Living the Dream: How Thru-Hiking Became My Lifestyle
Title: From Thru-Hiker to Full-Time Hiker Trash: One Man’s Journey
In a world where traditional careers and settled lives are the norm, one man has chosen a different path – the path of a full-time hiker. Carl Stanfield’s story is one of adventure, determination, and a deep love for the great outdoors.
It all started with a thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail in 2018. From that moment on, Carl’s life was forever changed. The allure of the trail was too strong to resist, and he found himself daydreaming about his next adventure on the Pacific Crest Trail.
What followed was six years of non-stop hiking, as Carl dedicated himself to living in full-time hiker-trash mode. But this lifestyle didn’t come without its challenges. Carl had to juggle his involvement with family, relationships, and the constant need to figure out how to fund his adventures.
From working as a program director in Washington to processing fish in Alaska, Carl has taken on a variety of jobs to support his hiking lifestyle. He has lived with friends and family members to save on living expenses and has even worked multiple jobs to make ends meet.
But Carl’s journey isn’t just about hiking. He has also found ways to make money behind a screen, writing gear reviews for The Trek and securing sponsorships through his hiking adventures. These opportunities have allowed him to stock up on quality gear and fund his hikes without breaking the bank.
Despite the financial challenges, Carl has found immense joy in his unconventional lifestyle. He has spent roughly 6 percent of his entire life thru-hiking, and he wouldn’t trade it for anything. While there are non-monetary costs to this lifestyle, such as a lack of savings and a lack of traditional career prospects, Carl believes that the rewards far outweigh the sacrifices.
As Carl continues to pursue his passion for hiking, he remains grateful for the unique jobs he’s had and the fascinating people he’s met along the way. The thrill of the next adventure continues to drive him forward, and he embraces the title of Hiker Trash with pride.
Carl’s story is a reminder that there is no one-size-fits-all path in life. For those who dare to follow their own dreams, the rewards can be immeasurable. Carl Stanfield is living proof that sometimes, the road less traveled is the one worth taking.