Every type of hiker has their preferences, inclinations and characteristics. One person may like to get up in the middle of the night and climb the highest peaks several times a month, while the other would rather just run a short lap and then relax twice as long in the hut. What type of hiker are you? Hiking is a national sport in Germany, regardless of whether you do it in the Alps or in the region.
Types of hikers that everyone knows
Of course, these are mostly clichés, but it wouldn't be half as funny if they weren't somehow true. After all, everyone has seen that one type of hiker on the mountain who just seems to be everywhere. This includes, for example, the type of hiker, who can be recognized from afar by the color-coordinated outdoor clothing . The same applies to the mouthpiece of the group, which marches forward in a swaggering manner, gives instructions and is actually walking in the completely wrong direction. The following types are certainly a bit exaggerated, but there is certainly a grain of truth in them.
The "higher, faster, further" guy
If the number of vertical meters to be overcome on the planned tour is not at least four digits, the hiking type "higher, faster, further" does not even start. Because he is looking for the extremes and therefore almost every tour that does not include at least an ice ax and an oxygen device is too boring anyway. Incidentally, this type of hiker can be recognized by the masses of photos of daring climbing activities on social media or by the fact that he tells everyone at the hut how his toe froze off while climbing Everest.
The "4 in the morning isn't early" type
Everyone is asleep, only one is awake. Of course we're talking about the "4 o'clock in the morning isn't early" type. And this type of hiker is just lacing up his hiking boots in order to throw everyone else out of bed in the next few minutes. After all, he wants to see the sunrise from this one spectacular spot, so he has to start right now. Actually, it's already much too late. Relaxed holidays in the mountains are often canceled when this type of hiker is involved. But it is still certain that by the end of the holidays every important tour in the region has been hiked.
The "I've already informed myself" - type
He knows every plant by name and can tell the family history of every cow that stands in the pasture. With this type of hiker, one thing is certain: the long-awaited peace and quiet that one hopes for in the mountains will not come. Because this type of hiker just can't keep his mouth shut and instead plays the walking encyclopedia throughout the tour. Although nobody actually asked any questions. Have you ever been left alone in a hut or in a clearing by the group? Then there is a good chance that you are this type of hiker.
The “5 kilometers are enough” type
Hiking is great. The mountains, planning the route, shopping for gear. But when it really starts to run and go uphill, the motivation of the “5 kilometers is enough” type suddenly disappears. Because then you realize that hiking is somehow exhausting and your physical condition isn't what it used to be. By the way, this phenomenon occurs very often in people who have just started hiking. This type of hiker can also be recognized very well by sentences like “Yes, let’s take the hiking bus. We've walked enough today."
The "I know a shortcut" guy
Be careful, very dangerous. So far, this sentence has only very rarely ended with the fact that the running time was really reduced during the hike. It is likely that you are six hours longer on the road or suddenly find yourself at a border where you need a visa. Nevertheless, the "I know a shortcut" - guy is still incorrigible, even after several demonstrable failures, and will lead the group to its doom again on the next tour. With the best of intentions, of course.
Further information on the topic of hiking types
Your own type of hike can also be determined by your physical condition, fitness and experience. For this reason, mountain guides and hiking guides often state difficulty levels to give the hiker an idea of the requirements. If in doubt, it is better to take the easier route so as not to overestimate and overwhelm yourself. If this route was actually too easy, you can try the harder version the next day. If you are in a group, you always set the level according to the skills of the weakest group member.
