What I Learned from Backpacking

Read Time / 2 Minutes

Theme / Wise Living

My backpack was heavy as I trudged up the steep mountain trail.  I had packed too much, and I was now paying the price.   We were on a multi-day backpacking trip in the mountains of Idaho, and I brought too many clothes, along with unnecessary amenities like a full tube of toothpaste, two bars of soap, and a feather pillow. There were a few things I packed smartly: a lightweight tent and sleeping blanket, along with no-more-than-necessary food and water.  However, the backpack weighed well over forty pounds, when it should have weighed just over thirty.

I wasn’t wise in my packing, and I wasn’t enjoying this part of backpacking.  It is interesting how Scripture can speak to us no matter the setting: “The one who gets wisdom loves life” (Proverbs 19:8).  In backpacking, “wisdom” equates to packing less while “loves life” equates to being able to focus on the wonders of nature rather than on the pain in your back and shoulders.  Simplicity is the key.  

The same can be said of reaching financial goals.  Be wise.  Develop a plan and steadily execute it, while staying focused and avoiding distractions.  If you are trying to build up emergency savings, don’t spend money frivolously.  If you are trying to get out of debt, don’t take on additional debt unnecessarily.  If you are trying to reach major investment goals, then don’t weigh yourself down by financial distractions.

We will love life more if we apply wisdom, whether it is staying focused to achieve financial goals or packing smartly to reach pristine backcountry mountain lakes.  Simplicity is the key.  Now if I can just remember that truth the next time I pack for a backpacking trip!

Doug Hanson, MBA

Wealth Advisor

208.697.3699

doug@christianwm.com