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

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Michael "Einstein" Gelfeld is an accomplished backpacker and bikepacker.  He&aposs logged thousands of miles doing both, but when you ask him what matters most after all of that, he&aposd tell you it&aposs not the stats but instead, whether or not you enjoy what you&aposre 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 attemptRedefining backpacking on a personal levelBreaking free of the thru-hiking mentalityThe CDT hiker story - the epitome of where we’re atWhere badge hunting gets dangerousThru-Hikers are not backpackersWhy thru-hiking is an attractive pursuitWhat actually motivates you up the trailDo the thing you want to do and enjoy itThe importance of pursuing what you enjoyhttps://www.instagram.com/youth.retired/https://www.unpublishedeinsteinthoughts.com/https://lighterpack.com/r/p83g4dhttps://www.mgelfeldmath.com/

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