I confess that I was part of the big backpacking boom of the 1970's and 1980's.
Like the bicycle boom of the 1970's, backpacking didn't disappear after the 1990's, but it sure did seem to fall off the face of the planet compared with what it was.
Lately, I am seeing a lot more offerings for backpacking equipment; new stoves, new backpacks, new boot designs. There is enthusiasm for ultra-lite hiking.
I am also starting to see a few more folks on the trails. Well, not really hard-core, but the state forest lean-to shelters are booked solid.
I don't know for sure, but I HOPE that many of these enthusiasts are young folks discovering the joys of America's fantastic parks, forests, and trail systems.
What are you guys seeing? Is there a new backpacking boom going on?
Like the bicycle boom of the 1970's, backpacking didn't disappear after the 1990's, but it sure did seem to fall off the face of the planet compared with what it was.
Lately, I am seeing a lot more offerings for backpacking equipment; new stoves, new backpacks, new boot designs. There is enthusiasm for ultra-lite hiking.
I am also starting to see a few more folks on the trails. Well, not really hard-core, but the state forest lean-to shelters are booked solid.
I don't know for sure, but I HOPE that many of these enthusiasts are young folks discovering the joys of America's fantastic parks, forests, and trail systems.
What are you guys seeing? Is there a new backpacking boom going on?
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