This time I wasn’t looking for a classic backpack, but I was on the hunt for a great mountaineering backpack to use on my ‘C1 basic mountaineering course’ in the Austrian Alps. To be frank, I was a bit nervous for the course itself and I really wanted to make sure I had all the right gear. I spent hours browsing outdoor shops for equipment and clothing, comparing prices, reviews, and features. My ideal backpack would have to be strong, light, and suitable for hiking, climbing, and mountaineering. Luckily, I stumbled upon the Osprey Mutant 52 liters, also the editor’s choice of ‘best mountainee ..read more

Hiking the Tatra Mountains, Poland – This year it was one of the coldest, snowiest and most whimsical May’s in decades. The trails in the Tatra mountains were still largely covered in a thick layer of snow, and there was a risk of avalanches at the higher elevations. I went to the Tatras for a spring hike, but instead I got something better: a true winter wonderland with pristine frozen lakes, snow-capped jagged peaks, and animal tracking fun in the snow. During my short solo adventure, I had the opportunity to explore parts of the 300 km of hiking trails, while staying in cozy mountain huts o ..read more

Tatra mountains in Poland – “I had no idea that Poland looked like this!”, quite a few people responded to my photos of the Tatra mountains. And to be honest, for a long time I also knew little of Poland and it wasn’t really on my travel radar. However, a few years ago a friend told me about this great trip she took to Poland hiking some spectacular mountains. Ever since then I’ve been longing to visit. I realized Poland is a mecca for adventurous, independent travelers. You can explore the mountains in the south, the lakes in the east, and the Baltic Sea beaches in the west. Or travel back in ..read more

Georgia – In 2018, one of the most popular Dutch television shows ‘WIDM’ was shot in Georgia (the country, not the state), which resulted in a rise of Dutch travelers to Georgia. Although I never watched WIDM, I can imagine it was easy to convince the Dutch audience with footage of Georgia’s majestic mountains, lush vineyards, unique cuisine, vibrant Tbilisi, and ancient cave cities. Last spring, I solo backpacked in Georgia for about two weeks. Most of my time I spent hiking the Caucasus in Georgia’s north. Here’s a mini guide to backpacking Georgia with my itinerary, highlights and tips! The ..read more