If you're backpacking by yourself, what do you do once you're done for the day?

[cmoulder]

I go out into the wilds for three reasons...

1. Local state park for an over-nighter where I set up and wander for a couple hours. The reason I am out in this situation is for loads of fresh air, tree identification, a long nights sleep and a small fire.

2. Out and back, one or two nighter. Pack as light as I can and hammer miles. I do this when I need loads of fresh air, tree identification, a long nights sleep and a small fire.

3. Backpacking trip 4-6 nighter. Pack light but with a couple comfort items, do 10 miles a day (always with a friend). I do this when I need loads of fresh air, tree identification, a long nights sleep and a small fire. A good chat is normally in order as well.

If I have cell service, I will text the wife some notes on the day.

LOL a lot like what I do.

Short jaunts into the woods late into the day when I want to test some piece of gear or other, or just a break from news/people/daily routine. Sometimes take a long-ish route to get there, with an earlier start in the day, maybe pushing up the heart rate during the day to get a workout. Nothing clears the mind like an extended aerobic climb... not enough oxygen left over in the brain to permit worrying about stuff.

[misterblitz]

I generally hike in the spring and fall, so it gets dark at a reasonable time of day. I normally hike until about an hour before sunset, so by time I set up camp there's not much daylight left. I have a cigar, review the next day's hike, and enjoy being out in the woods. I avoid screen time except for checking in with my wife. I get too much of that in my daily life, and I go to the woods to escape all of those trappings. I'd much rather listen to the owls and other sounds of nature than watch a movie or listen to a podcast. I used to bring crossword puzzles, but I didn't do them very often. On a 10 day hike I might light a fire once, but I'm normally too tired on most nights to put forth the effort. As soon as it gets dark and my chores are done, I head for bed.