In a world increasingly optimized for speed and convenience, where artificial intelligence handles mundane tasks and instant gratification is the norm, the editorial team at Backpacker magazine is making a conscious decision to resist the pull of hyper-efficiency. For the year 2026, they are deliberately foregoing traditional New Year's resolutions, instead choosing to lean into and celebrate their individual, sometimes unconventional, approaches to hiking. This stance reflects a desire to preserve the distinct qualities that define them, emphasizing that genuine connection with the outdoors doesn't always align with the most streamlined or 'perfect' methods. Their stories offer a refreshing perspective on outdoor pursuits, highlighting that personal comfort and preparedness can take many forms.
Adam Roy, the Editor-in-Chief, recounts a pivotal moment two years prior during a paddleboard-camping excursion on Colorado's Blue Mesa Lake. On this trip, he experimented with an inflatable sleeping mat, a departure from his usual closed-cell foam pad. Initial comfort quickly turned to frustration as the inflatable pad developed a slow leak, leaving him to sleep on cold gravel. This experience solidified his commitment to foam mats, such as the Thermarest Z-Lite Sol or even older Ridgerest models, for almost all subsequent trips. Despite acknowledging that an inflatable might be better for his back, especially as a side-sleeper, Roy confesses to being too lazy to inflate or patch a new pad. He finds a certain austere appeal in choosing a simpler, less luxurious option, often joking with friends that if he wanted ultimate comfort, he would simply stay home.
Emma Veidt, an Associate Editor, defies the common backpacking adage of avoiding "packing your fears." This phrase typically advises against bringing excessive gear out of anxiety over potential backcountry mishaps. However, Veidt, who describes herself as having a "black belt" in overthinking, views her extensive packing as a commitment to preparedness. Her philosophy stems from past experiences where a lack of necessary items led to discomfort. She believes that carrying extra weight, though sometimes deemed unnecessary, ensures she's ready for any eventuality, an approach that also benefits her hiking companions. She points to a recent trip in the Andes where her comprehensive first-aid kit proved invaluable to a friend who fell ill, questioning how any backpacker could genuinely resolve to be less prepared.
Zoe Gates, a Senior Editor, often finds herself returning from hikes with a camera roll surprisingly devoid of scenic landscape photos. Instead, her phone is typically filled with blurry shots of her dog or close-ups of interesting fungi. While she appreciates visual mementos, she frequently forgets to capture the breathtaking views during her treks. She readily defers this task to her hiking partners, who she notes often possess superior photography skills and equipment. For Gates, the absence of numerous photos isn't a deficit but rather a sign that she was fully immersed in the moment, appreciating the natural beauty without the distraction of a screen. This conscious engagement with her surroundings is a habit she cherishes and intends to maintain.
These personal anecdotes from the Backpacker editorial team illustrate that the pursuit of outdoor experiences is deeply individual. Each editor, in their own way, prioritizes aspects of hiking that resonate most with them, whether it's embracing spartan comfort, ensuring thorough preparedness, or simply being fully present. Their collective stance for 2026 highlights the value of authenticity and personal satisfaction over rigid adherence to conventional outdoor wisdom, reminding us that the 'best' way to engage with nature is ultimately the one that brings the most fulfillment.