Confusing rules and cultural biases against nudity make naked hiking difficult to navigate. That’s why Bear Naked Granola is fueling a team of freehikers on their mission to mark an (un)official nude-friendly trail system.
With hearty oats, whole grains, and crunchy clusters, Bear Naked granola provides hikers with the fuel they need to keep trekking down the naked trail less traveled.
Naked Fuel for Naked Hikers
The team of naked hikers is using the Gaia GPS app to review trails based on nude-friendliness. They are discreetly inputting emojis to mark trails friendly ( ) and not friendly ( ) for naked hiking.
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Navigating with Gaia GPS
A stripped-back list of do’s and don’ts
Join the team! Get Bear Naked and review trails on the Gaia GPS app. Chronicle your journey on social using #HikeBearNaked.
The Naked Truth
15 Casual greetings for when you’re caught hiking in the nude
Howdy, Partner
But will love anyway
8 Naked Hiking Sensations You Aren’t Prepared For
AVOID HUNGER AND CITATIONS WITH THIS HIKING SEASON’S MOST TASTEFUL ACCESSORY: THE BEAR NAKED BELT.
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THE FILM
THE MISSION
THE TRAILS
HIKING
TIPS & TRICKS
THE FUEL
THE GEAR
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Vol 02
Vol 03
Vol 01
@farmernick
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Blazing Naked Trails
Do's
Dont's
If you’re thinking of taking time and layers off for this year’s National Nude Day, celebrated annually worldwide on July 14, we applaud your spirit and are here to help you do it right. What you want: a liberating and life-changing experience. What you don’t want: mosquito bites.
As you might expect, naked hiking is best done, well, carefully. That’s to abide by local regulations as much as for your personal safety and comfort—and that of other hikers on the trail. From warding off sunburn to carrying snacks without pockets, here’s what to keep in mind when hiking in the buff.
> Apply (and reapply) sunscreen. Dermatologists recommend a generous slathering, no matter your skin color. If your buns are of the pasty variety, opt for at least SPF 50. Resist the urge to draw a smiley face.
> Fuel and hydrate. It’s easy to skimp on snacking and sipping when you’re having fun, but there’s nothing more embarrassing than bonking and passing out naked on a trail. Drink plenty of water, and keep a bag of Bear Naked Granola at the ready.
> Prevent chafing. Goodbye, compression undies. Hello, chamois cream, petroleum jelly, or anti-chafing gel.
> Check local laws and customs. Double-check local policies before you hit the trail, as many state and local land management agencies ban nude hiking. It’s also considered disrespectful to hike naked on some sacred tribal lands.
> Hike with friends. If you’re nervous about your personal safety, hike with a group of friends. This is a win for everyone: Clothed hikers usually take more kindly to groups of nude hikers than to solo nudists.
> Seek solitude. Duh, right? But that doesn’t mean you have to go rough and remote. Target an out-and-back trail and arrive early. If you’re the first car at the parking area, you can likely have the trail to yourself.
A stripped-back list of do’s and don’ts
The Naked Truth About Hiking Nude
Vol 01
It goes beyond that feeling when you cross a stream that’s deeper than you thought
8 Naked Hiking Sensations You Aren’t Prepared For
Vol 02
With National Nude Day on July 14, thousands of hikers are bracing themselves for an experience unlike any they’ve had before. But while most folks are ready to deal with their nerves or excitement, it’s the external experiences you should really be prepared for.
Sans clothes, you’ll get to interface with the world through thousands more nerve endings than usual. The result is an experience that’s rich, tactile, and, at times, surprising. If it’s your first day celebrating this illustrious holiday, there are a lot of unexpected sensations coming your way. Here are some highlights.
1. The warmth of the sun on your cheeks.
(Your other cheeks.) Sunblock is a must.
2. Wading through tall grass.
You’re not ticklish, are you?
3. The wind in your hair.
Get the full enjoyment of a nice breeze.
4. Crossing a stream that’s deeper than you thought.
Now you’re awake.
5. Warm summer rain.
It’s an outdoor shower. Go ahead and sing.
6. Full body jiggles.
Warning: the overwhelming desire to frolic may be contagious. Symptoms include uncontrollable dancing, giggling, wiggling, and, in rare but severe cases, a strong desire to twerk on nearby trees.
7. Sitting in mud.
Don’t judge until you try it.
8. Tree bark against bare skin.
Ease into the best back scratch of your life.
Hike naked at your own risk. Bear Naked does not encourage or make any claims about the legality of hiking naked and is not responsible for naked injuries or complaints. You are responsible for complying with laws, rules, and guidelines in the area where you’re hiking.
It can happen to the most discreet naked hiker. Here’s how to defuse the situation with dignity.
Howdy, Partner: 15 Casual Greetings for When You’re Caught Hiking in the Nude
Vol 03
Hiking naked can feel freeing—until you stumble into a local birdwatching group who can’t seem to put down their binoculars. Fortunately, a little quick thinking can defuse an awkward situation. Here are some casual ways to greet clothed hikers on the trail..
For a group of rock climbers:
“Love that route. Great exposure.”
For an angler:
“If I were you, I’d use a five-weight with a size-16 dry fly. Maybe an Adams, given the caddis hatch this year. Just sayin’.”
For a group of middle-aged men:
“You wanna be shirts? We’ll be skins.”
All-purpose:
“Not to embarrass you or anything, but do you realize you’re wearing clothes?”
“It’s for science.”
“Have you seen my underwear?”
“My eyes are up here.”
“Do I have something in my teeth?”
“This is performance art.”
“You should’ve seen the bear that ate my clothes.”
“Yep, I lost a bet.”
“Want some Bear Naked Granola?”
6 Tips for Tasteful Nude Pics in Nature
better
butT
shots
Vol 04
Your top naked-hiking questions, answered
Ask a Nudist
Vol 05
Weight savings are just the start
8 Reasons to Try Naked Hiking
Vol 06
It’s all about the, uh, exposure
6 Tips for Taking Tasteful Nude Shots in Nature
Vol 04
Butts are big on social media these days, and we’re not just talking about celebs in yoga pants. This July 14 is National Nude Day, which could be your chance to get in on the #HikeBearNaked and have your own best feature go viral.
Capture your good side—and share the view—with these six tips for tasteful nude nature photography.
1. Target golden hour.
The hour after sunrise and before sunset tends to provide the best lighting. Bonus: hiking at dawn means you’re less likely to have to crop out a gawking photobomber in post.
2. Bring friends.
The key to being photogenic is feeling confident and at ease. If you’re the model, make sure your photographer is a close friend or someone you feel 100% comfortable with. Better yet, get some friends to join, take group shots, and keep you laughing.
3. Watch the sun.
The direction of your light source can affect the mood of the image. Side-on lighting can highlight the elegant dips and curves of the human form. Backlit silhouettes can provide even more modesty—ideal if your grandma follows you on Instagram.
4. Use a film camera.
A vintage aesthetic can turn awkward into artsy. Polaroid bonus: instant film means you don’t have to worry about your photos becoming a camera shop scandal.
5. Ask for direction.
Nude subjects often hunch and slouch if they feel ill at ease. Ask your photographer to keep an eye out for awkward body positioning and to remind you to position your limbs for tasteful coverage. Above all, be yourself. Don’t do anything that doesn’t feel comfortable or empowering.
6. Make it dynamic.
We’ve all seen the arm-in-arm shot of a bunch of friends celebrating a topless summit. Likewise, we’ve probably all seen a bare butt in front of a mountain view. Yawn. Avoid the clichés: instead of standing still, run, jump, splash through a puddle, or dive into a lake—at least you’re guaranteed a good time getting the shots.
> Skip bug repellent. There’s nothing worse than getting nibbled in the nethers.
> Make it weird. If you run into a group of clothed hikers, resist the urge to run away, giggle awkwardly, or hide behind a tree. Just act normal. Be polite, keep a respectful distance when passing, and offer a friendly nothing-going-on-here hello.
> Hike on weekends. Fortunately, this year’s National Nude Day falls on a Friday. Take advantage—trails tend to be more crowded on weekends.
> Waltz through poison ivy. Ditto for thorns, poison oak, and stinging nettles. Know your enemy, keep an eye out, and squat with caution.
> Forget an emergency cover-up. If you do run into a group of clothed hikers, it can be helpful to have a bandana, wrap, or a pair of shorts you can quickly slip into. Pro tip: A fanny pack (or a Bear Naked Belt) provides quick cover in a pinch—as well as a place to stash your granola.
Your top naked-hiking questions, answered
Ask a Nudist
Vol 05
Every National Nude Day, we get a lot of questions. Is it fun? How likely is it that my spouse will disown me? (Yes. Hard to say.) This year, we posed your top questions to our resident outdoor nudist funhog. Here are her answers.
Dear Nature Nudist,
I don’t love the way my body looks. Is nude hiking really for me?
Best,
Nude and Prude
Dear Nude and Prude,
For many people who struggle with body image, naked hiking can sound like a nightmare. For years, I was one of those people. But then I was invited on a naked night hike with some close friends, and I found it liberating in ways I never expected. Instead of being embarrassed about my body, I was able to see it in a new way: as a part of nature and as a vessel for all the joy and strength that I’ve been able to find through hiking. Hiking nude in a group can also be a beautiful source of perspective. We all have imperfections, and seeing and celebrating others’ up close could help you embrace your own.
You’ve got this,
Nature Nudist
Dear Nature Nudist,
I have sensitive feet, but I also don’t want to cheat my attempt at nude adventure. Does it still count as naked hiking if I’m wearing shoes?
Please advise,
Twinkle Toes
Dear Twinkle Toes,
Yes, I absolutely recommend wearing shoes. And socks, bug repellent, and sunblock, for that matter. It also counts as naked if you’re wearing a backpack. Or a hat. Or a Bear Naked Belt. As with any outdoor endeavor, safety is paramount.
But to be honest, I think you’re asking the wrong question. What really matters is not that other people think it “counts,” but that you’re pushing your own comfort zone and finding freedom and joy in the experience.
Stay safe out there,
Nature Nudist
Dear Nature Nudist,
I’m planning to #HikeBearNaked this year but don’t want to go alone. Are there nude hiking groups to join? How do I discreetly ask around without sounding strange?
Sincerely,
Em-bare-assed
Dear Em-bare-assed,
First off, no one should be ashamed of doing things that bring them joy—and for looking to share that joy with others. That said, there’s a right time and place to ask other people to get naked with you. Your book club? Probably not. At a meetup group with other open-minded hikers? Much more likely. If you’re nervous about asking around, try checking online first. You can find local nudist hiking groups on Meetup.com or through the American Association for Nude Recreation.
Happy hiking,
Nature Nudist
Weight savings in your pack are just the start
8 Reasons to Try Naked Hiking
Vol 06
For decades, hikers have been celebrating the longest day of the year—June 21—by stripping away the nonessentials and getting closer to nature. By that, we mean prancing around the woods totally naked (or perhaps only in a Bear Naked Belt).
Longer summer days are the perfect time to ditch the wool-and-synthetic trappings of modern life and try something new. Not convinced? Here are eight reasons to partake.
1. It doesn’t get any lighter.
Who’s the true minimalist now? Hike naked and you’ll put all those overdressed ultralighters to shame.
2. It’s one less load of laundry.
Think of it as saving both time and water.
3. You can flaunt your best assets.
Strong hiking is all about the glutes. Show them off.
4. The tan lines will be excellent.
There’s nothing more alluring than a sternum-strap tan.
5. It’s a very efficient way to embarrass your family and friends.
You could sign up for a reality TV show or an open mic night. But this will be much faster.
6. Skinny-dipping just got way easier.
No need to look for a place to stash your clothes.
7. You can finally come clean about that embarrassing tattoo you got in college.
It’s time. The world deserves to know.
8. No one will notice how slow you’re hiking.
Because all they can see is that you’re naked.
You don’t want to be naked and hungry
Foods for Nudes
Vol 07
Hydrate with Minerals
Replenish your body’s mineral powerhouses with sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride (a fluid balance essential). Opt for sport drinks with electrolytes for replenishment. Keep your bones and muscles strong with calcium, and help prevent muscle cramps with magnesium.
Pack Bear Naked Granola
It’s the official snack of National Nude Day! Bear Naked’s unique flavors—whether it’s their new take on the classic Oats & Honey or decadent bites of Hazelnut Dark Chocolate Chunk—pack wholesome inclusions of nuts, fruit, and other non-GMO Project Verified ingredients. And if you act fast, you can get your own Bear Naked Belt to carry it in.
Shine On, You Crazy Diamond
Radiate with foods like nuts, seeds, oranges, strawberries, leafy greens, avocados, salmon, and carrots that boost your glow.
But will love anyway
8 Naked Hiking Sensations You Aren’t Prepared For
Vol 02
15 Casual greetings for when you’re caught hiking in the nude
Howdy, Partner
Vol 03
6 Tips for Tasteful Nude Pics in Nature
Better Butt Shots
Vol 04
15 Casual greetings for when you’re caught hiking in the nude
Howdy, Partner
Vol 03
6 Tips for Tasteful Nude Pics in Nature
better butT shots
Vol 04
Your top naked-hiking questions, answered
Ask a Nudist
Vol 05
Your top naked-hiking questions, answered
Ask a Nudist
Vol 05
Weight savings are just the start
8 Reasons to Try Naked Hiking
Vol 06
You don’t want to be naked and hungry
Foods for Nudes
Vol 07
Weight savings are just the start
8 Reasons to Try Naked Hiking
Vol 06
You don’t want to be naked and hungry
Foods for Nudes
Vol 07
A stripped-back list of do’s and don’ts
The Naked Truth
Vol 01
You don’t want to be naked and hungry
Foods for Nudes
Vol 07
A stripped-back list of do’s and don’ts
The Naked Truth
Vol 01
But will love anyway
8 Naked Hiking Sensations You Aren’t Prepared For
Vol 02
You don’t want to be naked and hungry
Foods for Nudes
Vol 07
It’s all about the, uh, exposure
Send 6 Tips for Taking Tasteful Nude Shots in Nature
Vol 04
Your top naked-hiking questions, answered
Ask a Nudist
Vol 05
Weight savings in your pack are just the start
8 Reasons to Try Naked Hiking
Vol 06
A stripped-back list of do’s and don’ts
The Naked Truth
Vol 01
8 Naked Hiking Sensations You Aren’t Prepared For
15 Casual greetings for when you’re caught hiking in the nude
Howdy, Partner
Vol 03
Coming Soon
@sarahherron
@davecoast
@alisonsadventures
Coming Soon
Vol 02
It goes beyond that feeling when you cross a stream that’s deeper than you thought
If you’re thinking of taking time and layers off for this year’s National Nude Day, celebrated annually worldwide on July 14, we applaud your spirit and are here to help you do it right. What you want: a liberating and life-changing experience. What you don’t want: mosquito bites.
As you might expect, naked hiking is best done, well, carefully. That’s to abide by local regulations as much as for your personal safety and comfort—and that of other hikers on the trail. From warding off sunburn to carrying snacks without pockets, here’s what to keep in mind when hiking in the buff.
Do's
Dont's