Hiking Philosophy: There is no right or wrong hiking philosophy. One's own personal hiking philosophy is simply who we are, how we hike, and why we hike. Comparing your personal hiking philosophy to someone else’s style is apples to oranges. Some people hike for vistas, some for accomplishment, some for camaraderie, some for solitude, some to appreciate nature, and some just for the physical effort itself. You will soon discover your own reasons for hiking and they will guide you to your own hiking philosophy. Shaping your hiking philosophy will likely be a work in progress. Goals change, new goals emerge, goals are achieved. It isn’t even necessary to articulate one's personal hiking philosophy. What is important, however, is that we think about why we hike and consider how our actions on the trail may affect other hikers or even the environment. Because there are as many hiking philosophies as there are hikers, the best advice is: Hike your own hike. Hiking and backpacking are a means to being independent and provide an opportunity for solitude. But the approach that one can do whatever makes them feel free regardless of others on the trail is not quite correct. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic brings both of those ideas clearly into focus. Everyone misses the freedom getting outdoors brings, but at the same time it is irresponsible to put one’s personal desires above others who potentially may be negatively impacted by one’s actions. This is the core of Hike Your Own Hike. This expression is widely used within the hiking community, especially on long-distance trails like the Appalachian Trail. The core principle of HYOH follows: "Every hiker is entitled to hike their own hike up and to the point that it begins to negatively impact the experience of another hiker." (Howell, The Trek) Essentially, you should find what works for you on the trail and don't try to tell other hikers how to do it better, faster, cheaper or lighter – or safer. The key is to be considerate of the other hikers you encounter on the trail. And sometimes that means staying off the trail all together. Hike Your Own Hike articles from The Trek: When HYOH Does NOT Apply [Part 1] When HYOH Does NOT Apply [Part 2] Howell, Kenny. “When Hike Your Own Hike (HYOH) Does NOT Apply [Part 1].” The Trek, 27 July 2018, thetrek.co/hyoh-does-not-apply/.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Quiet Man
I don't have a bucket list. At 61 years old, I have already had the adventures of a lifetime, especially after a 30-year Army career, five years of teaching high school, and a 37 year marriage still going strong. But I still have this deep desire to complete the Appalachian Trial. Archives
February 2022
Categories |