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The Hiking Life

Trail Guides, Gear Reviews, and Backpacking Tips

“Deserts, jungles, mountains or coast; I’ve never had a preference. If I’m out in nature with everything I need in the world on my back, chances are my smile is wide and my thoughts are clear.“

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Tag: Hiking Skills

Subjective Participant or Objective Observer?

Posted onJanuary 6, 2023January 9, 202310 Comments

In 2017 I did a Reddit AMA at /r/Ultralight. Over the course of five or six hours, I was asked a bunch of hiking-related questions, one of which was, “Can you give me your best piece of advice for backpacking Read More …

CategoriesMusings, Skills, The Hiking Life Blog, Thru-hikingTags12 Long Walks, Backpacking, Copper Canyon Traverse, Hiking Skills, Pacific Northwest Trail, Thru-hiking

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The Hiking Life is a compilation of tips and advice on trip planning, lightweight backpacking techniques, and improving your wilderness skill set. It contains detailed information for more than 200 of the world’s great hikes and was put together with the mission of inspiring and enabling folks to go backpacking.

~ Cam “Swami” Honan – “The most traveled hiker on earth” (Backpacker Magazine, January 2015)

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  • Home
  • Hikes
    • 100 Classic Hikes
    • 20 Classic Day Hikes
    • Notable Hikes of the 2010’s
    • 12 Long Walks
      • Blood Mountain
    • Africa & Middle East
    • Asia
    • Australasia
    • Central America
    • Europe
    • North America
    • South America
  • How To
    • Trip Planning
    • Resources
      • Books for Hikers and Backpackers (2021 Edition)
      • Websites for Hikers and Backpackers
    • Environment
      • Keep on Track
      • Leave No Trace Camping
      • Leave No Trace and the Extra Yard
      • Hygiene
      • Wildlife
      • Hiking Etiquette
    • Health & Safety
      • First-Aid Kit
      • Wear & Tear
      • Blisters
      • Hiking Fitness
      • Intestinal Disorders
      • Hydration
      • The Hiker’s Diet
      • Nature’s Emergencies
      • Hiking at High Altitude
      • Backpacking in Bear Country
      • Hiking in Snake Country
      • Ticks and Mosquitos
    • Hiking Abroad
      • Guided Vs Independent Trekking
      • Cultural Considerations
      • Health & Safety
      • Equipment
    • A Natural Progression: From Stranger to Guest to Family
  • Skills
    • Hiking Techniques
    • Loading a Backpack
    • Navigation
    • Tips for Hiking Downhill
    • Hiking in Cold and Wet Weather
    • Tips for High Altitude Trekking
    • Hiking in Hot Weather
    • Choosing a Campsite
    • Building a Fire
    • Knots
    • How to Ford a River
    • Hitchhiking to Town
    • Hiking and Camping in the Snow
    • Survival
    • Subjective Participant or Objective Observer?
    • The Three A’s
  • Gear
    • Gear Philosophy
    • The Principles of Going Lighter
    • Gear Manufacturers
    • Online Outdoor Retailers
    • Gear Lists
    • Gear Reviews
    • Backpack
      • The Essential Guide to Frameless Backpacks
    • Shelter
    • Sleeping Bag
    • Sleeping Mat
    • The Hiking Footwear Guide
    • Clothing
    • Water Purification
    • Hammocks
    • Miscellaneous Items
  • Thru-hiking
    • Thru-hiking Gear Guide
  • Ultralight
  • Musings
  • About
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Advertising Disclosure
  • Contact