Time to Reinvent Hiking

There’s a reason kids think hiking is boring. If all you do is plod along a trail, you might believe that. But there’s an easy fix. Tap into your childlike feral soul. Get dirty, get sweaty, get way off the grid and on the way to somewhere bigger and wilder. Howl at the moon and rediscover the primal magic of being a human with two feet and world to roam.

Climb Something, Anything 

Not long after you took your first steps, you tried to climb something. Maybe it was a bookshelf or your parents’ dresser. We all start out as climbers, but so many of us stop. We’re told to get down and be careful.

It’s time to start climbing again. And that doesn’t mean you need to be a “climber.” You just need a curiosity about using your hands and feet to get a little way off the ground. Look around, and you’ll find things to scale everywhere outdoors: boulders, trees, rock walls, and more. Just start small, and remember the point is not to take risks but to change your perspective.

• Make sure you’re climbing something sturdy—test to make sure branches and handholds won’t give way.
• Have a friend spot you when needed.
• The way down is often harder than the way up. Check the descent before climbing anything.

Float on a Sleeping Pad

Modern inflatable pads are good for more than snoozing. They double as great rafts, making every alpine lake and meandering river another opportunity to relax on the water. Be sure to allow time for your pad to dry before bedtime. And don’t forget sun protection on slow-going floats: The North Face Sunriser Hoodie is a packable layer with UPF 40+ UV protection and quick-drying fabric.

Take a Full-Moon Hike

On warm summer nights, nature’s headlamp creates a one-of-a-kind experience as you see your favorite trails in (literally) a whole new light. Grab some friends and a gourmet spread, hit the trail, and settle in where the ground is best and the moon is brightest.

• Bring a headlamp and if you need it, keep it in red light mode. Red light preserves your night vision for stargazing and is better for wildlife.
• Choose a route you’re familiar with—this is no time to have navigation issues.
• Bring extra layers. Even if you feel warm on the move, you can get cold once you stop.

Enjoy Nature’s Playground

Time to put on your eight-year-old hat. Not literally—but go outside and play. Think of every creek crossing as a choice: Should you do things the dry way or the fun way?

• Hop across those stepping-stones instead of taking the bridge.
• Walk the length of a fallen log.
• Play a game of tag.
• Skip rocks on a lake or river.
• Stage a nature scavenger hunt.

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.