3 Ways to Put the Wild Back in Hiking

Sure, hiking is just walking. But consider this: Walking is also the most primal thing we do, exploring the world through the power of our feet. Our legs. Our heart.

It’s also the best way to reconnect with your feral soul. Something most of us could use a lot more of right now. You just need to take the guardrails off. Look at trails as the gateway to so much more. Go ahead, dance in a storm. Howl at the moon. Be human.

Go Barefoot

Grounding. Earthing. Touching grass. There are a few names for getting skin to soil, but they all mean the same thing: We benefit from direct contact with the ground. Proponents argue that, evolutionarily speaking, we only recently started wearing shoes. By removing them, we connect with the Earth’s energy and rebalance our own. Regardless, getting some dirt, mud, and grass between your toes feels good, and barefoot hiking has been shown to strengthen foot muscles and improve your balance. Just start on soft surfaces before working up to hobbit level.

Make Art

Ever since our ancestors drew pictures on cave walls millennia ago, making art outdoors has been in our blood. The tools have just gotten better.

Turn any summit into a studio with a few friends, a lightweight watercolor kit, and a vision. No skills required—just pack along your own unique perspective, and be prepared to marvel at how the same view can come to life differently for different people. Three tips to get started:

1. Keep it simple: You don’t need fancy equipment. Basic paint kits and a small sketchbook go anywhere.
2. Understand your palette: Spend a few minutes getting to know the color wheel.
3. Sketch first: This helps you plan before committing to paint.

Embrace the Rain

Some people see rain in the forecast and stay home. Bad idea. Here are just a few reasons to head out when others stay in.

• The sound of rain dripping through the forest canopy.
• The majestic fury of a desert downpour.
• The feeling of rain-softened earth beneath your feet.
• The sight of instant waterfalls cascading down cliffs.
• The taste of rainwater falling in your soup.

So get out there and enjoy the storm. Just remember: You’ll like the rain a lot more with a shell like The North Face Valley View Rain Jacket.

Named for the most challenging side of the mountain, The North Face has equipped explorers since 1966 to reach their dreams. Driven by the mantra of Never Stop Exploring™, our expeditions inspire us to test the outer limits of performance and possibility.