… Cam “Swami” Honan has trekked more than 53,000 miles (85,295 km) in some 55 countries around the globe since the early 1990’s.

Hailing from Australia, Cam’s longest hiking journey took place in North America. Between July 2, 2011 and December 28, 2012, he completed an incredible trip which was called the “12 Long Walks.” Consisting of a dozen consecutive long distance hikes and totalling more than 14,300 miles (23,014 km), Cam passed through 29 US States, 4 Canadian provinces and destroyed a whopping 28 pairs of trail running shoes!　

Along the way he set records for the completion of a calendar year Triple Crown (Pacific Crest, Appalachian and Continental Divide Trails – 236 days), distance covered in a calendar year and the one of which he is most proud, dehydrated beans consumed in an 18 month period (123.7 lbs / 56.1 kg)! …

exclusive interview
besthike – What attracts you to any specific hike?

I don’t really have any specific criteria that I look for. Sometimes I’m drawn to remote wilderness areas. On other occasions I look for a combination of elements such as historical, cultural, culinary and even libational (e.g. country pubs in the UK/Ireland or Italy’s wine growing regions)!

besthike – What were your favourite short (week or less) hikes all time?

I get asked this question quite a lot and the answer has always been the same…….I don’t have any favourites. That being said, certain regions such as the Karakorum, Tibet, Lapland, Gobi desert, Alaska/Yukon, High Sierra, SW Tasmania, Patagonia, Colorado Plateau and Canadian Rockies come to mind.

besthike – Do you know of anyone else who’s hiked as extensively around the world as you have?

No one that I’m aware of. That being said, it’s not a question I’ve given any thought to.

besthike – How do you afford to travel so much?

Once the plane fares and all the equipment have been taken care of, hiking trips are generally very affordable. Accommodation is usually free, food often equates to $10 a day or less and your own feet take care of things on the transportation front.

besthike – Where would you most like to hike in the future?

There are quite a few different places I’m yet to explore. A couple that come immediately to mind are the Kimberley region of Western Australia and sub-Saharan Africa.

In more recent times, Cam has completed historic traverses of Mexico’s Copper Canyon region (2013 – together with fellow Montbell athlete, Justin Lichter) and Peru’s Cordillera Blanca (2014). When not wandering the wild regions of the planet, he can be found splitting his time between Australia, the US and his adopted homeland of Mexico.

mont bell USA

His excellent website is called (appropriately) The Hiking Life. 🙂