Yes, several times. I've been many places in the US. I liked backpacking. But to be honest I liked good day hikes better.
If you don't know anyone, I'd suggest looking for a local outdoors group. Just about any city should have at least one group. Find out when and where they meet. They will likely have monthly meetings. Just show up at one of the meetings.
You shouldn't need reservations or advanced notice, just show up. They tend to be friendly sorts, and are obviously like minded. Backpackers tend to be really chill people.
They should have regular hikes, backpacking trips, and other outdoor activities. Start with something fairly easy, like just a weekend backpack trip, or even a one-nighter.
The group I first joined was the American Youth Hostels, which is the American branch of Hosteling International. You can check their web site for local groups near you.
https://www.hihostels.com
There are also plenty of other outdoors groups. Just check locally. Make friends, and enjoy the outdoors.
Get your hiking boots/shoes well ahead of time and break them in. Don't wear new shoes on your first backpack trip.
I have backpacked around the Sierra Nevadas, including the John Muir Trail.
I recommend you start small and go bigger. Perhaps the first trip being a three day hike. One day of hiking to a High Sierra Camp, then one day of camping, then one day to return.
There are all kinds of hiking clubs you can join, so I recommend you give them a try. If you have a hiking gear or sporting goods store nearby they surely can point you in the right direction. If not, google is your friend.
Give long distance day hikes a try, too.
They are more dangerous than staying home, but what's the fun in staying home? Seriously though, they aren't *terribly* dangerous, so long as one hikes in a group and is properly prepared.
P. S., the most important gear is your shoes. Blisters have ruined more backpacking trips than bad weather, bears, and poison ivy combined.
I went backpacking at 16 and alone. I look back at it now and it was kind of dumb to do since I had heaps of men flirting with me and so that’s what makes a part of it dangerous. It is fun though and you do feel independent. I’d go backpacking now that I’m 18 AND know that I can throw a solid punch if needed.
Honestly sounds like a blast, I wish I had a friend I could go with. My dad’s gone backpacking on the application trail before and loved it. My advice is to size up in footwear, because hiking socks are thick, and your feet might swell
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Yeah, I used to live in the mountains with my mom
I swear this is the best thing ever, if I have the chance and a good company I would go for it
Let's go together N23SA❤
I galavant around the world but do it on standby and air b&b mostly so I dunno if that counts as backpacking.
I do a lot of hiking, especially on Appalachian trail.
It can be dangerous. You need to be prepared to deal with other people, wild animals, injuries, weather and infection. You can die easily if you aren't careful. That said, I love it and I rarely ever have issues. If you like, you can message me and we can talk? :)
yeah i did. i think it is actually pretty dangerous if you're a woman. i mean if you are carefull and don't carry anything that is of great monetary value, you're relatively safe as a man but still you gotta watch out.
I've done it with friends in the Pyrenees, in Norway and in Poland.
We were in a group with 6 or 8 boys and girls. Never had problems regarding safety.
Join a local group or club that goes backpacking. They can help show you how it is done and you can go with other people to make it safer.
Unfortunately not. I would definitely agree with ArrowheadSW though, find a group or just at least a couple of other people as it will be safer.
Yes, It is simply Amazing.
I have Also gone Snow Shoeing. xx
Nope, and I agree with your family. It can be dangerous if you go in the wetter months. My brother did when he went to Scotland and had to cancel half-way through I think. Practising carrying all that weight would be a good thing to do before.
Yeah, it's a good way to learn how to be more efficient in packing only the essentials.
I went backpacking through some Scottish countryside. It was really fun except for all the midges.
I grew up backpacking.
Best experience ever!
Yes. 6 months all over Europe.
I pack children in bags
Nope
I will go with you
Nope never
I will never
Yeah
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