Hiking/backpacking partners

“Ok, let me try a safe question:

Who or what is you favorite hiking/backpacking partner? In my case, it is my wife and her two girlfriends Pauline and Shirl. We all travel well together and can put up with each other's eccentricities without resorting to violence or the occasional food fight. My wife is the patient one who can bring everyone together is disharmony rears its ugly head. Shirl is a natural born comic who keeps things light by entertaining us along our journey. Pauline is Shirl's foil and a power hiker who is a body builder with thighs to die for. I, on the other hand, am there to rub feet, make fires, role the occasional joint, and acquiesce to the wishes of the Queen and her handmaidens. It might seem like a motley group to the untrained eye, but to us it works.”

“MadRiver is a Cabana Boy!

Tight Wad Bob, errr Honey is my first pick. Then it's the kids (my young adults) then it's any of the TT gang. They are a hoot (no raddy, I didn't say Hooters).”

“"I, on the other hand, am there to rub feet, make fires, role the occasional joint, and acquiesce to the wishes of the Queen and her handmaidens."

wow, MadRiver, I wanna hike with YOU!

lol

PatchyG, my wonderful canine companion, has been the best trail partner I could ever ask for. As she is now getting older, I find myself having to leave her behind (well, only once so far, but...). At some point I may become more receptive to having a human trailpartner...but I'll prolly end up killin' em.

heheheh

Seriously though, I do love to solo and that will likely stay the same, but also it is very cool when people can gel together on the trail. I've seen it happen, short term.

To be able to enjoy the wilds, in whatever way it is your style to enjoy it, with another person, without feeling intruded upon...is this possible? I may be too anti-social out there...
;o)”

“The wife. Always the wife. My partner, my love. Tells me to shut up less often than anybody else.”

“1. Someone who doesn't complain. The more in the party, the less likely you will escape complainers. I got roped into taking an absolute newbie city slicker in my canoe on a 5-day Canadian bush trip. I wasn't sure at all about this, but the guy turned out to be the best partner I've ever had. Why? Because he didn't bitch about anything. He paid attention, pulled his weight werever possible considering his skills, and made intelligent conversation all along the way.
2. Someone with a sense of humor. What you substitute for complaining when things go bad or get tough. Above said guy kept his chin up and could crack wise even after dumping in a rather icy rapids, or making a 1500 meter portage down a very rocky canyon. Gotta have the right attitude.

My wife and my brother have been my other good partners in the outdoors. I've never soloed, though I will this summer. My preference is to go with one other person I trust not to bitch. But I'm open to more than one if the same criteria are met. Heck, I don't need other grumpy people. I can listen to my own internal dialogues and rants anytime I want.”

“To be honest, my 14 y/o son is my favorite partner for backpacking. For hiking, my dog and my sons (the younger one doesn't like backpacking) are my favorites.

If I ever hadda girl fren' stay atop that backpacking list for more than one season, I'd prolly do my best to keep her. Had one up there on the hiking list, but that wasn't enuff.”

“You don't need one, just take Clif Bars.”

“BTW MadRiver, what makes you think this is a safe question?”

“I heard an interesting little fact about an Antarctica explorer (was in Byrd or Perry, I am terrible at remembering names). He said that the right number of people in an expedition was seven. With two people they would fight each other, with three two would team up on the one. It was not until you had seven that there were enough to effectively avoid infighting. I don?t know how valid his observation was but it was interesting.

I pack with my hubby. He is the type to let other feel like they are in charge as he skillfully manipulates them into doing his will. Kind of like when you make you boss believe the idea you had was his so that he would support it. Maybe it is a jedi mind trick. If he sees a disaster about to happen he will take command in an unmistakable way. We get along great because we both know to pick our fights carefully and agree on the important stuff. We also have something to share with each other that that Antarctica explorer probably didn?t. Libido properly use can help make two as if they were one. Of course there is more than just that.”

“WC,
I prefer the powerbars around camp and power gel while hiking. Can't waste any energy chewing.”

“Ahhh... could there be ANOTHER Jedi Knight out there, mtn gal? Methinks I haven't met the best partner yet, but if I do, it'll probably be on the trail, or she'll corner me at some social venue because she overheard me discussing weights in ounces and grams... I sure as hell haven't met her in THIS town.”

“Belle.
Loyal, courageous, obedient.
And entertaining. Never does a day in the backcountry go by that she dosen't make me laugh.”

“My best hiking partner is my dad. We started our traditon together an perfected it together.

I havent been able to hike with him in about 5 years and he as together stopped hiking. I need to get him going again.

Another good partner is my friend from college. I introduced her to it and she loves it. I have not found a guy that i enjoy it with yet, but maybe someday.”

“obi - if she corners you at a social venue because she overheard you talking weights in ounces and grams, shes probably just looking for some blow, or maybe some good smoke!lol”

“"a body builder with thighs to die for"??????

Wow, Pauline, I wanna hike with YOU!”

“Trying to find local backpackers to hike with where I live is next to impossible. Most people I know around here are too busy or physically lazy to do overnight trips. My long time backpacking buddy moved to Minneapolis 2 years ago for a new job so I've been hiking solo with the exception of a few internet hiking partners.
I think most backpackers seem to be in their 20's or 30's because when people get older they tend to stop hiking due to lack of fitness, family obligations or hectic work schedules. I really admire people who still backpack on a regular basis who are 40 and older because I don't know of many of them at least from my area. Sure you can day hike with people that age, but few will do an overnight trip that I know of. I'm 43 and enjoy backpacking as much now as I ever did. It's a shame so many people drop out after their 30's. Age doesn't matter to me and I'll hike with and keep up with anyone on the trail.”

“I've been lucky to befriend and marry a lady with similar interests in the outdoors (with the exception of eating the elk and deer).
My most memorable hikes and international explorations have been with her.”

“My best & only hiking buddy is my husband, Lookingglass. We just started hiking 4+ yrs ago. The only think is, when we reach our destination, he doesn't stay long. I've gotten him to slow down, and he appreciates that.

RichB, I'm 43 too. I will stop hiking when my body says I definitely can't. I will use hiking as a way to see beauty and get excersize as long as I can. It is easier for me because I have no children.”

“Rich, do a search for "40 something and hiking". Seems like a lot of 'em at this site. My dad quit way too young, he says sleeping on the ground leaves him absolutely miserable...so he quit. I miss his company while hiking now.”

“RichB,
All that said about work and family and fitness is true in my case. Which is why I'm reconnecting through TT and taking the summer off. At 49 now, I don't want to hit 50 next February as a slug with poor priorities. The kids are not needing my constant attention, my wife, who mtn bikes and canoes, is neck deep in her chosen profession for the moment but is cheered by my desire to get outdoors more, and I'm burnt enough to tell work they can live without me for 10 or 11 weeks. If I can get some semblance of fitness restored, I'll be kicking up my heals on the trails like the old days, solo or with new friends. Maybe we'll cross paths, RichB.”

“Switchback, I have a friend who says that too about sleeping on the ground. I told him not sleeping on the ground once in a while makes me miserable.”

“I have lots of extra gear I've even offered to share with friends to get them to go backpacking, but haven't been able to get any takers. I'm thinking I might be able to get one of my nephews to go on a trip someday. It's even harder to get anybody to go bicycle touring. It's sad that as some people get older they get boring and lazy. They just don't know what they're missing. Life is way too short.”

“I hike alone........
Yeaaaa with nobody else,
And when I hike alone......
I prefer to be by myyyy selllllllllf.”

“My dog is my favorite hiking pal. He never backs out of going, never complains if the weather could be better, never talks when I desire silence, accepts hugs and gives me kisses unconditionally, listens when I need someone to talk to, and makes me feel good just watching him have a good time.

Of course, the "high-energy" food I feed him while on hiking trips gives him gas!!!”

“My dog Elmo. I definately hear ya Buddur, AmyG, Gojo etc! Of course, I'm still looking for the female of my dreams to share the new tent with. anyway. . .”

“Favorite BPing partner?
I don't really have a favorite but here's a few names in no paticular order:

Rad
Jerbear
Naked Ape
Gojo & Sarabelle
Walkincrow
Hyperpacker
sirpeteofmillwork
Evergreen
MOM & Whisperin Bill
Spam
Skiracer
Brair Rabbit
Nigal
Buddur
Steve Hiker

There are others I'm prolly forgetting but I've enjoyed hiking with all my TT brothers & sisters!”

“you mean share the WEIGHT with, don't ya!? the tent thing is just a really cool perk.”

“sniff sniff WD you bring tears to me eyes”

“I have a friend who introduced me to the activity about ten years ago. We have hiked once a year, since then. My greatest compliment to him is that it is like hiking alone, becuse we agree about most everything regarding hiking and exploring. No need to make conversation unless you so desire, and conversations can cover a diversity of topics.
We usually take along two others, and find that four is the perfect number for us.”

“HAHAHA!!!
sirpete, Your a riot!!!!”

“My favorite backpacking partner is anyone I can coax, drag, bribe, or blackmail to get them out there!!! It's not easy to find anyone in any area that will get off of the couch and go. Boy, I miss having a dog!”

“I've probably done the most/best trips with my friend gus. I've known him since we were pretty young. I've also taken a couple of girls who have been "fun"”

“My dog stays at home now.

She is getting old, with bad hips, and is nearly deaf.

Come to think of it, so am I.”

“I guess I have to say Bill . He is just the greatest man alive. But I really like going with this group too. when I can put the two together im in heaven. I have tryed everything in the book to get a few people to go hikeing but its like pulling teeth or something. I cant figure it out. I really enjoy carrying 35 lbs on my back in the pouring snow to go out to nowhere. and eating dehydrated food that i cooked in the dark. and sleeping on the ground. whats up with these lazy people that just want to lay around on the couch all weekend?”

“I'll hafta say that you're makin me all verclempt too WD! You'd be on my list too bro! As would a great many here.”

“RichB & PedXing:

I totally understand where you are coming from with respect to the decrease in outdoor activities as you age. As I mentioned several times, I am returning to backpacking after a long hiatus. I hiked a lot in my 20's, and then for some reason I stopped after getting married. My wife liked to hike; she just didn't like to backpack so my backpacking came to an end. About five years ago we inherited her grandparent's home in NH and became reacquainted with the great outdoors.


Although most of the hikers we encounter are in their 20's and 30's, we have encountered old farts like ourselves who are still able to hike with the best of them. We were coming down off of Mt Washington last summer and met a 90-year-old lady climbing the mountain. Even though she had her granddaughter with her for assistance, she was able to climb the mountain under her own effort. We both looked at one another and void that we too would be hiking at that age.


I understand you point PedXing, for I too am taking my first solo-backpacking excursion in over 17 years. I haven't quite decided how adventurous I wish to be my first time out. Do I do a Batan death march, or something more reasonable? After my overnight with my wife and sister at Galehead, I will have a better understanding of what my middle aged body will be willing to endure and can plan accordingly. Now if I can just talk her into getting a dog!”

“That should be vowed, not void and roll not role. My proofreading skills suck, or lack there of!!”

“Mad, unless you are bringing in something from another thread.. I think you have my post confused with somebody elses (mebbe Pekkas).

I can relate though. I started backpacking again about 5 years ago, after years without doing more thatn a short day hike. My ex. hadn't been interested and my kids had been a bit young for much backpacking. I built up slowly... not doing a 30 mile backpack until the third year.

Its great that your life partner is your backpacking partner. I'm a tad envious.

For me. my age (44 y/o)isn't a problem for backpacking in the mountains("Hey, I can still get up it!" I shout from the peaks.). Its a morivator... I feel so much better after a long distance backpack trip.”

“You are correct, I did confuse you with pekka, sorry. I do know what you mean about feeling great after a long hike. My wife loves to come back to the house after a good hike and shower and then sit by the river enjoying a glass of wine. I just have to convince her that sitting at a remote campsite enjoying a glass of wine is better. Her first and last backpacking trip 17 years ago was such a disaster that it has taken me this long to convince her to try it again.”

“Alright, alright, I wasn't gonna get on MadRiver for calling me PedXing, but ... LOL, there's worse TTers I could have gotten mistaken for. Based on the comments here, I broached the subject with my wife last night and her reply was, "Sure I COULD go backpacking. There's NOTHING I couldn't do." Well, you can figure out the odds she's going to hit the trail with me for more than a day hike. So I'll settle for canoeing and biking and hiking with her, and expect that Isle Royale backcountry will be my own special place.”

“I feel your pain pekka. Hey, I got it right! My wife isn't all that thrilled that I'm doing a solo overnighter after our overnight at the hut in June. She keeps asking me why I do not wait until August during our vacation week so she can join me. My reply, as tactfully as I can muster, is that experience has taught me if I wait, we will never actually go.


Something, there is always something, will come up that will prevent us from going. This is how it all started 17 years ago when I was planning a trek from Mt Lafayette to Mt Washington. She convinced me to wait until August so she could join me. The trip turned out to be a disaster so I am not temping fate again.


If it turns out we actually do go on an overnighter in August than I did three overnighters this summer. If, as experience has taught me, something prevents us from going than I did my two overnighters for the summer and I will be a happy camper.”

“hyperpacker”

“Joy”

“I think it's a good thing you said Joy, Hyper!”

“I have been primarily a day-hiker and will be taking my first solo multi-day trip this summer. I enjoy walking through the woods as a spiritual experience, so I guess I prefer solitude. However, sharing the experience with dear friends is also fun; in those situations I tend to go at my own pace and we meet up down the line.

Of course, it may be that I haven't met my ideal partner yet!”

“If ya want a friend, steal a DOG, and if ya get hungry on the trail ya can eat him, and steal another, ya rotten S>O>B's”

“*Sigh*.... one would think that working alongside fit, virile, outdoorsy army men would produce a plethora of potential bp'ing partners, n'est pas?
Well, it hasn't and right now I'd have to say that my favorite bp'ing partner is... well... me! Without a doubt, my munchkins are my favorite dayhikers for short trips, they just don't have the stamina to very far yet!”

“I'll hike with you and your friend Adventure Girl. I plan on heading up to the UP for a weekend this summer, maybe we could plan something.”

“Looking for someone new to hike with...did a the AT last year...most of pals from Boston just don't like the idea of not going without a shower for a few days!”

“Nucc97, you need to hook up with Pedxing, he's just outside of Boston. My brother, Sirpete, is in PA and likes the to hang out in the Whites and the Adirondaks.

Lot's of other folks in Jersey, which is a hop skip and a jump for you.

Hey Y'all, (Ya damn Yankees..LOL)help this man out!!”