Okay, so today I messed around with something called “Colin Fletcher.” I’d heard the name before, a real outdoorsy legend, apparently. Figured I’d see what the fuss was about and try to, I dunno, channel some of his wilderness wisdom or something.
Getting Started
First, I looked him up. Yep, definitely a big deal in the hiking and backpacking world. Wrote some famous books, walked across some serious landscapes. “The Complete Walker” seems to be his most well-known gig. I’m not about to walk across a whole state like he did, but maybe I could pick up some smaller tips.
The Gear Experiment
The guy was all about the gear, from what I gathered. Meticulous planning and all that. I don’t have all the fancy old-school stuff he used, but I grabbed my own backpack and started thinking about what I’d really need for a day hike. Not just throwing stuff in randomly, but actually considering each item.
- Water, obviously. More than I usually take, just in case.
- Food – no fancy freeze-dried stuff, just some sandwiches, fruit, and trail mix.
- First-aid kit. I usually forget this, but Fletcher seemed like a “be prepared” kind of guy.
- Map and compass…even though I mostly use my phone for navigation. Gotta try the old ways, right?
The Walk Itself
I picked a local trail, nothing too crazy. The point wasn’t to conquer a mountain, but to be more…mindful, I guess. I tried to pay attention to my surroundings, the way Fletcher described in his writings. Noticed the different types of trees, the sounds of the birds…stuff I usually just tune out.
I also focused on my walking rhythm. Fletcher had a whole thing about finding a comfortable pace and sticking to it. It actually helped! Felt less tired, more in tune with the whole experience.
The Verdict
Okay, so I’m not about to become a backpacking guru overnight. But I got something out of this little experiment. It’s not just about the gear, or even the distance. It’s about the mindset. Being prepared, being present, and appreciating the simple act of walking. I’ll definitely try to incorporate some of this “Colin Fletcher” thinking into my future hikes. Maybe I’ll even read one of his books all the way through!
