Great idea, Teacher!

Someone once said that it's hard not to be a good mood when you're in the woods, so I regularly hike the local trails for the same purposes - training - but also for good mental health. (It's awesome family time too!) For a couple of years, day hikes were a near daily routine for me, and I've never felt healthier - or more prepared. But the realities of work, raising two busy kids, blah, blah.... shifted my focus and I fell out of that routine. I really need to get back to it! Thanks for the reminder!

I take my day hike/get home bag with me most of the time. I like the added challenge of weight training and the slower pace, but also love the option of sitting down for a brew-up. You could call them mock bug-out hikes, but the truth is that I don't expect to ever have to bug out on foot. If we ever do though, it's nice to know that I can haul my gear all day in off-road and less than ideal conditions, even when I've got the two backpackiddos and their gear as well.

Not mention that actually taking my pack and using my gear along the way is a great way to shake down my gear! The added bonus is confidence and peace of mind!