How to Unplug On Your Next Off-the-Grid Trip

In a world that pings, beeps, buzzes, and barks (looking at you, Slack), going off-the-grid isn’t just a vacation—it’s a rebellion. An escape. A chance to toss your phone in airplane mode and remind yourself that you are not, in fact, part of your inbox. You’re a human being. With legs. And lungs. And maybe a mild caffeine addiction. But still: alive.

Welcome to the glorious realm of off-the-grid travel, where digital detox meets real-life adventure. Here’s your guide to unplugging like a pro, surviving without WiFi, and still keeping your gear (and sanity) in check.

Why Go Off-Grid in the First Place?

Because your brain deserves a break. 

Studies show that constant connectivity fries our focus, zaps creativity, and messes with sleep. And we haven’t even gotten to the doomscrolling spiral that starts with checking the weather and ends with watching a YouTube documentary on competitive rock balancing.

Going off-the-grid—whether for a weekend or a full-blown sabbatical—can:
✅ Improve your mental health
✅ Boost creativity
✅ Help you reconnect with nature
✅ Give your eyes a break from screens
✅ Make you appreciate the sound of actual birds, not Twitter alerts

In short: unplugging can make you feel more human. And let’s be honest—your group chats will survive without you for 48 hours.

What Happens When You Unplug

You’ll notice things. The way trees move in the wind. The crunch of gravel underfoot.

The fact that your brain is weirdly creative when it isn’t bombarded with notifications every 4.3 seconds. You might journal. Or just sit and stare at a river for an hour without guilt. You might even go to bed at 9 PM and feel good about it.

Unplugging is less about escaping and more about remembering. Remembering how it feels to breathe fresh air. To wake up with the sun. To have thoughts that are actually yours.

You don’t need to disappear forever. But a weekend away from your feeds? That’s the kind of refresh no update can give you.

But How Do You Actually Unplug?

Let’s start with the obvious: turn off notifications. Then, put your phone on airplane mode. Or better yet, leave it in your bag unless it’s an emergency.

The goal here isn’t to cut off from the world entirely (unless that’s your vibe)—it’s to shift the focus from scrolling to exploring.

Here are a few tips to make the transition smoother:

1. Set Intentions

Before you hit the trail, define your goals. Want to clear your head? Connect with your surroundings? Finally finish that paperback gathering dust on your nightstand? Having a purpose gives your detox a direction.

2. Tell People You’re Going Dark

No one likes a missing person scare. Give your friends or family a heads-up so they know you’re off-grid and not ghosting them.

3. Use Tools That Don’t Rely on Signal

Navigation apps are cute—until you lose service. Bring a physical map or download offline maps ahead of time. Old school? Maybe. Reliable? Definitely.

Staying Organized Even When the World’s Not Watching

Unplugging doesn’t mean being unprepared. That’s where we come in. At Ekster, we make gear that helps you stay on top of things, even when you’re off-the-grid.

The Finder Tag

Sure, you’re trying to disconnect, but that doesn’t mean you want to lose your keys to the river gods. Our Finder Tag works with Apple’s Find My network, so even if your phone is offline, other nearby Apple devices can help locate your stuff.
Think of it as off-the-grid tracking with a little help from the hive mind.

Wallet Pro or Cardholder Pro

You’re not carrying your entire office with you, so why carry a clunky wallet? Go minimalist with the Wallet Pro or Cardholder Pro. They hold just what you need, can be tracked via your phone, and they’re so slim that they feel right at home in a hiking pack or bike jersey.

Bonus: Our AppleSkin™ Wallet Pro is made from upcycled apple waste, so you can feel good about packing light and packing eco.

Metal Key Case

A rattling keychain in the wild is basically a bear call. Keep things silent and secure with the Metal Key Case—compact, easy to clip onto a carabiner, and rugged enough to handle your off-road antics.

Travel Hacks for Going Truly Off-the-Grid

Let’s talk logistics. If you’re heading somewhere with no signal, no power outlets, and no baristas, here’s how to prepare:

Pre-Download Everything

Offline maps, trail guides, podcasts (in case the silence gets too intense), eBooks—download before departure. You don’t want to be halfway up a mountain when you realize you needed the AllTrails premium version.

Bring Backup Power

A solar charger or a power bank can be a lifesaver for emergency use. Just because you’re off-the-grid doesn’t mean you can’t be a little bougie about it.

Know Your Fuel

No WiFi? No worries. But no coffee? Now that’s a crisis. Pack instant coffee, a camp stove, or at least a Jetboil if you’re the caffeine-dependent type.

Use Airplane Mode as Your Default

Even if you’re bringing your phone for photos or emergencies, keep it in airplane mode to save battery and resist temptation.

Respect the Wild

Leave no trace, pack out your trash, and don’t mess with the wildlife. (That includes the guy playing acoustic covers at the campground. He means well.)

The Bottom Line

Going off the grid doesn’t have to mean going unprepared. With a few smart tools and the right mindset, your digital detox can be both freeing and smooth. 

At Ekster, we’re here for every kind of adventure—even the ones that don’t make it to Instagram. Check out our best lightweight gear for outdoor adventures. 

So ditch the pings, grab your gear, and go get lost on purpose.

FAQ

What is off-the-grid travel?
Off-the-grid travel refers to trips where you intentionally disconnect from the internet, phone signal, and digital distractions—usually in remote, nature-based settings.

Is it safe to travel off-the-grid?
Yes, as long as you're prepared. Let someone know where you're going, bring backup maps or navigation tools, and pack emergency supplies.

How do I track my stuff if I don’t have WiFi or service?
Use devices like Ekster's Finder Tag, which uses the Apple Find My network. It doesn’t require active Bluetooth or a cellular signal to be located.

What should I pack for an off-the-grid trip?
Think minimalist but smart: a physical map, offline entertainment, solar chargers, layered clothing, and compact, durable accessories like Ekster’s Wallet Pro and Metal Key Case.

Can I really go a few days without checking my phone?
Absolutely. And once you do, you might not want to go back.