Since many people here are outdoors as often as they can be, this seems like a great place to ask. Have any of you encountered or noticed less and less people out hiking multiple-day trips?
I was reading an article that said contemporary trends in the outdoors seem to be geared more toward day hikes than week-long excursions. Being in Ohio (though we have some awesome trails and plenty of great parks) I don't believe I could get as accurate of a measure as someone from, oh say, Georgia, California, Arizona, Colorado, or even the whole New England area. There's just too many states or places to name them all. But I doubt many people makes plans to travel here just for the hiking.
Source: https://www.hcn.org/issues/46.12/the...of-backpackingAnecdotal evidence, I know, but it's reinforced by the experts who compile outdoor recreation statistics. Chris Doyle, executive director of the Adventure Travel Trade Association, describes "a well-known trend" in outdoor gear sales, wherein day packs take an increasing share of the pack market while technical overnight packs are a declining percentage of total sales. "The same is true for heavy, extended-trip boots versus light boots," says Doyle. "This is all part of a trend towards 'Done in a day' that reflects consumers' continued interest in outdoor adventures, but they prefer to be in their own bed or another comfortable spot (hotel or lodge) at night."
I love being outdoors, hiking, exploring, practicing bushcraft skills (that I'm thankful I rarely need), and just getting away from the great neon distraction. I realize that puts me in a minority population for hobbyist, but I have trouble believing that everyone is so caught up in smartphones and creature comforts that less and less people are getting out for anything more than day trips.
After so many years of humanity trying so hard to avoid the perils of the wild and striving for comfort and security, it's no wonder that vagabonds, tramps, and even basic outdoor enthusiasts have always been at the fringes of society. But could it really be that long-term experiences of the true wonders, challenges, and serenity of the outdoors is actually becoming a fading pastime?
I really hope not, because as interest wanes, so too does care and concern.