There are so many reasons to go on a backcountry hiking trip. You can see places you can’t get to by car, you get to experience a new level of peace and quiet, you can reset your mind and you can build towards future backcountry goals.
Unbelievable views
When backcountry hiking you can see the most amazing views and beautiful scenes in nature. I have always loved hiking and going to beautiful places but when backcountry camping it was a completely different experience. I have seen breathtaking sunsets and lookouts I would normally not be able to get to by car.
Peace and quiet
Backcountry camping lets you experience a whole new level of quiet. Yes, there is the sound of water, wind, animals, and your footsteps but that is basically it. You can really be alone with your thoughts and I find my thoughts are even more quiet than normal, focusing on what is around me instead of what I need to get done.
Reset and prioritize
On a backcountry trip, I get to focus on a new set of priorities I often overlook in everyday life. Instead of prioritizing work and chores, I focus on getting to the next site, setting up the site, filtering water, making dinner, and I enjoy every second of it. I find I enjoy my meals more (even though some of them are just oatmeal or dehydrated dinners) and really appreciate the area around me more. I even sleep better after putting in so much work throughout the day I have no issues falling asleep and wake up feeling refreshed. After getting home from a backcountry trip I am so much more refreshed, focused, and motivated.
Set and build towards goals
I knew I would feel accomplished after completing my first backcountry hike but I didn’t think I would feel quite so accomplished. I was so proud I made it through all of the obstacles and got to see such amazing places. After completing one trip I wanted to continue to challenge myself by trying more difficult hikes. Setting goals and accomplishing them is really one of my favourite parts of backcountry camping.
By the end of a backcountry hike, you feel so refreshed and accomplished. I have never felt as motivated and positive as after completing a challenging backcountry hike. I look forward to all of my future trips and can’t wait to go on more challenging ones!
