Okay... why?

[willowroot]

Apparently, one of the Swiss cantons has a problem with naked backpackers hiking through their lovely terrain. (Pic NSFW at strict businesses)

Alright, fine, nudists do lots of outdoorsy things. I understand that. But for gods' sakes, why go BACKPACKING naked in the MOUNTAINS?

Chafing!
Bugs!
Sunburn!
Chafing!
Sticks in uncomfortable places!
Stupid tourists with cameras!
Yet more chafing!

... some people.

Comments

the nudity compulsion is bizarre....

[mmetrumpington.livejournal.com]

I do wonder about the middle european psyche sometimes. When I went to Tunisia a few years back, I thought it a bit bizzare that everyone was so thrilled to find out we were american. Until I realized that they were just thrilled that we weren't german, and therefore unlikely to take our clothes off in public.

[kenllama.livejournal.com]

Think of all the weight and pack space it saves though!

I've only done a little bit of naked hiking -- a mile or so. It was nice enough, but it was not a very buggy time, and we were well shaded.

Re: the nudity compulsion is bizarre....

[flinx.livejournal.com]

*SNARFLE*

Okay, that explains some of it... although the concept of a German compulsion to strip down in the most unusual places, especially in light of cultural taboos is *vastly* entertaining. And worrisome. Heh.

[flinx.livejournal.com]

Okay, so that's Smart Nekkid Hiking.

Switzerland is known for some great forests, yes, but also lots of wide-open pastures and sunlight. Or worse, if you're far enough up in the Alps, you get snowblind and sunburned top AND bottom. Ouch!

However, you wouldn't save *that* much weight in the pack, if you're an experienced hiker--you're already carrying ultralight clothes. But you're likely to still carry outfits for cold weather and rain.

Of course, all of this is coming from The Original Lobster Boy, who would never think of hiking au naturel in any kind of sunlight. Some parts are just not meant to be sunburnt. *winces*

[tyme.livejournal.com]

Hahaha... I LOVE that the girl is still wearing Gators though... she has her priorities against the low lying brambles :D


There is a caver in TAG that caves naked, funny funny man, speedy too! With the abrasions *I* face fully padded it boggles, but I suppose it's like gaming. If you see an adventurer wandering around nekkid and pwnz0ring the local mobs... you leave them along :)

-Tyme

[valsharess1.livejournal.com]

Hehehe. As another fair skinned person I'd have to concur about some parts that don't ever need to feel sunburn. *shudder*

[karinny.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that ranks up there slightly below the whole lady godiva thing. I DO NOT WANT horse dirt in my nether regions! I'd still rather go nekkid horseback riding than hiking though!

[jenx.livejournal.com]

Awkward sunscreen application!

[vladazhael.livejournal.com]

Yeesh. I don't even do that kind of things with clothes on.

This one time, byrdie and I went to pick some huckleberries. . .

[walkitout]

We met a guy who was starkers -- his _dog_ was wearing more than he was, cause the dog had a bandana.

Tanned all over, at least to the extent I could tell using my pathetic peripheral vision. Not a whole lot of body fat on him, but no body builder, either. Not young, either.

[greenmanbear.livejournal.com]

So, we're scratching this particular canton off our list of places to visit, right?

It's been so cold lately, I can't even think about going outside without multiple layers of warm clothing...

It's not just hiking that presents an issue...

[georgmi.livejournal.com]

Apropos:

http://www.allowe.com/Humor/sightgagbrowser.php?j=1686