Out of the cubicle and onto the trail

Scrolling through LinkedIn? Chances are fairly good you’re sitting at a desk, staring at a screen, sipping your third (or fifth) cup of coffee, and wondering where your productivity has gone. It’s an old story and happens to the best of us.

The answer, though, isn’t another Red Bull — it’s a break. And not just any break, but one that involves lacing up your boots, stepping into the Great Outdoors, and rediscovering your best ideas … but on the trail, not in a conference room.

Welcome to the philosophy of the LinkedIn Trekker — the professional who understands that career success isn’t just about long hours and endless meetings, but also about clarity, creativity, and the rejuvenating power of nature. Here’s why stepping away from your desk and onto the trail might be the best thing you can do for your career.

1. Trekking Boosts Creativity and Problem-Solving

If we’re being honest, most of our best ideas don’t come while staring at spreadsheets or flip charts. Studies show that walking (especially in nature) enhances divergent thinking, the cognitive process linked to creativity and problem-solving. Researchers at Stanford University found that walking can boost creative output by up to 60% compared to sitting. Now imagine the innovation surge that comes from hiking Ecuador’s Quilotoa Loop, traversing the rugged paths of Albania’s and Montenegro’s Peaks of the Balkans, or crossing a remote pass in the Andes on our Peruvian Odyssey.

2. Nature Is a Productivity Hack

Burnout is real, and pushing through exhaustion rarely leads to better work. The solution? Strategic disconnection. Research from the University of Michigan shows that exposure to nature improves attention spans, cognitive function, and overall mental energy. That means when you return from a trek, you’re not just recharged, you’re operating at a higher level. Trekking isn’t time lost; it’s investment in peak performance.

3. Trekking Develops Leadership and Resilience

Success in business, much like success on the trail, requires perseverance, adaptability, and clear decision-making. Whether you’re leading a team through a challenging project or navigating a steep incline on Mt. Kilimanjaro’s Rongai Route, the skills required are strikingly similar. Trekking humbles, toughens, and refines you, making you a stronger leader both in and out of the office. If you can handle the unpredictable weather in the Scottish Highlands, you can handle just about any workplace curveball.

4. The Digital Detox You Didn’t Know You Needed

In a world where being “always on” is often mistaken for being productive, true professionals know that stepping away from screens is essential. Studies show that too much screen time can lead to higher stress levels and reduced job satisfaction. Trekking forces you to unplug — no LinkedIn notifications, no emails, no endless Zoom calls. Just you, your thoughts, and the open trail. Whether you’re standing at the top of Salkantay Pass in Peru or watching the sunrise over Ecuador’s Cotopaxi Volcano, the clarity you’ll gain from disconnection is invaluable.

5. Stronger Teams, Better Business

Think about the best team-building experience you’ve had. Was it another forced happy hour, or was it a challenge that required collaboration, problem-solving, and mutual support? Trekking is the ultimate corporate retreat—one where hierarchy dissolves, egos shrink, and real bonds form. A team that has tackled a multi-day trek together will handle workplace challenges with the same grit and teamwork.

6. It’s Good for Your Health—And Your Career Longevity

Trekking is a full-body workout that strengthens your cardiovascular health, muscles, and mental endurance. A long-term career isn’t just about working hard—it’s about staying healthy enough to enjoy your success. Studies show that regular physical activity reduces the risk of chronic diseases and extends life expectancy. If you’re going to stay in the game, why not train for it by crossing the Prokletije Mountains of Montenegro or navigating Spain’s incomparable Caminito del Rey?

7. You Gain Perspective That No Boardroom Can Provide

Spending too much time in the office can make small problems seem huge. Trekking reminds you of the bigger picture. There’s something about watching the sun rise of the summit of Everest from the slopes of Kalapathar that puts work stress into perspective. The ability to step back and refocus is a key trait of successful professionals, and there’s no better place to practice it than in the great outdoors.

The best professionals don’t just work hard—they work smart. And working smart means knowing when to step away, reset, and come back stronger. So, if you’re feeling stuck, uninspired, or just plain exhausted, maybe it’s time to trade your office chair for a trailhead.

Because the real climb — the one that leads to greater success, creativity, and fulfillment — might just start with a pair of hiking boots and a Hobnail Trekking adventure waiting to be experienced.