Any resources other than Meetup.com to find backpacking friends?

**OldNWay** · 11-18-2016, 06:07

I found this group they have a number of hikes in the area of Northern Pa
http://neohbackpackingclub.com/home.aspx

**Wanderlost** · 11-18-2016, 06:20

I've tried meetup. It's great for meeting hiking folks, but I never had any luck meeting people to backpacking with. The trip planning thread here is a pretty good place to post something. There are a handful of folks in the NoVA area and even more of us just a little bit further south.

**Chemguy** · 11-18-2016, 06:57

I've found that even when I go out alone, I often wind up meeting people on the trail. Then, it is up to me as to whether the trip remains solo or not. Since you are in the DC area, a quick trip over to Shenandoah would put you on the AT, where you would have a similar circumstance.

**arltodc** · 11-18-2016, 08:14

Originally Posted by Chemguy

I've found that even when I go out alone, I often wind up meeting people on the trail. Then, it is up to me as to whether the trip remains solo or not. Since you are in the DC area, a quick trip over to Shenandoah would put you on the AT, where you would have a similar circumstance.

This is very true, even when I hike with friends we tend to meet others on the trail, especially if we are on the AT. Thanks!

**OneClick** · 11-18-2016, 08:29

Originally Posted by arltodc

As for the solo trips, I am not sure that I don't want to go solo, I have just never gone solo before. I was planning to do try some solo trips next year as the weather gets warmer, for hiking longer days. There is just something about sitting around in the long nighttime hours and cold weather by myself that doesn't excite me at this time.

That's actually why I always go solo. Group trips seem to turn into massive car camps with spreadsheets, money collection, who's bringing what, etc. I can't do it. I want to pack quick and light the night before, drive, then hit the trail. The few group trips I've been on were a good time, but still usually consist of sitting around and burning 92 tons of wood all day after clear cutting the woods. Not my style either.

I wish I had a couple friends that were into backpacking to ask for am easy casual trip, but they have no interest at all.

I could ask here, but it would either turn into a big outing where other people start messing up the plans, or I would feel bad leaving out others.

**Wanderlost** · 11-18-2016, 17:38

Anymore I tend to go solo, but it's mostly because I refuse to let the lack of a partner stop me from going. I did that for too long. Folks at home may think I'm crazy or I'll fall off a cliff/get eaten by a bear/murdered by rabid squirrels, but I tell them that's just a chance I'll have to take.

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**Country Roads** · 11-18-2016, 20:07

When I first started backpacking, I went solo because I did not know anyone that backpacked. I love my solo trips. They have very little planning involved and I can change plans on a whim (although I do leave an intinerary). I also enjoy my trips with others, but it can be difficult due to different schedules. I do carry a SPOT unit; it gives my family peace of mind and yah never know. Try a short and sweet solo trip, maybe to a place you are familiar with just to see if you like it. Other than that, just post a short trip on Hammockforums. You may may turn up someone that you can do future trips with.

**Sailor** · 11-19-2016, 03:36

Its old school, but join the Sierra Club. They have trips, and you'll meet plenty of outdoorsy folks...

**MDCrab** · 11-19-2016, 08:41

Several folks here from MD, NoVA, lower PA. Keep your eye on the trip planning sections for NE and SE and you'll see stuff. Appalachian Trail section hikers on Facebook. And all the other good ideas posted before me. Of course this time of year things start to slow down as there are fewer people who enjoy backpacking in the colder weather.

**novasquid** · 11-19-2016, 08:54

I agree with what's been said about large groups so I tend to go out solo or with my wife (I'm lucky we have mostly the same interests). Last weekend I went out solo to the Roaring Plains by Dolly Sods and had a great short day hike and camp trip. I did see a large group at one point but they were all standing around I assume waiting for one of theirs to catch up.

I also agree with posting on this board about any trips you're planning to do. I know if my schedule was open I'd be interested. Most meet ups on this board seem to be about group hangs so it's kind of rare to see any posts about a backpacking trip.