There’s something undeniably romantic about going off-grid. Trading buzzing notifications and concrete chaos for stillness, solitude, and wide-open space. But let’s be real - disconnecting doesn’t mean you have to embrace full-blown deprivation. You can skip the cell service without skipping the comfort. You just need to do it right.

Here’s how to leave the grid behind without turning your trip into a survival challenge.

Choose Your Off-Grid Flavor

Off-grid travel isn’t one-size-fits-all. It spans everything from remote, self-sufficient cabins to backpacking into the wilderness with nothing but a tent and your questionable fire-starting skills. The key is knowing how far you’re willing to push the “off” in off-grid.

If you’re easing into it, start with a tastefully rugged escape - think solar-powered cabins, yurts, or fully-equipped glamping sites. You’ll get the seclusion and simplicity without sacrificing running water or a comfortable bed. Prefer a moving home base? Take a sprinter van or luxury RV to a remote campground, giving you mobility with creature comforts.

For the hardcore minimalists, backcountry tenting or off-grid campervans are where it’s at. Just know your limits - there’s no reward for shivering through the night on half-inflated gear just to prove you can.

And don’t overlook hybrid options - stays that balance self-sufficiency with convenience. There are off-grid lodges and eco-retreats that offer solar power, rainwater collection, and composting toilets alongside plush bedding and hot showers. You can still be off the grid - just with better linens.

Smart Packing Makes or Breaks the Trip

Going off-grid doesn’t mean packing light - it means packing smart. Ditch the “just in case” outfits and focus on versatile, performance-driven pieces.

• Layers over bulk. Merino wool is your best friend - it’s breathable, odor-resistant, and works in both heat and cold. And a classic Patagonia down jacket is iconic for a reason, they keep you incredibly warm, and pack down to practically nothing. Brandon hasn't taken his out of travel bag in the past 10 years.  
• Multi-purpose gear. A scarf that doubles as a blanket, a jacket that packs into a pillow - these are the game-changers.
• Quality sleep setup. A thick inflatable mattress, memory foam pillow, and a proper sleeping bag will keep you from cursing the ground at 2 AM.

And don’t forget the small luxuries: a French press or pour over for morning coffee, a Bluetooth speaker, and maybe even a compact solar shower. Little comforts go a long way when you’re far from civilization.

Also, invest in reliable power solutions. A solar charger or portable power bank can keep your camera, GPS, or e-reader alive without relying on outlets. It’s not about staying plugged in - it’s about having the option.

Prepare Your Body Before You Go

Nothing ruins a remote getaway faster than a preventable medical issue. Plan ahead:

• Handle medical concerns. Get dental work done, refill prescriptions, and bring painkillers, antihistamines, and a first-aid kit.
• Stretch and strengthen. If you’re heading into rugged terrain, prep your body with some mobility work. The last thing you want is a pulled muscle three miles from the nearest trailhead.
• Hydrate like it’s your job. Dehydration hits harder when you’re exposed to the elements without easy access to water. Bring a water filtration system or purification tablets, and drink consistently.

Also, be realistic about your fitness level and limits. Don’t plan an aggressive backcountry route if you’re not conditioned for it. Comfort starts with keeping your body functional - and nothing kills the vibe faster than hobbling around on day two.

Food Shouldn’t Suck

Just because you’re off-grid doesn’t mean you have to suffer through bland, soggy meals. The secret? Prep food before you leave.

• Pre-chop and pre-cook. Dice veggies at home, marinate proteins, and pre-cook hearty meals (like stews or curries) that you can reheat over a fire.
• Foil packet meals. Wrap everything in foil - seasoned potatoes, marinated chicken, or veggie medleys - and let the fire do the work.
• Snacks matter. Good ones. Pack chocolate, cheese, jerky, dried fruit, and nuts. And yes - bring wine or a nice whiskey. You’re off-grid, not off-joy.

If you’re feeling ambitious, try cast iron cooking. With a sturdy skillet and a little patience, you can whip up golden pancakes, crispy potatoes, or even a rustic berry cobbler over the fire.

And for those leaning into luxury, consider off-grid gourmet setups - portable stoves, foldable cooking surfaces, or even a small smoker. Because who says you can’t eat like a king under the stars?

Know Your Safety Basics

When you’re off the grid, self-reliance isn’t optional - it’s essential. Brush up on basic survival skills before you go:

• Navigation know-how. Don’t rely on your phone’s GPS. Bring a physical map and learn how to use a compass.
• Fire-making skills. A waterproof lighter is your best friend, but pack waterproof matches and a ferro rod just in case.
• Wildlife awareness. If you’re venturing into bear country, bring bear spray and store food properly. Learn how to identify local plants and animals - you don’t want to find out the hard way what poison oak looks like.

You should also leave a travel plan with someone before you go - especially if you’re heading into a remote area. Let them know where you’re going, when you expect to return, and when they should start to worry.

Connection Beyond Wi-Fi

Ironically, going off-grid is often where you find the deepest connection - to the land, your own body, and the people you’re with.

Without screens, your senses sharpen. You notice the wind shifting directions, the way the light softens in the evening, the sound of your own breathing. Time slows down. And if you’re traveling with someone, the conversations get longer, more meandering, and somehow more meaningful.

If you’re alone, solitude takes on a richer texture. You start to hear your own thoughts more clearly - the ones usually drowned out by notifications and noise. It’s both confronting and freeing.

Don’t Romanticize Misery

Off-grid doesn’t have to mean uncomfortable. You can be dirty, tired, and miles from a power outlet - and still enjoy a hot meal, a soft bed, and a sunset that makes your whole chest ache.

So go. Drop off the radar. Let your inbox pile up. And when you return, you’ll carry a little more stillness with you - a reminder that the world is bigger than the grid and quieter than you remember.

Get out there and enjoy nature - while you still can. 

xx