Three Things I learned of One Night of Backpacking

I love hiking, and I always wanted to continue the journey throughout the night. I'm obsessed with watching "Silent Hiking" documentaries. Only, these hikers continue their hiking journey for days, weeks and months at a time even. They're "backpackers." They hike miles and miles carrying everything they'll need in one bag for their intended trek stay. That includes food, tent, bedding, cooking essentials, toiletries, clothes, first aid kit to a water filter system because you will need it, to keep your water sanitary incase if you run low on water, and the river, stream or watering trough...that's right, water trough is the only thing you have for your water source, you'll definitely need that or you die of thirst or possible water contamination. Just being real y'all! Can I just say, I fell in love with backpacking, and I cannot wait until I get to pack up my bag again and hit the trail!

However, I did learn between packing my bag, hiking through, and lying awake in my tent, I realized that even one night of backpacking has a way of teaching you things quickly and more clearly.

1. You Don't Need as Much as You Think You Do

Before the trip, packing felt overwhelming. Every item seemed important. What if I need this? What if I regret not bringing that? But once I was out there, carrying everything on my back, the lesson became obvious: less is more! I learned quickly what actually mattered-water, food, warmth, light and rest. Everything else was optional. It also made me reflect on daily life and how often we carry unnecessary weight-physically, emotionally and mentally. Sometimes, simplicity isn't about deprivation; it's about clarity.

2. Discomfort Isn't 'the Enemy

I won't pretend the night was perfectly cozy. My sleeping pad wasn't my usual therapeutic mattress I'm use to sleeping on at home. The sounds were unfamiliar, and sleep came in short stretches. But what surprised me was how capable I felt navigating the little discomfort. I actually liked it. It felt pretty cool and definitely adventurous.

Sometimes, a little discomfort is good. It can bring about growth. I gained confidence in my one night of backpacking out in the wild. I realized growth rarely happens in perfect conditions. This stirred up in me a motivation to go from one night to many more to come.

3. Silence is Powerful

Away from notifications, traffic, and constant noise, the quiet felt loud at first. But, eventually, it became grounding. I noticed my thoughts more clearly. I was more in sync with my surrounding more deeply and that, stillness created space-for reflection, gratitude and even prayer. It reminded me how rarely we allow ourselves to be fully present without all the noise.

One night of backpacking showed me how powerful our God is and how important it is to slow down long enough to reconnect with the Lord, nature and myself.