Hiking is fun and empowering, which is why it has continued to grow globally. Over the years, hiking has evolved from being an enjoyable walk to representing much more. People now hike in different forms and for various reasons, which is why topless hiking is now a thing. Wait! Topless Hiking? Like hiking without any outfit covering the upper part of the body. Yes. That is what it is typically.
Topless hiking has continued to grow in popularity over the years, and it is not just men showing off their bodies. Women are consistently involved in the trend, with many instances rising across Europe, North America, and South America. According to Daily Mail, there has been a surge in women hiking topless on the mountains and secluded trails, and they all have a reason for doing so.
Why Hike Topless?
Well, the reason men are hiking without shirts in the woods is quite simple to understand. Most do it for fun and to enjoy the warm sun on their bodies. For women, though, the answer is not so straightforward. Most experts claim that the motives behind women deciding to go topless when hiking vary.
According to Daily Mail, most women admitted they decided to hike without any upper covering because it felt empowering. Others revealed their decision was to celebrate their recovery from toxic relationships, life-threatening diseases, and activity-limiting conditions. In a wilder revelation, some cohorts revealed they hiked topless because of the thrill and vibes the unique experience offers.
It is clear there is not just one reason why people hike topless, and all their motives are justified as there is no universal rule or law to walking on the trail. However, why do you want to hike topless? Is it because you want to have fun, feel empowered, or celebrate a recovery? Whichever is the case, you need to know what it takes to hike topless and the recommended requirements you need to meet.
This guide will highlight 5 pro tips for enjoying a topless hike and having fun.
5 Pro Tips for Topless Hiking
Be Sure You Want the Experience
Before going topless on the trail or mountains, you must ensure that you are 100% in for the experience. You have to be clear about it. Do you really want to go into the woods topless? Would you be okay with it even if there are other people around, and do you have the heart to see it through?
As already highlighted, there are many reasons to go topless while hiking, and yours may be really solid. It is all good. You have the right to enjoy this experience and should do so with your heart fully in it.
Also, you can determine what type of topless hike you want. Do you intend to go fully topless for as long as the walk lasts, or do you prefer a partial topless experience where you are in your clothes for half or most of the time? Whichever is the case, you need to have clarity of thought so that nothing comes as a surprise to you on the trail.
Prepare for It
You have to prepare for your experience adequately to ensure you are never caught unawares on the trail. Just because it is a full or partial topless hike does not mean you should pack more lightly than you would have. While you may reduce the number of clothes you typically need, you still have to ensure that your food and supplies are on point. All your hiking gear should be ready and prepared like your typical hike.
Once you have all your supplies ready, you need to plan for your skincare as it will be exposed more than is typical for a hike. Get skin-adaptable insect repellent to keep away the ticks and discourage parasites from having a feast on your skin.
It would help if you also have sunscreen unless you are hiking in winter, which is not recommended. The perfect weather for a topless hike is during the warm season when the sun and heat waves are often tolerable. However, there are no rules to hiking topless, and you can decide to hike under any condition as long as it is tolerable. Ultimately, it all boils down to what you want. You are the boss here.
Hike with a Group
The importance of hiking half covered in a group cannot be overestimated. Firstly, it makes it easier for you to start and complete the entire experience because you are around people who share the same ideology. You will feel more comfortable taking off your clothes as everyone is doing the same.
Secondly, a group hike is much more fun, with lots of jokes and animated activities killing off dull moments, a common situation with lone hiking. A group is also much safer. As the saying goes, there is power with a crowd, so you will be much safer, more confident, and more daring with a cohort.
Talking about a group doesn’t have to be with people you do not know. Actually, it is highly recommended you move with a group of hikers with whom you already have a relationship. The group doesn’t have to be massive or anything out of the ordinary.
If you decide to move with a group you are unfamiliar with, it needs to have a formal undertone with leaders who can bear the responsibility for your safety. For example, you could join a group led by a reputable platform like the American Association for Nude Recreation. This group is safe; you can check their activities and scheduled hike days online. A head-up, though. You may be paired with hikers who prefer to go fully nude. If that is not a problem, you can join them, as nobody will force you to do the same.
Finally, it is best to move with a group where the majority are of the same biological sex as you. That way, you feel more protected as the numbers favor you.
Protect Yourself and Others
As a rule of thumb, you should only use trails and pathways that do not share close proximity with the public when hiking topless. You and your group do not want to freak out people or become the center of attention. So sticking to a trail a bit far away from roads, private homes, and public institutions is the best way to go.
Of course, it may be inevitable for your group to use a particular trail, so you guys need to be innovative. You can use the trail in the early morning or around twilight when it is often secluded. Another alternative is to cover up so you can successfully use the pathway without getting in trouble with the local authorities and the public. Once out of close proximity to all the noise, you can go back to embracing nature.
Hiking topless comes with a greater sense of responsibility, and you will need to protect yourself and others to avoid any possible concerns or issues.
Stay in Touch with Local Authorities Before, During, and After The Hike
Another main reason you need a group is to avoid being arrested by local authorities who may not know your experience. Now don’t get it wrong. No federal laws in the US or UK prohibit naked hiking, which is the case in most countries. However, no law supports the trend either.
There is a recognizable day globally known as Naked Hiking Day, and public organizations like the Popular American Association for Nude Recreation encourage the trend. So it is obvious that most countries and their respective state laws are not vocally against topless hiking.
If you are hiking topless, you and your group must inform the local authorities of your mission. In most cases, the authority will ask you to stay away from the public, get permission to use private trails, and ensure you keep your journey on a low profile. The authority will often require that the hike only last a day or a few days.
It is best to remain in touch with the authorities and always inform them of your location whenever you have a cellular network. Finally, do well to let the authorities know when you complete the hike so they know you and your group are no longer on the trail.
Last Thoughts
Hiking in the woods without any clothes on the upper part of your body can be really fun and empowering. However, you have to prepare adequately for it. If it is your first time, you need to ask every important question and ensure you get convincing answers.
You should also pack up enough supplies for the few days the experience will last to avoid interacting with others too often. These include clothes, skin-protective items, and food. Also, ensure you are very comfortable with your hiking group or peers. Once you handle all these concerns, you can be assured of a successful topless hike filled with fun and liveliness.
