Hiking is a healthy and ecological activity. Although I’ve hiked since I was a king, I’ve been hiking entirely naked for more that 15 years, save a pair of Vibram Five Fingers, a hat and a backpack. Being a naturist and often undressing during lunch breaks or skinny dipping when possible, I once asked what it would feel like to hike naked and I was instantaneously hooked. I then discovered the book Naked Hiking and it was the end of the question about whether I was alone to hike naked.
It was although the end of clothed hiking, as soon as temperatures allow nudity. I then discovered June 21 was Naked Hiking Day. Being the longest day in the Northern Atmosphere, it’s a great opportunity to talk about naked hiking and to invite hikers to join the naturist movement. It’s also a great opportunity to have the press to inform people about naked hiking.
However, naked hiking should not be limited to June 21. It is not actually and you can hike naked, like I do, as often as you want. The question I’m often asked about naked hiking is whether it’s different from clothed hiking. Well, no and yes. No, in the sense that you need to get prepared as you would for any other hike, including having enough water and food, and packing any security item. Yes, in the sense that you can include a cover-up in case of textile encounters and apply generously sun lotion. However, it’s a resounding yes as once you start to hike naked, it feels really weird to have to hike with clothes on.
Another question I’m often asked is whether I start hiking naked or clothed. Well, it all depends where you start hiking. It happens that the place you leave the car is quite far from houses. In those cases, I undress, leave my clothes in the car and have the immense pleasure of starting naked. When I have to park in the middle of a village or close to houses, I generally keep a short on, that I take off as soon as I’m far enough from the last house. It’s a matter of common sense.
The same goes with encounters. In France, as you simple nudity can be interpreted, by law, as sexual exhibition, I cover-up. This avoids problems. In other countries like Spain, Germany, Great Britain or the Netherlands, you can stay naked, which I encourage as it often sparks interesting discussions with textiles. We, nudists and naturists, tend to think that people think and feel badly about nudism and naturism. But every time I discuss nudism and naturism, I only have at worst indifference, at best a willingness to try. The reality is most people just don’t care, as long as your behavior is respectful.
So, this June 21st, I encourage you to find a group of naked hikers and to join them to discover this incredible activity that is naked hiking. it will change for ever the view you have on hiking and on simple and social nudity. Have fun and enjoy!
Strip Naked, Stay Naked, Live Naked and Share the Naked Love!
Interested about nudism? Get the Nudism series of books!
At 82 yrs. I have to go find an easy trail in the PNW. Time is short to not to go.
Thanks for the posting. My wife and I have been hiking nude for many years, along with friends, and encourage everyone to at least give it a try. We have hiked all over the US. There are so many exciting and amazing places to enjoy. Thanks, again, for promoting one of our favorite activities.
Thanks Dean for your kind words. Naked hiking is just amazing… Would love to hear about your experience hiking naked across the US. I have the crazy plan to hike the PCT naked one day…
I love being naked around other nudist. And love going to Cypress Cove outside of Kissimmee Florida
Thank you Bobby for coming and leaving a comment. Enjoy Cypress Cove!