Gardenarian
11-21-15, 6:34pm
I just took a course on trekking, also known as slackpacking - where you go for a long walking tour but stay in hostels, inns, pubs, etc. rather than camping out.
It's an affordable way to get to know a country, and you get to see places that most tourists (and locals) miss. It is a great way to meet people, or to be alone.
There are no trails of this sort in the U.S. (that I or my teacher are aware of.) There are backpacking trails, like the Pacific Crest, John Muir, Appalachian trails - but not ones that wander through the countryside, offering accommodations every 4-8 miles.
I haven't done this yet, but I really want to. Some of the better-known trails are the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain (there is a movie with Martin Sheen called "The Way" about the Camino.) There is the West Highland Way (and many others) in Scotland, the South West Coast trail in England, which goes all around Cornwall (I'd like to try that one - as well as the Camino.) There is supposed to be an awesome trail in Iceland. The hikes vary from a week to months.
I think it would be a great way to get a better perspective on simple living. As you can generally get water and food along the road (though my teacher said to always carry something to eat) as well as a bed/bath/wifi and often laundry at the end of the day, you can really get minimal. Some people do the hikes barefoot and carry nothing but a water bottle.
I've been giving a lot of thought to what I would bring along. Also thinking, if I can travel for a month or more with so little, why do I need more every day?
I would bring:
1 pair of zip-off pants/shorts
1 pair of leggings
1 long sleeved shirt
1 short sleeved shirt
2 pairs of underwear
2 pairs of thick socks, 2 pairs of light sock liners
Water bladder (camelback) or water bottles
1 under-clothing passport/money wallet
Smart phone
1 pair hiking boots
1 pair lightweight sandals
1 waterproof sun hat
Toiletries/first aid/meds
(inclement weather gear if needed - rain pants/coat, packable down jacket)
Guidebook/map
Collapsible trekking poles
Back pack to hold everything (11 liter??)
A general rule in hiking is not to bring anything cotton - it's heavy and takes forever to dry. So most things would be nylon blends - except socks, which would be wool.
I'm psyched to get some trekking poles. I tried some out at a store but haven't made a choice yet (the price range is startling.) They are said to take a lot of stress off your lower body, and allow you to walk further each day. I can sure use that!
Has anyone gone on a long trek? Or used trekking poles? I do a lot of day hikes, and used to backpack quite a bit. I have old bones now, and like the idea of having a 15 pound pack vs 40 pounds!
It's an affordable way to get to know a country, and you get to see places that most tourists (and locals) miss. It is a great way to meet people, or to be alone.
There are no trails of this sort in the U.S. (that I or my teacher are aware of.) There are backpacking trails, like the Pacific Crest, John Muir, Appalachian trails - but not ones that wander through the countryside, offering accommodations every 4-8 miles.
I haven't done this yet, but I really want to. Some of the better-known trails are the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain (there is a movie with Martin Sheen called "The Way" about the Camino.) There is the West Highland Way (and many others) in Scotland, the South West Coast trail in England, which goes all around Cornwall (I'd like to try that one - as well as the Camino.) There is supposed to be an awesome trail in Iceland. The hikes vary from a week to months.
I think it would be a great way to get a better perspective on simple living. As you can generally get water and food along the road (though my teacher said to always carry something to eat) as well as a bed/bath/wifi and often laundry at the end of the day, you can really get minimal. Some people do the hikes barefoot and carry nothing but a water bottle.
I've been giving a lot of thought to what I would bring along. Also thinking, if I can travel for a month or more with so little, why do I need more every day?
I would bring:
1 pair of zip-off pants/shorts
1 pair of leggings
1 long sleeved shirt
1 short sleeved shirt
2 pairs of underwear
2 pairs of thick socks, 2 pairs of light sock liners
Water bladder (camelback) or water bottles
1 under-clothing passport/money wallet
Smart phone
1 pair hiking boots
1 pair lightweight sandals
1 waterproof sun hat
Toiletries/first aid/meds
(inclement weather gear if needed - rain pants/coat, packable down jacket)
Guidebook/map
Collapsible trekking poles
Back pack to hold everything (11 liter??)
A general rule in hiking is not to bring anything cotton - it's heavy and takes forever to dry. So most things would be nylon blends - except socks, which would be wool.
I'm psyched to get some trekking poles. I tried some out at a store but haven't made a choice yet (the price range is startling.) They are said to take a lot of stress off your lower body, and allow you to walk further each day. I can sure use that!
Has anyone gone on a long trek? Or used trekking poles? I do a lot of day hikes, and used to backpack quite a bit. I have old bones now, and like the idea of having a 15 pound pack vs 40 pounds!