75% of long-distance hikers shit themselves
My name is Mathieu and I shit myself on long hikes. It has become a habit when I go on long hikes or expeditions for several months. I have learned to accept it. A few years ago, I started talking about it around me 🙂
One amazing thing that happens is that tongues are wagging faster than you might think. Accidents from a little poo in the sack happen to 75% of long distance hikers. You are not the only one to whom this happens!
Note that a long trek usually lasts several weeks or months.
Long-distance hikers shit themselves
This is a truth that you don't tell around a fire or to your parents at Christmas. According to a personal survey, 75% of long-distance hikers have accidents during long hikes.
I've been able to talk to hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divided Trail, theAppalachian Trail, the International Appalachian Trail, the GRs in Europe and more . Each time, there is a moment of silence when I begin to address the topic in earnest 🙂
After the 20 seconds of doubt and staring between the hikers, there is always one person who puts his foot forward and says: " This happens to me too".
After 60 seconds, each hiker tells their stories. Explosive and surprising stories. This discussion is done without judgment and with respect. Shitting yourself happens to everyone. You have to talk about it and loosen your tongues. It is better to share your "embarrassing" moments than to keep them to yourself. It makes for great anecdotes to share.
The causes?
There are many causes. We are currently writing a scientific article with a surgeon: Alexis. He is an expert on the subject.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of causes that can lead to accidents 🙂
Adapting your body
Your body may have difficulty adapting to different factors such as: food, water, heat, environment, etc. This adaptation has an impact on your body. This adaptation has an impact on your body. This can cause some safety sensors to become sluggish.
Food
You go from city food to trail food. The food in terms of calories changes drastically. The composition of your food is very different from a more homely life.
Temperature
Changes in temperature have an impact on your body. Hot, cold and temperature changes are important factors.
Physical effort
Intense physical effort is a factor of disturbance. Take the example of professional sportsmen and women, for whom this is a common occurrence. When your body is under intense stress, it becomes sluggish.
Supply
Feedings are an opportunity to eat as much fat, sugar and perhaps some alcohol as possible. The clash of trail and city foods can throw your body off balance in the city or back on the trail.
Water
It is always advisable to purify your water. Purification techniques are 99.99% effective. It is always possible to have a little less good water playing in your belly.
Breaking the law of silence of the little poo in his underpants
Shitting yourself is not a morning treat after a good night's sleep. These are accidents that are part of the fun of being out on the trails for months on end 🙂
After years of being "embarrassed" about these accidents, it is sometimes time totalk about them openly. I have seen the look on the faces of hikers relax when someone talks about the subject without judgement. A weight that becomes as light as a feather.
Over the years, I have been able to loosen tongues around a fire or over a meal. When you hike for several months in the woods, you can talk about anything. The hikers tell their anecdotes and accidents that will make you experience magical moments. They also tell you about their surprising grooming techniques.
There'sa reason why the other name for long-distance hikers is Hiker Trash ahaha. It's part of the integral life of Thru-hikers! 🤦♂️
CONCLUSION
You have to accept that in the life of a hiker shitting yourself is something that happens. You have to learn to accept it and feel good about it. 😅
I invite you to talk about it around you. It is not a common subject, but many hikers have gone through the same ordeal as you. Talking about it is the best way to feel free of this weight inside us 🙂
Mathieu Jourjon
Adventurer and Economist