“It is not about the number of days, months, or years that you have stayed together. It’s about the moments you have shared together.”
Hiking brings together people of different interests, cultures, and personalities. Many hikers look forward to meeting new individuals who love nature and sharing inspiring stories of adventures and travels.
These people you will meet during hikes will add a spice of laughter, teasing, aspirations, and misadventures during the whole duration of following and getting lost on trails. Last February 28, I had a chance to join the second pre-climb of Laagan Pilipinas in preparation for their KD2M major climb.
We followed the Spartan Trail route, aiming to end up in Bocaue. However, the group was unexpectedly invited to a fiesta celebration in Jaclupan, so we backtracked to Campo Kwatro (Camp 4). Despite hiking for 10 straight hours under the scorching sun and pouring rain, we didn’t feel exhausted because of the amazing people we were with. Who are these people?
Here are the Types of Hikers You Will Meet Along the Way
1. The Harkor
The “harkors” are the masters of the trail. They’re easy to spot—they’re always leading the pack. These street-smart hikers have a knack for strategizing the easiest and shortest routes instead of following the long trail. They take the road less traveled and usually finish with flying colors.
2. The Complete Uniform
The “complete uniform” hiker is one of the easiest to spot. Just look for the colorful jersey shirts with sponsors plastered all over the back. These hikers usually pair their jerseys with trekking pants or classic leggings. To complete their look, they always have their trusty trek poles and 30-50L backpacks.
3. The Goalkeeper
Goalkeepers are the silent but deadly type—the snobs of the pack. With eyes locked on the summit, they have one goal: to end their suffering and reach the top in one piece. These hikers often pressure the group to pick up the pace to stick to the schedule. Don’t try to mess with them—they’re rarely in the mood for games.
4. The Selfie Baby
Selfie babies are, as the name suggests, self-portrait enthusiasts. Armed with GoPros, smartphones, and selfie sticks, they take at least 5 to 10 pictures at every scenic spot. The new generation even uses their “point five” selfie for that ultra-wide angle shot. When hiking with them, make sure your eyebrows are on fleek and you’re in your best outfit of the day. Smile!
5. The ‘Scammed’
Believe it or not, some people join a hiking event without actually knowing what they’re getting into—hence, the ‘scammed’ hiker. These folks are the total opposite of the seasoned pros. They come without any proper orientation about the activity and are easy to spot since they deviate from the usual “mountaineering look” of the group. Most of the time, they were just invited by a friend to go to the mountains—and thought it would just be a walk in the park.
6. The Grocery Store
I will forever love the “grocery store” type of hiker. You’ll never go hungry on the trail with them. They’ve got all kinds of chocolate, jelly ace, canned goods, and sometimes even a portable gas stove for cooking!
7. Blogger (TikToker)
Content creators, bloggers, and influencers are on the rise these days—especially in the great outdoors, thanks to social media. These are the OOTD pros, masters of posing and capturing photos from every angle. Beware: you have to keep yourself camera-ready, as they might get sneaky and capture photos of you or even take a random interview video.
8. The ‘May Pinagdadanan’
I still don’t know what these hugoteros/hugoteras have been going through in life. But believe me, despite their “can’t-move-on” punchlines, they’re still fun to be around. They never run out of puns and are always ready with an epic comeback.
9. The Solo Hiker
I occasionally find myself belonging to this group. While some may not yet grasp the wisdom of supreme independence, the number of soloists and hitchhikers is growing, and for good reason! These adventurous souls thrive on the thrill of meeting new people and embracing the unknown.
Despite the risks, they show up to events solo, knowing no one, and end up making friends with everyone in the hiking community. Their fearless spirit and open hearts bring fresh energy to every trail, proving that the best friendships often start with a single step into the great outdoors.
10. The Nonchalant
It takes one to know one. The nonchalant hikers usually fit the “man-of-few-words” category—they’re the quiet types in the group. Often soloists or hitchhikers, they enjoy deep contemplation with nature. But here’s the twist: once they warm up to the group, they can become surprisingly unstoppable!
It’s always a blast to join a hike and encounter the diverse spectrum of hikers out there. Each person brings their own unique flair to the trail—whether they’re the selfie enthusiast capturing every scenic moment, the “complete uniform” hiker with all the gear, or the quiet contemplator who surprises everyone with their wit once they open up. Connecting with these varied personalities adds richness to the hiking experience, making every outing not just an adventure in nature, but a journey into the colorful tapestry of human camaraderie and spirit.
So, to what group do you belong? Share. Share. Share! Let’s get to know more about some of these hiking individuals on Facebook and Instagram!
Dakilanglaagan 