Definition of a "real hiker"

[Bucketfoot]

A real hiker is just somebody who likes to walk in the woods. no badges ,patches, certificates or documentation required.

[Sarcasm the elf]

hikin' is just walkin'

Only if you're walking where it's okay to pee.

[Drybones]

Only if you're walking where it's okay to pee.

Yeah, my favorite quote...."Hikin's just walk'n where it's okay to pee, and old folks hike accidentally sometimes"....you gotta love the guy that came up with that one.

[aficion]

Yeah, my favorite quote...."Hikin's just walk'n where it's okay to pee, and old folks hike accidentally sometimes"....you gotta love the guy that came up with that one.

Old folks been known to hike and pee accidently simultaneously. Hope I live that long.

[Sarcasm the elf]

No such thing as a "real" hiker but since folks on this site like to argue about definitions, I'll throw this in:If you're trying to find a "real" hiker, look for someone with a lifelong passion for the outdoors, that hikes whenever they can, regardless of the weather or the season, and who does so however and for whatever reason they see fit.


For the sake of playing devil's advocate: I would also argue that if you hit springer mountain fresh out of college and walk to Maine, but then never go hiking again after that, it doesn't make you a real hiker.

[Drybones]

Old folks been known to hike and pee accidently simultaneously. Hope I live that long.

Made me recall Jeff asking Larry to make a sentence using the word European....Larry's response..."watch out, European on my foot".

[Old Hiker]

Must have beard. Sorry ladies

You haven't seen my mother-in-law's beard. She puts my beard to shame!

Oh, wait. You said "ladies". Never mind.

[aficion]

Made me recall Jeff asking Larry to make a sentence using the word European....Larry's response..."watch out, European on my foot".

Still laughin.

[Drybones]

You haven't seen my mother-in-law's beard. She puts my beard to shame!

Oh, wait. You said "ladies". Never mind.

You're pretty sharp today for an Old Hiker. (LOL)

[MDSection12]

I'm a real hiker when I'm really hiking.

[JAK]

'real' is highly subjective and context senstive

One could say "real" hikers don't hike the AT, or "real" hikers don't use any plastic gear or clothing, or food.
Sometimes its meant to be funny, which again is highly subjective and context sensitive.

Real hikers get my humour.

[Creek Dancer]

Wait...are we talking about "hikers" or "backpackers"?? There is a difference.

[Rasty]

'real' is highly subjective and context senstive

One could say "real" hikers don't hike the AT, or "real" hikers don't use any plastic gear or clothing, or food.
Sometimes its meant to be funny, which again is highly subjective and context sensitive.

Real hikers get my humour.

So real hikers only wear cotton and wool? It's the 1970's again

[MDSection12]

Wait...are we talking about "hikers" or "backpackers"?? There is a difference.

I've always wondered this. I used to be a 'hiker' in the day hiker sense, then I became a 'backpacker' but as I've gotten more into backpacking I've realized all the cool people just say 'hiker.' I'm so glad I have the internet to help me keep all these terms straight!

[Lone Wolf]

real hikers don't slackpack, use leki poles, carry cell phones, filter or treat water, use anything titanium, sleep in shelters take a canoe across the kennebec, hang food, weigh gear.........

[bfayer]

real hikers don't slackpack, use leki poles, carry cell phones, filter or treat water, use anything titanium, sleep in shelters take a canoe across the kennebec, hang food, weigh gear.........

Damm, now I'm totally screwed :-)

Wait, you and Warren Doyle agree on something ?

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

[Rasty]

real hikers don't slackpack, use leki poles, carry cell phones, filter or treat water, use anything titanium, sleep in shelters take a canoe across the kennebec, hang food, weigh gear.........

Black Diamond polls are good then?

[kyhipo]

A real hiker is just somebody who likes to walk in the woods. no badges ,patches, certificates or documentation required.

sounds good,ky

[Feral Bill]

hikin' is just walkin'

Thus Colin Fletcher's book, ​The Complete Walker

[aficion]

real hikers don't slackpack, use leki poles, carry cell phones, filter or treat water, use anything titanium, sleep in shelters take a canoe across the kennebec, hang food, weigh gear.........

Well at least I used to be a real hiker. My favorite 2 liter pot is titanium. Shucks.