Over the past year I've taken up the philosophy of slow hiking.
I've gotten burnt-out from the hustle/optimization/productivity culture that's become so pervasive in society. And, unfortunately, I've seen it start to infiltrate the hiking community as well.
I don't have anything against tracking, pacing, optimization, summit-chasing, and FKTs in principle. But, for me, that's not why I go on adventures. I'm not looking to "conquer" anything. I don't want my adventures to feel like I'm checking a box. I don't want to have an incredible experience interrupted by pacing stats. Or to feel disappointed because I didn't miss a mark, even though I was in one of Earth's most beautiful places. I just want to enjoy my existence outside.
And so I've been embracing slowing down, hiking without purpose, and walking fewer miles, but ones that are more intentional, present, and focused.
I filmed this video with my Daybreak pack as a bit of a manifesto. It serves, for me, as a reminder to go light, slow, and with intention. And that there's nothing to accomplish other than enjoying the present moment.
