All your thoughts about hiking—from gear selection to trail etiquette—are worth revisiting.
When was the last time you questioned why you packed your hiking backpack the way you did? Or have you ever considered why you feel the need to reach every peak? Or wondering why you should apologize to others when taking photos?
Hiking, like any passion, accumulates layers of unexamined “shoulds” and “musts” that we inherit from guides, social media, hikers, and gear manufacturers. Every hiker has their own firm beliefs about the right way to hike, from gear selection to destination selection, and even what counts as a “real” hike. These assumptions silently shape our experiences, sometimes enriching them but often limiting them in ways we don’t notice.
What is best for us?
This is not a wholesale rejection of traditional practices. It’s about understanding why we do what we do and making conscious choices about what’s best for our path today and what might be better for us tomorrow.
After covering more miles than I can possibly track, I’ve developed some personal opinions that may irritate some folks on the mountain. Here are ideas that challenge conventional hiking wisdom. They are not meant to replace anyone’s current approach, but rather to expand our view of what is possible on the road.
After all, if wilderness teaches us to be adaptable, shouldn’t our attitude toward hiking be equally flexible? Sometimes growth and depth come not from learning new things but from forgetting old things…
Eleven opinions
1. Summiting is overrated.
The “peak or bust” mentality has hijacked hiking culture, often at the expense of the journey itself. Some of my most cherished moments have occurred far below any mountaintop: stumbling over a hidden waterfall, a deer staring intently at me, epic ledge views, my first sighting of a bear. although permanent There’s an undeniable rush to the top, fixed Reaching the summit means missing out on countless memorable and even magical moments along the way.
2. Hiking is better in fog than on sunny days
A bold statement? perhaps. But the fog transforms familiar trails into eerie and beautiful landscapes. While Bluebird Day offers sweeping views, misty weather can create an intimate, otherworldly experience. It’s amazing to watch the fog lift to reveal the valley below or the peaks in the distance. Plus, you’ll enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds—perfect conditions for an unforgettable hike.
3. Hiking Checklist Limits Adventure
“Must do” hiking lists provide a great starting point for beginners, but they shouldn’t be a handcuff to hiking. The urge to complete routes like the 4000-foot Alpine Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail often leads people to detour to equally stunning but lesser-known trails. many of the best Catskills and Adirondack The interest rate hike is not a peak interest rate hike. These lists create an arbitrary hierarchy, indicating that some hikes are “more important” than others. Use them as inspiration, not obligation.
4. Leave No Trace Requires Nuance and Calmness
NOTE: This view is often debated, and for good reason. although Leave No Trace (LNT) The principles provide important guidelines, but some interpretations have become unnecessarily rigid. Nature shows remarkable resilience—no footprint or stray leaf can damage an ecosystem. Rather than promoting complete isolation from nature, let us focus on teaching responsible interaction with nature.
5. The great trekking pole debate
Hiking poles have their place, especially on steep descents or crossing streams. However, they often disrupt natural movement patterns on moderate terrain. The automatic assumption that every hiker needs trekking poles deserves careful scrutiny. Sometimes they can become a crutch that prevents you from developing your natural balance and rhythm on the trail. Personally, I carry mine all the time – but only deploy them as needed on steep descents to help protect my knees and aid balance.
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6. Footwear Fallacy
Let’s end the hiking shoe vs. trail running shoe debate once and for all. What matters is not the category, but whether your shoe fits and supports your unique needs as a hiker. I’ve seen hikers expertly tackle technical trails in well-fitting trail running shoes, while others struggled in quality boots that didn’t fit their feet or style. Best shoes? No matter what you wear, you can forget about it.
7. 10 points that need updating
The ten essentials concept still stands, but there’s no point in blindly carrying everything on every hike. Context matters. Hiking a popular trail close to civilization on a summer afternoon requires different preparation than a remote backcountry adventure. Learn to evaluate your needs based on conditions, location, and experience.
8. Obsession with ultralightness
While the movement of ultralighting has revolutionized hiking gear, it has also brought unnecessary pressure to reduce weight at all costs. Traditional gear generally offers better durability and value for casual hikers. Not everyone needs a sub-two-pound tent or frameless backpack. Sometimes, a few extra ounces means significantly more comfort and reliability.
9. The impact of social media on hiking culture
The pursuit of “Insta-worthy” moments has fundamentally changed the nature of hiking. Too often, hikers rush through beautiful scenery in pursuit of the perfect social media photo. Remember to pay attention to the good stuff beneath your feet, take the time to examine interesting rocks, and appreciate the little details that make each hike unique. Not every moment needs to be photo-worthy to be meaningful.
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10. Speed isn’t everything
The rise of FKT (fastest known time) and competitive hiking has placed an overemphasis on pace and distance. There is nothing wrong with a slow hike or a short hike. Some of my most valuable experiences have come from leisurely walks where I often stopped to observe, reflect, or just enjoy the outdoors. I always say, “If you get off the road faster than me, that means I’ve spent more time in nature than you.” Who wins here?
11. Is death central to hiking?
This is my most controversial point: the only real difference between walking and hiking is a non-zero chance of death. dramatic? Maybe. But it highlights a fundamental truth: Hiking inherently involves risk and self-reliance, and that’s what makes it so valuable.
If you don’t even have a chance to die Is this really a hike?
Find your own path
Maybe you don’t agree with these sentiments, but I hope this list inspires you to take a deeper look at your hiking philosophy. The beauty of hiking is discovering for yourself what works best for you.
What controversial hiking views do you hold? Share them in the comments below…
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