David Six: thru-hiker, programmer, high school drop-out

David Six is a 40-something-year-old software developer, Triple Crown thru-hiker, and lifelong travel addict who has spent the last two decades figuring out how to work as little as possible while hiking, biking, and exploring the world. (@walkacrossoregon)

David breaks down how he built a life that lets him disappear into the wilderness for months at a time without running out of money. He explains how he went from high school drop-out to self-taught programmer, how he co-founded a ticket sales software company that now funds his adventures, and why he sometimes mails himself a laptop just to keep his business running while on trail. Unlike most thru-hikers, who treat long-distance hiking as a one-time adventure, David turned it into an ongoing way of life, balancing the need for income with his desire to spend as much time as possible moving through the world under his own power.

We discuss what draws people to thru-hiking, why long hikes feel like time travel, and the transition shock that hits hard when the journey is over. David reflects on his anti-authority streak, his deep-seated resistance to full-time work, and why, despite having a near-perfect job setup, he still resents it. He also shares how he and his wife (a nurse) use travel hacking and careful planning to fund their adventures, including multiple round-the-world trips.

Finally, David talks about his next big project: walking across the entire state of Oregon, from the Pacific Coast to the Idaho border, in the middle of winter.

Full transcript: dirtbagrich.com/david