Your feet, to lift from the old song, are made for more than walking. So let’s stop counting steps and start counting experiences to savor. Experiences that reconnect you with your feral soul. Imagine the trail is an onramp to a big, wild playground where you can dance with nature—get wet, get dirty, get human. Now get out there.
Cool Off in Cold Water
Before showers, before bathtubs and hot tubs and saunas, there were just lakes and rivers. Eons later, they’re still the best way to cool off and get clean on a hot, dusty, sweaty summer day. The shock of an icy alpine lake or a crisp mountain stream is more than enough to put you in touch with your primal self. And if you happen upon a rope swing, go ahead and go full Tarzan.
Throw a Summit Party
Whether it’s a special occasion or just Thursday, it’s always the right time for a peak party. And when the whole group contributes, it’s surprising how much you can pack in (and pack out) for a summit celebration. Birthday cakes, beverages, decorations, costumes—this is the occasion to splurge. Bonus points if you can make it a surprise party. Triple bonus points if the surprise is that your friend packed in their own treats without knowing it.
And even if bad weather is a party crasher, that doesn’t mean you have to wrap things up early. The Ridgelite FUTUREFLEECE Wind Jacket from The North Face helps make summit winds and light rain part of the fun.
Wander Without a Trail
First, a reality check: In most places, it’s important to stay on trails. In popular areas, trails minimize erosion, and in fragile environments—from alpine ecosystems to living desert soils—a few steps off-trail can cause lasting damage. And, of course, it’s never wise to wander off the beaten path if you don’t have the necessary navigation skills.
But for the experienced hiker in the right wilderness, an off-trail adventure is the ultimate freedom. There’s nothing like pointing to a peak and finding your way there. It makes you slow down and see the outdoors in a whole new way. Check local regulations before heading out, or plan a trip to trail-less hiking meccas like Denali or Great Sand Dunes national parks. Think of it as creating an adventure all your own—one that you couldn’t quite repeat if you tried.
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.
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