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Comment by xcskier56 | Hacker News Reader

To everyone saying “just don’t bring your phone”

1) Camera: iPhones are about the best lightweight camera I’m willing to purchase 2) Navigation: Offline maps with details like slope angle are critical when traveling in the backcountry in winter. Yes I use paper maps too, but some things are much easier digital. 3) I don’t want to leave it in the car to get stolen.

And about airplane mode. Yes “disconnecting is a choice”, but if the internet is just the flip of a button away, I’ve found I’m not able to keep that button off.

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So in other words, you're annoyed at this new development because you have no self control?

Does anyone have good self control? Or do they just tell themselves that they actually DO want to mindlessly scroll for hours?

Whenever I travel I tel myself I’m free to not reply to people on time. Especially anyone who doesn’t know the itinerary.

“Sorry I was on a plane then”. “You texted me right as I was checking into hotel- got distracted while replying and forgot to send”. “Couldn’t answer the phone - was at a restaurant and answering the phone is rude”.

Didn’t take long before the lies became true and I would forget to reply when I see the message.

You have the power to make it your reality. If the issue is replying to people, give yourself small permissions to not be punctual. If someone dies, you’ll still know immediately… but that work memo may have arrived why you were on a plane ;). If your issue is that you can’t stop scrolling through twitter or HN then i don’t know. Take more exciting vacations? Rarely when I travel would I rather be scrolling endlessly (except maybe while in line places).

> And about airplane mode. Yes “disconnecting is a choice”, but if the internet is just the flip of a button away, I’ve found I’m not able to keep that button off.

Leave your SIM card home

Or remove it and put it at the bottom of the backpack (suitcase).

Remove current APN (and keep memo away) so it can't connect to internet but phone/SMS is still available.

> And about airplane mode. Yes “disconnecting is a choice”, but if the internet is just the flip of a button away, I’ve found I’m not able to keep that button off.

So we should all be denied a new potentially life-saving technology, because of your own self control issues?

Also, take the SIM out (assuming you don't use an ESIM), give it to your spouse or put it at the bottom of your backpack as others suggested, or leave it at home/in your car. Emergency calls will still work.

It's not just him, it's over 90% of humans. Us monkeys have poor self control and need help.

> but if the internet is just the flip of a button away, I’ve found I’m not able to keep that button off.

That's a human problem with a human - not technical - solution. You need to find a way to resist temptation. I promise you'll be better for it in more areas than you realize.

In my experience for backpacking photography a used DSLR is definitely the best choice. You can go an entire week on a single battery if you don't use the LCD too much.

I hear you on offline maps though. Back in the day I paid the Tom Tom tax when going to Europe because $100 for offline maps was ultimately better than trying to figure out a roaming plan or local sim.

There are apps which can disable/nerf specific apps or the internet wholesale for N mintues, and lock you out until the timer lapses.

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