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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: Ralph Waldo Emerson

Five Tips for Watching Wildlife

Posted onNovember 10, 2014May 4, 20202 Comments

“ Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) Viewing wildlife is one of the primary reasons many of us head out into the wilderness. However, with hiking numbers increasing with each passing year, Read More …

CategoriesLeave No Trace, Skills, The Hiking Life BlogTagsLokSak, Pacific Crest Trail, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Southwestern Horseshoe, Ursack, Wicklow Way

The Wisdom of Samwise

Posted onSeptember 24, 2014November 14, 20161 Comment

“It’s like being at home and on a holiday at the same time.” Thoreau, Emerson, Muir and……………..Sam The Gardener. Say again? Yep, the above quote is from none other than Samwise Gamgee, my favourite character from JRR Tolkien’s, The Lord Read More …

CategoriesMusings, The Hiking Life BlogTagsHenry David Thoreau, John Muir, Lamington National Park, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Samwise Gamgee

10 Quotes for Hikers & Backpackers

Posted onMay 30, 2014July 6, 20242 Comments

The tenth and final quote is from yours truly. The words were written some fifteen years ago during a hike in Lamington National Park. This was where I had learnt to backpack as a kid. It is one of the Read More …

CategoriesMusings, The Hiking Life BlogTagsDave Barry, Henry David Thoreau, Lamington National Park, Quotes from John Muir, Ralph Waldo Emerson

In a Nutshell

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