'Lazy Hiker' Custom Invention... 'This' Attached to Backpack to Reduce Weight

Attaching Helium Balloons to Backpacks for Easy Climbing
Inspired by the Movie 'Up'... However, Safety Concerns Raised

A Chinese influencer has developed a 'hiking method for lazy people,' drawing attention.

[Image source=Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) capture]

On the 9th, Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that fitness influencer Pussi, residing in Zhejiang Province, posted a video on Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok) hiking with a backpack whose weight was reduced using helium balloons. In the video, Pussi said, "I'm wearing a backpack, but thanks to the balloons, I don't feel any weight at all," adding, "It feels like something is pulling me upward." The video gained great popularity, receiving 200,000 'likes.'

Pussi revealed that the idea was inspired by foreign bloggers lifting bags with balloons to float them in the air and scenes from the movie 'Up,' where a house is lifted into the sky by a bunch of balloons. He also explained that, considering safety, helium was used instead of hydrogen. However, he mentioned that the balloons popped after being pierced by tree branches in the latter part of the hike, so they were not helpful. He described the experience as "fun."

However, experts who saw this expressed safety concerns. Mr. Su, a chemistry teacher from Heilongjiang Province, warned, "To obtain sufficient buoyancy, a large amount of helium must be injected, which could cause hikers to float into the air or collide with trees and get injured. Strong winds could blow people away, and at higher altitudes, there is a risk of balloon explosions."

Local netizens had mixed reactions. One user pointed out the fundamental issue, saying, "Lazy people don't climb mountains." Others commented, "It might harm other hikers," and "If you're going to hike like that, just send a drone." However, some users joked, "I see a business opportunity," suggesting, "You could sell balloons to other hikers," while others praised it as a "novel idea."