“You know, like nunchuku skills, bow hunting skills, computer hacking skills……..Girls only want boyfriends who have great skills.”
~ Napoleon Dynamite
You may be wondering what a quote from Napoleon Dynamite is doing on a website about hiking. Admittedly, the connection may seem somewhat tenuous. But look a bit deeper (way, way deeper) and you will realize (or perhaps not) that, to paraphrase Napoleon, ‘Mother Nature digs skills‘.
Napoleon Dynamite
By arming yourself with certain basic skills, your chances of prospering in the wilderness are greatly improved. Your safety, comfort, and enjoyment will all be enhanced simply because you will be better prepared to deal with a wider range of potential scenarios.
Any fool can be uncomfortable in the wilderness. By learning the necessary theory, and most importantly putting that knowledge into practice (there is no substitute for experience), the hiker can focus more on the wonder of their surroundings and less on the distraction of having to compensate for any gaps in their skill set. Appreciate rather than worry. Enjoy rather than endure. Learn some skills.