Last year I went on my first backcountry hiking trip.

If you’re unfamiliar, the idea is simple. It’s like regular camping, except that you hike deep into the wilderness with everything on your back — food and shelter included.

It was a deeply rewarding experience. But it was also incredibly challenging. Hiking deep into the Canadian Rockies with a 50-pound backpack is no easy feat. Climbing hundreds of metres in elevation across 15 kilometres is staggeringly difficult.

Having a full-blown panic attack while walking along the edge of a cliff did little to improve the situation.

But I would probably do it again.

Some moments were terrifying. Nature is real and unforgiving. There is a real risk of serious injury and even death.

Still, the feeling of accomplishment is hard to match. I can think of few endeavours that give such a mental reward. And in our modern world where convenience is prioritized, we often miss out on the challenges that we’re wired to overcome.

I think a little discomfort is good for the soul.