Musings on the unanticipated popularity of backpacking

It’s hard to say whether the numbers will drop. I think the easy access trails/parks will continue to increase in popularity for many reasons-social media, hiking apps(biggest contributor to crowds IMO), population growth, etc. I think people that want solitude-me-will have to find more creative ways to find it. I have enjoyed hiking on old abandoned logging roads, as there are not many hiking trails near me even though the majority of the land is forest. I can use these roads to get close to peaks the go off trail and explore. Also following game trails is something that has been fun-have not seen one person while off trail. Basically if it’s on All trails, I tend to be turned off to it, with some exceptions of course.  I think the number of people willing to ‘put in the work’ is very little when it comes to these things.

I think the ever increasing availability of maps and detailed information on the internet started a steady increase in backpacking and back country crowding, with a huge additional spike during the pandemic that is now fading. Not sure if it will ever return to what it was prior to the internet.

Backpacking is hugely popular amongst millennials and Gen Z. Of course it’s big with boomers and Gen X too. I see more people on the trails than ever and there are a plethora of gear makers now providing countless good choices. We are truly living in a golden age.

I’m a high school substitute teacher and I can tell you the kids are hip about the outdoors these days and there are a surprising number who are down with ultralight. I wouldn’t pay attention to anyone who says interest is waning, it’s quite the opposite from where I’m standing. When I visit an REI business seems to be booming.

As to why backpacking got so popular in the 70’s, I think much had to do with a revulsion of pollution and our industrial society in general (it’s far better now). It also fit in with the hippie vibe of ecology and living in harmony with nature instead of trying to conquer it. When John Denver came out with the song Rocky Mountain High backpacking was on the ascent and I’m not sure it has faded much at any time since.

The 70’s were the result of the 60’s.

Monte, good point about Gen Z.

Its just such a unique time.  First is opportunity: backpacking, skiing, rock climbing, its all huge now partly because it’s so accessible.  Clubs, events, equipment.  But even more so is work flexibility.  My son uprooted from our town, moved clear across the country to a small town in the Rockies to spend all his free time skinning, ice climbing, rock climbing… and he never had to skip a beat in his career, working remotely.   I couldn’t imagine my parents having these opportunities due to not just the technology but regardless of how terrible the economy feels, discretionary income is still on average much more than it was so many years ago.

On the flip side, home ownership is so far out of reach for kids these days.  What was easy for my parents in setting down roots is unimaginable for them.

So they expend their resources and priorities elsewhere and I’m happy to see so many choose the outdoors.

Exercise science is beginning to recognize weighted walking as perhaps the best lifelong exercise, arguably better than running because it strengthens joints rather than pounding them*.

Backpacking is the OG form of rucking. Plus the scenery is better.

(*) Light pounding benefits bone development as well, so maybe don’t be quick to stop running if you already do it. However, weighted walking is easier on your cartilage. 

I’m happy to encourage as many people as possible to enjoy our wilderness, with the idea that they will vote to protect it.

I will note that Apps like AllTrails have removed one of the initial barriers to enjoying the wilderness –the fear of getting lost.  I’ve seen innumerable groups heading off to “secret” locations, guided only by a mobile phone.

I think they’re missing some of the experience, but who am I to judge?