Sustainable by conviction
What type of hiker are you??
Not all hikers are the same!
Summertime is the ideal time for hiking. And, when the mountains call, they simply can't be ignored in the beautiful land of South Tyrol. A joyful tingling sensation quickly spreads through your legs, while your heart races and pumps happiness hormones into every tired cell of your muscles! Come on, the mountains cry, get out into the great outdoors!
And that is how it is. So, when you're out and about on one of the 10,000 or so hiking trails here, you will encounter not only an abundance of nature, but also a wide variety of like-minded people on your travels. Characters who devour the mountains, whether they are peak baggers, food fanatics or manic collectors. You might see one wearing flip-flops (yikes!), while another sports a perfectly matched outfit. And, if you're in a group, there's always a walking encyclopaedia, a speed merchant or one who always knows a shortcut (even if you end up somewhere completely different from where you originally intended).
We have observed a number of these and described each, all with a gentle smile.
There may be more than a touch of stereotyping here, but these descriptions would only be half as funny if there wasn't also an element of truth in there!
Summertime is the ideal time for hiking. And, when the mountains call, they simply can't be ignored in the beautiful land of South Tyrol. A joyful tingling sensation quickly spreads through your legs, while your heart races and pumps happiness hormones into every tired cell of your muscles! Come on, the mountains cry, get out into the great outdoors!
And that is how it is. So, when you're out and about on one of the 10,000 or so hiking trails here, you will encounter not only an abundance of nature, but also a wide variety of like-minded people on your travels. Characters who devour the mountains, whether they are peak baggers, food fanatics or manic collectors. You might see one wearing flip-flops (yikes!), while another sports a perfectly matched outfit. And, if you're in a group, there's always a walking encyclopaedia, a speed merchant or one who always knows a shortcut (even if you end up somewhere completely different from where you originally intended).
We have observed a number of these and described each, all with a gentle smile.
There may be more than a touch of stereotyping here, but these descriptions would only be half as funny if there wasn't also an element of truth in there!
The different types
1. The peak bagger
This guy wants to get to the top, no matter what - usually at a pace that is really hard for his companions to keep up with. “You (gasp) go ahead, (gasp) I'll see you (gasp) later...” The only question is what “later” means: at the summit or back at the hotel?
2. The manic collector
Such characters can mostly be recognised by their downward gaze and very stern look. Such sternness is often deceptive, however, as they are actually quite harmless, merely focused. Depending on the time of year, climate zone and altitude, mushroom pickers too may fall into this category - usually a species that is easily scared, especially on odd-numbered days (when mushroom picking is forbidden!), possibly carrying a rucksack that is slightly too heavy.
3. The “I-know-a -shortcut” type
Always knows a quicker way (sometimes through the forest, sometimes along a rocky ridge) that usually takes about three hours longer. Or perhaps you will find yourselves at a national border where you need a visa to cross.
4. The food fanatic
From the moment you start, he will talk incessantly about how much he is looking forward to lunch at the hut*, occasionally asking if you will all be there soon. For the more aggressive subspecies, his companions should always have something handy in their rucksacks: an apple, an energy bar, whatever! Nobody really needs a pain like that in the mountains. (*Also available as a sweet-toothed version).
5. The walking encyclopaedia
This guy, on the other hand, won't always make it to the summit. This is because of his above-average knowledge of the names of the surrounding mountains, which he then likes to share with the group, usually during short breaks (and most often without being asked). Mountain names, cloud types, flora and fauna - he even seems to know the family history of many a cow. If you are more the “speed merchant” type and have the feeling that your ears are ringing as you are hiking, it may just be because you have a walking encyclopaedia on your heels. Beware!
6. The speed merchant
A common type, who simply cannot adapt to the pace of the rest of the group, forging ahead at distances ranging from just 10 metres to well over 100 metres. The type can clearly be distinguished from the “peak bagger”, however, because he will always stop and wait for his companions before continuing. Out in front, of course.
7. The perfect-matching-outfit type
This type can be recognised by their colour-coordinated outfit, usually straight from the latest collection of one of the more popular hiking brands, which are rarely combined. And, even if he or she has never ventured above 2,000 metres, they are fully equipped for any eventuality. The species often occurs in pairs, with the coordination of colour and materials certainly not left to chance.
And, finally, the not-so-harmless
8. Flip-flop wearer
This type is so called because he deliberately arrives at the agreed meeting point wearing light sandals, flip-flops or slip-ons. The category also includes other types, such as the “Just-a-T-shirt-is-enough” type, the “No-rucksack-needed” type or the “Oh-I-thought-9-o'clock-was-just-an-approximate time” type. Quite often this species displays a lack of understanding, so all that remains is to wish them good luck and hope that they have good insurance, as calling out the mountain rescue can really eat into their holiday budget.
So, have you seen yourself described? We hope it’s a resounding "No!" - at least for some of the types described!
Do you know of any other original characters? Why not write to us, we'd love to hear about them!
info@vitalpina.info
© AdobeStock
1. The peak bagger
This guy wants to get to the top, no matter what - usually at a pace that is really hard for his companions to keep up with. “You (gasp) go ahead, (gasp) I'll see you (gasp) later...” The only question is what “later” means: at the summit or back at the hotel?
2. The manic collector
Such characters can mostly be recognised by their downward gaze and very stern look. Such sternness is often deceptive, however, as they are actually quite harmless, merely focused. Depending on the time of year, climate zone and altitude, mushroom pickers too may fall into this category - usually a species that is easily scared, especially on odd-numbered days (when mushroom picking is forbidden!), possibly carrying a rucksack that is slightly too heavy.
3. The “I-know-a -shortcut” type
Always knows a quicker way (sometimes through the forest, sometimes along a rocky ridge) that usually takes about three hours longer. Or perhaps you will find yourselves at a national border where you need a visa to cross.
4. The food fanatic
From the moment you start, he will talk incessantly about how much he is looking forward to lunch at the hut*, occasionally asking if you will all be there soon. For the more aggressive subspecies, his companions should always have something handy in their rucksacks: an apple, an energy bar, whatever! Nobody really needs a pain like that in the mountains. (*Also available as a sweet-toothed version).
5. The walking encyclopaedia
This guy, on the other hand, won't always make it to the summit. This is because of his above-average knowledge of the names of the surrounding mountains, which he then likes to share with the group, usually during short breaks (and most often without being asked). Mountain names, cloud types, flora and fauna - he even seems to know the family history of many a cow. If you are more the “speed merchant” type and have the feeling that your ears are ringing as you are hiking, it may just be because you have a walking encyclopaedia on your heels. Beware!
6. The speed merchant
A common type, who simply cannot adapt to the pace of the rest of the group, forging ahead at distances ranging from just 10 metres to well over 100 metres. The type can clearly be distinguished from the “peak bagger”, however, because he will always stop and wait for his companions before continuing. Out in front, of course.
7. The perfect-matching-outfit type
This type can be recognised by their colour-coordinated outfit, usually straight from the latest collection of one of the more popular hiking brands, which are rarely combined. And, even if he or she has never ventured above 2,000 metres, they are fully equipped for any eventuality. The species often occurs in pairs, with the coordination of colour and materials certainly not left to chance.
And, finally, the not-so-harmless
8. Flip-flop wearer
This type is so called because he deliberately arrives at the agreed meeting point wearing light sandals, flip-flops or slip-ons. The category also includes other types, such as the “Just-a-T-shirt-is-enough” type, the “No-rucksack-needed” type or the “Oh-I-thought-9-o'clock-was-just-an-approximate time” type. Quite often this species displays a lack of understanding, so all that remains is to wish them good luck and hope that they have good insurance, as calling out the mountain rescue can really eat into their holiday budget.
So, have you seen yourself described? We hope it’s a resounding "No!" - at least for some of the types described!
Do you know of any other original characters? Why not write to us, we'd love to hear about them!
info@vitalpina.info
© AdobeStock