The Joy of Backpacking

Backpacking evokes something primitive in us. It brings us back to a time when basic luxuries did not exist– no toilets, refrigerators, A/C, or even clean water. In the backcountry, one lives very simply. You have everything you need to comfortably exist on your back. None of your problems in the world matter; the wilderness demands your full attention. Even your daily routine is simple: wake-up, eat, pack, hike, unpack, eat, sleep. Simple. Homework, stress, traffic, projects, and bills do not exist in the backcountry. I've met people who cannot fathom why I would want to walk 10+ miles every day, poo in a hole, and purify my water. And the truth is it brings me joy. And I love to do it. And the outdoors continue to draw me back time and time again.

It's rare to feel totally disconnected in today's world. Most everybody has access to a phone, computer, or television. Even someone without electronics could be reached by old snail mail. Yet in the backcountry, you have none of this. If you close your eyes right now, you'd probably hear a car or phone or the subtle humming of something electronic. If you go into the woods and close your eyes, you'd hear the wind and water. Disconnected. It's a wonderful feeling knowing nobody can contact you, one that you can only truly experience in the backcountry. There have been times when I was over 50 miles from the nearest road and I recall those times as some of my happiest. 

Not only does backpacking bring joy, but it also develops character. A solo backpacking trip is a fantastic way to build confidence and a sense of self-reliance. You are 100% responsible for  yourself– you must cook, clean, and set up camp all alone. You have to be disciplined by making sure all your gear is organized and food is properly stored. However if you take a few friends along, you now have the chance to build leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. Working as a unit and thinking with a "group first" mentality is the only way to succeed at backcountry living. If you take care of the team, the team will take care of you. Easy as that.

A remote mountain in Washington

Stay safe and enjoy.