Multiple days hiking trip is a great microadventure. It is a compact version of the simple life: pack light and travel further. The backpack with essential hiking gears, a tent and a sleeping bag are all we need. And, some food. Through my recent hiking trips, I found few simple rules that could make your next hiking trip better. Do you like hiking? Do you agree with me? Here are five simple things.
Food from Local Farm
Bring the camping pot and buy the ingredients locally. A) You are supporting local economy, b) those are usually much higher quality than supermarket produces. On two days hiking trip to Maine, I was able to cook the best camping food. The secret? Locally and organically grown vegetables from a farm and high quality bread from a farmers market. It looked just as same as any other vegetables, but the juice came from them made all the differences. Rich, was the word that I could use to describe it. Very endearing experience. Moreover, local food vendors are very interested in the destinations and very helpful. The little secret from the insiders; that makes differences as well.
Funky Item that Will Make You Smile
Hiking trip can be lonely and tiring. No matter how great outdoorsman you are, the hard moments are sneaking up on you and there’s nothing wrong with to feel that. I don’t believe that’s just me. Solution? I bring something can make me smile. Something cheerful. Recent hiking trip to Homyung Lake, I brought a space ice-cream and it was a hit. Due to the unexpected rainstorm, we ran out of a food and it saved our lives. But mostly, a pack of space ice-cream in the tent was one memorable moment. What is your space ice-cream? Whatever it is, consider packing in your backpack on your next hiking trip.
Interaction with Fellow Hikers
Just like traveler’s network, hikers bond very quickly. Just to say hi to each other, and asking simple questions, like ‘how far do I have to go?’ make difference. In my home country, people don’t normally speak to strangers in the street. There’s no ‘how are you today?’ like America. Every society has different customs, but the hikers bond was same, regardless the places. Small talk can be awkward and hard but it felt natural in the mountains. Must be because we share the love of nature. Share a little small talk, and share some of your snack with them. The small human interaction could make your hiking trip better.
Book
Book is an essential item in my bag all the time, but it makes hiking trip better as well. I know book can be very handful, and feel like takes a lot of space in your backpack. But it’s matter of priority and it’s only a small space. You already packed headlamp, and it’s going to be your reading light at night. I brought ‘The Geography of Bliss
Weather: Whether Good or Bad
Good weather and hiking are inseparable. One of the reasons why we are going to hiking is to see a good view. That is the biggest reward to the hikers. Also, good weather is required for the safety reason. If there’s no rainstorm/snowstorm, try not to pressure yourself with the perfect weather. It is different if your purpose is to see the beautiful view from the top of the mountain, but to appreciate beautiful Mother Nature, you have to embrace not-so-good weather. Because, that is natural, to have bad weathers.
There you have it, simple five tips. What is your secret tips for hiking trips? Share with us!
One essential thing I always carry is 550 Para-cord. Never know when you will need it during camping or hiking.
I agree with what you suggest – having great food to look forward to makes a huge difference. If it’s a long hike I like a bit of peppermint foot cream. Also like wine in a Nalgene bottle for the first night or two and often I’ll carry my Crazy Creek chair because it weighs little and I get back support when sitting in camp.
Totally yes for Crazy Creek!! 🙂 And I’ve never used peppermint foot cream, but it sounds really good actually. Thanks Leigh!
I recommend fingerless gloves! I was so glad I brought them on my section hike of the Appalachian Trail in mid September 🙂
Great article! 🙂
Great point about buying food from local farms and markets. I tend to go with the easy, packaged goods… but local is always best!
Glad you agree with me Leslie! 🙂
How about a taxi for that hike? haha!
That definately good advice for hikers. I never leave with out my book. And the view really is the reward, but I mostly do it to keep active.
Chocolate, never go hiking without it. Yes I know it will melt and get all funny, especially if you hike in hot places, but you still have to have it! Thou, that space ice cream looks like something I might have to get for my next hike!
Highly recommended. Space icecream works like a charm! Chocolate is a good idea though. I had chocolate when I went to hiking in the Green Mountains, VT, and a piece of chocolate and hot tea melt my heart!
재미 있는 거 같아요..
그럼, 한국에 가면 제가 등산 갈 거예요, ㅋㅋㅋ..
Similar to the space ice-cream suggestion – bring along a small snack packet that is local to wherever you’re from – makes for a great ice breaker/conversation piece and a yummy snack at the same time!
I have never heard of space ice cream before. Where can you buy that? Must get it for my trip to Everest Base Camp next March!
I always find room for my deck of cards in my bag. Every person you meet has another game or a new twist on some card game.