So, I’ve been hiking for ages, right? Just loved getting out there. But for a long time, I never really thought much beyond just… walking. Then, a few years back, I was on this trail, a really popular one, and it was just a mess. Trash everywhere, paths all widened and eroded. It kinda hit me, you know? This thing I loved, maybe I wasn’t doing it right. Maybe I was part of the problem without even realizing it.
That got me started. First thing, super basic, was dealing with my own trash. I mean, everything. Used to think an apple core was fine, nature and all that. Nope. Learned that wasn’t cool, especially in busy places. So, I got myself a proper little bag, and whatever I packed in, I made darn sure it came back out with me. Even started picking up other bits I’d see. You’d be amazed, or maybe not, what people leave behind.
Then I started looking at the paths themselves. I used to always want to go to the famous spots, the ones everyone talks about. But those are usually the ones getting hammered. So, I began exploring. Looking for less crowded trails, maybe ones that weren’t on the top ten lists online. Took a bit more effort, sure, digging into maps, asking around. But wow, what a difference. Quieter, cleaner, and I felt like I wasn’t just adding to the wear and tear on the superhighways of the hiking world.
And water. Always carried plastic bottles. Then I thought, man, how many of these have I gone through? Switched to a reusable one. Simple change, but it adds up. Same with food – started packing stuff with less wrapper nonsense. More real food, less packaged stuff. Better for me, better for the trail.
It’s funny, because at first, it felt like a bit of a chore, all these little things to remember. But then it just became… how I hike. And honestly? The hikes got better. I started noticing more, the small stuff, because I wasn’t just rushing to the viewpoint. I felt more connected to the places I was walking through, not just like a tourist passing by.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m no saint. I still see gear I want, and sometimes I forget things. And that whole ‘leave no trace’ thing, some parts are easier said than done, especially when you’re tired or the weather turns bad. It’s not about being perfect, I reckon. It’s more about just trying to be a bit more thoughtful. Realizing that these places we love, they need us to look after them a bit. It’s an ongoing thing, this sustainable hiking business. I’m still learning, still tweaking how I do things. But every little bit helps, right? That’s what I tell myself anyway.
