15 unfiltered thoughts that every backpacker has in the yoga class

Yogales is a gathering place for all kinds of people. In the studio, niche interests are exchanged for conformity and collective attention for breath and attitudes – at least on the surface. But a further look reveals that your go-to-hobby influences how you appear on the mat.

Of course it is best to keep your focus on your own practice. But what if we would observe how certain active subcultures approach yoga, approach nature documentary style?

Take the backpacker for example. They may move through a sun salutation, but their mind is probably on the sunrise they will see during their next out-and-back. We spoke Backpacker Editor Emma Veidt for some insight into the spirit of a walker-Slash-Yogi.

15 thoughts that a backpacker has in the yoga class

1. Are these props in ultra -light?

2. Do my hips have to jump into triangular posture?

3. Small muscles I didn’t even know I was in pain from my heavy package.

4. Hot yoga? No thank you. I start walking for 2 hours to prevent the heat.

5. This box of breathing can be useful at great heights …

6. You can toes?

7. This mat is quite thick. Maybe I can make a camp here tonight.

8. I can’t wait to try King Dancer for my next 14er.

9. I know that this class is technically an hour, but maybe an FKT is possible.

10. I wonder if I could bind my hiking shoes in a downstairs dog.

11. This belt can be a great (and handy) luxury item for future backpacking trips.

12. I already have a trail name. Can I also get a yogi name? (It’s probably “cracking.”)

13. Look at all that brand equipment. They are certainly sponsored.

14. Huh. I miss two toenails.

15. Ah, Mountain Pose! Another peak to bag!