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Sometimes I get asked why go backpacking? Why wild camp? People seem perplexed at times as to why I need to go, to spend time in the hills away from the comfort of home, and loved ones. Good questions! Ones worth answering, I felt. It's been a subject of discussion of late. I am also interested in what motivates others to go backpacking.
When I was a child my father took me walking in the Peak District, Lake District and Wales. One trip in the Peak District I recall seeing some people with big packs heading up the hillside on Kinder Scout. I was a child then; I asked, 'Where are they going?' My late father explained to me about the Pennine Way - how it was the longest trail in the Pennines. I decided then that one day I would do that walk.
But was that the beginning of my backpacking hobby? No. That was a seed planted. I got into other things at around eighteen, and it was ten years later that a friend suggested that we go walking in the hills like we did as children.
Being care free and self employed too, we took off to the Lake District. Day walks and fun times. What happened on one walk changed things for me that week. We (me as I was navigating) got lost. We went up onto Bowfell when we had meant to go to the Scaffels. The mist was down and we made a mistake.
But mistakes can have a silver lining. Along came a group of backpackers. Big packs and big boots - standard issue Karrimor Packs and Scarpa Manta boots. We chatted and walked with them. Questions flowed: "So you camped out last night?" "Were you worried camping out"? "Where are we?" "Bowfell," they said. "Are those packs heavy?" - and so on and so on.
What happened was, I worked out something between meeting them and reaching the summit of Bowfell. They were free. They could stay wild camping on the tops, whereas I needed to descend to my accommodation in a bed and breakfast. They were relaxed and skilled at being out there in the hills, embracing the hills' changing scenes, with the ebb and flow of light and shadow as night fell. The hills held no terror of the unknown to them - they were enjoying it. I wanted in to what they had.
I soon got some kit for backpacking once back home. I got out there. Learnt, made mistakes and went again. I went to Scotland and gained more experience.
So to the questions about why? I don't seek any sense of self-improvement. There is no self discovery, or pursuit of some philosophical code or tenets, nor ruminative musings. I don't battle the hills, nor moors either. Some personal victory has no place for me out there - I would enter mountain marathon events if I needed to seek that.
The answer is simple. It's fun. I am like many. I just enjoy being out there. The sunset. The big view and sheer wonder of the outdoors is a joy to see, bringing enjoyment for me. The shifting shadows dancing across the mountains, the silence of the night all add to my enjoyment being outdoors.
So why backpack? It brings a simple joy. Why wild camp? It prolongs the joy of the day, being out there. Watching the sunset, the deer descending to the glen, from my vantage point up high. It's fun being able to navigate and being able to cope with the weather and conditions when out backpacking. To be able to cross wild land. Simple, uncomplicated fun.
Best way.
So why do you go out there?
Best way.
So why do you go out there?
84 comments:
Same as you Martin, I just do because I like it. I've always enjoyed backpacking and wild camping. Nothing complicated.
I do it because I like to howl at the moon....and swim naked in tarns.
Great post Martin
nice read that, I've enjoyed camping since I was a young lad, taking my tent out on the hills and enjoying it with views is a pleasing experience for me
Simple, uncomplicated fun. That is the essence of it and I'm pretty sure that most people do it for the same reason. People come up with all kinds of explanations to avoid admitting that it is just for fun, since in our Western culture there always has to be some utility aspect in it for adults (though this is actually slowly changing now).
Two years ago my then five year old boy told me that he didn't want to become a grownup:
-Why not?
-Because you can't play when you are a grownup, he said.
I told him that grownups play as well, they just call it a hobby or something similar. And the toys are a lot more expensive.
They're a good a reason as any!
I used to think (and I also remember telling folk who asked) that for me it was about getting away from it all and thinking about my troubles, my stress and sorting it all out in my head.
Now I've grown to realise that when I get out I switch the phone off and stop thinking about anything "important" at all. I relish in the fact that the most important descion I have to make is "where to stop?","is the view nice?", "am I hungry yet?","do I want a photo of that?", etc. etc. It's about putting one foot in front of the other untill I'm happy. Peace , quiet and just enjoying the simple joy of being outside.
There's a lot of flowery bollocks written about spending time outdoors, generally I can't abide it [the writing!], so thanks for the refreshing no nonsense take on why you enjoy it!
It's a simple joy Robin as you say. Why some seem to want to complicate it baffles me.
Owdbum sounds ok with me.
Perspective :-)
Tony thank you for commenting. Really appreciate all visits to the blog. I look forward to your thought on your blog. It is so great to be out there. Could not agree more.
Themuss simple thing backpacking. Leads to much joy when you bag that sunset and sunrise.
Insightful comment Peter. I agree there is some who seem to want to explain away the simple joy of the outdoors. Your tale about your son sums it up very well.
Agree:)
Sandy. Enjoying it means we are not worried about the rain, the cold. We can just enjoy. Pull out if we need, or go on. I am waiting for that report of the trip with PTC and others just had. Thanks for the input here.
I agree Fraser. That flowery bollocks was one reason I wrote this. Glad you liked it. Agree 100%
:-)
Hiking, and backpacking makes me smile and gives me good views. Gets me away from it all. Some of the best wildlife encounters I have ever had have been whilst hiking. I just wish you lot would all stop backpacking so I could have the hills to myself. I am selfish like that. ;-)
Go on, you know you all think the same!
Nice post Martin, free of all that puff about being in touch with ones inner being. Pretentious nonsense that.
In my recent post about why I love to go out into the hills, I didn't particularly focus on backpacking, but I agree with your simple answer - it is fun! Otherwise why would I put up with the sometimes less than ideal conditions!
Nice one, Martin. After a few days outside everything just becomes a bit more happy. All the shitty things in life fall away and it comes down to just you and your whims.
After a few weeks you think you never ever want to go back to "real life".
After a few months out, you are trying to work out how you can possibly manage to squeeze a few more months outside.
For me it's all about simplicity and having a good time.
Hills to myself Carl. I would need to go to the Yukon I think. A smile and good view are priceless. Nice point.
Sheila I am behind with my blog reading. I don't recall that post you mention. I will check. Your right. Its fun. We do put up with much. But the joy being out there is worth it.
Simplicity and having a good time is the goal Alan and well put. One foot in front of the other and repeat. Go out and stay out a night. Enjoy. Why oh why do some seek to complicate it with pretentious clap trap I don't know.
I love backpacking for all the reasons you've mentioned, but for me, as a bit of a naturalist (no, not naturist - I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy!), there are certain times and experiences which backpacking really enhances...
Examples being a woodland at dawn in early May. The dawn chorus is phenomenal at that time of year. Yes, for some people the 5am wake up is irritating, but for me, it really enhances the experience
Mid October and the red deer rut - just amazing, and again, it's something that is much easier to experience when backpacking, as you can experience it before the day trippers arrive, or after they've gone home.
I'll sometimes plan backpacking trips based purely around what wildlife I'm likely to see. Last July, I walked Glen Affric to the Youth Hostel, for no other reason than because the area is one of the best places in the UK to see dragonflies (I'm hoping to go again this year, with a few friends, and a half decent camera!). I want to visit the Flow Country in June, so that I can see breeding Black-Throated Divers, etc... backpacking brings you closer to nature, in a literal sense, not just in some hippy flowery sense.
The only thing I need to find is more time to get out there!
I do need it as a reset, nothing too deep and philosophical you understand. Just a breath of fresh air to clear the cob webs. Sometimes that breath turns into a gale force wind but that's what it's all about. Taking what's put in front of you; which is always amazing!
I pity the people that don't see what we see...
Enjoyed the read, thanks Martin
I was thinking about writing about this topic myself as it's quite a complicated one - if you want it to be.
Simple answer is that I go hiking/skiing/paddling/whatever because it's fun. Of course it's fun! A few things in my life I do for responsibility or because obligated but most things I do because I like them as they are fun. But that leaves the question why choose hiking over drinking beer with friends( I believe most find that enjoyable too.) Hiking is quite a troublesome way of having fun, there are many aspects and moments that are not simply fun. Thus I think there is more in hiking than just having fun. I have to see if I can put it into words...
Gotta agree with you there Grahame. Often camped on the hills you miss out on a dawn chorus (well may get woken by grouse and sheep).
But come spring and early summer, there's not many things in life as special as early dawn in woodlands. Surprising how much life there is cause it soon quietens down later on.
Nice post Martin :)
Why do I backpack? Errrr, cause I like it. I like travelling, being self-reliant and independent. There's a sense of adventure but calm and serenity to it all too. Life and all it's foibles is brought into perspective with the wider world and our place in it (flowery enough for ya? lol).
I just like being outdoors and enjoying scenery - whereever that may be. Simple as that.
Oh! And I love that pic of you hiking with Snowdon as a backdrop!! Ace picture that!
A really good post Martin, thanks for sharing.
Backpacking for me is about the pleasure and experience of moving both with and through a landscape. As a dayhiker you get some of it but I think the views and moments you get either later in the evening or very early in the morning are something special and unique to backpacking and wild camping. However, I also do it because I can go further and for longer, get to wild and remote places, and get the most out of long drives....
It's funny being out on the more popular hills, especially the Munros; however busy it might be during the day, you suddenly notice at around 4 or 5 in the afternoon that everyone else has descended, leaving you up high and revelling in the peace and quiet :-)
Totally agree with all the previous comments - except I've never swum naked in tarns, although I have howled with wolves - but I also love the aspect of going out into wilderness that you can only access on foot. It's a great feeling to think that you're 2 or 3 days walk from the nearest road.
Film that photo Terry. Nice walk too. Big route and four days of bliss. Rained once. That was a brief down poor at the end walking into town to finish. Snowdon looked good that day.
As to why your reasons are good. Honest and talk of the joy (fun) that is found with the simple art of backpacking.
I think the basic truth is uncomplicated. It's a simple thing backpacking. When you add skis and very wild terrain its about skills and then the willingness to go there. Over beer drinking. There is no wonders sunset, nor views at the bottom of a beer glass. There is no silence in the night or wild life to see. My point here has been that hiking is fun and yet some seem to add complexity and as Fraser put it "flowery bollocks " to say why they go. Is their life so miserable they need to go outdoors to improve and find themselves?
Well put Grahame. Woods can bring many enjoyable things. Wildlife adds to the adventure on a trip. See a Red Kite or Stoat. All enjoyable sights. You also paint a tour of the seasons linked to the wild life. Superb. Flow Country in June sounds great. Been years since I visited there. For me your comment has added much along with the others here.
Thanks Nick. Day hiking is great but the views change with the sun setting and the night. Backpacking opens up the wild land up for us.
2 or 3 days is sounding nice. Wolves out there also. Your 8 to 9 miles out there max in the UK. Most times 2 or 3. But that is not the issue. What matters is just going. Step out and enjoy. Thanks.
My last wild camp was on Windy Gayle in the Cheviots at the end of the PW. As far away from humankind as you can get in England? Or so i thought until midnight when my tent shook violently and a voice boomed out."OY Mate! We're putting a command post here tonight. Any squaddy shakes your tent and shout "STAFF!" Tell them they've got the wrong "F...Kin' Tent!"
The rest of the night was spent in a pretend war zone? That's Wild camping!?
Excellent Blog and comments.
On my first ever wild camp, we lay in our sleeping bags listening to snipe drumming. It was such an extraordinarily beautiful experience and I was hooked.
Thanks for the comment Ian and glad you like the blog. Cheviots share a big army range. Makes for a tale what happened to you. There is a tale of the army on my Dartmoor walks page.
Magic Louise and keep at it.
Great blog post! I get asked the same thing. I've only been backpacking since April 2010, I've gone from having budget gear (being heavy etc.) upgrading to the much lighter and more expensive equipment.
Like yourself, I started backpacking to prolong my time on the fells rather than doing a day walk and driving back home. The sunsets and sunrises, all the different views you get at dusk and dawn! You just can't beat it, I wish I started backpacking sooner.
Fun - honestly, I am just rediscovering this aspect of backpacking and hiking myself. I've always gone for the physical and mental challenge, but just recently have started butt sliding down mountains and singing with others on the trail. Very different from all those miles I've hiked alone. The students teach the teacher!
I started backpacking:- why? Well it wasn't fun when i started because that side of it had no yet become apparent. In my younger days i was 70% climber and 30% day walker.
Then i read Climber and Rambler for the first time and that was when eureka struck. A lot of the walks appearing in the mag then, were big walks and big climbs, the Alps, South and North America, Iceland, Greenland etc.
I wanted some of it. This was what i was missing in my life.
To carry everything i needed, to push myself into areas that i couldn't get transport to. A new world opened up and it was good. I did a couple of years getting used to gear and saving to buy the best gear i could and of course carrying those ridiculous weights.
Then i went on a 17 day backpack in Iceland and the wilderness grabbed me and it's never let go to this day. We are so lucky. Some people will never understand.
Hi Martin,
For some reason, google has chucked trackways in instead of AlanR.
Trackways was my old account i had and don't use now. Strange.
The only thing I need to find is more time to
get out there!
I do need it as a reset, nothing too deep and philosophical you understand.
Just a breath of fresh air to clear the cob webs. Sometimes that breath turns
into a gale force wind but that's what it's all about. Taking what's put in
front of you; which is always a amazing!
I pity the people that don't see what we see...
Enjoyed the read, thanks Martin
Davy
What Nick B said. And what you said. And some time to think, and time to not think, and I like the light ;) I've probably written some overly flowery stuff before and others have too, I don't mind, we're all different but united in our love and enjoyment of being outdoors.
A nice insight
So why do you go out there? Is the question Martin asked.
Backpacking,
wild camping call it what you will, takes one, providing one is camping alone;
to a place where mankind originated: outside, outdoors.
Personally,
I prefer very wild places, out of the way places, off the beaten track. I love
to be in awe of my surroundings. I love to stare at rock formations; knowing
that the rock was there before mankind - and will be there when mankind, like
most species, is no longer part of this planet.
I
love to watch the soaring eagle and the croak of a raven, the wonders of lichen
growing on rock. I can and do see and enjoy these on my many day hikes. After
all I am lucky enough to be out in wild country almost every day of the week; walking
before dawn and often after sunset. But being there, all day, all night, it is
different. It is better.
Marin,
I have no idea why there are damn great gaps in the post I've just made in response to your latest blog.
Best wishes,
Rob
Being naked...............
Naked in the hills seems a popular pass time James. Howling at the moon and tarn swimming next?
If you used word to write up the long comment first that can happen. Other wise Rob I don't know.
All night and day with eagles and wild land is just amazing. The joy you get comes across Rob in powerful descriptions and thanks.
Thanks Andy
The light is the simple joy and fun to be had. Why complicate a simple interaction with the outdoors David. Like you say the "love and enjoyment of being outdoors" is key.
Thanks Davy and thanks for sharing.
Google or Disqus do that Alan.
Sounds superb adventures Alan. You must share that Iceland tale sometime either on your blog or feel free to guest post here. Like wilderness grabbing us.
The problem with physical and mental challenge Philip is what happens when it goes wrong? Have we failed?. Backpacking is a simple thing at its core that unlocks the wilderness and wild land 24/7 Fun gives me scope to walk long into the day, or not. To sit and watch the sunset, or whatever takes my fancy.
I am glad fun is grabbing you. Fellowship of the trail and the joy of the shared views. I like solo and I like others along as well. All good. Have fun.
Kit is a means to an end Alex and the end is to enjoy the outdoors for me. Glad it's going well. Oh I wish I had done it sooner. But get stuck in and make up for missed time :)
Good question. I guess I think and analyze many things way too much (engineer-minded) and can't quite settle with the simple answers. There must be reasons for enjoying some things more than the others. But I'm not sure whether knowing them or not matters. But I believe it might help me having even more fun.
The silence, the sunsets and the views would be characterized as "aesthetical reasons" or something, in my reasoning. I don't know about the misery of everyday life related to improving oneself or growing in the outdoors (those who have miserable life don't have the priviledge to go out backpacking!) but I feel that it has happened to me and probably backpacking has improved my life (Just as child's play does for children.) so I kinda emphasise that side too.
I like to camp and I like to walk. The fusion of the two us fun, pure and simple fun.
I do alot of outdoor related stuff, hiking, climbing, kayaking, caving and the like but the best feeling is sitting with a brew in an idyllic wild camping spot just immersed in the mountains I love. Sometimes it's the simplest of moments that give the most pleasure
Nicely put. After spending a night out on the fells I arrive home with a clear head.
as you say, it is plain and simple fun! but sometimes it's good to ask those deeper questions of why. certainly i enjoy the competition of mountain marathons but i also enjoy getting out on my own. sometimes i like to 'get away from it all'. sometimes it's that total feeling of insignificance that i crave and you can only get in the wild hills. but mostly, it's just fun. a great post for a good discussion :)
Andy your point of "Sometimes it's the simplest of moments that give the most pleasure" is superb. Superb and thanks :-)
Thanks for sharing Ethan. Good to hear from you here.
Fun is the aim. Like I said need to compete do a Mountain Marathon. Spot on Kate.
What a great question....
For the simple enjoyment of it.
I like you have no need for proving myself to others or combating nature in anyway.
One of my favorite quotes taken from the 17-18 hundreds is...
"The best way to deal with rain...is let it rain."
Time doesn't matter except for the one that says you have to be back at some specific time, but until then it simply doesn't matter.
I am self contained and can come and go as I will and the only schedule I am on is my own.
If I am in a spot that is not bothering anyone or anything and I want to stay there, then that is what I do. I once spent tan afternoon just watching the going on's of ants around their ant mound....nature can perplexing sometimes, entertaining, educational, and restful all at the same time.
Whether it is a day hike or a night hike it doesn't matter. And by experiencing both I am better able to understand what is happening in the wilds when I am sleeping.
I believe that it changes a person internally and as a result we can better cope with all of the stuff that the rest of the world has to offer us.
I think it is quite simple
For me it is just a cathartic experience.
The freedom.
The beauty.
The nature
The peace and quiet
I could go on and on and ..........
Even when frantically searching for a decent pitch in the dark on a windy night!
It is liberating, and although I have to seek big time permission to go away,
I always, no matter how crap the weather has been, come back a nicer calmer person.
For me, being away in the hills is like uncoiling a big spring.
The tension just flows away.................
Pure Zen!
Barefoot Child what a great answer and thanks for that.
Pure Zen and pure Fun Andy and great comment there. Thanks for that.
I go out for the connection to the world at it's most basic level. Feet on the ground, rain in the face, wildlife to seek, and the wonder of how nature evolved. I find it to be a spiritual endeavor for the most part. To seek what I crave, serenity. As an aside, I am very hyperactive by nature, and have found out that if I keep walking I keep calm. Odd paradox for me.
Great question.
I think there are so many correct answers here, and many have posted beautiful responses.
For most of my friends, the weekend is that "two day break" from work, where they are able to unwind and enjoy a pint or two at the local pub. Their Wednesday daydream of the weekend is sitting at the pub sharing stories of the week and discussing their upcoming travels wherever that may be. For me, it's as simple as visualizing from memory the map I've studied time and time again of the area I love to hike, and wondering what section I need to photocopy at work for the weeks end.
My mind drifts of thoughts of an eight pound base weight of gear that I've made on my living room floor. That eight pound thought on my mind is what gets me through the rest of the week, as well as deep the forest friday after work. While work consumes me 9-5 at the office dealing with deadlines, stresses, constant changes of schedule etc., there something about a single sheet of photocopied paper and compass that brings mental freedom and a cheerful grin to my face.
I have been blessed enough to be able to schedule 50+ nights of backcountry camping year after year. I explain all of these thoughts to my friends a well as show them the photos of previous trips, both high and low points.
Interestingly enough after painting the picture, I still get the question of why: What drives you there?
My response is simple, if I have to explain it, you won't understand.
Cheers.
Very interesting paradox Dave. "Feet on the ground, rain in the face, wildlife to seek" sounds good to me. Spiritual endeavour is interesting. Serenity is your goal and have fun seeking it.
J there is no correct answer. I would not agree with all the answers if every person who has read this post had left a comment. We all seek something I suppose out there. Mine is very simple I suppose. Fun, enjoyment, and the fellowship of the trail.
I dont seek any gain but just to I suppose. Like to know more about that 8 pound base weight. 50 plus nights is very nice. I would be happy with half that a year outdoors. Nice. great comment and thank you for sharing.
eveyone has a story of why they got into walking and backpacking.
mine was that I wanted the solitude and to push the boundaries of my childhood experiences.I also enjoyed the company of my mates on an "adventure" so the thought of a hobby where you can do both eqaully well was a big draw
first wildcamp was when I was 13 and was fun as much as it was scary. following on from this was doing the D of E and also cycling camping throughout my teens. the time was split evenly between doing it on my own or going with my mates.
alas work, college and kids put paid to it for longer than I care to remember and it feel like lost time now. Still, back into it now and still loving it, even though I dont go too far a field from my home area :)
"Still loving it" how good is that Dave. Thanks.
thanks for providing
us this type of important information and this information helps us a lot. I
will visit this site again……
I'll bookmark this and read soon. I might also pilfer the idea as its very applicable to me and why I go...
Glad it helps Tony and thanks.
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