This Important Advice Can Make Your Hiking And Backpacking Adventures Way More Enjoyable

When it comes to outdoor pursuits, it's hard to beat hiking. Not only does it provide a terrific workout, but — as the most slow-paced method of travel — it's one of the best ways to interact with nature. Hiking can also be enjoyed in a variety of landscapes and climates, including deep forests, high mountains, thick jungles, grasslands, and stunning deserts — like California's largest state park with incredible hiking adventures.

Like any involved activity, there's a subculture around hiking that not only gets nerdy about gear, but has its own lingo. This includes these must-know terms you should learn before lacing up your boots, slipping on your pack, and heading out on a multi-day backpacking jaunt.

One phrase heard a lot on the trail is "Hike Your Own Hike," often abbreviated as HYOH. This ethos of going at your own pace, resting when you want, and not basing decisions on the expectations of others originally came out of the thru-hiking community. These are hardcore hikers who tackle massive, multi-month jaunts such as the Appalachian Trail and this trek through the Alps that has been called the Pacific Crest Trail's "Hotter French Cousin." However, you don't have to be clocking hundreds or thousands of miles to embrace the HYOH ideal. Whether you're tackling a five-night backpacking excursion or just out for a day trip, HYOH may be the best advice out there.

It could be argued that the concept HYOH works on two different levels: the practical and the philosophical. From a practical point-of-view, HYOH is about prioritizing your own needs and enjoyment. This means not trying to keep up with others who hike faster (or waiting for slowpokes), stopping for a breather, water, and a snack when you feel like it, and — on big thru-hikes — taking a "zero day" (day off) to recharge your batteries even if others wish to move on. You do this as an act of self-care and self-preservation, which not only helps you down the trail, but guarantees you'll get the most out of your trip. 

From a philosophical perspective, HYOH also deals with the reasons you're on the trail to begin with. In thru-hiker circles, this is called your "why?" This could be a thirst for adventure, doing something wild before settling down, dealing with grief or trauma, or just physically and mentally challenging yourself. "Knowing your 'why' for doing a long distance hike tends to be crucial both in completing it and getting what you want out of it, " writes thru-hiker "Scribe" at the ZenBivy blog. "It's also helpful to know when making decisions along the way."

Both of these perspectives make HYOH a very simple, yet incredibly helpful idea. Once you surrender to the notion that each of us is hiking for our own reasons, and no longer feel obligated to hike to the expectations of others, you may feel a weight lifted from your shoulders, despite the fact that you're carrying a fully-loaded pack.

While Hike Your Own Hike is a great overall philosophy to help guarantee a good time on the trail, there are practical steps you can take to make your trek more enjoyable. The first thing to think about is your pack, and how much stuff goes in it. Overpacking is the most common rookie mistake, causing a lot of unnecessary misery down the line. One way to avoid this is to weigh each item — no matter how small — and record it on a spreadsheet. Try to strip down any extras, and you may be surprised how much weight you save. 

When you're hiking, try to establish a comfortable pace and stick to it. This will help you settle in a natural rhythm which will prove very helpful when you're heading uphill. Also, take time to adjust your pack's harness, shoulder straps, and hip belt along the way, this will help keep you feeling good. Don't forget to stretch, take regular breaks, drink plenty of water, and make sure to eat enough, even if you feel too exhausted to cook after a tough day. Going to bed with a hot meal in your stomach can do wonders to boost morale.

Perhaps most important is to keep a positive mental outlook. This is where HYOH comes into play. Practice visualization, and no matter how out-of-gas you may feel, focus on the positive. Remind yourself you're there because you want to be, and you're strong enough to tackle anything the hike throws at you. Come up with a mantra to repeat when the going gets tough, and you may be surprised by the power it gives you. Heading out on a trek by yourself? Here are 12 tips to help you feel safer when hiking alone.