Hiking as a couple

imported
#1

Just wondering if any couples out there have any trail wisdom concerning hiking with your mate. Are there certain things to look out for, certain things you learned that was unexpected?

Crockett

#2

We fight over the stupidest things. Other than that it works great. Helps to have the same pace and the same interests. Work as a team.

Bushwhack and Bramble

#3

On the trail, my hubby and I are closer emotionally as well as physically. He takes my hand as I rock hop across streams or attempt a rock scramble. We give each other back rubs and foot massages. However, we sometimes chafe at being together so much. Little things, like the time to get up in the morning or how far to hike each day can cause great friction when you are stuck with each other day after day. When you look back on the disagreement and sulking, you will be amazed at the energy wasted over such small details, but at the time these things seem huge. Just keep giving backrubs, negotiate the small stuff, and enjoy your hike.

Turtle

#4

It can sometimes be very difficult. It took us some time to adjust to each others paces… needs in town etc. We did work it out though and are terrific partners. We do better on the trail then we do in the " real ’ world. i have seen ALOT of folks split up out there. It can be very stressful. Talk about things before ya go. I think it helps some but the trail sorts it out. Always does.

yappy

#5

Wow! This is great topic. I met my partner on the trail. We decided to hike together after Damascus, VA. We were together for over 5 months. There was a period of time where we learned what the other needs and wants were. The biggest problem is that you are with each other almost 24/7, except for bio breaks. This is closer than being married. Both parties have to respect the others space. We were tenting with a 1 1/2 person tent, so we were close to each other even at night. There is so much dynamics that one has to consider, that a brief discussion will not totally suffice. There are many benefits to having a partner. I found that getting rides was much easier with a woman hitching, than as a male trying the same.
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tumbleweed

tumbleweed2001at

#6

Aren’t they great for hitching:) , I just get the wife to show some leg and the tires squeel to a stop. The partner also helped with town chores; one would do the PO and one would hit the luandromat. AT one point in Va we had three married couples hiking together. That was fun.

Bushwhack

#7

my wife and i did the a.t last year and it was great. we acually hardly had any arguments. you become much closer on some weird level than you ever would in the outside life. i also agree with bushwack about getting rides. the girl always should be the one out there and the guy sitting just out of clear view. it is sad to say but a grungy bearded guy will not get the same results(go figure).

zokwakii

#8

It was awesome hiking with my wife. When I was down she up and vice versa. When she was hurt, I carried some of her things. We have such beatiful memories to share.

I do admit that the little things set us off. We actually got in a tiff because I forgot to put the stove in my bag one morning and she was still packing up. Hey, would you mind carrying that today. Stupid stuff. We are definitely stronger today because of it all.

Grimace

#9

Unfortunately in 2002 I hiked solo. I had a great hike and really enjoyed the experience. However, I must admit to often getting pangs of envy when meeting up with many of the couples on the trail who were obviously enjoying hiking together.

Downunda

#10

This is slightly off topic but on March 3, '98 my 19 year old daughter, Lemmondrop, and I started the AT. We had discussed befor the hike at some point spliting up. Being strongly independent, I knew that Lemmondrop would tire of Dad and want to hike her own hike. We started out sharing gear for the first 400 miles, then had our own gear and hiked together for the next 100 miles and finally made the split at Trail Days. We had some difference to be sure since I am more regimented and she is more of a free spirit. But I would not trade the experience for anything.

Farther

#11

I hiked with He-Man and Detour a lot last year and I found that couples are great hitch bait.

Two Scoops