![Stop and Smell the Wildflowers](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/6123/685190/60db073f82dbe/Backpacker-Hiking-Gear-Reviews-Outdoor-Skills-Information-Backpacking-Camping-Plan-Trips.jpg)
As new Fastest Known Time (FKT) hike attempts fill outdoorsy newsfeeds, I think it’s time for an oppositional opinion: Hiking should only be a speed sport if you’re getting chased by a bear.
In the last decade, the attention given to FKTs on trails both long and short has grown, along with the number of attempts. And with the introduction of local records and the spread of social speed-ranking apps like Strava, even casual hikers are getting in on the craze. Successful record-setters are feted as elite hikers, the best of the best—what incredible fitness and discipline! Look how well they hiked that dang trail! They went so light they didn’t even bring a stove and survived for a week on GU packets and dry ramen!
These are incredible physical achievements, certainly. But they aren’t better than any “normal” hike. In fact, they miss the point altogether.
Denne historien er fra July - August 2021-utgaven av Backpacker.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra July - August 2021-utgaven av Backpacker.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
![IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF HORROR](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6123/1201578/edwpGCIsv1675335002656/IN-THE-FOOTSTEPS-OF-HORROR.jpg)
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF HORROR
CANADA’S MOST REVERED BACKPACKING TRAIL WAS BORN OUT OF A GHASTLY MISFORTUNE
![TRUE NORTH](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6123/1201578/MtNUky6CG1675333520000/TRUE NORTH.jpg)
TRUE NORTH
In pictures, Greenland's backcountry ski terrain looks spectacular. In person? It's even better.
![WHEN THE FOREST IS AN ESCAPE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6123/1201578/V-ZqS3Mgb1675332061580/WHEN-THE-FOREST-IS-AN-ESCAPE.jpg)
WHEN THE FOREST IS AN ESCAPE
The Outdoors Is Powerful Medicine And The Refugee Women's Network Is Helping Displaced Hikers Get Back To It
![The Gear that Changed Backpacking Forever](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6123/1201578/LBe-L6-nA1675329799311/THE-GEAR-THAT-CHANGED-BACKPACKING-FOREVER.jpg)
The Gear that Changed Backpacking Forever
Trend-setters and trailblazers from the last 50 years
![Timeless Adventures](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6123/1201578/Z8H8z1oCs1675326731586/TIMELESS-ADVENTURES.jpg)
Timeless Adventures
In celebration of 50 years of trail beta and inspiration, we look back on our favorite spots through the moments we chose to capture.
![Let The Rivers Run Free](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6123/1025490/6IBHMqi-31659352580263/crp_American-waterways-Wild-and-Scenic-Rivers-Act-Backpacking-Destinations-Outdoor-Skills-Gear-Reviews-Camping-Lifestyle.jpg)
Let The Rivers Run Free
A set of 10 bills currently in Congress will protect 7,000 miles of American waterways— if they pass.
![Thru-Hiking, Canadian Style](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6123/1025490/ojB42e_NB1659353252688/crp_British-Columbia-Tin-Hat-Mountain-Sunshine-Coast-Trail-Hiking-Dolomites.jpg)
Thru-Hiking, Canadian Style
When the pandemic shut down my plans to hike Europe, I found a world-class trail right on my doorstep.
![Training Station](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6123/1008193/qumBjAX--1657693683585/crp_Backpacking-Destinations-Outdoor-Skills-Gear-Reviews-Camping-Lifestyle.jpg)
Training Station
There's a great new wearable for every kind of athletic goal
![CBD for Your Pain](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6123/1025490/9eUn-6HPU1659352627271/crp_Zebra-CDB-Knee-pain-Stress-Low-energy-Sleeplessness.jpg)
CBD for Your Pain
Everyone feels the hurt as we age, but CBD can help you deal with it.
![Home Base](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6123/1008193/tpGJ6oy6y1657692567113/crp_Shelters-Big-Agnes-Wyoming-Trail-2-NEMO-Aurora-Highrise-4-REI-Wonderland-X-Backpacking-Destinations-Outdoor-Skills-Gear-Reviews-Camping-Lifestyle.jpg)
Home Base
These shelters score major comfort points