Whiteblaze: Why do you backpack?

[Cool Hands]

Well, I've figured out my reasons for loving hiking, backpacking, and just everything associated with being out in the wilderness, but I wanted to hear your reasons.

When so many would see us as fools, as aimless wanderers, why do we do it? Why do we go out into the woods carrying heavy packs day after day and just walk, over the grueling climbs, in the rain, in the heat and cold, through the dirt, in the vast woods devoid of civilization -- why do we backpack? Looking for some interesting answers.

[swjohnsey]

Perhaps you worry too much about what other folks think. I do it because I want to.

[Mayor]

For me it is to calm my mind. After hours of walking I feel empty of thought. Quite unusual in our society I think.

[Jersey Tim]

Because it is simple. In the real world, possessions and responsibilities and needs pile up and tangle up. On the trail, you have less to keep track of, and your needs and responsibilities are straightforward and clear. It's a vacation for your mind.

[Lilred]

Because it immerses me in nature and I can feel the trappings of modern civilization slip away. It gives me a feeling of freedom I don't get in my every day life.

[JaxHiker]

I hike to earn street creds with hot chicks.

[Bonjour]

It helps me remember that I am part of the earth. Plus everything tastes better when you have spent the day in the woods.

[bigcranky]

Talking with my coworkers this afternoon, on the way out the door for a week long hike. None of them understood why I would want to spend a week by myself. (Not to mention sleeping in the woods, fighting off marauding bears, etc.)

I hike because it recharges my spirit.

[Raul Perez]

I hike because I feel free when I do. I have all that I need on my back and I head out to where ever I want to when I want to and how I want to do it.

I love it. I love the breeze on my face, the exercise, hiking through rain, eating otherwise unhealthy food under my tarp, making fire, watching the sunrise and sunsets, seeing so many stars, watching animals, etc.

[GeneralLee10]

I like to poop in the woods, pick my nose in the woods, and and and.......

[johnnybgood]

I have no other discernible talent.

[Lilred]

Because it's the only sport where the ultimate goal is to find a nice place to sit with a pretty view.

[rainmaker]

I'm trying to escape the guy following me wearing the clown suit and mask. If I could just hike a litle faster. See you on the trail.

[TallShark]

those rare glimpses of solitude of my mind... deep within me lies an un-dying urge to reconnect with creation and escape the world that man has built. It’s a vacation for the tired mind, It rejuvenates your psyche. Really getting to see this world for what it was meant to be, It’s amazing. Inner reflection, clean air, deeper understanding. Beauty. A brief look into something much larger than yourself. Seeing the forest from the trees.

[Railroad King]

Cause I'm a masochist and can't get enough pain and boredom. Also pretty views and peacefulness.

[Whiskyjo]

Nothing like a good nights sleep.

[sbhikes]

I backpack so I can get to beautiful places I can't get to on day hikes or driving. I also enjoy the exercise and being closer to nature. My pack is light so I enjoy the walking. I love seeing what's around the next corner.

I loved long distance hiking because there was always another corner. The trail seemed endless. I could greedily see what was around the next corner all day every day and it seemed like it never would end. There are a lot of benefits to long distance hiking that you can't get any other way and you won't know what they are until you do it.

[Jim Adams]

because I'm not allowed to ride my motorcycle to get there.

geek

[double d]

I always liked the answer, "because its there"!

[TheChop]

Cause I'm a masochist and can't get enough pain and boredom. Also pretty views and peacefulness.

yeah... you pretty much nailed it. Why do I backpack? Because it's hard as ****.