Started backpacking when I was in Boy Scouts in the early 70’s. Hiked small sections of the Appalachian Trail in PA, NJ, NY, NH, and Maine when I was younger. Stopped backpacking many years for several reasons but started back in the late 1990’s. The newer lightweight gear has given me a new enthusiasm. I am a former scoutmaster and led groups to Philmont in 2003 and 2007.  Get it for several weekends a year and one week-long trip, usually in Washington.