1. No Lending Water in the Outdoor Community
Water is extremely important in outdoor activities. Just how important? Movies and novels often depict it: the thirsty expression, the cracked lips, the shared bottle of water that no one wants to drink from, that precious sip of water like dew in a critical moment... Because it’s so important, experienced hikers usually control the amount of water in their bottles based on the journey, ensuring they never run out. But novice hikers (newbies) lack experience—some dare to hit the trail without bringing a water bottle at all, some guzzle water after just a short hike, and others simply ask others for water once theirs is gone. Borrowing water isn’t just about hygiene (I don’t want to taste your saliva), self-rescue is a more crucial concern. You can’t buy mineral water in the deep mountains and forests. Mineral water bottles can’t withstand boiling water—if you need to refill with hot water at the campsite, they’ll collapse and become unusable. Therefore, every hiker brings their own professional water bottle (hard plastic, aluminum, or stainless steel) and is very mindful of managing their water supply, rarely running low or out.
2. No Lending Light Sources in the Outdoor Community
Light sources in outdoor activities include flashlights, headlamps, candles, matches, chemical heat strips, and canned heaters—all of which are consumables. Aside from shared gear, they’re generally not lent out. Novice hikers often think flashlights are unnecessary during the day but rush to borrow one at night. So, every hiker must bring their own professional light source (flashlight, headlamp, batteries), and ensure the switch is secure to prevent accidental activation inside a backpack.
3. No Lending Sleeping Bags in the Outdoor Community
No lending sleeping bags. As the saying goes among seasoned hikers: “In the past, I didn’t lend out books or my wife—now I solemnly add, I don’t lend out sleeping bags either.” Why? “It’s extremely unhygienic.” Indeed, after hiking all day, you often have no water to wash your body or feet before crawling into your sleeping bag to rest. Your own sweat, body odor, and foot stench are bad enough—let alone someone else’s. Novices, lacking experience, think buying a sleeping bag isn’t worth it and end up borrowing one. Therefore, every hiker must bring their own sleeping bag—even the thinnest, cheapest fleece one will do. That way, when you place others’ bedding or coats on top of yours, they won’t get upset.
II. The Three Nos to Ask in the Outdoors
1. Don’t Ask About Age or Occupation.
Age is generally considered “private” in real life, and people often avoid mentioning getting older. Western white-collar workers are especially sensitive about this—work is a significant part of life, and the quality of one’s job reflects their social standing. Asking too many questions about these topics when you’re not close can make both you and the other person uncomfortable.
2. Don’t Ask About Income or Address.
Income is tied to personal ability and is a matter of pride. Bringing it up in conversation can strip the other person of their dignity and sense of equality. Home addresses are seen by modern people as private and personal territory, so they’re not shared with strangers—even private home phone numbers are usually kept confidential.
3. Don’t Ask About Marriage or Health.
Discussing relationships is often seen by modern people as not only boring but also potentially awkward or even as a form of “sexual harassment.” Health is another sensitive topic—everyone’s well-being is a crucial asset for functioning in society, so they rarely share the full truth. If others don’t want to tell you, why ask?
III. The Three No-Nos in the Outdoors
1. Don’t unexpectedly visit a hiker’s home and disturb their normal life without their consent.
2. Don’t borrow money or items from fellow hikers.
3. Don’t casually share a hiker’s phone number, home address, or personal privacy. (Unless, of course, the hiker has given permission.)
Outdoor sports are about simple joy and relaxation, away from the noise of the city and the burdens of daily life, fully enjoying the beauty of nature. That’s why the principles of the “Three Nos to Ask” and “Three No-Nos” are essential. Time erodes everything. Over time, long-time hikers who get to know each other deeply can become lifelong friends—that’s the highest ideal we strive for. But for newcomers or those who prefer to keep their privacy, it’s best to avoid certain topics.