“Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.” – Henry David Thoreau

In Dream Catcher, a tell-all book by Margaret Salinger, the author shared a tidbit of wisdom served up by none other than her father, J.D. 

The Catcher in the Rye writer famously told Margaret something along the lines of the following: “You aren’t your true self when around others.  Your real self is the person you are when no one else is around.”

This blunt yet very real statement rings especially true to nature lovers.  Spend the majority of your free time hiking, fishing and camping and you’ll find your true self.

Moreover, you’ll find high-quality hiking gear and camping equipment makes the outdoor experience that much more enjoyable.

The Peace Within

Most people hike, hunt and camp to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban living.  However, once isolated, adventurers quickly (and silently) come to the realization that what they really covet is internal peace.

My time on hiking trails and campsites has given me an invaluable feeling of self-worth.  Instead of relying on professional accomplishments as a gauge of success, I have established identity through my hobbies.

I’ve come to the conclusion that a strong connection with nature is more important than financial success. 

Solitude in a natural setting is my self-empowerment, albeit in near complete silence and far away from others.

I Own The Place

When reflecting on why I love natural settings, my thoughts gravitate toward how the experience contrasts with life in the big city.  There’s an uncomfortable feeling of insignificance in urban spaces.

When in the city, it’s as though I’m just another pebble on a beach.

In contrast, I feel as though I am the one and only resident of the green spaces I call home. 

Though I sometimes pass the occasional hiker, camper or fellow fishermen, it seems as though the natural setting is mine and mine only.

The Art of Self-Reliance

Next to connecting with Mother Nature, the next best part of hiking is self-improvement.  My time on the trails, by the water and at campsites has made me a better person. 

I’ve learned how to make a fire with two sticks, catch a fish with my bare hands and take in the majestic wonderland around me without succumbing to dehydration. 

When I’m on the trails or camping deep in the woods, there’s no one available to lend a helping hand.  I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The challenges of thriving in the wilderness have made me a better man.  Thanks to my penchance for solitude, I have become nearly 100% autonomous and self-sufficient. 

Like John Steinbeck described in Of Mice and Men, there’s nothing more rewarding than living off the “fat of the land”, an affectionate reference to nature’s inherent bounty. 

Living off the fat of the land is that much easier with the right camping gear.  Prepare ahead of time and you’ll find the outdoor experience isn’t nearly as stressful or dangerous.

No Alarms but Plenty of Surprises

My time in the woods has become increasingly valuable in recent years as we’ve collectively shifted toward high-tech living.  To say unplugging from modern day stimulation and stressors has been liberating would be an understatement.

Aside from snapping the occasional picture with my camera, I live a cordless existence in the woods. 

That’s not to say the experience is a bore.  There are all sorts of interesting discoveries to be made on and off the trails, campsites and designated fishing/hunting areas.

As long as you have the right hunting equipment, fishing gear and camp supplies, you’ll find these outdoor experiences are absolutely indelible.

Let nature come to you while waywardly digressing through the trails and it won’t take long to spot a goldfinch, raccoon, owl or adorable fawn.

You might even spot a tasty nicety like blackberries growing by a stream.

That’s as good as it gets.