For backpackers, especially thru-hikers, quality sleep is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of enjoying the trail. However, falling asleep and staying asleep can be a challenge. Endless reasons can disrupt your sleep while on the trail, such as stormy weather, nocturnal animals scurrying around your tent, aching bones, physical discomfort sleeping on the ground, a snoring tentmate, and noisy campmates. What can you do if you have trouble sleeping in the wilderness? Prevent sleeplessness from occurring in the first place by not eating a heavy meal right before bed and avoiding sugary foods. Eat foods that promote sleep in the evening or a […]
Noise
3 posts
I always find it ironic when I see someone on the trail wearing earbuds. It seems that while this person is taking the time to travel through the natural world, they are simultaneously filtering part of it out. We humans have had a lot of help tuning out mother nature, especially with the advent of portable electronic devices. It has become challenging to hear the natural world among the noise synonymous with modern life. On a busy road filled with traffic, notice how difficult it is to talk to a friend. You must raise your voice to compete with traffic […]
Sound, a defining feature of our environment, tells the story of the world around us. The familiar hustle and bustle of city life, with its cacophony of vehicles, sirens, leaf blowers, and ringing phones, is a hallmark of urban living. While these city sounds may fade into the background for some, they can be an overwhelming intrusion for others. In stark contrast, the wilderness offers a serene escape from this man-made symphony, allowing us to be serenaded by the gentle whispers of the wind and the harmonious melodies of wildlife. The streetscape noise fades away once in the wilderness, but […]