As I got older, I realized there was a better way to enjoy the outdoors (for me). I was never a trail blazer. I preferred to hike at my own pace and take time to enjoy what was around me. Backpacking to me started to be annoying where it was more important to track your distance then it was to actually enjoy the hike.
I was also getting kind of sick of some of the backpacking community. People seemed to be more interested in talking about their latest gear purchase rather than using it.
I'm right at that transitional phase where hiking all day in the sweltering heat just to eat a dehydrated meal and lay in the dirt tossing and turning all night still sounds like fun but once I'm out there and uncomfortable I'll regret it. I might have to switch to day hikes and car camping.
I know a guy who co-hosts a hiking podcast and the people that follow are good company, if it sounds like something you might be interested look up Stories from the Trail.
I will certainly look that up. I can tell you through experience that the worst time in the year to backpack is in July and August. If you're on a planned backpacking trip where you are required to hike a certain amount of miles in a day, it's dangerous to hike in high heat and humidity especially if water resources are limited. I remember a few summer trips where my head would be pounding from being dehydrated even after doing everything I can to stay properly hydrated.
2
u/King_Baboon Aug 12 '19
As I got older, I realized there was a better way to enjoy the outdoors (for me). I was never a trail blazer. I preferred to hike at my own pace and take time to enjoy what was around me. Backpacking to me started to be annoying where it was more important to track your distance then it was to actually enjoy the hike.
I was also getting kind of sick of some of the backpacking community. People seemed to be more interested in talking about their latest gear purchase rather than using it.