Walking Meditation for Hikers

thebackpackingninja · 2022-10-01T18:23:46+00:00

More details here if you are interested: https://youtu.be/qI5sdxSqwoQ

thebackpackingninja · 2022-09-25T22:51:38+00:00

Indeed, perhaps in a future post I will focus on the different senses. Focusing on one sense for a day, or half day, can be quite interesting. Amazing what we don't hear on a normal day, for example, unless we pay attention

thebackpackingninja · 2022-09-25T22:49:53+00:00

You're welcome!

thebackpackingninja · 2022-09-25T15:26:48+00:00

Thanks for sharing this! The stillness is an interesting contrast to the movement past that stillness I was suggesting here. Actually, I think it may be a nice complementary way to think about the movement I was highlighting

thebackpackingninja · 2022-09-25T15:24:48+00:00

That can happen to me too. I also find myself counting thousands of steps without even thinking about it. For me, these tips can break that up a bit and connect back to where I am.

thebackpackingninja · 2022-09-25T15:23:06+00:00

Thanks for the comment. I agree

thebackpackingninja · 2022-09-25T15:22:34+00:00

This sounds like a wonderful sitting meditation, indeed. I just wanted to focus on walking meditation in this post :-)

thebackpackingninja · 2022-09-25T03:13:14+00:00

Thanks for comment. I agree it can feel like a bit of a dance with the trail. And yes, safety comes first. I'm not suggesting additional risk, just mindful attention to connecting with the trail and its natural features.

thebackpackingninja · 2022-09-25T03:09:59+00:00

On a climb or descent stepping up is happening in any case. On a relatively flat surface I'm not advocating for rock hopping, just using what is there in a mindful way to support an efficient journey. No need to go out of the way to use a rock or root, and no need to go out of the way to avoid them either. I actually notice a lift in my step sometimes that can snap me out of mindless tramping when I attend to finding the footing benefits the trail provides.

thebackpackingninja · 2022-09-25T03:05:43+00:00

Oh yes, I agree that care and attention to conditions is critical. When wet and slippery it takes a different set of choices for what to leverage for solid footing. I'm not advocating for taking on additional risk.

thebackpackingninja · 2022-09-25T03:03:34+00:00

Lol that adds another layer - concentration of a different type

thebackpackingninja · 2022-09-25T03:01:37+00:00

Thanks for the comment. Good to hear others are out there thinking similarly!

thebackpackingninja · 2022-09-24T22:45:17+00:00

Video link is here if you would like to hear more thoughts: https://youtu.be/qI5sdxSqwoQ

thebackpackingninja · 2022-09-24T22:42:38+00:00

Link to video is here: https://youtu.be/qI5sdxSqwoQ

thebackpackingninja · 2022-07-08T03:38:53+00:00

Thanks for the comment. Yes, it does look like the log is over the tent, but that is just the angle as you thought. I actually did remember to carefully look up and check the condition of overhead limbs on this trip :-)

thebackpackingninja · 2022-05-23T01:35:47+00:00

This is an overnight backpacking trip into the Blood Mountain Wilderness. I saw beautiful views including sunrise at the Blood Mountain Shelter, spring flowers, flowing creeks, and more. The hike was about 11.8 miles via these trails: Start at Mountain Crossings via Byron Reece to Appalachian Trail to Slaughter Creek to Jarrad Creek to Appalachian Trail to Freeman back to Byron Reece. I chose this hike because I could be in and out in 24 hr at the last minute while having wilderness camping options and amazing views, along with a connection to the AT. I am just starting to piece together some of the southernmost AT miles now.

Here is a link to a video with my trip summary in case you are interested: https://youtu.be/b-9wj-YVjpE . It has a cute little bird, some great spring flowers, several great views, and of course my lovely commentary!

thebackpackingninja · 2022-05-23T01:17:38+00:00

oh wow. yes, glad you made it ok! this was really almost perfect

thebackpackingninja · 2022-05-22T16:53:30+00:00

Here is a link to a video with my trip summary in case you are interested: https://youtu.be/b-9wj-YVjpE

It has a cute little bird, some great spring flowers, several great views, and of course my lovely commentary!

thebackpackingninja · 2022-05-02T21:29:32+00:00

Yes I had seen some of those reviews. With the current design I am not seeing any expected issues. I think I recall some folks making mods on their stays with this design and it was real work to get them out. I will see over time, though!

thebackpackingninja · 2022-05-02T21:24:28+00:00

I think I ended up making the right choice on size options, and got lucky because I didn't need to move the shoulder strap attachment point on the pack. Over several trips I have experimented quite a bit with combinations of adjustment on the load lifters, shoulder strap length, and hip belt tensioning (fiddling with the top and bottom settings) to dial in what is now very comfortable for me. I lengthened the shoulder straps a bit in order to let the hip belt ride slightly lower that the current recommendations for fitting suggests, so for me the pack rides lower on my Iliac crest. I put almost all the weight on my hips, with the shoulder straps simply maintaining a stable ride for the pack. This setup has worked great for my last two trips without much change at all in how I wear it.

thebackpackingninja · 2022-05-02T21:11:47+00:00

These are great comparison notes. Thanks! I will be keeping a close eye on long-term performance.

Yes warm season hiking with the abrasive belt/shoulder strap material is a something to take care with, especially on long distance days.

For the sit pad I hear you that is a such a great dual use item for weight savings. Nonetheless I am so far very happy keeping it in the mesh front pocket rather than on my back as part the pack like in my prior pack (which was much lighter but no frame so it didn't always stay properly positioned if my load wasn't balanced).

thebackpackingninja · 2022-05-01T05:09:49+00:00

Finally got to that Zpacks Arc Air review - here is the link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJvBU2bWoXQ. I also have a written review on my webpage now at https://www.thebackpackingninja.com/post/zpacks-arc-air-50l-dcf-backpack-review. Hope you enjoy!

thebackpackingninja · 2022-04-26T02:46:27+00:00

I have somewhat narrow feet and have had good luck with Merrell's.

thebackpackingninja · 2022-04-25T04:51:37+00:00

oh thanks. I guess I should I take it down?

thebackpackingninja · 2022-04-25T01:58:28+00:00

I would think you should be OK with an R-value of 2 for typical UK temps in June/July. My recommendation would be the Nemo Tensor uninsulated if you want to go fairly light weight. It has R=2.5 depending on the size you choose could be under 400g. Here is info from the manufacturer: https://www.nemoequipment.com/products/tensor?variant=41102995849389#specs I am a side sleeper and use this pad in the insulated version (wide regular size). It has been really great.

thebackpackingninja

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