As an avid hiker, I am sure you have been asked these questions quite a few times:
“What is so fun about hiking?” or “Why do you put yourself through so much pain while hiking?” or “Why do you hike?”
It’s hard to give a reason but this post is dedicated to those hikers out there who are always active in the forest. The next time someone asks you about the reasons you are hiking, just send them this post.
1. I know I have to challenge my own limit
Hiking is not easy. We all know that. You walk for hours and hours while carrying a 7kg or a 10kg backpack in your bag. Are we crazy for doing that? No! In fact, we signed up for it! We know very well what we are going to go through. The back pain or the sore leg muscle the next day is what we call weakness leaving our body. We know that it will push us to our limit physically and that is our intention, to test how durable we are in life.
2. I want to train my mind
As much as hiking is a physical sport, it is also a mental sport. We know our destination is 8 hours away by foot and most people would grunt and give up, but not us. Our mind tells us that we can do it. Our mind tells us that the only way to reach there is to hike that 8 hours and suck it up. Our mind doesn’t stop us. It pushes us and over the course of many times, it becomes stronger and stronger. In fact, it even helps us in real life. Something goes wrong, no problem, we are strong enough to solve it. It’s all in the mind.
3. I want to see a different side of the world
Humans are not built to hide in cubicles or offices. Every now and then, we should and must get in touch with nature. Being there itself brings a euphoric feeling that you will not get sitting in your office cubicle. The journey to the top could be hard and tough but the beauty of nature takes away your tiredness easily.
4. I want to make new, real friends
In the forest, everyone is a friend. When someone gets injured, you are there to help him or her, regardless of their beliefs or religion. In the forest, it’s just human and nature. In the forest, you are disconnected from your electronic device and that gives you a chance to talk to a real human. Believe it or not, friends that you make in the forest last for a very very long time.
5. I want to learn how to appreciate the small things in life
During our daily lives, everything is within reach. When we need food, we will just go by the restaurant. When we need water, we just buy it from the convenience store. But being in the forest, we learn to appreciate the small things in life. Do you want water? Climb down to the river and get it? Warm food? I bet you have never tasted instant noodles which is so good. Those are the little things in life that you do not get to appreciate when you have everything around you. Only when those things are taken away from you that you learn the true meaning of appreciation.
6. I want to feel the feeling of being on TOP
Being at the peak. The wind. The view. The sea of cloud. The silence. All your tiredness goes away. All you want to do is just scream at the top of your lungs. It’s easily one of the best feelings in the world. And that is why we hike.
Agree or disagree? Let us know in the comment section below! Watch our tips on things need to bring when you want to hike Gunung Tahan here. Let us know in our PTT Outdoor Facebook Group, where we share a lot of good, valuable information for free: Malaysia Outdoor Community.
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Hell yah! Way I see it people go to the gym numerous times a week and at the least this is my equivalent if a workout! Also nature is awesome and I want to buy land in it to live on. Even when I go fishing it’s usually in or near woods, any excuse to be there! Everyone needs a hobby that they love and I choose hiking! Always liked it but only went a couple times a years so now I’m trying to really get into it.
You are really passionate! Listen to you! 😀
– Mike
It will be interesting to organise a hike in the Scottish Highlands in summer!
I would be more than happy to join in!
– Mike
Yes, I totally agree on the aticle “Why Do I Hike” I feel the same when hike.
I bet I left out some points and you can feel free to add it in here at the comment section 🙂
– Mike
The takeaway is awesome; refreshed, rejuvenated. That dose of vitamin D fr d sun. It was hell, and then heaven. I’d pack my bag pack anytime, for that great escapade fr d madding crowd, any time!
Words well spoken May, in fact, from a scientific point of view! It could be also the fresh air which helps us to declutter and the minimal interaction with technology that would contribute to a more relaxed mind.
– Mike
Yes, Im totally agreed with your comments and thoughts. Hiking molds us become a stronger person and a better life fighter.
It does! It certainly builds our determination and I think to myself, if I can hike such and such, this task should be no problem! And I go ahead and DO IT!
– Mike
I m so in agreement with your article especially on item 4! I made such wonderful friends ! I love my hiking and will hike for as long as I can
Thanks for reading Mary. 🙂 Do share it out if you think its appropriate.
– Mike