Tips for introducing someone to backpacking!

Living in West Texas gives a bit of a drive to good backpacking, naturally there aren't a lot of avid backpackers. In fact, many who would enjoy it have never had the opportunity to go. This makes it difficult to find hikers to share the trails with. I have come to the conclusion; if you can't find a hiker, make one! How do you turn someone into an outdoor adventurer who's never gone? I'd like to share some tips I have used to create a love for the outdoors in others. Invite someone on their first trip and use these tips to help break em in!

A Buddy and I trying on Packs before his first trip.

1. Change Your Mindset!

The main focus should be helping them to get a feel for backpacking. This should become your goal of the trip. Once they're hooked then you have your partner to get into extreme adventures with. For this trip, make it fun!

2. Help Them Find Gear

Better yet, provide them with gear they can borrow on that first trip or two. Backpacking isn't for everyone, you shouldn't expect them to have to shell out a bunch of dough so you can have a buddy. I have scoured the web for deals to build a "buddy pack" so I have an extra set of gear for someone to borrow.

3. Give Guidance On Packing

we've all read of some of the crazy mistakes first timers make, the Unthinkable items brought and essentials left behind. This can make for an uncomfortable or dangerous trip. Give them a packing list and go over gear together.

4. Haul the Heavier Load

Don't split the load evenly. Take a little bit extra on the stuff you'll share such as tent and cookware. If they weren't with you, you'd be carrying it all. Once they love it you can break it to them that they have to carry their weight (literally).

5. Hike to a Reward

There should be some incentive on that first trip. For seasoned hikers, being in the wilderness away from the man made world is plenty of motivation. However a first-timer has not (yet) developed that relationship with Mother Nature. It's good to have a destination worth working for. There are many rewarding trips out there. Hike to a waterfall or bag a nearby peak. Soon enough they will be
Calling you "just to get out there" again!


6. Take the Opportunity to Teach

None of us were natural in all areas of backpacking. There are a lot of skills involved in order to be successful and safe on the trail. We all can point to the people that shared their knowledge with us.

7. Be Flexible  

If you are hiking with someone else at all it is important to be flexible. If you like things to go exactly your way and don't want to give for anyone else then you are probably better suited for solo hiking. Most of us like to have some company out there. We must learn to be flexible especially with someone who has never gone before.

If your in a position where all of your hiking pals are unable to go or your like me and its not a common hobby in your area, take someone and share your love for the outdoors with them. At worst you have someone to get you out in the woods for one trip. At best, you may have found a new hiking partner to share many adventures with.