Exploring the world with less, living with more
J.R.S.Oakley
A guide to adventurous, mindful, and minimalist travel.
What is a Backpacker’s Mentality?
There are 7 elements: Adventurous, Minimalist, Adaptable, Open-minded, Budget-conscious, Independence and Cultural Immersion
Most Popular Posts
Latest Posts
Sections
Travel Types
What’s your preferred style?
Trekking, Solo Travel, Hiking, Road Trips, Hostelling, Camping or City Trips?
Destinations, itineraries, and hikes to inspire and help your next adventure.
Destinations
Where do you want to travel next?
Europe? Canada? Patagonia? Nepal?
Kit Room
Packing lists, Clothing and Equipment reviews and rankings to help you find the gear for your Backpack.
Gallery
Paintings, Sketches, Travel Journals and Photography all from my travels
Bookshelf
A space for Book reviews, Stories, guest posts and the community hub.
Find The Journal Newsletter Archive in the Bookshelf too
About
Welcome! I’m James—an engineer and trekker with a decade of experience navigating the world’s most demanding landscapes. From the high-altitude Himalayas and Patagonia to the technical Dolomites and my current home range in the Canadian Rockies, I’ve spent ten years mastering the art of minimalist, mountain-focused adventure.
My engineering background provides the backbone for my gear reviews. I don’t just “use” equipment; I analyse the technical aspects and show they perform in reality with a focus on safety and performance.
Through specific kit rankings and tested itineraries, I help you plan faster and pack smarter. My mission is to bridge the gap between technical expertise and raw adventure, empowering you to explore further with a Backpacker’s Mentality.