This is How to Hike: From What to Pack to Where to Trek

Hiking adventures are as close as the non-religious get to a pilgrimage. They are physical challenges that also often become spiritual ones, with many of us deciding to press the soles of our shoes to the soul of the world in order to rediscover our true north. No wonder books such as Cheryl Strayed’s Wild (2012) and Jon Krakauer’s Into the Wild (1996) are bestsellers — we’re fascinated by the idea that we can walk our way back to ourselves.

In 2016, I trekked the remote Ausangate trail in Peru, which I chose as an alternative to overtouristed Machu Picchu, hiking along ragged, snow-dusted peaks to the Rainbow Mountain. The trip became a pilgrimage of sorts; by going outside I found, as many hikers do, that I was actually going inside, where I was able to tap into hidden parts of myself.

Studies in Italy and Japan have shown that being immersed in nature makes our brains healthier, increases our attention span and creativity, and lowers blood pressure, heart rate and levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This is what the Japanese call shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, which encourages us to slow down and soak up nature with all our senses — the smell of the plants and soil around us, the soothing sight of greenery, the feel of the earth beneath our feet, the gentle murmur of the forest — helping us stay focused, mindful and present.

Being surrounded by a flourishing natural environment inspires us to feel awe for our planet. Research tells us that it is precisely this feeling of awe that tends to make us feel kinder and more generous, and encourages us to forgo our personal interests for those of others and the world. Exactly what is needed at this crucial moment in time.

Plan + Eco-Charge Your Hiking Trip

Route

If you discover a destination is popular, like the Camino de Santiago in Spain or the Appalachian Trail in the US, choose a quieter alternative for a lighter environmental impact (thehikinglife.com has some good ideas). Treks or hikes in your own part of the world are preferable.

Gear

The less gear you can take the better. For necessities like tents, consider hiring or borrowing. If you are buying, try for second-hand, or choose consciously produced adventure brands such as patagonia.com (or its used clothing site, wornwear.com), vaude.com or mammut.com, and eco products including feather-free sleeping bags and backpacks made from recycled PET bottles. Natural sunscreen and insect repellent are must-packs, so you’re not leaching chemicals into waterways. If you’re going somewhere cold, look for cruelty-free brands such as noize.com, which makes Peta-approved, fashion-forward vegan outerwear.

With Kids

If you have small kids, the right pram can be a lifesaver — one that zips up and keeps insects out, and turns into a bed so they can sleep for sections. Extra snacks and biodegradable nappies are important, as is packing a couple of books or toys. Keep kids engaged by having an end goal each day — hot springs or a waterfall, say. And start small, getting them familiar with shorter hikes, then working up to multi-day journeys.

Accommodation

If you’re camping, stick to defined sites. Otherwise, choose the most eco-friendly accommodation available — small, locally owned guesthouses, teahouses or lodges.

Entertainment

Download podcasts relating to the history and flora and fauna of your destination, and plant-identifying apps such as PlantSnap or PictureThis. Music from the place you’re in will help get you through difficult sections of a hike.

Food

Make snacks such as energy balls and trail mix, using local food without loads of air miles. Pack biodegradable bags for waste, bring a high-capacity bottle or bladder for water, and take a purifier like a SteriPEN to easily refill.

Let it be

Those pretty flowers might be an insect’s or animal’s habitat or dinner, so resist picking them; same with collecting stones and pieces of wood. Keep a comfortable distance from wild animals so you don’t affect their behaviour and stick to marked trails so you’re not treading on any creature’s habitat. Avoid ‘braiding’ (walking along the edges of paths) which over time makes them wider, and collect any litter you find.

Nina Karnikowski’s latest book, The Mindful Traveller, is also available now.