Since it’s Valentine’s day, it seems appropriate to write a post about hiking as a couple. Casey and I have been hiking together for almost 6 years now, and in that time we’ve pretty much synced up our hiking styles, and learned some good lessons that should help us get through our Appalachian Trail through hike together.
As we’ve been hiking together for so many years, we’ve also witnessed many other hiking partners, some great, others not so great. One of our favorite memories is of a guy and girl, sitting in the middle of the trail about 3 miles in. The girl is just sitting there saying, “I’m done” and the guy just says, “no one is going to come out and get you.” This has become a bit of a running gag on our hikes, but it illustrates the importance of getting to know your hiking partner’s abilities and limits, and not trying to push them too far past either.
There are many benefit to hiking with a partner. First off, one of the most practical benefits is the ability to split up the loads. This is especially nice on longer distance trips. We each have our own water, clothes, and sleeping bags and pads, but then one of us gets to carry the tent and a bit of food, while the other carries our cooking system and the rest of our food. We don’t need to double up on items that can be shared, which is nice. Even on shorter day hikes, one of us can carry lunch, and the other can carry the water. Not only do we split up the physical load, but we also get to split up the chores in camp. One of us can set up the tent while the other gathers water. While one of us breaks down camp, the other can prepare breakfast. You can become a pretty efficient team when you’ve got a good hiking partner.
One of the things we learned last summer in Oregon was that sometimes it was nice to hike at our own paces… Basically just set off at the same time, and just know we would both stop in 2 or 3 miles, no matter who got there first. We learned that it’s okay to not hike right next to one another, and to just move at our own paces. This brings us to the next benefit, companionship. Even when we were hiking “alone” we were still sharing the experience. Each scenic overlook, each summit… It’s nice to share it with someone. I understand the need for many to have a solitary wilderness experience, or time for themselves to discover something, but with the right hiking partner, one who understands what your goals are, you can still get that solitary experience, and then end the day with a partner to talk to.
Hiking as a couple can really enhance the activity, but only if both partners are into it for similar reasons. It’s going to get difficult if one person wants to summit 5 mountains, and do 25 miles a day, while the other considers 6 miles a full day… That’s just asking for an argument, an argument we have seen happen deep in the woods before, and it’s not pretty. This is why it’s important to not push your partner too far beyond their limits. Figure out what works for you and your hiking partner. Just like any other relationship, it takes time, respect, and compromise.
Happy Valentine’s day!
