{"id":55290,"title":"If Tolkien Wrote a Hiking Guide","description":"If you\u2019ve ever looked at a rocky trail thought \u201cThis could be Mordor\u201d, you\u2019re not alone. When the trail disappears into the mist and the trees seem to close in around you, you\u2019re probably either thinking \u201cwow this is magical\u201d or \u201cI\u2019ve wandered into a cursed forest\u201d. Either way, the vibes are excellent","content":"

If you\u2019ve ever looked at a rocky trail thought \u201cThis could be Mordor\u201d, you\u2019re not alone. When the trail disappears into the mist and the trees seem to close in around you, you\u2019re probably either thinking \u201cwow this is magical\u201d or \u201cI\u2019ve wandered into a cursed forest\u201d. Either way, the vibes are excellent. Many modern hiking guides fail to capture the whimsy and enchantment of the world around you, the way that the great fantasy writers used to. If Tolkien wrote a hiking guide, you bet it wouldn\u2019t be all \u201celevation this\u201d and \u201ccalorie consumption that\u201d. No, Lord of the Rings, if read as a hiking guide, focuses on the real lessons of adventure: loyalty, snacks, stubborn determination, and staying away from things that might eat you.<\/p>

So, as a playful nod to our Fantasy T-shirts and Hoodies<\/u><\/a> range, here are a few timeless lessons that Tolkien would have wanted you to know, straight from the unofficial hiking guide of legend.<\/p>

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APS: Always Pack Snacks.<\/strong><\/h3>

Every good adventure starts, continues, and ends with food. Even the orcs had maggoty bread. But remember, while ancient elves could sustain themselves on an entire journey with a single bite of lembas bread, you, my modern little hiker, will become weak and unreasonable after 45 minutes without a snack. Pack accordingly.<\/p>

You never heard Sam or any other plump little hobbit utter a word about calories; there\u2019s no such thing on an adventure. Let\u2019s be honest, the biggest reason we go on our little walks is so we can sit on a rock somewhere with a pretty view and gobble our snacks like the weird woodland creatures we are.<\/p>

(check out our \u201cfuelled by lembas and regret<\/u><\/a>\u201d t-shirt)<\/p>

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Choose your Fellowship Wisely<\/strong><\/h3>

Take any fantasy novel as a hiking guide and it\u2019ll tell you one important thing: No hero survives alone.<\/p>

Your hiking crew\u2014your fellowship\u2014should ideally include:<\/p>