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FREE CARBON NEUTRAL USA SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $50
by Emily Batdorf June 05, 2023 5 min read
Everyone hikes for a different reason — maybe to spend time with friends, get some exercise, or experience nature. And it’s probably safe to say that no matter what other reasons you have, you probably hike because you enjoy it, too.
There’s a lot to love about hiking, from the gorgeous views and wildlife encounters to the meditative practice of putting one foot in front of the other. If you’re interested in squeezing even more enjoyment out of your hikes, we recommend you give trail journaling a shot.
Maybe you’re a regular journaler already, or maybe not. Regardless, we encourage you to try it on your next hike. It’s a highly individual and creative activity, and you can journal in a way that feels fun to you.
However you approach it, spending a little time reflecting on your hikes can deepen your outdoor experiences. At the very least, journaling your hikes can help you keep a good record of your adventures — and it may even become your new favorite part of hiking.
Wondering how to get started? We’ve got you covered with plenty of tips below.
If you’re not a particularly contemplative, creative, or artistic person, you may be wondering, “Why should I journal my hikes?”
And we get it — if you like the social or physical aspects of hiking, journaling might not initially appeal to you. But before you write it off, check out these great benefits of journaling in nature:
If you’re hesitant to add anything else to your day pack, hang with us: You don’t need much to journal your hikes. Again, it’s a highly personal activity, so you get to call the shots. There are only two basic supplies you’ll need. However, if you’re willing to carry a little more, the sky’s the limit when it comes to ways you can illustrate your journal.
You may decide to switch up your supplies based on the hike you choose. For instance, if you’re planning a quick, light, and long hike, you may only bring the essentials. But on a short hike where you can linger and take your time, you may decide to pack some additional supplies.
First things first: There’s no one right way to journal your hikes. The only goal is to enjoy doing it, so let your creativity drive the process. However, if you’re feeling stuck — or just want to get the ideas flowing — below are some ways you can start to journal your hikes.
Take some time before your hike to set the stage. For example, write about or sketch the following:
If the purpose of your trail journal is to nurture more self-reflection, you may start with a short entry about your intention for the hike. For example:
Remember, there’s no right or wrong answer, and — if you’re new to it — journaling may feel a little awkward at first. But you might find that jotting down a few thoughts and observations before you start hiking helps you be more present and appreciative of getting outside.
When you’re on the trail, you may want to stop often to journal, or you may only want to stop once. Again, it’s up to you, and your approach will probably depend on the weather, your pace, and the difficulty of the hike. Here are a few suggestions for how and what to journal while on the trail:
If you’re interested in phenology (the study of seasonal changes in nature), you may decide to use your trail journal primarily to track, describe, and illustrate the changes in the seasons. As you continue to journal your hikes — and return to the same trails over the years — these observations can help you notice and appreciate these natural cycles.
You may be tempted to pack up your journal after your last stop on the trail and store it in your daypack until your next hike. That’s fine if you’re in a hurry, but it can be fun to add your final thoughts about your hike once you’re off the trail. Again, here are some suggestions to wrap up your hike:
After giving trail journaling a try on a few different hikes, you may start to get hooked. If that’s the case, lean in! We’re all about having more ways to enjoy the great outdoors — whether you’re summiting a peak or sketching in a journal.
We’d love to see your trail journal in action. Tag us on Instagram with #cloudlinesocks with photos from the trail!Emily is a copywriter based in northern Michigan. She's happiest outdoors, whether she's hiking, skiing, paddling, or swimming. As a writer, she loves working with companies that inspire all people to get outside. When she's not writing or playing outdoors, you can find her cooking, reading, or hanging out with family and friends. Find more of her writing here.
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