Comments on: Who are you?

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 01:46:05 +0000

In reply to John D. I've heard nothing but good things about the Cape Wrath Trail. Scotland looks beautiful.

By: John D

John D — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 07:19:51 +0000

In reply to Paul Mags. Scotland has some cracking multi week routes, with the Cape Wrath Trail standing out as probably the best in Britain and good warm up trails lead to the start at Fort William.

By: Steve

Steve — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 19:01:21 +0000

I think the best term to describe us all is that we “hike our own hike”

By: Dave Bugg

Dave Bugg — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 18:09:21 +0000

Good article. As another respondent stated, I am also baffled by the snobbishness that now seems to be so prolific among a certain demographic of backpackers. And, yes, the term “backpacker” is just fine without an infinite segmenting and sub-categorizing of those who choose to walk away from civilization, for however long a period of time they choose, whilst carrying stuff on their backs.

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 20:12:29 +0000

In reply to Mkehiker.

Ha! I had that song stuck in MY head after I wrote the article if it makes you feel any better. 🙂 Three days with a son sounds pretty damn good… The gift of time is awesome…

By: Mkehiker

Mkehiker — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 19:46:00 +0000

Great, now The Who is in my head.

After spending this week around Glacier National Park, I’ve come to the conclusion that there is now a large contingent of “hiker snobs”, much like wine snobs before them and the current batch of craft beer snobs… It baffles me.

A group almost laughing as they saw a guys 60 lb pack. So judgemental, it almost pained me. “Look at that idiot…” was overheard.

I’d just had a beer with him, asking him where he’d gone, and he told me of the amazing 20 miles and three days he’d done with his ten year old.

If people ask for advice, I’ll give it, I’m by no means an expert… But if you love what you’re doing, not hurting anyone, and leaving no trace… Who am I to judge?

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Sat, 13 Aug 2016 16:12:47 +0000

In reply to John D.

I actually have no desire to do multi month hikes at this point. Multi week hikes on the other hand… and I am working toward that goal… 🙂

By: John D

John D — Sat, 13 Aug 2016 06:46:35 +0000

For 48 years, I’ve been walking and cycling around with camping gear. That’s the thing about walking. It is likely to keep you healthy so you’ll be doing it for a long while and, if you are doing it for a long while, you are unlikely to stick with just one approach. There will be days for speed, days for distance, days for photography, days for birdwatching and days for companionship. The outdoors offer so much. One day we can focus on becoming part of it and the next we can take on a big challenge.

About labels. Are they imposed or chosen? Is industry trying to drive sales by creating desire or are they responding to what members of the outdoor community are already doing? It’s easy to forget just how big and vibrant the outdoors community is nowadays.

BTW, Mags, it’s unlikely that your days as a long distance hiker are over. Get to retirement in a reasonable state of health and you’ll be off again.

By: Andrew Skurka

Andrew Skurka — Sat, 13 Aug 2016 04:57:12 +0000

Frequently others try to label me similarly. Hate it. “Backpacker” is fine, thanks.

By: grannyhiker

grannyhiker — Sat, 13 Aug 2016 01:11:28 +0000

When asked for a label, I call myself a “stop and smell the flowers and enjoy the view” hiker. But I very much agree with you about labels!