The 400: Backpackers Of Color ... Where Are You?
Backpackers of color, this is your clarion call! Your rallying cry! Are you out there? Stand up and be counted as one of 'The 400' by leaving a comment. #the400
I decided to take a more in-depth look for myself at what’s really going on with African Americans and the outdoors. What outdoor activities are we participating in or not participating in? As always, it’s clear that we are not a monolithic people because the activities vary widely. In my analysis, I confirmed what my eyes have shown me to be true. One of my favorite outdoor activities, backpacking, is not particularly popular in general but is extremely unpopular with African Americans. First, let's clarify what I mean by backpacking. In it's most concise, traditional and simplest form: (Camping *(all your stuff in a backpack)) + Hiking = Backpacking. There is a new trend that defines backpacking as essentially 'traveling with a backpack' but that's not backpacking in the traditional sense. In my traditionally humble opinion of course. I mean when it's raining outside, you get wet. When you want a hot meal, you set up a 'pop up' kitchen which is the stove in your backpack. Need the restroom, it's any one of those tree's thirty paces to the left or right of the trail…and there is no line or porcelain throne. I know some you just read this and decided either this is not for me or that sounds cool. Please, read on. There was an outdoor industry study released that does a good job of pulling back the curtain and revealing some truths.
The Stats
The study revealed that the number of All-Americans that participated in some type of outdoor activity in the past year was 142.4 million. About 9% of those were African American, which equates to about 12.7million. The top three most popular outdoor categories for African Americans were the usual general activities for all ethnic groups: Running, Biking and Fishing. Furthermore, of the total 142.4 million only about 10,000 people in America actually participated in Backpacking. A more microscopic view indicates that only 4% of African Americans actually participate in the overall category of camping which includes Car, Backyard, Backpacking and RV. This is where the numbers get a little ambiguous because no one is specifically counting backpackers of color. Not until this blog post that is. I'm not a statistician or professional pollster but after a really close look at the study data, the percentages and some deductive reasoning, I've come to the conclusion that only about 400 African Americans actually participate in true backpacking.
The Call
Maybe I'm really off with 'The 400'. Perhaps I've severely undersold my brothers and sisters of color. Or maybe I've overestimated? This is where I need your help. Through Outdoor Afro and other groups I have met many outdoor enthusiasts, but less than a hand full are backpackers, in the traditional sense. Have you seen anyone of color on the trail "loaded for bear" while you were on your day hike? I was on the Appalachian Trail (AT) for 4 days. I saw one African American when I borrowed a mirror to check my beard for crumbs. It was me. I hiked with an awesome crew and like most outdoor folks they just wanted to soak up nature and extract stress. I have never had any issues in the wild. I asked my caucasian guide if she had seen many African Americans on the AT, after a moment of reflection, "one guy a few years back….but it's very rare..why is that?". My answer for the why question deserves a post of its own. I know Outdoor Afros hiked a portion of the AT a while back and it was a pleasure to follow along virtually. But where is everyone else? Is there a secret handshake I don't know about? Stand up and be counted. Leave a comment. Better yet...Teach me the handshake!
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Psalm 94:19
