoom calls, and have meetings with clients. Also as well as using my mobile, I can send emails, update blogs on my website and even take photos on it.
The charger is extremely important to keep everything charged!
As for my light – as well as giving me light in the tent, it will be useful – IF I have time to read anything, and if I can keep my eyes open after our day’s trek!
If you’d like to find out how we are getting on, please follow the boys on their Instagram and read my blogs: www.thewanderlustcoach.com And if you’d like to have a discovery session with me – book yourself straight into my calendar: https://wanderlustcoach.as.me/schedule.php