Yes, why do You hike alone?

@Eric-ew8jt

3 жыл бұрын

I’m a solitary animal, and not much for forced and awkward “chit chat “

@tall14dude

3 жыл бұрын

I don't have any friends. 😄 Actually, not a lot who would go hiking. I grew up in a wooded area and lost that after high school. I'm getting it back by hiking more and most is solo. Photography has made solo hiking more enjoyable too.

@tnmrcricket

3 жыл бұрын

... I like it. I am me.

@mrakl3

3 жыл бұрын

I've gone into the back country of the Grand Canyon 5 times (usually 7 days at a time). Three times solo. Twice with others (once with 3; once with 1). I discovered that I preferred solo. There are some places/experiences for which you need your attention to NOT be divided. Where you can focus on the place and YOUR place in it - without the distractions of other peoples' personalities. Could be a definition of a "good selfishness" maybe?

@halabujioutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

I tend to wander off from trail to explore the area. Besides my hiking partner who would tolerate my behavior, my lovely wife, passed away last year. Now I reflect upon the memories where we used to wander around, while hiking alone together. 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️🏕

I've spent(wasted) most of my 67 years trying to please other people, thinking that I couldn't be alone. After a hellish 2nd marriage and amicable divorce, I discovered the peace that comes with a simple life of contentment Eric can provide these exquisite videos because he is in control. He knows his strengths and weaknesses and knows how to enjoy his personal space. And, thankfully he invites us to enjoy his solitude vicariously. 🌛🌠🙏

"Mountains are not stadiums where I satisfy my ambition to achieve, they are the cathedrals where I practice my religion.” - Anatoli Boukreev

@johanngerell

3 жыл бұрын

Love that quote

@turluogh8764

3 жыл бұрын

Very good comment.

@eugenebatstone5658

2 жыл бұрын

Amen! 😊

I agree, solo hiking is fantastic. No talking no compromises. It‘s not better than together. It‘s just a complete different thing. Almost not comparable. Nice video!

@Saareem

3 жыл бұрын

I talk to myself. :D

@henriccarlsson9052

3 жыл бұрын

Well put :)

@eugenemcgloin6780

3 жыл бұрын

@@Saareem But, do you answer yourself?

@TheBlackSheepDiaries

3 жыл бұрын

@@eugenemcgloin6780 Only when I question myself. So, yea.

@Saareem

3 жыл бұрын

@@eugenemcgloin6780 When it's reflective talking, then maybe. 😄

If you are with several people, then everything is a compromise.

@ernstandersen979

3 жыл бұрын

When you go alone, it Will be as you want. But nature always gets the last Word ☺️

@ernstandersen979

3 жыл бұрын

@Crawled Out Of Plato's Cave Sometimes one has to compromise . Safty first.👍

I'm very comfortable camping alone, and now living alone. Love my family and my friends, but alone is good sometimes. I like hanging out with me. lol.

@rkf2746

3 жыл бұрын

I chuckled at your last sentence. I'm nearly 70, and I often have comments made to me that maybe I shouldn't continue to hike and camp alone. I told someone once, "I like hanging out with me better than with other people".😉 Be well.

Solo is way more chilled no worrying if the other person is ok with everything

My Personal Thoughts on this man: He is a man's man! Confident and brave! A man of few words; but when he speaks 149+K listen and enjoy. Living in a concrete jungle in Central California, I wish I could consider myself with the rest of you. Alas, all I have is smoke from the fires around us; sirens, vehicle horns going off and rude people fussing. His videos are a serious get-away from all this. His personal life is really none of our business. His marital status doesn't affect my interest in the moments of nature he provides for us. Sure, there are others, but there is only one Erik! He's kept it real! I believe 149+k will agree: (fast heading for 200K; and well deserved.) Mr. Normark; continued good health and constant physical strength. Erik Normark, Thank You.

@professorshermanpeabody1237

3 жыл бұрын

keep up your spirits; I also live in the west coast fire zones; rain being a thing of the past apparently. Just vote environmentally.

@brookeshaffer4377

2 жыл бұрын

So well said🌟

I am somewhat a loner, and very introverted. Basically, I can't stand being around other people.🙄 Being alone in the mountains, the smells, wildlife, the bugle of an elk, the squawk and a crow, chatter of a ground squirrel, the weather, and how I fit into all that, is really the only place and things that makes sense to me. Everything is, quite simply, real. I enjoyed this Erik. Stay safe. Roger

“It’s not a competition, after all.” A lesson to take to heart.

Hiking out alone into the wilderness is the only chance I can get to watch Erik Normark videos in peace and quiet.

He is back i am back too god bless you all and erik viewers stay safe.

I could watch you read a phone book - and think that was best thing I saw all day....you are special and I love all your videos....Hiking alone is the way to go - peaceful and easier to film things

Well said. I’m a solo camper for the same reasons

I like your thoughts on hiking solo. In my experience it is necessary to be quiet to truly connect with nature.

I agree. I'm sixty-two years old, I started hiking alone at about age eleven. Now when I go hiking and backpacking it is almost always a solo trip. I am very social and an extrovert. I talk to everyone I see on the trail, but I prefer to be alone in the end. Occasionally I will hike with one or two other friends. But more than three people is just too many to enjoy the wilderness experience for me. While solo, you can do what you want, when you want. When I am with others, I always feel somewhat responsible for them, and my mind wanders away from the land. Only when you are alone can you be fully immersed into the land. As you say, if this is new for you, start small; try a solo day hike at a familiar location. Then, solo hike to new places. Finally, go overnight alone in the wild. Even if you are a little scared at first, it will be very fulfilling. Very good video.

I enjoyed very much your words, shared thoughts and video quality. I agree completely with everything you stated. Thanks. The older I become, the more I enjoy the periods of solitude with nature.

You listed all of the reasons why I like to go solo. I started solo camping when I was 12 and today I'm 76. I like to joke and say there are three ( 3 )of us on each camping trip , Me , Myself and I. Me and myself get along really good but I likes to argue at times , especially about camping spots. For years I organized ( group ) canoe trips and my rule was simple. Each paddler and canoe had to be equipped so they are self sufficient , the same as if going solo. Same for camping (backpacking ) trips. I really enjoy the quiet and sounds of the woods and rivers. My favorite night sounds are when the rain is hitting the rain fly over my Jungle Hammock and an Owl is hooting off in the distance.

Hey Erik, do you ever wake up in your tent and discover it's raining and cold outside and just say "no thanks, I'm staying in the tent today reading my book instead of hiking further" ? And also, do you ever pick mushrooms or berries on the way to supplement your food?

@LIVEINPEACE2023

3 жыл бұрын

Good questions

You are blessed to have the opportunity to walk in such a beautiful and calm place, even if alone, because we are often surrounded by people but we feel lonely!Hugs!

Peace and quiet. Reflect on life and enjoy the natural surroundings, the noise of the wind, birds, trees, water, wild animals. It's the best therapy in life :) Thanks for sharing Erik.

Solo hiking is a very rewarding experience for me. I can go at my own pace and go where I want to go. Take breaks as often or as little as I prefer. Honestly I prefer solo hiking to going with other people most of the time. Yesterday I did a 12 mile solo hike in a local state forest and had a fantastic day. I recommend doing exactly what Erik said - get to know your gear, know your skills and develop a trust for what you are capable of doing. Then get out there on a solo trip.

@chewurbrain

3 жыл бұрын

This. Soaking up all the knowledge from everywhere (including videos like these) just so I can keep pushing the boundaries of my next solo adventure. Manage the risks as much as you can, then go for it. It's quite addictive.

He’s not hiking alone He’s filming it for thousands but only brought enough coffee for himself

@GandalfWalks

3 жыл бұрын

How selfish.

@thomasmusso1147

3 жыл бұрын

Yep .. sharing one's own-brewed coffee .. that's something else ..

@TheBlackSheepDiaries

3 жыл бұрын

It is weird when you are out alone in the woods and decide to make a video. I've done several, may I suggest one I've got up called shelter in place. A debris shelter I made on an island. Cheers.

@GandalfWalks

3 жыл бұрын

How strong does he make his coffee? Looks like enough caffeine to make a moose run.

@SandsOfArrakis

3 жыл бұрын

@@GandalfWalks Wouldn't surprise me if he walks half a day on a single cup.

Hey Erik When I am alone in nature and there is only silence around me, then sometimes the silence comes into my mind and all thoughts disappear from my head. Then I am completely in the here and now. That's great. Then I see things and hear things that I wouldn´t notice otherwise. You only experience that when you are alone. Thank you for another great video.

Thank You. Erik Normark , I always appreciate your Video’s.

It's been less than a year since I started doing solo trips on my own but now I do them all the time. I like it for all the same reasons as you. I particularly appreciate the need for knowledge and self-reliance. I even did my first cross-country trek alone this summer and it was an incredible experience.

@benhikescamps

3 жыл бұрын

Well said. 👍

@KimberlyGreen

3 жыл бұрын

"Solo trips" is such an unassuming term for the amazing places you take your viewers.

@nomadunknown4766

3 жыл бұрын

Kimberly G. 🥰

The vibes I get from watching your videos are overwhelming. Nature is so loud and powerful it’s come through your videos . And you share it with us for free . No words just thank you .

Well said Erik! The point you made of being comfortable with your own self alone is a must. I know some, that cannot do that very thing. The whole uncomfortable silence. I love it, thanks for a great video!

To sit in the forest and just listen is bliss, away from everyday life. Great video Erik, thank you.

Cause that is my own time, I also make nature films here to KZread. In my heart there is also place to hike or camp together too, but alone everything is just perfect for me. You can focus to nature and have a kind of discourse with it. Greetings from Finland Esa / Keloja Luonnosta

@redgrengrumbholdt2671

3 жыл бұрын

Moro Esa, tilasin kanavasi :)

@KelojaLuonnosta

3 жыл бұрын

Kiitoksia Makke🙋‍♂️😊

You are so chill, and a real inspiration!

Could not agree more. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Brilliant and so true. Thanks!

Loved your talk! So true! Thank you for the video it was awesome!

Great video Erik. Love the cup!

You make beautiful vids . Thank You.

Thank you! Good Luck!

Great response! Love your videos, keep hiking. Love the scenery.

The best thing for me personally has been finding my soulmate and being able to hike silently with someone who I know is feeling the same elation and deep connection with Nature. No words needed, just a path, a forest. I guess I agree with Christopher McCandless when he wrote: "Happiness is only real once shared." ~ francesca

@wanderingbox7971

3 жыл бұрын

true

@TheWindyBurrow

3 жыл бұрын

@@LettiesLife It definitely doesn't make it happier, everybody's favourite way way to hike, enjoy Nature, or enjoy life in general for that matter, is the best possible way in their life. 💜 I was just adding my two cents. I love reading all the different experiences :-)

@TheWindyBurrow

3 жыл бұрын

@@LettiesLife thank you so much!! 🙏

Beautiful and thought provoking.

Couldn't agree more,thanks for sharing 👍

Just watching and listening to your videos brings me close to those moments I find in nature when I go solo. Thanks, Erik

Your episode's make me so calm

such a motivating video Erik thanks bro 🙏 all the ways from NYC. 🗽

Outstanding explanation and right on point. I bring along a good book for my company. Take care and stay safe, Al

I feel the nature more when I hike alone.

Your videos are always so soothing to watch. And I always grab my headphones when I start watching your videos. Keep up these coming and have a nice week! 👍

The quiet alone time. Love it. Everything slows down and my breathing does too.

I hike and backpack most of the time. Just like you said.. I can go any direction I want and camp where I want. But I also enjoy to talk with other hikers when I run into somebody.. Thanks for your videos Erik :)

Its nice to have an update on the new cup. 👍 I was thinking about it the last couple of videos.

Looking forward to your winter storm camping videos. Endlessly fascinating.

Hey brother just wanted to say i really loved watching your video it was very informative.. Love from a fellow woodsman from uk

At One with the world ... the most rewarding feeling a person can have. The feeling of self confidence brings on an inner strength. Well put Erik you make your adventures seem so easy for all to enjoy. Thanks mate. Bushyboy Oz.

Awesome video!! Made me smile so much because it resonates so much with me and I guess most of us. I live alone but have many friends. I hike alone most of the time so I can enjoy photography, my thoughts and nature. Occasionally I hike with another friend or two but smaller groups are better.

I understand. Thank you for answering my question sir. Please be safe!

Hi Erik,love your videos and content.Your soul or spiritual awareness is very high.Thank you very much,be safe and good luck friend.

What fantastic words of wisdom and common sense.

What a very good video and love the line u said its not a compaction. After some 30 years of not off grid camping I just sort of restarted this past weekend. Like u said stayed close and now I'm thinking about going a bit farther next time. Thanks for the unexpected boost to me.

Hello Erik, greetings from Northern California. It's good to see you again. I hope that you are staying healthy. A big thank you for sharing this fine video. Please take good care of yourself and keep your great videos coming along. 🤗

Erik, I really enjoy your videos. I am from North America but I have lived and worked in Sweden. I recently completed a solo 3 day hike in the Grand Canyon. Your description and rewards of solo hiking are spot on! I remember an old swedish beer commercial from the 1990’s, maybe Norrlands Gold? Enjoying the nature with limited words:-) Keep up the great work. Your a true artist.

Well said and explained I have been hiking and backpacking solo 50 years

Started doing solo trips recently after watching Erik's films. Now I like my company better than anything else. 👍

When alone i nature you see much more and realy feel nature.Great video !!!

I am 100% with you, Erik. It's heartening to know, from reading other comments here, I've got company when it comes to how hiking alone is perceived. Thanks for this vid, and your good work (which I love).

Great video Erik. I do the majority of my hikes Solo, too. Have recently done a few with two old work colleagues who I have known many years. I like both to be honest, but your comments here resonate very much with my own experiences. I think you could have said this for me. 100% agree with your thoughts. Love watching your blogs. You are an inspiration. Regards Ian.

You're videos are really great.😍 You're one of my inspiration going solo hiking and camping. You're right, going solo gives you a lot of freedom, doing your own things at your own pace.❤

@mishaakemi3005

3 жыл бұрын

True! 👌

Nice stuff,so rite, your a great man,love your stuff,all the best to free spirit,love from new Zealand

I grew up pretty much alone. so I've gotten used to solo hiking. I've been out a few times over the years. in fact I did a 5 mile hike today. My body is mad at me right now. LOL. BUT I'm glad I did it. looking forward to going back out again sometime in the next few weeks.

Love it. Exactly why I go solo.

I`ve always had a bit of a haunting lonely spirit. I dunno, sometimes I like being alone because it`s a sense of my own unique adventure. And frankly other than boredom, I never minded my own company. Having said that, I WISH I COULD FIND a perfect companion, but that seems harder and harder the older I get. Fond and warm memories of my life, will always travel well with me. Peace be with you stranger.

Thanks to you, Erik, I went on a multiday hike alone. I have gone several times before, but stopped for a few years. Your videos made me pick up my backpack again. A few days of struggle makes me come back home and appreciate everything that we have. In my 3 days hike, I only came across one person and had the hut all to myself during a lightning storm.

I love this channel so much; he is so strong! he camps on snow, on a wild forest wow!!!

Other people are draining Their incessant chatter tires the ears and never lets you become one with yourself He travels fastest who travels alone

@cedarbrake1309

3 жыл бұрын

ShakespeareCafe I agree with the first statement. The last line leaves me a little puzzled. If you are already in nature why are you still in a hurry? To get “where”?

@clambroth1923

3 жыл бұрын

As Eric said - "It is not a competition". As I say - Follow your own path and don't obsess about "who gets there first". The journey is about the journey, not about who is the fastest.

Thank you very much, for inspiring me to go back into the jungle again like this

You have said everything I feel about hiking or camping alone Erik. Rather than teaming up with people we are teaming up with nature. Time stands still. We rely on ourselves. It’s the best feeling. Thanks for sharing. Ben

So perfect

Great explanation Erik. Everyone has their own reasons for soloing, I try to get out once a week to decompress and challenge myself. Nothing like getting out into beautiful areas and filling in more of your map on unexplored areas. I often like to ask myself a tough question at the beginning of a long trek. all the time in the world to hash things out. Keep exploring Erik, we're loving it!

@erik_normark

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I appreciate it! Atb

Solo is something special. No other voices. Just nature. Don't take too many risks and you will be fine. Most people don't understand what being in the wild alone is but after your first solo wilderness trip you will know. Thanks E.

I respect what you think about the solo hiking! You are amazing anyway! ...sent from South Korea!

I love wildlife photography and hiking alone is the absolute best way to enjoy it. You get a lot more perceptive of things when out alone in the wilderness. You hear that stick being broken meaning something just stepped on it. You don't miss that Owl sitting like a frozen statue in the tree with only the movements of its eyelids giving it away. But maybe the best thing of all is that you have your own time to reflect and to load your mental battery. Even though you might be physically tired after a hike you are refreshed mentally.

Love your channel... I’m following 2 channels at this moment. Yours and Itchi Boots... she is in Sweden at the moment, Keep up the Good work 👍🏼

I think several people who works full time, having kids and a buissy familylife can imagine why it’s nice to walk alone in the woods some times 😉 I sure do, at least!

King of chillness

yes totally agree helps you get to know your spirit

I LOVE to hike alone...communing with Nature and with myself...I could call it a more spiritual experience than when with friends...and yes! I like my own company, and I am careful. Thanks for this video! Special. ATB

Always a amazing day to hike. Healthy way to start the day. Follow you heart. Cause it knows Beat. Wish apron a star and always smile . Your truely are a special person 💕

That’s right, only hiking by yourself can show trust yourself not depend on others, you must have courage and confidence to do so, freedom, by your own speed or closer to nature is not the core .

Growing up in a rural environment developed in me a deep appreciation for personal space. I enjoy meeting people and can be very social but sometimes I just want to be alone. Solitude enables me to think and reflect.

I like to hike alone but mostly it's with company! But as older I get I appreciate the loneliness more and more. And I like what you said "It kind of helps to like your own company" :)

@davidtomkinson1570

3 жыл бұрын

Solitude, not loneliness, there is a profound difference.

@ekkimdeh8567

3 жыл бұрын

@@davidtomkinson1570 english is not my language.....in my langugae it's the same word......

@ekkimdeh8567

3 жыл бұрын

@@davidtomkinson1570sorry for not being so good at english........

@ekkimdeh8567

3 жыл бұрын

@@davidtomkinson1570 so today I learned something really profound, thank you........

I like it. And it's good for thinking.

Im a carp angler in the uk , and spend many a weekend on the bank by myself. Bivvied up with my gear around me. Switched off from the outside world. Doing my water craft to catch my chosen fish. Absolutely love having my own time. ... and returning to my family and friends. We all need an escape. Take care Erik... all the best.

Interesting, but I love the teamwork of my husband and I going together. Thanks for the lovely video Erik.

@TheWindyBurrow

3 жыл бұрын

My thoughts exactly. Nature can be fully appreciated even if you have your soulmate walking (in silence) at your side.

@erik_normark

3 жыл бұрын

Yes I think it boils down very much to who you are hiking with. Going with a soul mate can be very enriching. Thanks!

@Saareem

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheWindyBurrow Somehow I read that "soulmate _viking_". Don't we all wish we had a soulmate viking. :-D

@TheWindyBurrow

3 жыл бұрын

@@Saareem gosh yes 😂😂😂😂

@TheDenisedrake

3 жыл бұрын

@@Saareem Haha! I guess if someone was with Erik, they WOULD be hiking with a viking.

What a gorgeous setting! I admire your self reliance, independence, and freedom.

@erik_normark

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Suzie

Dear Erik, a couple of months ago you and your great work inspired me to go for my first solo hike as well. During the last years I've spent some holidays in the Austrian Alps, together with a good friend of mine, hiking from hut to hut. But sleeping in a tent and having to bring my own food was something completely new to me. So I started to buy gear and spent many nights doing research and preparing my first real outdoor trip. In Mid of August I went to Norway and spent 12 days solo in the Femundsmarka National Park, right on the border to Sweden. Going solo for nearly two weeks was something completely different compared to my normal life, since I'm really enjoying to be with people, friends and family. Especially the evenings have been really lonely. But all in all it was definitely my biggest adventure so far. A time I will never forget. I'm already excited to head off in the woods next year. Maybe I will bring some friends/family and for sure I will go a couple days alone again. I just want to let you know, that I'm really glad that I discovered your work a couple of months ago since without the impressions that you are sharing with us, I would not have done that. Thank you very much, Erik! And maybe take a trip to the area around Rogen/Femundsmarka National Park by yourself. The landscape is stunning and there are few people. I bet you would do a heck of a movie there! Warm regards, Alex

@erik_normark

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Alex. One has to find a balance that works for oneself. Not everyone likes long solo trips. It can be only for a day or two. The important thing is that one feels good about it! Atb

Everyone is alone in life. It also depends what we each consider being alone. Some are lost being alone, Erik has himself, his thoughts, beliefs and direction. That's Not being alone but being together or leading ones self. Even his voice and movements show his confidence. Great video.

Great vid. 😁🏕️👍

Long wolf club! Love going with my dog. No talking. Always cool with whatever we do (so long it’s not raining) That counts as solo. Love your videos! 🙏

Well said Eric.

I've camped "solo" on road trips utilizing established camp grounds. As of lately though I've been camping solo in remote sites where you need to hike or kayak to. It's a different experience. You're right...it's just you. You learn self reliance, what works and what doesn't and how important it is to be cognizant of doing things correctly, safely and consistently. I have anxieties and fears at times. In the pitch black woods....alone at night and miles from anyone. It's revealing and rewarding. Your videos; like hiking and camping are therapeutic, calming and helpful. Every time you put something out it's interesting, intriguing, informative and entertaining. Thanks so very much. Be safe - Be well

@erik_normark

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Awesome dood.