Today on episode 17 I want to give a very warm welcome to my guest Michael Langer, who along with his girlfriend Kenzie, walked away from lucrative engineering careers in Houston, Texas and moved into a van. Only months later, seemingly on a whim, they smashed the Pacific Crest Trail, hiking over 2,600 miles across California, Oregon, and Washington.

Today we will hear Michael’s perspective on this wild and unexpected journey, but it doesn’t end there. Next week stay tuned for an interview with Kenzie King, who shares her own unique perspective and motivations for their abrupt shift in lifestyle. After all, it takes a special couple to trade a solid paycheck for a heavy pack and mosquitos for five months.  

 

Topics Discussed with Michael Langer:

• Desire to leave well-paying jobs in Houston, TX and travel in a van
• The financial dilemma of saying “I quit.” More on how Michael and Kenzie funded their journey.
• Mental health and the need for a break
• Exposing who we really are
• How Michael and Kenzie hiked the entire PCT having only backpacked three consecutive nights!
• Logistical considerations of hiking the PCT (gear, re-supply points, pack weight, day-in-the-life routines)
• Transition from the trail to society: culture shock and finding meaningful work
• Stories from the trail: people, weather, and wildlife
• Why Michael doesn’t see van living as a long-term way of life

 

Support this project: Buy Me a Coffee

Subscribe to the website: SUBSCRIBE ME!

 

Get in Touch with Michael Langer

Michael Langer on Instagram

Nervous Excitement on Instagram: Documenting People in Pursuit

 

Pacific Crest Trail and Other Backpacking Resources

Pacific Crest Trail Association

Elina Osborne Youtube Page

The John Muir Trail

Clever Hiker: Gear Reviews and Tutorials

Backpack Weight Calculator

 

Recommended Books

A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail, By Bill Bryson

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, By Cheryl Strayed

 

Other Products Mentioned:

Superfeet Insoles

Mountain Mama Meals

Enlightened Equipment

 

Clipping Chains Related Posts

But I Don’t Want to Be Frugal

Walking the Walk and Other Tales by Foot

The Fallacy of Happiness and Meaningful Work

Contentment: The Greenest Grass of Them All

Van Life: The Economics and Trade-Offs

In Contrast: The Reality of Life on the Road

The Simple and Complicated Life on the Road

Maximize Adventure or Career?

Early Retirement: Is It the Solution?

Should I Quit My Job? I Want to Climb!