Comments on: Death of Backpacking – A response

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 01:28:59 +0000

In reply to Scott. Thanks for the further insight!

By: Scott

Scott — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 17:41:51 +0000

Thanks for writing the interesting article.

I backpack a lot in Guadalupe Mountains National Park (TX), and from the NPS Stats web site, I noticed that backcountry campsite use there peaked in 1994 (4115 nights). In 2018, it was 3509. Backcountry use varies year-by-year, but never has again reached the 1994 peak.

This is despite a huge population increase in the area owing to the fracking boom in the Permian Basin.

And in Big Bend National Park (Texas most popular NP), backcountry campsite use also peaked in 1994 (54110), versus 23858 in 2018.

By: Dogwood

Dogwood — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 23:49:57 +0000

It seems we’re mixing two different topics. 1) backcountry use is on the decline 2) given it is on the decline why that is

By: Dogwood

Dogwood — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 23:44:24 +0000

In reply to Dale Matson. My 2 cts I don't see Jesus ever wanting to be Caesar.

By: Dogwood

Dogwood — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 21:13:29 +0000

In reply to Paul Mags. Indeed the amount and duration of walking in general in the US has seen a significant decline. However, I'd estimate the decline is not as significant for those who conveniently walk like for grocery shopping, running on tracks, to/from the car/fridge/ATM,..

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 19:33:09 +0000

In reply to Dogwood. I would not heavily rely on NPS backcountry use data in equating backpacking being dead Which is why I linked newer statistics from different sources (mainly industry, i.e.those who make money off outdoor pursuits) showing the same conclusion. EDIT: And, as mentioned, I do not consider backpacking dead or dying. It is declining, however, in terms of overall outdoor use.

By: Dogwood

Dogwood — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 19:28:53 +0000

As “connectivity” to devices becomes a universal guarantee we may see a slight uptick in backcountry use. Sadly, humanity values things like connectivity through and to a device more highly than profound connectivity to Nature or even to each other on a face to face basis. To get profound Nature increasingly we have to shed a high degree of convenience and familiarity.

I would not heavily rely on NPS backcountry use data in equating backpacking being dead. The NPS approach has been for decades allocating more of the budget to expanding, improving, and maintaining the front country. There is not just greater accessibility but an increasing rate of much higher level of convenience in the front country. That’s what people want convenience, familarity, and perceived greater safety. These wants have been instilled through marketing and increased standards of living that demand it continually. The front country offers that. It’s also why the TC trails as well as the JMT and LT are so popular. They are known.

Lots of folks in the U.S. especially are fearful of the unknown, the unfamilar. Backcountry is more perceived as being something to fear rather than for embracing adventure, exploration, and needed solitude connecting to Nature – the natural environment.

By: Matthew T.

Matthew T. — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 17:48:24 +0000

I live in the Adirondacks of NY State and the population here is pretty spread out. We have an abundance of back-country areas to hike in, but the “High Peaks” of Adirondack Park get the most use. I don’t even hike on the weekends in summer, if possible, in the High Peaks due to large numbers of people from out of town that are day hiking. What I do notice is that there are always tent sites that are available, and there is always room in the lean-to’s that dot the Adirondack back-country. Only once have I got to my lean-to destination to find it was completely filled (9 souls). Mostly I sleep in lean-to’s by myself when doing overnights.
I will say that the appeal of day hiking when peak-bagging (Adirondack 46er’s) can sometimes be great. Lately, I have spent less time doing overnights while working on the 46 High Peaks of the Adirondacks. I can hike longer distances due to better fitness and better lightweight gear. I take only the ten essentials and a few comfort items mostly. I do still get out for overnight trips, just less frequently as I did when I started seriously hiking. I mostly solo hike unless I can con someone from work to come out and enjoy nature with me. I know of only two or three people at my workplace (small, community hospital near the High Peaks) who are serious hikers. Most people up here have “Camps” that they go to on the weekends to drink beer, ride 4-wheelers, fish, hunt, etc…I was amazed when I moved up here from Buffalo, NY that more people aren’t out hiking in the enormous back-country of the Adirondacks. It truly is expansive, and access is great. If your skill set allows you to bushwack, there is a lifetime of places to hike here. Most of the hikers/backpackers that I meet on trail are driving from cities like NYC, Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, or many from New Jersey and Massachusetts. There are many properties up here that are seasonal, and their occupants only come up a few times per summer. The summer season is short, but sweet. I recently started snowshoeing more in winter, probably because I am more comfortable out in the wilderness solo. The cold up here can get downright dangerous, especially on the summits. I have had to break trail on less popular routes quite often, which is a workout for sure. I have been hiking here in the “Daks since 2010, and I haven’t noticed less people on the trails, especially the most popular ones (VanHovenburg to Mt. Marcy). Just my two cents….Get out there and enjoy nature!

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 15:26:04 +0000

In reply to Bob Sartini. Yep. The popular lettered routes are busy for sure.

By: Bob Sartini

Bob Sartini — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 10:47:11 +0000

I dragged my old bones to the AT in WV last month. My first day on the trail I was going SOBO and I met 58 ! people heading North. It’s pretty busy out there on the big three trails. I’ve been sticking to the shorter trails this year and it’s rare to see more than 1-2 parties.