Backpacking: A ΒRIEF HISTORY
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Backpacking in The United States
McKinley Harris
Professor Kevon Waddell
KINE: 2306
BACKPACKING: A BRIEF HISTORY
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According to Britannica, Backpacking is defined as a recreational activity that involves
hiking while carrying clothing, food and other camping essentials. (Britannica, 2010). The art of
backpacking, often used to describe the act of roaming around locales without a cause,
historically dates back centuries. Communities and cultures have been backpacking since before
the idea was even conceptualized. The world of backpacking made its way to united states and
became its own community filled with different people who have the same passion for
exploration and adventure. Backpacking however, is not completely effortless, the act of
backpacking can be incredibly vigorous incorporating different techniques that maximize
efficiency. The amount of thought that goes into safety precautions, weight balance and the
management of difficult terrain is crucial to a successful backpacking excursion. The physical
conditioning and knowledge of survival techniques are incredibly necessary.
Backpacking dates back all the way to 3100 BC. Ancient civilizations utilized bags made
of animal skin and carried their belongings from settlement to settlements. This was essential to
their survival. Flash forward to the United States in 20th century, the formal term, “backpacking”
gained traction as the recreational past time began to take form. This had a lot to do with citizens
at the time feeling isolated from nature due the intense population of cities at the time. Later in
the 1920s, Lloyd Nelson designed what we know now as the backpack. Prior to this invention,
hikers and campers used sacks tied with rope slung around their backs. The backpack was an
invention that allowed people to carry heavy loads with comfortability. Shortly after this is in the
1930s, the Appalachian Trail was completed. The trail solely constructed for hiking, helped
backpacking gain notoriety to everyone in the public. Not long after that the backpack itself
began to improve making more adjustments to the wearer until we ended up with wearable packs
that could house all our belongings while still allowing us to remain mobile. (Grant, 2021)
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In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson passes National Trails System Act which defined and
introduced trails all throughout the United States. The act helped trails gain popularity and
helped reframe the outdoors as being more accessible and recreational for anyone.
Following the institution of the National Trails System Act and the implementation of the
ideal backpack, hikers and campers began to explore different terrains. During the end of the 60s
entering the 70s, backpackers began to implement practices of sustainably and environmental
responsibility. This new found responsibility encouraged backpackers to minimize their impact .
The “Leave No Trace” concept was then introduced formally in the 80s and 90s. Shortly after, as
with everything else during the time, the United States was making significant advances in
technologies, tools, and equipment needed to effectively backpack in the 2000s. Inventions that
provided shelters, cookware, and other survival materials were becoming more and more
portable and convenient for backpackers.(Alpeche, 2021)
Today backpacking is still very popular amongst certain groups. It has become an
essential in the lifestyle of many people who enjoy the outdoors and exploration around the
country. Many individuals backpack for different reasons, some may choose to connect with
nature, others may do it to reconnect with themselves, some even use It as a form of exercise and
wellness. Lastly, backpacking is often used to connect with others. “Part of the experience of
backpacking (unless you’re completely isolated in the wilderness) is meeting others along the
way.” (Grant, 2021)
Humans have always been nomadic creatures, and no matter how many homes we buy
and establishments we build, there will always be the inner need to see the world around us. As
those parts of us will never truly go away, backpacking is a convenient way to still explore our
surrounding world while still respecting it, respecting those around us and respecting ourselves.
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References
Alpeche, J. (2021, September 2.). History of backpacking. LoveToKnow. Retrieved September
2, 2022, from https://camping.lovetoknow.com/History_of_Backpacking
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2010, November 1). backpacking. Encyclopedia
Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/backpacking
Unknown, G. (2021, April 27). Where did backpacking come from? A brief history. The
Outdoorsist. Retrieved September 2, 2022, from https://theoutdoorsist.com/where-didbackpacking-comefrom/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CBackpacking%E2%80%9D%20traces%20its%20roots%20ba
ck,of%20backpacking%20we%20know%20today.
Mountainhouse. (n.d.). A history of modern backpacking. Mountain House. Retrieved September
2, 2022, from https://mountainhouse.com/blogs/backpacking-hiking/a-history-of-modernbackpacking