Your backpack wants to get light for summer

Tick season is killing me and the dogs lately—every hike feels like a battle against those pesky little critters.

While we’re all gearing up for hiking adventures, it’s the perfect time to address the second worst thing about hiking - a Heavy Backpack.

I want to share how to lighten your load and hike more comfortably…

Today’s Roundup:

• Lighten Your Pack

• (for new hikers) A hiking backpack primer

• Video 👉 Fishermen’s Trail “Do’s and Dont’s”

Welcome to your next Adventure! Each week, we demystify the confusing logistics of walking and hiking holidays in Europe by offering quick hiking and training tips, sharing experiences and highlighting hidden travel destinations. If you were forwarded this message, you can receive the free weekly email here.

Lighten your Backpack

Ever noticed hikers setting off on European trails looking like they’re going into the backcountry and ready to fight bears?

You know the type:

🎒 Overstuffed backpacks bursting at the seams.

🍫 Enough snacks to share with fellow trekkers.

Maybe you’ve been that hiker yourself—no worries, it happens!

But here’s the secret to a truly comfortable adventure in Europe:

You don’t need to carry it all yourself.

Many of Europe’s most scenic routes—whether coastal treks like the Fishermen’s Trail in Portugal or the South West Coast Path in England, or challenging alpine hikes in the mountains—offer luggage transportation services, so you can enjoy your journey with a lighter pack and more freedom.

By traveling light and packing smart, you gain:

🧭 The ease to explore charming villages and hidden paths without feeling weighed down

 🌅 Energy to savor breathtaking sunrise views comfortably

 📸 Quick access to your camera and essentials without the hassle of digging through heavy gear

Here’s how to pack for comfort and convenience:

👉 Choose multi-use clothing: Items that work for hiking, relaxing, and dining make your pack lighter and your trip easier.
👉 Select quality fibers like merino wool: It’s breathable, moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, and perfect for layering on unpredictable European trails.
👉 Use luggage transfer: Let your main bag be transported between huts or hotels, so you hike light and stress-free.
👉 Simplify your gear: One versatile jacket, travel-sized toiletries, and just enough snacks for the trail.
👉 Plan for comfort: Pick trails with well-equipped accommodations where you can recharge each night.

Enjoy Europe’s stunning coastal and alpine trails with a light pack, smart clothing choices, and the convenience of luggage transport—making every step a pleasure!

Hiking the Fishermen’s Trail in Portugal Soon? Learn about Luggage Transfer Services to Lighten Your load.

For NEW multi-day hikers: A Primer on Hiking Backpacks

Selecting the ideal hiking backpack depends on your individual needs, the duration of your trip, the weight you'll carry, and your comfort preferences, while prioritizing durability, organization, and support to guarantee a safe and enjoyable hiking adventure.

1. Choose Packs with both Chest and Hip Adjustments
   Walking a long time requires you to shift the weight around periodically. This helps a lot and you need multiple ways to adjust your pack.

2. Train with it Ahead of a Big Trek
   Practice beforehand and get to know your pack. My daughter unfortunately didn’t and her “perfect” pack gave her bad friction on her shoulder and we had to improvise on a 5 day trek.

3. Don’t get a bigger pack
   Like a purse, you’ll fill it if it’s bigger.

Want to learn about “Lightweight Backpacking” in the mountains - What is Hut to Hut Hiking? (hint: it’s not so strenuous)

Now is the time to plan an Autumn Adventure Hiking in Portugal - Fishermen’s Trail Tips

This multi-day hike is one of the best coastal treks in Europe…

It’s getting more and more popular, so now’s the time to see the trail before it gets crowded.

• ⚡️ 12 Do’s and Dont’s Hiking the Fishermen’s Trail Video

And if you are on Youtube, please help me out by liking and subscribing to the channel to help it grow in the algo. ❤️

🚀 In case you missed it: 👉 Asking for guests for the upcoming “Fishermen’s Trail Podcast. Share your experiences on an easy 30 min podcast.

Happy hiking, and I hope to inspire you to explore the beauty of Europe’s trails!

Let’s see how this trail unfolds…

x-Morgan