Want to Hike Full-Time? Here’s How These 3 Hikers Make it Work

For many people, the thought of hiking full-time is a dream come true. The idea of spending days, weeks, or even months on the trail, surrounded by nature and breathtaking scenery, is incredibly appealing. However, making the leap from a traditional lifestyle to full-time hiking is no easy feat. It requires careful planning, dedication, and a strong sense of determination. But for those who have successfully made the transition, the rewards are immeasurable.

To gain insight into what it takes to hike full-time, we spoke with three avid hikers who have made it their life's mission to explore the great outdoors. Each hiker has a unique story and approach to full-time hiking, but they all share a deep passion for the trail and a love for the natural world.

First, we spoke with Sarah, a 32-year-old hiker from Colorado who has been hiking full-time for the past three years. Sarah's journey to full-time hiking began after she quit her corporate job and set out on a solo thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. The experience of spending five months on the trail, completely immersed in nature, was life-changing for Sarah. She knew that she couldn't go back to her old life and decided to make hiking her full-time pursuit. To support herself, Sarah works as a freelance writer and photographer, documenting her adventures on the trail and sharing her experiences with others.

Next, we chatted with James, a 40-year-old hiker from Vermont who has been hiking full-time for the past seven years. James's love for hiking began at a young age, and he always knew that he wanted to spend as much time as possible on the trail. After working various odd jobs and saving up enough money, James finally made the leap to full-time hiking. He lives a minimalist lifestyle, carrying only the essentials on his back and relying on the kindness of others for food and shelter. James supports himself by doing odd jobs along the trail and occasionally working as a trail guide for hikers looking to experience the wilderness.

Finally, we connected with Emily, a 28-year-old hiker from Oregon who has been hiking full-time for the past two years. Emily's love for the outdoors was instilled in her from a young age, and she has always felt most at home in the wilderness. After graduating from college, Emily made the decision to pursue a career in outdoor education, leading hiking and backpacking trips for youth groups and school programs. She also works as a freelance writer, sharing her expertise and love for the trail with others. Emily's passion for hiking and the outdoors has allowed her to turn her love for the trail into a full-time career.

Despite their different backgrounds and approaches to full-time hiking, Sarah, James, and Emily all agree that the key to making it work is a strong sense of determination and a willingness to embrace a minimalist lifestyle. They all emphasize the importance of careful planning and budgeting, as well as the need to be adaptable and open to new experiences. Each hiker also stresses the importance of finding a sustainable way to support themselves financially while on the trail, whether it's through freelance work, odd jobs, or leading guided hikes.

In addition to the practical aspects of full-time hiking, Sarah, James, and Emily also speak passionately about the mental and emotional benefits of spending extended periods of time in nature. They all agree that being on the trail allows them to connect with the natural world in a way that is impossible in a traditional urban setting. The sense of freedom, peace, and solitude that comes with full-time hiking is invaluable to them, and they all feel a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose from their life on the trail.

Of course, full-time hiking is not without its challenges. Sarah, James, and Emily all acknowledge that there are times when the trail can be physically and mentally demanding, and they have had to endure their fair share of hardships and setbacks. However, they all agree that the rewards of full-time hiking far outweigh the challenges, and they wouldn't trade their lifestyle for anything.

In conclusion, full-time hiking is a dream that many people have, but few are able to make a reality. For Sarah, James, and Emily, their passion for the trail and the natural world has allowed them to turn their dream into a full-time pursuit. Through careful planning, determination, and a willingness to embrace a minimalist lifestyle, they have been able to make full-time hiking work for them. Their stories serve as an inspiration to anyone who dreams of spending their days on the trail, surrounded by the beauty and wonder of the natural world.