It’s Time to Move On: 11 Opinions That Will Change Your Next Hike

4. Leave No Trace Needs Nuance & Chill

Note: This opinion often sparks debate, and for good reason. While Leave No Trace (LNT) principles provide crucial guidelines, some interpretations have become needlessly rigid. Nature shows remarkable resilience—a bootprint or scattered leaves won’t devastate an ecosystem. Instead of promoting complete isolation from nature, let’s focus on teaching responsible interaction with it.

5. The Great Trekking Pole Debate

Trekking poles have their place, particularly on steep descents or stream crossings. However, they often disrupt natural movement patterns on moderate terrain. The automatic assumption that every hiker needs poles deserves scrutiny. Sometimes, they become a crutch that prevents developing natural balance and rhythm on the trail. Personally, I carry mine all the time — but only deploy them as needed on steep descents to help save my knees and help with balance.

6. The Footwear Fallacy

Let’s end the hiking boots versus trail runners debate once and for all. What matters isn’t the category—it’s how well your footwear fits and supports your unique needs as a hiker. I’ve seen hikers tackle technical trails expertly in well-fitted trail runners while others struggle in premium boots that don’t suit their feet or style. The best footwear? Whatever you can forget you’re wearing.

7. The 10 Essentials Need an Update

The 10 Essentials concept remains valid, but blindly carrying every item on every hike makes little sense. Context matters. A summer afternoon trek on a popular trail near civilization demands different preparation than a remote backcountry expedition. Learn to assess your needs based on conditions, location, and experience.

8. The Ultralight Obsession

While the ultralight movement has revolutionized hiking gear, it’s created unnecessary pressure to minimize weight at all costs. Traditional gear often provides better durability and value for casual hikers. Not everyone needs a sub-two-pound tent or frameless backpack. Sometimes, a few extra ounces mean significantly more comfort and reliability.

9. Social Media’s Impact on Hiking Culture

The quest for “Instagrammable“ moments has fundamentally altered hiking’s essence. Too often, hikers rush past beautiful scenes in pursuit of that perfect social media shot. Remember to notice the good stuff at your feet, spend time examining an interesting rock, and appreciate the small details that make each hike unique. Not every moment needs to be photo-worthy to be meaningful.

10. Speed Isn’t Everything

The rise of FKTs (Fastest Known Times) and competitive hiking has placed undue emphasis on pace and distance. There’s nothing wrong with hiking slowly or covering short distances. Some of my most rewarding experiences came from leisurely walks where I stopped frequently to observe, reflect, or simply enjoy being outdoors. I always say: “If you got off the trail faster than I did, that just means I spent more time in nature than you.” Who’s winning, here?

11. Is Death Central to Hiking?

Here’s my most controversial take: the only real difference between a walk and a hike is the non-zero chance of death. Dramatic? Perhaps. But it highlights an essential truth: hiking inherently involves risk and self-reliance, and that is precisely what makes it so rewarding.

If there was no chance of dying, was it really even a hike?