What Is Type 2 Fun? 6 Reasons to Seek It Out

What Is Type 2 Fun? 6 Reasons to Seek It Out

If you’re someone who likes to adventure in the great outdoors, you’ve probably at least heard the term “Type 2 fun” thrown around before. But, what is it exactly? How do you know if you’re having it? Is it a good thing to be experiencing? Are there other types of fun, too? So many questions left to ponder!

If you’re a little confused, fear not. We’re here to explain the fun scale and provide some tips on why and how you might want to seek it out more in your annual adventures and day-to-day life. Spoiler alert: We’re pretty big fans of Type 2 fun at Gossamer Gear, and we hope that this blog will inspire you to embrace the journey just beyond your comfort zone.

What Is Type 2 Fun Anyway?

Ok, so, to answer what Type 2 fun is, let’s start with defining Type 1 fun. Type 1 fun is just straight-up, good ole fun. You do something you know you will enjoy, and it goes as you expect it will. You do, in fact, enjoy the activity while you’re doing it, and when you think back on it later, you still agree: It was fun. 

Here are some examples of Type 1 fun:

  • Taking your adorable dog to the beach on a sunny day where he runs around with a happy-go-lucky face.
  • Meeting your friends at the park on a bug-free perfect summer evening for a truly delicious picnic.
  • Returning to your favorite theme Park—Dollywood, of course!—to ride that one rollercoaster that you know is always super fun (The Wild Eagle at Dollywood, obviously).

So, what makes Type 2 fun different? Type 2 fun is not always noticeably fun in the moment. It comes with a bit of challenge or discomfort. You may not enjoy yourself while in the thick of it, but when you look back at the experience, you have fond memories and a sense of accomplishment. Type 2 fun looks different for everyone, shaped by our individual comfort levels, past experiences, and personal preferences. 

Here are a few examples of Type 2 fun:

  • Embarking on your first backpacking trip, only to realize you packed way too much and the weather isn’t ideal. It’s uncomfortable at times, but once you’re back home, you can’t wait to go again—this time with a few lessons learned.
  • Training for and running a race—whether it’s a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or full marathon. It’s tough, but the sense of accomplishment when you cross the finish line makes it all worth it.
  • Heading out on a snow camping trip with friends, where snowshoeing turns out to be just really hard walking. But between the breathtaking winter landscapes and cozy conversations over hot cocoa, the effort feels completely worthwhile.

It’s important to note that Type 2 fun doesn’t have to be out-of-this-world epic. You don’t have to summit Mount Everest or scale the vertical wall of El Capitan (though, you can, if you’re at that level!).  Type 2 fun is the sweet spot between super comfy and dangerous. It’s whatever is a little challenging for you, but still enjoyable by the time it’s over.

Don’t confuse Type 2 fun with Type 3 fun. Type 3 fun isn’t actually fun—it’s dangerous. Type 3 fun encompasses adventures gone wrong, poor preparation, and other situations that went too far and perhaps ended in injury or a search and rescue. If you think your Type 2 fun is heading into Type 3 territory, stop and reassess. 

6 Benefits of and Reasons to Seek Out Type 2 Fun

Ok, so, we know what Type 2 fun is now, but why should you seek to incorporate it more in your life? Here are six key benefits that Type 2 fun provides.

1. Try Something New

Type 2 fun is about trying new things. It gives you an excuse and the courage to sample an activity you haven’t before. Even if the experience doesn’t end up becoming your favorite hobby or something that you do again, you can feel good about giving it a shot. And if you do end up loving it, all the better!

I had always wondered about bikepacking, but often felt intimidated by getting the right gear together, knowing how to fix things on my bike if needed, and planning a good route. When I finally decided to give it a try, I joined my dad on the 184.5-mile C&O Canal Trail from Cumberland, Maryland, to Washington, D.C. It poured cold rain on us the first two days and was pretty miserable. But we kept going. And we got into a groove as the days and miles passed. The trip had its challenges, but I learned that I loved bikepacking on car-free trails and enjoyed being able to cover so much more ground that way.

2. Build Resilience

Type 2 fun can test your mettle. If things don’t go as planned, you have to learn how and when to pivot. This helps you become more resilient on trail and in life. If you can face an uncomfortable situation in the wilderness and get through it, you remember that inner ability the next time life throws you something unexpected.

My dad and I went on another adventure years later in Everglades National Park. It was his first time there, but I had paddled the park's mangrove channels and bays several times before. I was excited to share this wilderness with him, but our first day had heavy winds that made paddling along the Gulf of Mexico very challenging. At our slower pace, we weren’t able to make it to the inlet that would take us to our campsite and wind-protected waters until the tide had already turned. Between the wind and the tide working against us, we were exhausted and losing daylight. Knowing that we wouldn’t be able to make it to our campsite before nightfall, I suggested we set up on the last sandbar I knew we’d see that day. It was a stressful situation, but in the morning when the water was calmer and we were able to reroute our trip, I was proud of the pivot I’d known to make and we had lots of adventurous conversation throughout the day about the experience.

3. Hone Your Skills

Type 2 fun lets you get better at things. When an experience is challenging or uncomfortable, you often learn from it and think about ways you would do it differently next time. If you want to become a better backpacker, trail runner, or hiker, the key is to get your reps in. Head out, test your abilities, and note your learnings.

When I was living in East Tennessee, I invited two friends to hike with me on the Appalachian Trail through the Smokies. The stretch is about 72 miles and we planned to do it in one go with pretty long mileage days. However, we learned quite quickly that the constant rocky rolling of the trail was more challenging than expected, especially for those of us who hadn’t been hiking in a while. We ended up ducking out halfway through at Newfound Gap. However, we each learned different things, and when we came back the next year to finish the second half, we were better prepared and had a blast—even in heavy rain!

4. Change Your Perspective

When we get out of our comfort zone, we’re better able to appreciate when things are good. There’s a reason why a hot pizza is so delicious after several days of nothing but freeze-dried meals on trail. Sometimes in our day-to-day lives, we get so used to having all of our creature comforts that we don’t spend time feeling grateful for them. Type 2 fun puts things in perspective.

On another Everglades trip, my friend had an unfortunate tent entry on the first night that left her shelter full of mosquitos and no-see-ums. She was eaten alive. The next day was spent under the hot sun, getting covered in brackish water that dried salt onto our skins and left us just generally sticky and uncomfortable by the day’s end. On the third day’s paddle, I started to wonder if she was having a good time. I was concerned about how itchy and sunburnt and uncomfortable she was. But as we started to talk about it, we began to laugh, and she remarked, “I mean, if you haven’t suffered, have you even really lived?”

5. Learn More About Yourself

Type 2 fun is also a tool for self-discovery. Sometimes a change of scenery and being in situations that are unfamiliar help us learn new sides of ourselves. There’s more room to think and experience new things when we’re pushing ourselves on trail or spending our first night falling asleep under the stars.

During the pandemic, I took on the challenge of hiking all 900 miles of trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I explored the scenic, well-traveled paths and the easy strolls, but I also pushed through the overgrown, rugged trails. Many of these hikes I did alone, driven by the simple determination to keep moving forward. Along the way, I learned a lot about myself—where I wanted to live next, what truly matters to me in a community, and the power of perseverance.

6. Form Powerful Friendships and Lasting Memories

Misery loves company, right? Stressful situations can bring people together, and a little Type 2 suffering can bond friends for life. Type 2 fun allows you to create shared experiences with others and memories you’ll look back on forever. You can remember that time you both climbed that mountain you didn’t think you could or traversed into the wilderness to find a quiet meadow of spring wildflowers. 

Years ago, while living in South Dakota, I met another woman who loved the outdoors as much as I did. With any new friendship, there’s always a bit of uncertainty—will it be a passing connection, a lifelong bond, or something in between? But after we tackled a grueling, slushy snowshoeing trip through the Black Hills and later chose to camp under a full moon in the Badlands—despite wind chills well below zero—I knew this was the kind of friendship built to last. Even though we no longer live in the same place, we still reunite regularly for Type 2 fun and the kind of adventure that strengthens both body and soul.

How to Prepare for and Enjoy Type 2 Fun on Trail, in the Backcountry, and Beyond

Remember that Type 2 fun isn’t an excuse to not prepare. You still need to pack your ten essentials, plan your route, and understand your limits. Gossamer Gear makes Type 2 fun easier with gear that won’t weigh you down. Whether you’re putting in extra miles, pushing yourself up that mountain, or heading out for your first-ever day hike, let the uncomfortable part be something other than your gear.

Have an epic Type 2 fun story or something you learned along the way? We’d love to hear it! Tag Gossamer Gear on social media (@gossamergear) and use the hashtag #takelessdomore to share your tales with our community.

Hungry for more outdoor adventure inspiration and planning knowledge? Check out some of our other articles on the Light Feet blog:

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