Here's another poke in the bee's nest to stir things up.

Hiking solo is the ONLY way to truly HYOH IMO. With a partner, the best you can hope to achieve is HOOH (Hike our own hike).

I love my fiancee, but there is no way I could emotionally hike a long trail like the AT or even a shorter long trail like the Colorado Trail with her. Our hiking styles are so different that when we hike together, I totally change my pace, gear load, mileage, kitchen set-up, shelter style and most importantly, GOALS. She in turn gives in to some of my needs. It's a totally different experience from going solo.

I enjoy this time, but more because it is time well spent with her than because it is hiking. Only when I go solo can I truly hike MY own hike.