Why The PEOPLE You Meet Backpacking Are The BEST

[@kibashisiyoto6771]

As a 50 something year old guy hiking the John Muir Trail, I was struggling a little bit to cross the river from Muir Trail Ranch to the hot springs on the other side. A twenty-something guy had lent me one of his trekking poles (I didn't have any) for the crossing and he was following behind me. Seeing me having difficulties, I felt a tap on my leg - he offered me his other pole. He had no problem crossing without the poles. That evening, I sat round a pretend campfire (fire restrictions) with him, a couple of 30 something gals from Colorado, and a 40 something woman from Brooklyn. We had a great time, lots of laughs, and I realized that maybe people weren't so bad after all. I had finished a divorce earlier in the year and thought the hermit in a hut life was for me, but after that experience, I became more social.

[@amynapier3551]

This is exactly why I love backpacking and why I love the hiking community. My favorite part is that introverts aren't looked down on. It's refreshing to hike and wave or nod to a fellow hiker and that be enough. I love feeling part of a hiking family in general not necessarily a small tramily. It's great that we all look out for each other. You are never alone.

[@CastawayHikes]

Day 1 on the CT I met a fellow thru-hiker, we both made the mistake of assuming that because we were along a river that we could fill up at any point...wrong! I had less than a liter, she had none, and we had a pretty good climb and several miles before we got to camp. We ended up sharing that water and both got to camp with heat stress and being dehydrated but we made it together and we were really close from that point on. You don't get many friendships like that in regular life

[@Wilderness-Will]

I absolutely agree with this sentiment. Outdoor enthusiasts often tend to be among the kindest people I've ever met-- especially those who are into intensive, arduous activities like thru hiking and canyoneering. Those hobbies require patience as a prerequisite!

[@JessicaTPeterson]

When I glanced at the thumbnail, I saw it as "Backpacks Are My Favorite People," and I thought, Yes! Mine too!

[@trakyboy5128]

😂 👍🏽😅

[@kristymoore7052]

I agree! I’m 60 and developed sciatica in August and could not even walk. Soooo depressed, but I went to PT, exercised religiously and am now training for the John Muir Trail this summer. I’m not done yet. Who hoo! It was sheer determination to NOT be that couch potato that helped me through it.

[@ann7021]

Thanks for your confirmation of my feeling about zombies! They seem to be everywhere. At 82 I won't be on the trail, but I am blessed to live in a very quiet rural community surrounded by trees and birds. They provide my healing breath of fresh air everyday.

[@KevinRStrauss]

Love, love, love this video. There's nothing quite like having a community where the feeling of belonging and connection is so strong. ☮❤🤝

[@28105wsking]

I agree, too. Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp, I ran out of food at Henke Cave. Sherpa guides leading a French group fed me dinner and breakfast, saw I was coming down with altitude sickness, and poured a whole big pot of tea into me, scolding me and forcing me to eat and drink even tho I was too exhausted to do either. The next morning they warned me to turn back if I couldn't remember the last half hour. That quickly happened an hour or two later. Thanks to their warning, I reluctantly turned around and went down as quickly as I could. Without their kindness, generosity, and warning, I might have died a miserable death from pulmonary edema because I didn't know anything about it! Fools rush in!! They saved my life! Trail folks are the best! Sherpas are the best!

[@rebeccamoore4177]

I had the privilege of doing a little trail trail magic on the PCT last summer. As thanks we got hugs, amazing smiles, conversations with people all around the world, a show tune sung to us, and a trombone solo! Because why wouldn’t you hike with your trombone. We received WAaaaaYYyy more than we gave.

[@ladykarolyn1]

A lot of the virtues of backpackers you list here are qualities I aim for in my own life, and I've never done more than a couple day hikes or car camping trips in a given year! I agree with you: it's just a better way to live. For me, my best teacher has been my dog. She finds simple joy in napping in a sunbeam or sharing body heat with me; she observes and engages with her environment closely every time we go outside; and (if I didn't ask her to tone it down-- very much a work in progress) she'd holler at every person and dog we see to come over and say hi. She's no zombie, and she reminds me all the time not to be one either. Good girl, Nutmeg 😊

[@Kate_Pilgrim]

I’m so glad you say young at heart! I’m getting into multi day hiking at age 50! 😂

[@russelljackman1413]

Wow, Jessica... You are spot-on with all of your thoughts! I found myself repeating the word, "Yup!" throughout the entire video. This was a terrific video, just chock-full of great memories, not only for you, but for all of us who have vicariously lived these wonderful experiences with you. Thank you for putting this together! You sure do put a lot of smiles on a lot of people's faces and in their hearts as well! Here's to many more! God bless you, dear Friend!

[@nathanandtiffany]

I love how the trail is the ultimate social equalizer as well. I agree with every single thing you said Dixie!

[@rickchollett]

I've been watching you for a few years now. I love backpacking! Which is MUCH different than going on a "hump" when I was in the military. Now I can carry what I want and go at my own pace. I walked the Camino Frances six years ago and will be walking the Camino del Norte in April (and my brother will go along)! People on trail have never let me down. Always friendly and encouraging!

[@wandaesch7314]

Yes, appreciating simple things is so refreshing.

[@GreenTeaDigital]

Dixie, you've done an excellent job expressing some of the most ineffable things about hikers and why we love each other. Good job!

[@GoAheadandHike]

I agree. The trail just pulls the best out of most people. It reveals who we are at the core. And all the differences we have in "normal life" just don't seem big enough to divide us as human beings.

[@lenisteingen3036]

Your words are hitting home and pulling my heartstrings. You brought me to tears of joy and gratitude. ❤ Thank you for what you do on KZbin. From the first time I heard about the PCT in 2017 you were a part of this part of my life.

[@michelle_ajema]

I only do day hikes for now, but so many people I meet tell me I look way younger than my age. Their guesses are usually 10 years younger than my real age and I love seeing the shock on their faces when I tell say the correct number. 😂😂Nature is the best adult playground that keeps you young! 💪🏾💪🏾😎

[@johnalden5821]

Every single characteristic and trait you ticked off your list brought multiple memories and smiles. All of this is so true. I definitely think you have to be a minimalist in some ways, and you have to be resilient and resourceful. The thing that resonated the most was that backpackers (and hikers) really treasure experiences. I started late. After doing some backpacking as a kid, I went off to college and stopped doing it until I had my own kid I could hike with. So, I missed a couple of decades. But in the 20 years that I have been backpacking as an adult, there have been so many incredibly beautiful places and experiences that will always be vivid in my mind. I wouldn't trade them for any BMW.

[@michellem7290]

Beautiful little speech! Keeps my future backpacking dreams burning

[@claramullen]

It is just the simple fact that total strangers that love the outdoors and hike will do what ever they can to help a fellow hiker is what restores my faith in mankind. Trail Angels are another amazing topic. I would like for you do a video about them. Take care Dixie.

[@gregmortonoutdoors]

I look at the folks I ended up hiking the AT with and we would have not interacted with each other if it were not for the trail. However, we all stay in touch with each other via texting and going to visit each other. It's kind of amazing how backpacking can bring people together.

[@cathye.9659]

I totally agree. Tough, creative, kind.

[@donnajean72]

One of my fave videos you've ever made.

[@DavidN460]

Thank you Dixie, You have a great skill of expanding appreciation on the joy of the outdoors. Over the years my friends and I have noticed that testing yourself has a way of exposing your weaknesses but also ironically building resilience, confidence and ultimately strength. I am no psychologist but simply have observed that when people have a common goal, travel in the same direction (even for short while)or simply cross paths, share experiences and the essentials in life like food, drink or shelter they build the strongest bonds. Long may we all continue to enjoy and share your love of the outdoors.

[@HippieHikerChik]

Absolutely. My inner circle was initially formed around our love of backpacking. Backpackers are definitely some of the best people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.

[@shananiekamp3218]

Yes to this a million times over!!

[@ValerieElliott-z8x]

Yes! Trail magic and angels and what my hiking buddy calls “Grubby Wilderness Warriors “!!!! Best memories involve others experiencing the wonder with me!

[@robertrockwell7581]

never been backpacking have been camping though. they are a special group of people. stay safe again Dixie.

[@karenken2861]

I could not agree more, my six year section hike on the AT provided me with some of my greatest life experiences. Not only were the hikers the best, but all the trail angles and shuttle drivers were so kind and friendly, they were always willing to do anything to help those in the hiking community. Society could learn so much from backpackers ... siting together, communicating, sharing, helping each other, laughing and struggling together. I was glad I actually met you on the trail in Harpers Ferry, when they were doing the civil war reenactment. I enjoy your passion for backpacking.

[@edwarddemedeiros3607]

Thanks for taking us along all these years! I have loved it all.

[@pismorichy]

I'm doing the Camino in 33 days , this video brought tears to all my memories and all the Camino events about to happen. Mrs. Dixie you are spot on! This video should be entered into a film festival. ❤❤❤

[@davidgough3512]

Truer words were never spoken.. brought tears to my eyes. Salute to all sistren and brethren who have sought out the Trail.

[@EmpArtLiv]

Thank You for your beautiful perspective… day hiking, section hiking, and later thru-hiking helped me be more real and empathetic to the suffering of others! Watching others realize that people will help you without expectation of a return gave me a broader perspective a deeper love for other humans and animals! So many incredibly non-refundable experiences

[@Buddygold9509]

Great observations. Nailed it. I’ve found that the negative people usually in life aren’t backpackers. Thankfully.

[@mhoefler914]

I remember a backpacker somewhere on a California trail from 30 years ago. We had a 10 minute conversation and then went our opposite ways. What stuck with me, then and now, was not the actual subject but the realization that something in him is exactly the same as something in me. It was not a superficial connection, it was brief and profound and memorable. My solo hike that day needed him to remind me of humanity and our oneness.

[@francesprice618]

Dear Dixie, what a breath if fresh air you are! You have a gift of blessing the rest of us with your perspective. Thank you for sharing your best self. 💕

[@PabloP169]

An excellent summary Dixie.

[@UncleGeorgeTV]

You hit all the high points that I have I'm totally gonna re share this video on my Facebook

[@iceman857]

What if most people are decent human beings at the core and the trail just eliminates everything that makes us do stupid stuff? Backpacking brings out the best in any of us maybe?

[@alanhelton]

This comment hits!

[@TeeGreen222]

I agree. I would venture to say that I’m more open, more friendly, I feel “free” when I’m out hiking - versus when I’m at home in the grocery store for example - immersed in the daily grind and more closed off to other people. And that’s very sad. I could and should do better.

[@Wittlethumbs]

She never said NON backpackers were bad people or “less than”. Jesus Christ , there’s always one 🙄

[@gettingintrospective]

@@Wittlethumbsnice try

[@Wittlethumbs]

@@gettingintrospective F O

[@Lightning77AThiker]

2:15 can relate. Nobody in my family or at work seems to be interested in anything outdoors. Leaving not much to talk about.

[@nr5609]

Long time fan of your hiking content. I don't know if it just so happened to be the right message at the right time, or is it nostalgia, but I think that might be my favorite video of yours yet! Gave me the warm-and-fuzzies. -Thanks!

[@goodwaterhikes]

It's been a year and a half since my AT thru hike and a day doesn't go by without thinking about life on the trail, miss the community and support of all the trail angels. Also no longer take a warm soft bed for granted it has become something to appreciate. Happy trails all 😎☮

[@KEEN.J.M]

We are vulnerable outside of walls and cities. We confront the unknown and we show up even when we are afraid or uncertain. We connect in more meaningful ways with those we meet on the trail because without digging for commonality we begin with our shared experience. You can finish a trail or a hike and remember those you have met along the way and the accomplishment of finishing but the truth is arriving at places in yourself and learning how resilient and fragile we are. Only those who brave the wild know how far off trail the world has gone. Keep on. Stay kind.

[@robertpierson9051]

Best video ever explaining why backpackers are amazing people!

[@MrFishPirate]

On the PCT in '21, I twisted my knee comin in to Idyllwild, and had to hike 18 miles up and down rises. Ended up back home with knee surgery. Doing PRP (platelet rich plasma) March 1st, heading back out to the PCT on April 10. Hopefully third time is the charm. I was at Montezuma Valley Market the night it burned down. There were about 12-15 of us hanging out that night. Did what little we could to salvage before the fire took it. Mostly the stuff out near the firepit area. Back in 2018 on my 1st attempt (had to leave at Tehachapi for family reasons) I gave away my knee brace, all my leukotape, and most of my KT tape. Gave a gal a liter of water because her filter broke. I was roughly 50 yards behind where Happy Days died on trail around mile 33 coming in to Mt. Laguna. Ended up hiking with his buddy for about 100 miles, along with a few other South Koreans. Hard to communicate, but we all figured it out. So yeah, I help as much as I can, and probably more than I should.

[@michaelowens6572]

Love ❤you Dixie, you're the best, keep us posted and keep us posted😊 🎉

[@Karen-dq8nw]

Finding the joy in small wonders. Sharing a laugh, or a tough experience together.

[@tl2913]

Some people get it and some people don't! Just keep on truckin' Dixie! 😉😉

[@royferrissugarbear5306]

I remember twice on the trail when I was doing the AT back in 2022 there was a hiker who misjudged their resupply and was short on food, well, we all dug into our packs, and that person, then had enough food. Then there was a time when another hiker who’s stove wasn’t functioning properly, and I let them use mine. We hikers look after each other and yes everyone is real, you see what we truly are and no mask is needed. Thanks for the video.

[@DavyRayVideo]

Dixie, for me it's about foolishness. After hours of worrying about your next water source, and exhausted from hiking, there is no point worrying about looking foolish. Foolish is okay. Don't fear that. After all, most trail names are the result of some embarrassing event.

[@scotbotvideos]

Great video as per usual, Jessica. Clearly, backpacking has been a character-revealing journey for you; and your humbleness, despite your internet fame and success, readily shines through.

[@douglaspavkov4301]

spot on, can't wait to get back on the trail this spring, was walking around my house last week with my backpack on while it was below zero outside....see back in the dirt

[@teasdaleart1]

I am a 65 year old woman and I have been a backpacker and world traveler all my adult life. I find that people in both of these lifestyles are wonderful.

[@livinlarge1247]

Yeah the backpack & outdoor gear & bushcraft: never-ending, challenging, clean & useful hobbies.

[@tb4876]

i totally agree, Even though Bismark was wanted by the FBI he was one of the nicest and most helpful guys you'd ever want to meet. I met him in 2014 on my AT thru hike. I love your videos! Keep up with the good work and congrats on getting hitched!

[@dmunman]

As a lifelong old hiker/trail angel, I’ve met only a few people I didn’t like. Not saying any were bad, likely they were having a bad day. We have many different back grounds and cultures. In pa, we see way more day/section hikers than thru hikers. I do wish we didn’t use labels. Labels infer one kinda hiker is somehow better than another. For me, providing food or clean water is a wonderful day spent. Some quality time chatting with so many interesting people. Playing music at appropriate times with musicians can be so uplifting. Helping a special needs hiker is also wonderful.

[@stewartellis353]

I agree. I spent a lot of my life outdoors. I don't have a lot but memories, if I can remember them.. They make me rich!!!

[@stpetie7686]

There's a lot to be said for the lessons learned while doing without. I think most of the time those lessons make us better people. And happier people. The trick is not to forget them.

[@jimrubyhike]

Thanks Dixie! Great video! Spot on!

[@bobmcelroy7289]

Couldn't agree with you more...on all of it!

[@amerphoto1]

Could not agree more! I think it comes down to the bond of commonality. For me I bond with three types of people, photographers...we eat drink and sleep photography with other photographers. My fellow firefighters...we eat drink and sleep firefighting with other firefighters, a brotherhood. And backpackers, we eat drink and sleep backpacking with other backpackers. As backpackers, we all have that commonality of gear, spending time in nature, share the aches and pains or being wet, cold and miserable, the burden of the heavy load outs, the freedom of being in nature the freedom of doing what we love. And we know that all backpackers have gone through the same things as a rite of passage as we have.

[@mosquitoeslovejohn]

Yes. Backpackers tend to be genuine individuals living in the moment 😀

[@Major-Steve]

All of this 💯! But the “makes you understand what it’s like to be looked down upon” really hit home.

[@robinsmith9734]

Here here, Dixie, you have nailed the obvious, in the snow, heralding the beauty of nature. It will teach you, and guide you through difficult times, but always be there. I started tramping nearly 70 years ago in New Zealand and was hooked, on the experience, with other people. The fun in huts in the high country is/was infections, and games of great hilarity would be conjured up to lift the roof sometimes. Thanks Dixie, you are a wonder to us, in Memorium........Love You...............

[@tomphillips3162]

I don't mean this in a bad way, but I agree she is Queen of the obvious.

[@livinlarge1247]

Me too! ❤ Same experience.

[@banyantree8618]

Agree 1000% with every observation and sentiment in this post 😊 going on the trail has been the best decision of my life.

[@ChrisSunHwa]

I really love your positivity, Dixie. It's truly uplifting. 🥰

[@camillewandelt2932]

Awesome, warm picture you show us of the hiking community!

[@laptop4689]

Right ON!

[@MichelleR.Benore]

So beautiful 🌸 how people can be such a blessing to each other 🌷

[@chrisblevins5143]

The fly swat guy! That was one of the best "what the.....?" moments ever lol great video Dixie!

[@KìŧŧyDąrlìng2024]

💚 I think this is literally my favorite video and message you have ever done thus far. Heck, it even got me to comment! Love it! 감사합니다 🌲

[@JimRodgers]

I've been backpacking for over 40 years now and I agree - the people you meet on trail are just different, in a good way. I've backpacked in Colorado, Washington and Oregon (mostly in Oregon) and can't think of a single time where I've had negative encounters with other hikers. Can't say the same for the cities where I live in the PNW lol.

[@arionisonlineleeirlhookert3757]

Amen! I'm an introvert IRL, but not on the trail!

[@thomasunderdahl2353]

Thank you for sharing Dixie. 😊

[@Lv4_o2]

Spot on, exactly how I feel!!! Thank you!!!

[@wandaesch7314]

Best truthful video on KZbin

[@ursinidaho]

Hello from North Idaho! Dixie, you are looking so Beautiful! Radiant comes to mind. I can relate. Ski and snowboard Instructors are young at heart as well! I am so over small talk. I think I was about your age when I started to notice that it was lame. It is so much more fun to hang out with simple, cool people. Not people who think they have to prove themselves. Me, I am drawn to people where it's easy to have a conversation and also I love confident people. I grew up in So Cal so I've seen the plastic people up close. You are So Awesome! I've followed you since you posted your PCT hike.

[@NotYou9311]

Well said. There is something about being out there. It is sort of a "great equalizer". I can say that, with only one exception, that everyone I've met in the woods has been a pretty nice person.

[@jameshicks1182]

Excellent video Dixie! Those experiences are worth more than toys.

[@thomasvanetten1984]

I met some very nice and very interesting people on the AT last year on my thruhike attempt. There were a few that were unpleasant but they were the exception. I personally prefer solitude on trail but really enjoyed my interactions with the many people I met on trail. Let me add a reason why: it’s the shared experience and shared goals we have on trail.

[@markheming3507]

BOOM! Nailed it girl

[@MotiMiataR]

So true, thanks for putting it out there :)

[@stevefritz5182]

Great job on this topic! I wasn't expecting such depth.

[@stevefritz5182]

I'm surprised how many clips there were of Rigga. She's my favorite of your Tramliy. I just loved her energy on your AT hike.

[@yougotthisheartandsoul640]

Nature is the equilibrium of life lived connected....

[@Lennen-N-Motion]

Excellent observations about backpackers. I couldn’t agree more with you. Now, when you’re not hiking, maybe at a company Christmas party, or merely shopping at the mall, can you pick out a backpacker just from the interaction?

[@libertyvilleguy2903]

Good, accurate list.

[@susietopspin]

Spot on Dixie. Happy trips.🤘🏻🥾⛰️

[@kerkleblanc7690]

Amen, Thanks

[@julianlord5366]

In my experience, it's the case that if you have the kind of personality that you need to go on a long-distance hike, then there is a signifiçcantly higher chance that you will get along with others who have the same personality types -- so it's not just what the other hikers/backpackers are like, it's what one is like oneself. Having said that, if you're completely alone on a hike for a period of weeks or months, you still end up having a different relationship with those that you meet along the way in villages or towns and so on, and not the typical relationships you have where you live.

[@kathycasey9153]

I have experienced hiker kindness more times than I can count.

[@johneason6540]

Amen Dixie ❤🎉

[@AudreyGibson573]

This. All of this. ❤

[@carriehikes]

I love this, you are so right 😀

[@Fragnifiscents]

Love this video! So excited to get back out there!

[@yourexperiencetoday6858]

Just a thought about why some backpackers see big foot. It is a real thing called third person syndrome. When people are scared to death it is a natural defense to see a dark being near by. Look it up and learn how it happens. You could be the next person to see a big foot, really.

[@livinlarge1247]

I like the footage of that stream they were swimming: must have been the cdt...colorado..montana..

[@Loner2012AT]

Good video! Trail peps are the best!