Multi-Day Hiking: Why Put Yourself Through It?

Today, I'm back out in the Peak District carrying my full setup for a training day to prepare for the upcoming Great Glen Way. As I get my miles in, I share my thoughts on why I love multi-day hikes, reflecting on my early solo trips to the shared hardships of hiking alongside mates like Woody. It's the perfect opportunity to completely disconnect from the matrix, rely solely on what's in my backpack, and embrace the unpredictable mystery of the trail. Big thank you to Ultralight Outdoor Gear for supporting us in 2026 https://geni.us/UltralightOutdoorGear Gear in my setup: Trail Running Shoes https://geni.us/UOGtopovista Tent https://geni.us/UOGEnan Backpack https://geni.us/UOGHyperliteUnbound55 Stove https://geni.us/UOGJetboilTrailcook Mug https://geni.us/UOGS2Smug Pillows https://geni.us/UOGNemoFillo & https://geni.us/UOGNemoFilloElite Quilt https://geni.us/UOGVesperQuilt Sleeping Pad https://geni.us/UOGNemoEclipse Egg Carrier https://amzn.to/4aBbBjI Folding Spatula https://geni.us/ULOGS2Sspatula All my other gear https://www.messner.co.uk/gearlist Playlists Cumbria Way https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbU28ZzUOa49lK5YCmgcZRT1Q3_cIjR4o West Highland Way https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbU28ZzUOa49qFqV3d99ATSR6T6bAL92U Peak District Multi Day Hikes https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbU28ZzUOa49WHWTNtRYD5r2nkiwdNUch Timestamps 00:00 - Training for the Great Glen Way 01:36 - What is a multi-day hike to me? 04:01 - My first multi-day hike: The Edale Skyline 06:49 - Pushing limits on the Derwent Valley Heritage Way 10:22 - Why I prefer hiking with friends 13:10 - Disconnecting from the matrix 17:36 - Tackling the Cumbria Way 19:42 - Memories from the West Highland Way 22:18 - The harsh reality of being unprepared 24:00 - Final preparations for the next adventure https://www.patreon.com/paulmessner Join our Patreon community for additional videos, community WhatsApp style chats and more. MASSIVE thanks to YOU. I couldn’t do this without your support. https://www.messner.co.uk WIN a FULL WILD CAMPING SETUP DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.