Hiking Very Long Miles with The Real Hiking Viking

In 2015 I briefly met Thomas, aka The Real Hiking Viking, at Outdoor Retailer in Salt Lake City. It was there that Altra began sponsoring his journey that has taken him over thousands of miles and many pairs of shoes later. It was a pleasure to catch up with him in this latest episode. In this episode, I interview Thomas 'Jaba' Gathman, known as the Real Hiking Viking. We explore Thomas's journey from a military background to becoming a passionate thru-hiker. The discussion covers the essence of thru-hiking, personal transformations experienced on the trail, and the mindfulness that comes with long-distance hiking. Thanks for reading A Bit of Curiosity! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.‘Jaba’ shares insights about the hiking community, the challenges of the Appalachian Trail, and the freedom found in living a minimalist lifestyle while exploring nature. In this conversation, he shares his experiences with long-distance hiking, discussing the evolution of technology in the hiking community, the challenges faced while completing the Triple Crown of hiking, and the cultural insights gained from hiking the Jordan Trail. He reflects on the differences between past and present hiking experiences, the physical and mental challenges of long-distance hikes, and the importance of cultural immersion in outdoor adventures. In this conversation, ‘Jaba’ shares his experiences hiking the Jordan Trail, reflecting on the unique landscapes, cultural significance, and personal connections he made along the way. He discusses the contrasts between his previous hiking experiences and the slower, more immersive journey he had in Jordan. The conversation also touches on his future adventures, including aspirations to complete the Triple Crown of bikepacking and his ongoing work with backpack prototypes.Key Takeaways* Transformative Power of Hiking – Long-distance hikes like the Appalachian Trail and Jordan Trail offer personal growth, freedom, and deep self-reflection through time in nature.* Community & Culture – The hiking community is supportive and diverse, with cultural experiences—like those in Jordan—adding richness and perspective to the journey.* Mindset Matters – Embracing the “hike your own hike” philosophy highlights the individuality of the experience, where physical and mental challenges lead to personal breakthroughs.* Preparation & Evolution – Hiking gear and strategies have evolved, yet planning styles vary widely; injuries and unexpected obstacles are part of the learning curve.* Media & Marketing in Adventure – From listening to podcasts on the trail to promoting tourism through hikes, media plays a role in shaping and sharing outdoor experiences.* Expanding Horizons – Aspirations like completing the Triple Crown of hiking—or bikepacking—demonstrate how adventure continues to grow and evolve beyond each trail.Where to Follow The Real Hiking Vikinghttps://www.instagram.com/therealhikingvikinghttp://therealhikingviking.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit abitofcuriosity.substack.com