The digital age has brought many changes and has now found its way to one of the most iconic ways of spending a holiday: backpacking. Part of this evolution is that some of the modern-day Jack Kerouacs want to able to share their adventures directly through Facebook and Instagram instead of waiting for their analogue pictures to be developed when they are back home. The backpackers of the past, on the other hand, have aged and made a career. This results in less time but more demands in terms of quality and luxury. The new backpacker is born: flashpacking.

Flashpackers travel like backpackers, but with a larger budget and the need for more comfort and electronic gadgets such as smartphones, digital cameras, tablets or laptops. An e-reader, gps and wi-fi location finder come in handy as well, next to the necessary memory cards, batteries, chargers and cables. The most essential for a flashpacker is the right and multifunctional gear, such as a handy bag and light jacket which can be worn both in the city and on a hike through mountains.

Flashpackers don’t economize on style with their good-looking and lightweight gear, while seizing the most and best travel opportunities possible. One flashpacker might choose for a cheap hotel and spend money on expensive activities and excursions, whereas another flashpacker might stay in luxurious hotels, eat in good restaurants and travel with a rental car or budget airline instead of slow and overcrowded local transportation.

This kind of traveller takes only part of the conventional backpacker luggage with him: a waterproof backpack, some clothing basics and good shoes. Thanks to modern technology, the flashpacker doesn’t need to overload on travel guides, books or maps. Outdoor and travel chain Bever offers the modern traveller a wide range of clothing, shoes, accessories and gadgets. Flashpackers can find anything they need as well, with brands such as The North Face, Patagonia, Fjällräven and GoPro.

One of the modern traveller’s necessities might be Internet on the go, even when there is Wi-Fi close by. Spot Connect is the answer to this with its ability to offer Internet through satellite. Another one is Grid-it!, a storage system which keeps cables, chargers, and gadgets together. The Powertraveller Adventurer is the first solar charger with a built-in battery, which can be fully charged in just 8 to 12 hours. The best thing about it though, is it’s possibility to charge both the solar charger’s battery and another device simultanously. The waterproof Patagonia Black Hole 45 duffel bag with removable and lined shoulder straps is another smart travel companion.

Have a look at the Bever website to find out more about the new way of backpacking and its products.