Backpacker – August 2019

JULY/AUGUST 2019
08 BACKPACKER.COM

T

HOUGH MOST OF US f ind

it ha rd to believe, not ever y-

one loves backpacking. In

fact, the vast majority of people in

the United States don’t pla n vaca-

tions with the goal of carrying a

heavy pack all day, fending off bugs and bad

weather, pooping in a cathole, and sleeping

on the ground.

That's because it takes a certain type

of person to reject a fridge full of food and

the luxury of modern plumbing, if only for

a weekend. I take pride in being part of this

club and I'm sure you do too, because we

know something the majority of people don’t:

Backpacking is good for body and soul. We

know that the time we spend outdoors—

getting dirty, sweaty, hot, cold—makes us

healthier and happier. The only thing back-

packers routinely compla in about? Not

spending enough ti me out side.

We’re f i xing that with our new member-

ship program, BACKPACKER Basecamp,

designed to help you do more of what you

love. We started by surveying more than a

thousand readers to learn what you want

most. Based on the feedback, we put

together a program that connects

you with the tools you need to get out

more often, with more safety and

confidence. I’m also excited about

the community we’re building—it’s a

place where you can join others who share

your passion for the outdoors, including the

BACKPACKER staff.

How’s it work? You sign up for the club,

and immediately gain access to special gear

discounts, skills videos, trip advice, and

more. The benefits include:

» Discounts on new gea r from top bra nds

»On-demand video tutorials on subjects

like navigation, survival, first aid, cook-

ing, a nd more

»Monthly newsletter with exclusive con-

tent a nd contests

» Editors’ persona l tra il a nd gea r advice

»A private Facebook group for commu-

nity members

» V IP perks at BACK PACK ER events

»An annual subscription to the magazine

Ready to start getting out more? Find details

at backpacker.com/basecamp. PHOTO BY ISTOCK.COM / MOLCHANOVDMITRY

EDITOR’S NOTE

by Dennis Lewon

Alone or together,

all hikers share

a common bond.

CELEBRATE NATIONAL SUMMIT DAY

ON AUGUST 3

We’re mobilizing a nation of hikers.

Join us by climbing a peak—anywhere,

big or small—and be part of summer’s

best celebration. Need another reason?

Here are the top five.

1. THE VIEW
   OK , you don’t need us to tell you a good
   view is worth the effort. But climbing
   to a summit is about more than the
   scenery—it can give you a new per-
   spective on life. Just ask Rick Sanger,
   a former backcountry ranger who
   climbed a mountain at just the right
   time in his own life (page 81).


2. THE COMMUNITY
   Looking for the ultimate bonding experi-
   ence? Do something you love with others
   who share the passion. Hiking clubs all
   over the country are leading group hikes;
   find one to join at the website below.


3. THE CHARITY
   National Summit Day supports Big City
   Mountaineers, a nonprofit organization
   that mentors under-resourced youth on
   wilderness trips.


4. THE PRIZES
   Share photos and stories from your
   National Summit Day climb using the
   hashtag #nationalsummitday and you’ll
   have a chance to win swag from the
   BACKPACKER gear closet.


5. THE HERO SHOT
   Tag your summit pic and we’ll publish
   the best ones. And remember, when
   you climb for a cause, you really are a
   hero (see #3).

Join the Club

Become a member of BACKPACKER Basecamp,

and you’re sure to get out more.

Find a peak or group hike near you:

backpacker.com/nationalsummitday.