10 Epic Hikes That Changed Me — One Trail, One Waterproof Backpack at a Time
Intro
Some hikes are just about views. But others — they shift something inside you.
Over the past year, I’ve explored 10 of the most stunning hiking trails on Earth, carrying only my waterproof backpack for hiking. From the snowy silence of the Himalayas to the wild cliffs of Patagonia, each path gave me a lesson I didn’t expect.
🥾 1. Milford Track, New Zealand
📍53.5km | 3–4 days | Nov–Apr
A trail through misty fjords, roaring rivers, and suspension bridges. I walked this one slowly, grateful for the rain, the birdsong, and the sheer peace. My 20L waterproof backpack held everything I needed without ever weighing me down.
🧗♂️ 2. Half Dome Trail, Yosemite, USA
📍13km | Summer
Yes, it’s touristy — but the final climb by cable is unforgettable. Looking out from the top over Yosemite Valley at 2,690m felt sacred. I’m glad I packed light and trusted my durable hiking daypack.
🏔 3. Gornergrat–Riffelsee Trail, Switzerland
📍13km | May–Oct
The Matterhorn at golden hour. Swiss cows. Alpine lakes like mirrors. I kept stopping just to breathe it all in.
🇨🇦 4. Lake Louise to Yoho Valley, Canada
📍120km | May–Sep
Endless pines, turquoise water, and gentle silence. One of the few long hikes where I never once got bored. My lightweight hiking backpack handled sudden temperature drops and layered gear with ease.
🕉 5. Annapurna Circuit, Nepal
📍200km | Sep–Nov
You walk through villages, monasteries, and across windblown passes above 5,000m. The trail is demanding — and humbling. I learned to repack daily and listen to the rhythm of the mountains.
🌪 6. O Circuit, Patagonia, Chile
📍130km | Oct–Apr
Unpredictable weather, jaw-dropping granite towers, and glacial rivers. Patagonia is wild in every sense. I camped beside rivers and fell asleep to the wind.
🐨 7. Great Ocean Walk, Australia
📍1000km | Mar–May, Sep–Nov
A hike along cliffs and eucalyptus forests, with the sea always within earshot. I journaled each night — and walked lighter each day.
🍝 8. Dolomites Trek, Italy
📍Flexible | Jun–Sep
Sunrise hikes followed by espresso. I hiked hut to hut, taking in jagged limestone peaks and tiny alpine villages.
🐚 9. Camino de Santiago, Spain
📍800km | Spring & Fall
I didn’t walk the whole thing, but even a few days on the Camino gave me what I needed: time, stories, strangers who became trail friends.
🏔 10. Everest Base Camp, Tibet Side, China
📍70km | Apr–May, Sep–Oct
No trail taught me more about stillness than this one. Every step above 5,000m felt like a small prayer. The final morning, with Everest in view, was unforgettable.
Final Note
I used just one bag on all ten hikes — the Backpackbeat 20L Extend Waterproof Backpack. Simple, rugged, and light enough for anything from a day hike to a multi-week trek. It never let me down.
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