Trail Mix (Vol. 2) - Custom Spotify Hiking Playlist
- for those who love nature, hiking, and listening to music while outdoors + tips on how to play music respectfully on the trails -
It’s finally spring!
That means most of us will be heading back outside and hitting the trails. (Unless you were wild enough to do so all winter.) Either way, after getting an unprecedented NINE followers (lol) on my first playlist, I’ve decided to make one annually for all you wonderful outdoorsy people. So here’s another custom Spotify hiking playlist, ‘Trail Mix (Vol. 2).’
(Let’s see if we can get this one to an even-crazier TEN followers.)
“Tunes assembled perfectly for a hiking and camping adventure. They first get you ready to go, then they slow down for a chill bonfire.”
*If the embedded playlist above doesn’t work, click here.*
“Herein lies the delicate task of the trail-builder: to capture a sense of the wild, to bring order to an experience that is by definition disordered.”
Hike to Diarmuid and Grainne's Cave, Sligo, Ireland
Tips for Responsible Listening
*Taken from the first ‘Trail Mix’ blog*
Sure, there's debate about whether you should listen to music on the trails or not, but I believe a healthy balance of silence and music can be great, if done respectfully. If you do plan on playing music, here are the guidelines: be immersed, be aware, and be respectful.
When I go hiking, I love starting with music that gets me excited and ready for the adventure. It helps fuel me, especially on days I know I'll be hiking 15+ miles. Nonetheless, we go outdoors to escape. We want to hear the natural sounds around us. Being immersed in the environment is a necessary part of any hike. How do you listen to some great songs and the sounds of nature? I utilize two different methods:
WHEN PLAYING MUSIC, USE A SPEAKER INSTEAD OF HEADPHONES:
Bluetooth speakers are definitely the way to go and take away the hassle of cords
Speakers allow you to hear what’s around you, ensuring you’re aware of nearby animals and conscious of people who want to pass or just want a friendly conversation
Be respectful; generally, you don't want to hear someone else's music, so don't blast yours; keeping it quiet allows you to maintain that immersion, awareness, and respect
TURN IT ON AND OFF:
As I said, I love starting with tunes, but at some point, it's good to hike in silence
Simply play the music when you're feeling it, and turn it off when you want to hear the ambient noise around you
Balance is key in life, and this second method allows for a healthy one
My final note would be to make sure you're abiding by the rules of the trail and the park. These are suggestions for trails that allow speakers, but not all locations do. Be aware of that ahead of time, or if you see a sign along the way about no speakers, be cool, and turn it off.
Do YOU have any recommendations for next year’s Trail Mix playlist? Don’t hesitate to reach out, and let me know! (Collaboration is the best.)
Enjoy the playlist, and happy hiking!
- Cullan
