#158 - Escaping the Thru-Hiking Mentality and Rediscovering Backpacking with Michael “Einstein” Gelfeld

Update: 2023-06-12

Description

Michael "Einstein" Gelfeld is an accomplished backpacker and bikepacker. He's logged thousands of miles doing both, but when you ask him what matters most after all of that, he'd tell you it's not the stats but instead, whether or not you enjoy what you're doing.

Einstein joins the podcast to discuss current backpacking culture, how he escaped the thru-hiking mentality, and how he rediscovered his love for backpacking.

Show Notes and Links

Einsteins backpacking backstory
A shift in perspective
The accomplishment measuring stick
Recapping the AZT YoYo attempt
Redefining backpacking on a personal level
Breaking free of the thru-hiking mentality
The CDT hiker story - the epitome of where we’re at
Where badge hunting gets dangerous
Thru-Hikers are not backpackers
Why thru-hiking is an attractive pursuit
What actually motivates you up the trail
Do the thing you want to do and enjoy it
The importance of pursuing what you enjoy
https://www.instagram.com/youth.retired/
https://www.unpublishedeinsteinthoughts.com/
https://lighterpack.com/r/p83g4d
https://www.mgelfeldmath.com/

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