Tired Of Solo Trekking? Join A Festival-Style Backpacking Excursion

One of the best parts about hiking? You don't really need much — really, just decent footwear and a place to go. Sure, it's nice to have high-quality outfits, waterproof boots, and carbon fiber hiking poles, but a "hike" could mean something as simple as strolling around a suburban park in flip-flops. It doesn't matter how far you walk or the difficulty of the terrain, and it doesn't matter if you're climbing a small hill in your neighborhood or conquering these must-visit hiking destinations around the world. You don't require a single other person to go with you, and many of us prefer it that way; just a solitary communion with nature.

Then again, hiking can also be social, and long treks through the wilderness can really break the ice with new friends. This is the premise behind Highlander Adventure, a company that arranges hiking events all over the world. Whether you're looking for a fun overnight or a rigorous multi-day expedition, Highlander gathers like-minded folks and handles all the logistics, so all you have to do is put one foot in front of the other — and hopefully bond with others along the way. 

Highlander events are sometimes described as a "festival," and participants can expect a gregarious atmosphere — especially around the campfire in the evenings — as well as bursts of live entertainment. The Highlander brand was founded in Croatia in 2017 as a way to bring people together in a sustainable, outdoor environment. Despite COVID, Highlander has exploded in popularity since then, organizing no fewer than 40 events in 20 different nations in 2023. Hikers make their way from one checkpoint to the next, rambling as far as 60 miles over the course of five days.

With its logo of a mountain goat and the slogan "adventure of a lifetime," Highlander is most popular in its native Europe; hikes have taken place in the Balkans, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the U.K. But the company has also organized outings in the United States, Georgia, and the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, Highlander has partnered with Spartan Race, Inc., a world leader in athletic obstacle courses. The Highlander mission isn't competitive, though; these events are not considered races, and the fundamental goal is to finish (hopefully with new hiking buddies). To get conversation started, you can wow others with your mastery of hiking lingo.

Note that Highlander does cost money, and the pricing depends on the length of your trip and when you sign up. A "super early bird" registration on the easiest "Lyra"-level excursion might cost $49; "last call" registration for the hardest "Ursa Major"-level expedition would be more like $799. This sum doesn't include the expense of transit to the starting point, so if you live in Baltimore and plan to hike in Montenegro, you'll have to arrange your own flight and ground transport to the trail.

So what do you get in return? Highlander creates a dependable route, lays out a schedule, and provides food, water, campsites, and social events, such as yoga or music. You'll receive a map and GPX route as well. Any level of hiker is welcome, but it's vital to come prepared, and assume that you will sleep in a tent you carry yourself. Here is our ultimate guide to packing the best and safest hiking gear.

There's one more motivator for getting folks involved: The "Trailfecta" challenge. This requires hikers to complete three Highlander hikes within a year, including one of the five-day Hercules events. Instead of a trophy or medal, Trailfecta champions receive a special Swiss Army knife. Not only do you get to keep this dynamic multi-tool, but it may just inspire you to keep going the year after.