community

One of the most outstanding and drawing aspects about modern backpacking is the community that has formed around the hobby. Backpackers across the world cross paths on trails and adventures finding common ground in the act of walking and being outdoors. Not only does time in the outdoors create special bonds between strangers in real life, but a passion for a lifestyle and hobby of escaping to the outdoors with all of your needs strapped to your back extends to the internet.

Looking at the culture of backpacking, its history shows us that tight-knit support systems are not new. During the mid to late 1800s, hiking clubs began to gain popularity. Both men and women were involved in these outdoor activities and were encouraged to explore with excitement. The Appalachian Mountain Club, the Sierra Club, The Masamas, the Mountaineers, and the Green Mountain Club are some of the most notable that emerged during this time. All of these groups have been instrumental in the development of long distance trails in North America and the culture of the outdoor community in general.

Colby Outdoor Orientation Trip hiking group on mountain trail September 5, 1992

LA Municipal Camp hikers - 1916

Sierra Club - 1970

COOT - 1990s

Independent trip between friends Apoge Adventures summer camp for teens facilitates backpacking trips and community.

Another, extremely modern aspect of the backpacking community comes with the internet involved. With increasing access to social media and an ability to share our experiences with others, a new sort of influencer has emerged in the digital space.

There are a plethora of names for and sub communities within the world of backpacking; think “granola”, “van life”, “outdoorsy”, “thru hiking”, “gear junkies”, etc. This online presence for discourse over design of and love for outdoor gear has allowed for more innovation than ever before and a welcoming environment for increasing numbers of people to experience the outdoors in a new way.

Outdoor influencer Brooke Pierson who has a successful Instagram, blog, and multipe forms of social media (@brookewillson).

Photo from outdoor influencer Andrea Ference who rose to fame on Instagram and has a community of over 347,000 followers (@ vagabondhearts).

Photo from Elina Osborne’s Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike with friends made along the trail