View Full Version : Five Tips for Getting Your Wife out on the Trail
johnspenn
12-19-2016, 08:43
An article for the men out there who would love for their wives to join them out on the trail but haven't figured out how to make that happen yet.
https://couch2trail.wordpress.com/2016/12/19/five-tips-for-getting-your-wife-out-on-the-trail/
curlymaple42
12-19-2016, 09:09
Great advice!! With our purchase of three hammocks for our little family, I am going to start the ladies out in the backyard. I am planning to clear some brush and make a nice spot for us to hang to get used to setting up the hammocks and site. Definitely not good to backpack in a couple miles to a remote site and then struggle setting everything up and getting irritated because everyone is frustrated! My first hang was in the yard and it was a great learning experience, and why I fell in love with hanging! The next time I went I went alone up a mtn and hung and it was great, but a touch lonely. I would rather have company I think most of the time.
Thank you for your article!
Pennsy Camp and Canoe
12-19-2016, 10:58
funny, Laurie and I camped before we were married lol never really had a problem getting her to go. In fact somethings she is more comfortable than I am doing in the woods...
subcanis
12-19-2016, 11:24
Thanks John! Great article, terrific advice, and you are absolutely right on all counts. I couldn't agree more!
Oh, one more thing...ain't gonna happen. :laugh:
She's fabulous and a real trooper. If I told her it was important to me, I know she would be right by my side, but I also know she'd be quietly miserable. The situation definitely limits how often I sleep under the stars, but that's the balance that makes it all work, right?
mbal1856
12-19-2016, 15:06
Good information there, and even if I followed it to a t, I'm pretty sure the chances of me getting my wife out there are about as good as the Bills making the playoffs this year. Her idea of roughing it is if I was able to afford one of those million dollar rv's you see on the travel channel.
TrailSlug
12-19-2016, 15:43
Excellent advice John. I hope this works for many but some of us may not want our wives to go. It's kinda of good to get away from time to time. Sorta like a man cave in the woods :woot: There are times when I wouldn't mind having a hiking partner but I always seem to have more fun with the guys and enjoy time at home with the wife.
OneClick
12-19-2016, 16:29
Excellent advice John. I hope this works for many but some of us may not want our wives to go. It's kinda of good to get away from time to time. Sorta like a man cave in the woods :woot: There are times when I wouldn't mind having a hiking partner but I always seem to have more fun with the guys and enjoy time at home with the wife.
LOL I wasn't going to say anything, but since you got the ball rolling I'll give it a big old +1 :) (If you're reading this...I still love you hun!!)
TrailSlug
12-19-2016, 16:49
LOL I wasn't going to say anything, but since you got the ball rolling I'll give it a big old +1 :) (If you're reading this...I still love you hun!!)I laughed at this one.
Thanks, John. Those rules apply to all relationships; wife, kids, and otherwise. My wife enjoys camping, and light hiking, although right now she's not so into it because we have a one year old and a three year old, and they are a lot of work even with the amenities at home.
She always prefers car camping over wilderness camping, though, and she's not fond of sleeping in the hammock. Our compromise is if I can get the tent and double-high queen size inflatable mattress to the campsite, I can sleep in my hammock while she and the kids take the mattress. I have happily agreed to hiking in four full trips of gear nearly a quarter mile, to get to a great spot and sleep in my hammock, including a fully inflated queen size mattress, through the woods, atop my head. Other campers thought I was crazy, I'm sure.
She also knows I need to be far in the woods, too. She allows me that, and I make sure that I am spending enough quality time with the family.
I've found that great views and beautiful landscape is the experience that keeps her agreeing to go out with me.
johnspenn
12-20-2016, 06:19
Great advice!! With our purchase of three hammocks for our little family, I am going to start the ladies out in the backyard. I am planning to clear some brush and make a nice spot for us to hang to get used to setting up the hammocks and site. Definitely not good to backpack in a couple miles to a remote site and then struggle setting everything up and getting irritated because everyone is frustrated! My first hang was in the yard and it was a great learning experience, and why I fell in love with hanging! The next time I went I went alone up a mtn and hung and it was great, but a touch lonely. I would rather have company I think most of the time.
Thank you for your article!
That's a great idea. It'as always good to get familiar with your equipment in the backyard before hitting the trail. Going out in the wilds with untested and unfamiliar gear is just asking for trouble!
funny, Laurie and I camped before we were married lol never really had a problem getting her to go. In fact somethings she is more comfortable than I am doing in the woods...
That's good that getting outside was a shared passion coming in to your marriage. Here's hoping that will continue!
johnspenn
12-20-2016, 06:23
Thanks John! Great article, terrific advice, and you are absolutely right on all counts. I couldn't agree more!
Oh, one more thing...ain't gonna happen. :laugh:
She's fabulous and a real trooper. If I told her it was important to me, I know she would be right by my side, but I also know she'd be quietly miserable. The situation definitely limits how often I sleep under the stars, but that's the balance that makes it all work, right?
Good information there, and even if I followed it to a t, I'm pretty sure the chances of me getting my wife out there are about as good as the Bills making the playoffs this year. Her idea of roughing it is if I was able to afford one of those million dollar rv's you see on the travel channel.
I do of course realize that for some, getting their wife to enjoy camping outdoors will be difficult if not impossible. But even if you just get her out for some nice day hikes to beautiful waterfalls and vistas, that's a worthy cause IMO. And, if you do that enough, there's always that minuscule chance... =)
johnspenn
12-20-2016, 06:31
Excellent advice John. I hope this works for many but some of us may not want our wives to go. It's kinda of good to get away from time to time. Sorta like a man cave in the woods :woot: There are times when I wouldn't mind having a hiking partner but I always seem to have more fun with the guys and enjoy time at home with the wife.
LOL I wasn't going to say anything, but since you got the ball rolling I'll give it a big old +1 :) (If you're reading this...I still love you hun!!)
I guess some guys get out in the woods to get away from their home-life/wives. I'm sure that's fine as long as both you and your wife are okay with that arrangement.
I'm not against taking solo trips or trips with friends, but I do also really enjoy having Cathy by my side out there.
johnspenn
12-20-2016, 06:37
Thanks, John. Those rules apply to all relationships; wife, kids, and otherwise. My wife enjoys camping, and light hiking, although right now she's not so into it because we have a one year old and a three year old, and they are a lot of work even with the amenities at home.
She always prefers car camping over wilderness camping, though, and she's not fond of sleeping in the hammock. Our compromise is if I can get the tent and double-high queen size inflatable mattress to the campsite, I can sleep in my hammock while she and the kids take the mattress. I have happily agreed to hiking in four full trips of gear nearly a quarter mile, to get to a great spot and sleep in my hammock, including a fully inflated queen size mattress, through the woods, atop my head. Other campers thought I was crazy, I'm sure.
She also knows I need to be far in the woods, too. She allows me that, and I make sure that I am spending enough quality time with the family.
I've found that great views and beautiful landscape is the experience that keeps her agreeing to go out with me.
Wow, I don't envy you carrying that tent and mattress through the woods, but I understand why you do it. Having little ones does present a different challenge. Our grandson is currently 8 months old, and we're hoping to start to take him out on day trips when it warms up next spring.
One of my regrets is that I didn't spend enough time getting my own children out in the wilds, showing them the beauty of creation. I'm hoping to avoid having that regret with my grandson (and any other grandchildren that come along). I always enjoy hearing about men getting their families out in the woods and spending time with them. Good on you for sacrificing so much to be able to do that with your family!
subcanis
12-20-2016, 07:04
I do of course realize that for some, getting their wife to enjoy camping outdoors will be difficult if not impossible. But even if you just get her out for some nice day hikes to beautiful waterfalls and vistas, that's a worthy cause IMO. And, if you do that enough, there's always that minuscule chance... =)
The power of positive thinking! The secret to success is in the believing. ;)
The only way my wife will go camping is in a big tent with the big blow up mattress and bribery. Like I set it all up, do all the cooking and then top it off with lots of chocolate treats by the fire. Still have a really good time thou. Hard to complain about a better half of over 30 years. She followed me around in the Navy for 10 years, 7 of them in Iceland and puts up with my hammock camping addiction. Best thing to ever happen to me. Not the hammock camping addiction.:lol: although it is a close second. Merry Christmas to all.
johnspenn
12-20-2016, 08:09
The only way my wife will go camping is in a big tent with the big blow up mattress and bribery. Like I set it all up, do all the cooking and then top it off with lots of chocolate treats by the fire. Still have a really good time thou. Hard to complain about a better half of over 30 years. She followed me around in the Navy for 10 years, 7 of them in Iceland and puts up with my hammock camping addiction. Best thing to ever happen to me. Not the hammock camping addiction.:lol: although it is a close second. Merry Christmas to all.
That's the right attitude to have! Merry Christmas!
Pennsy Camp and Canoe
12-20-2016, 10:39
I'm not against taking solo trips or trips with friends, but I do also really enjoy having Cathy by my side out there.
agreed, I do camp without her, but most of the time I wouldn't want to go with anyone but Laurie, to each their own...
TrailSlug
12-20-2016, 11:05
Seriously though I do love my wife more than just about anything in this world short of Jesus but given the choice between my wife and a guy hiking partner in the woods I'll take the guy any time. Reason being this is typically the guys passion and while my wife puts up with my hiking passion it's not her passion. Eight out of ten times she would rather be shopping than hiking and I understand this. We have different passions and this is what makes it a great marriage.
Dynamystic
12-20-2016, 12:10
I just tie some chocolate to the end of a stick and hold it out in front of her. If I use some of that good organic dark chocolate, I have a hard time keeping up. ;-)
jellyfish
12-20-2016, 19:17
This is very sweet. Love it. I think your recommendations are good lessons for life too.
I'm in the same boat, sort of. I can't get my hubby to camp in the woods. He says he spent too much time jungle camping for work and has had enough. I have promised that there will be many many fewer mosquitoes. It has not worked. I've tried just about everything I can think of...
carmen2kayak
12-21-2016, 09:55
I have same problem. Hubs doesn't care to be in the piney woods as much as I do. My favorite place to sleep is hanging between two trees. He loves the outdoors but camping not so much. So, I go with my friends or by myself if I feel safe there. I am grateful he doesn't mind me going. Some spouses are not so understanding. HYOH
OneClick
12-21-2016, 10:31
I am grateful he doesn't mind me going. Some spouses are not so understanding. HYOH
That's a very good quality in a person. My wife is the same way and I need to remember not to take her understanding for granted. Especially with a 2 year old at home. As long as I keep it to 4 nights max, she's OK. I don't think any person should be so controlling as to try and change a person or their hobbies. You'll be together (hopefully) for 20, 30, 60 years, so a few nights here and there shouldn't be a deal breaker.
carmen2kayak
12-21-2016, 10:52
Already married for 30 years, so I think we are good for the long haul. I chose well (as did he)!
whatsananna
12-23-2016, 21:57
Another female leading the male of the species here. My beloved doesn't mind camping - he just had never done it, while I spent my heathen little childhood running among the trees and fields. He is interested, though, and very willing. We day hike a lot and I do more of the actual staying out. I love winter camping. He's definitely more of a 3-season guy.
Junebugdawn
12-24-2016, 17:48
Check out Episode 11: Ladies Round-table Discussion on the Hang Your Own Hang Podcast http://www.hyohpodcast.com/ladies-round-table/
I was privileged to be a part of this podcast and we covered a lot of topics of interest to women and camping, as well as, some suggestions for getting your non-camping partner into the woods.
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk
captaincoupal
12-30-2016, 14:26
Check out Episode 11: Ladies Round-table Discussion on the Hang Your Own Hang Podcast http://www.hyohpodcast.com/ladies-round-table/
I was privileged to be a part of this podcast and we covered a lot of topics of interest to women and camping, as well as, some suggestions for getting your non-camping partner into the woods.
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk
That was a great podcast, one of our better ones, I think!
johnspenn
12-31-2016, 06:38
If there had been a sixth bullet point, then something along the lines of "Educate Her"- Let her read articles written by and listen to podcasts hosted by women who get outdoors, and have solved the unique challenges women face on the trail.
The HYOH Women's Roundtable podcast is certainly a wealth of information for any woman considering getting out for the first time. Also, it lets her know she's not alone as a female, there are lots of women venturing out into the wilds these days, both with their husbands and alone.
Campdavid
12-31-2016, 06:59
For those of you whose wives like the outdoors, consider yourselves very fortunate. I can't even get my wife to like ME let alone the piney woods. :-)
Always appreciate the advice you folks offer but, like a couple have eluded to, I definitely don't want my dear wife following me into the woods. Why do you think ice fishing was invented?
Happy New Year!!
johnspenn
12-31-2016, 08:10
I definitely consider myself- not exactly fortunate- but blessed to have the wife I have,
Happy New Year, one and all!
IRONFISH45
01-01-2017, 12:14
Interesting post and top rate suggestions. I might also add to cook civilized food for your mate. Something really special about your mancooking for you.
Personally I would be careful bringing in a non camping spouse to a group Hang. The last group Hang we attended, four men arrived with a wife who was open to the idea of Hanging. Booze came out in the afternoon, a few wild 20 somethings, the Hang got a bit loud. You could see the wives lock into "No more Hangs".
Also several women who Hang would preferably like their spouse to join in, wirhout mych luck. My husband would hike, explore but not camp. Two out of three kids camp and hike.
Chesapeake
01-01-2017, 14:55
Good information there, and even if I followed it to a t, I'm pretty sure the chances of me getting my wife out there are about as good as the Bills making the playoffs this year. Her idea of roughing it is if I was able to afford one of those million dollar rv's you see on the travel channel.
+1 on that! Except for me, it would be the Ravens instead of the Bills lol. Yeah, mine needs HOT & cold RUNNING (through a pipe from a water treatment plant) water , a roof WITH shingles and 4 walls with some sort of heat/ air conditioning lol. A cabin might do but that's about as " rough" as she'll go. So suffice it to say I do a lot of camping on my own. Oh well, at least its always quite. Opps! Did I just allude to the fact that my wife talks too much? Lol
Bigtimber
03-17-2017, 18:29
+1 on that! Except for me, it would be the Ravens instead of the Bills lol. Yeah, mine needs HOT & cold RUNNING (through a pipe from a water treatment plant) water , a roof WITH shingles and 4 walls with some sort of heat/ air conditioning lol. A cabin might do but that's about as " rough" as she'll go. So suffice it to say I do a lot of camping on my own. Oh well, at least its always quite. Opps! Did I just allude to the fact that my wife talks too much? Lol
lol sounds about right.
rosebud2017
08-28-2017, 22:30
Thanks John! It's a lovely article.
Guess I am one of the lucky ones. My wife loves camping and actually wants out there more than I do.... She sometimes has to get me to go instead of the other way round.
Cory Hess
08-29-2017, 07:49
I too am lucky to have a wife that loves camping. She is hesitant to commit to dispersed camping or backpacking as she doesn't like to go an extended time without running water, but she's always down for a shorter weekend trip or a longer trip if we're car camping. That's enough to get us out 30-40 nights a year as a family. This summer has been a little less because she's pregnant, but she's still done a solid 20 nights and I give her double credit for those because she's camping for two. ;)
Five Tango
08-29-2017, 08:47
I'll say it's a great article for encouraging spouses who have never camped before.But when you're dealing with someone who tried it and didn't like it(no running water,a/c,electricity etc) then it's better to find someone else as a hiking/camping partner.This commentary based on 40+ years experience.
gunner76
08-30-2017, 08:34
I met my wife on a camping trip.
PappyAmos
08-30-2017, 20:43
My wife will happily go camping anywhere that has 4 solid walls, a solid watertight roof, a proper bed, heat/AC and a private bathroom with the same conveniences as home (not out back like gunner76's).
She'll be happy to hike any time as long as its on the beach and the hike ends at the Tiki Bar. The woods are for animals!
Excellent article. My wife and I are brand new to the hammock world, but not new to backpacking (net tent and tarp). I'll be passing that article along to my buddies as many of their wives think "camping" or "backpacking" are bad 4 letter words and not to be used in polite society. I'm one of the lucky ones who has an outdoorsy wife.
When we were dating any place I wanted to go, she was there. But then she ate the wedding cake! Not sure what is in those things but it did change her. Now her idea of roughing it, is a 5 star hotel whose Wi/Fi has gone down. But she does not care if I go, or how long I'm gone, or who ever it's with, as long as I leave the debit card for her to go to the beauty shop and nail salon. And I'm perfectly good with that. It will be 30 years next April and all is good. I love my wife.
DrewNC2005
08-31-2017, 22:36
Reading through these comments and hearing about the wives who just won't do it makes me really appreciate mine. We just finished the four pass loop at Maroon Bells over the weekend, and it was her first multi-night trip in a hammock. She loved it! I'm one of the lucky ones for sure!
If all else fails, a pulk with a few bungees or straps oughta work. [emoji38]
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
curlymaple42
01-08-2018, 17:40
If all else fails, a pulk with a few bungees or straps oughta work. [emoji38]
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Is the pulk for her gear or for HER? [emoji23] [emoji14]
Sent from a furniture shop in Maine
Muddy Creek
01-09-2018, 08:57
We did a lot of hiking before the kids came. Big pause, then we did a lot more trails together when we were no longer married.
Life's funny that way.
Wayne
Paddles Down
01-12-2018, 16:31
An article for the men out there who would love for their wives to join them out on the trail but haven't figured out how to make that happen yet.
https://couch2trail.wordpress.com/2016/12/19/five-tips-for-getting-your-wife-out-on-the-trail/
Love your blog and even got my wife reading it!! Keep it up!
johnspenn
01-12-2018, 16:35
Love your blog and even got my wife reading it!! Keep it up!
Hey thanks, that makes it worthwhile =)
My wife will hike in any temperature, but 30degrees is her limit for camping. Above 30 degrees and I am blessed with a backpacking wife.
Tyroler Holzhacker
04-25-2018, 16:01
Here is a good tool to hike with your significant other if they don't like hiking!!
163835
James Fowler
04-25-2018, 16:30
Here is a good tool to hike with your significant other if they don't like hiking!!
163835
yeah, and shortly after asking my wife to pull that thing I'd have to pull my hiking poles out of, um. somewhere uncomfortable. Better to just buy her a nice pair of shoes (I'm kinda partial to Asolo, but Merrel, Salomon, lot's of choices out there)
Five Tango
04-26-2018, 06:15
My wife will hike in any temperature, but 30degrees is her limit for camping. Above 30 degrees and I am blessed with a backpacking wife.
Some of us in the Over60 Club also belong to the Over 30 Degree Club too!No Shame in that btw.
Tyroler Holzhacker
04-26-2018, 08:09
Some of us in the Over60 Club also belong to the Over 30 Degree Club too!No Shame in that btw.
I am under that age, and I prefer above 30 degrees! Just sayin....
johnspenn
04-26-2018, 11:30
My wife will hike in any temperature, but 30degrees is her limit for camping. Above 30 degrees and I am blessed with a backpacking wife.
I hear ya, my wife isn't a cold weather camper either. About 40 is her limit lol. She'll hike when it's colder but isn't crazy about it. I've learned not to push it!
Here is a good tool to hike with your significant other if they don't like hiking!!
163835
Man I hope Cathy doesn't see this haha! My pack's already heavy enough without toting that thing down the trail!
johnbelly
04-26-2018, 15:16
An article for the men out there who would love for their wives to join them out on the trail but haven't figured out how to make that happen yet.
https://couch2trail.wordpress.com/2016/12/19/five-tips-for-getting-your-wife-out-on-the-trail/
Great Article Johnspenn, I'm quite Impressed overall I would give a try to it lets see how good these suggestions are going to be in my case will let you guys know about the results
Hammock fabric with a chocolate and strawberry pattern.
johnspenn
04-26-2018, 16:16
Great Article Johnspenn, I'm quite Impressed overall I would give a try to it lets see how good these suggestions are going to be in my case will let you guys know about the results
Good luck JB, I'm rooting for ya!
Just bait her with a glass of wine every 10ft or so.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Sadly, neither my wife nor my daughter have any interest in the trail...
I'll keep asking, but I am not optimistic.
When we were younger, my then girlfriend now wife climbed a mountain with me. Now, she isn't physically capable of walking more than around the house without a cane. Fortunately she understands my love of the outdoors and supports my crazy trips out to islands in the ocean and long walks in the woods either alone or with friends. While her company would be more than welcome, she just can't do it.
Sent from my SM-T378V using Tapatalk
<-Pointer
10-02-2018, 10:08
Chloroform? In all seriousness, I enjoy hiking alone. The solitude is good for the soul and I think that every relationship needs a little bit of space to flourish. Dan Hicks wrote a song about it: "How Can I Miss You When You Won't Go Away?"