3 Lesson’s I’ve Learned Adventuring With Others

Even though personality tests describe mine as having more extroverted tendencies, I’m really quite often an introvert. I enjoy, even prefer, doing things solo, especially when it comes to my outdoor adventures: hiking, skiing, and backpacking, specifically. I can go at my own pace, be with my own thoughts, stop when I want, stay at a summit as long or as short as I want, and just do my own thing. However, I have learned some pretty valuable lessons inviting others into my excursions, as well as accepting invitations to theirs. These are things I just don’t think I’d learn always rolling solo.

Sharing an outdoor experience with others creates a stronger bond to them.

People open up outdoors. At least, in my experience, they do. And so do I! There’s something about breathing fresh air and doing something challenging together that breaks down any barriers that might be up in another setting. It levels the “playing field” so-to-speak and often lowers inhibitions we hold onto. I’ve heard some very personal stories while walking down a trail, as well as shared some of mine, simply because I felt comfortable doing so. 

Just last week I went on a 5-day backpacking trip with a friend I knew only casually through the gym prior to us going. There’s nothing like living in the woods for 5 days to really enable you to get to know someone else. We bonded quicker than we even would just seeing each other a few times a week. These moments of vulnerability inevitably bring you closer to whomever you’re sharing with. Of course, there are those circumstances where it can go the other way as well, creating more of a rift with someone- but that’s yet to happen for me personally.

Sharing an outdoor experience with others can take the awe-factor to another level.

Yeah, I’ve cried over a view before. I’m not too ashamed to admit it. Every time this has happened, I’ve actually been with other people. The first time was in Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia when we crested over the summit of the Base of the Towers hike. Not only was it jaw-droppingly beautiful, but when I looked around and saw other’s reactions, especially my husband’s wide eyes and wonder, it brought my stoke level to new heights. I couldn’t contain myself! It was truly unforgettable. I believe that we can be affected by the emotions of others, so when it’s a reaction to an awesome view, encounter, or accomplishment, we’re going to feel that if we’re in the same vicinity, in the best way.

Sharing an outdoor experience with others can build your own character.

One of the reasons I like hiking solo is because I enjoy a quicker pace; I love elevating my heart rate and sweating. Sometimes groups of people can be difficult to hike in when there are varying paces at play. One of my favorite phrases is “just because you can doesn’t mean you should.” I take this to mean that sometimes there is a bigger reason to sacrifice what you want or are able to do for the good of others. 

While in Ecuador at a women’s retreat put on by my best friend in 2018, we did a high elevation hike to a Refugio (refuge) that was sitting at almost 16,000’. Although these women were fit, some of them were understandably struggling with the elevation. I had arrived a few days earlier and felt adjusted to it, but instead of charging ahead on this particular hike, I made the conscious decision to stay with the gals that were having the toughest time. Through a lot of encouragement, every woman made it to the Refugio. Some of them cried when they got there; witnessing their joy and tears was more special to me than making it there first. I would have missed that if I wouldn’t have tapped into my patience and understanding, slowed down, and remembered that just because I could, didn’t mean I should. I’ll remember that hike forever, not because of the elevation, the accomplishment, or the view, but for the time I was able to spend with those women on our way up and their pure joy when they made it.

I still adventure regularly by myself- it’s therapeutic for me. However, these lessons have been invaluable in shaping me as a person and a friend.  Experiences solo are incredibly powerful. They build confidence and courage. But sharing my adventure time with others teaches me something new every time I do it. Opening myself to adventuring with others has changed my view of myself, them, and the incredible place I call my best side- outside.