[ultrarunner]

As someone who spends a lot of time on trails, I can always tell when I'm getting within a half mile of a trailhead— I see another person or group of people. The best I can tell is that people want to connect with nature; they don't want to be outside. That's good enough motivation to plan a trip, especially to an easily selectable location. It's not quite enough to turn you into an outdoorsy kind of person, or transform "hiking" into more than just sort of walking around without aim.

[solardev]

> The best I can tell is that people want to connect with nature; they don't want to be outside.

What do you mean by this?

[digdugdirk]

The difference between a multi-day backpacking trip and a multi-day road trip that stops at 4 different national parks. Its very easy to be able to "see" beautiful places without "being" in them, if that makes sense.

[solardev]

Oh, I see. Sure, that makes sense.

I think it can be an "escalator" of engagement though, and small exposures can build up to bigger adventures!

I never visited a proper outdoor area until college (grew up in the city). My first time, I was so scared of the unfamiliar trees that I think I screamed when some vine grazed my skin, lol.

A few years (and a few more day hikes) later, I went on my first overnight backpacking trip. Nearly froze to death because our guide didn't check the weather. Had to evac half the group out overnight through the pouring rain. Glad nobody died, but we got real close to frostbite territory. The next trip with the same group, we nearly got shot (pissed off some, uh, rural hunter types) and had to hide in sand dunes until the gunshots stopped... it's a wonder this guiding group stays in business, lol.

Despite all that, backpacking became a lifelong love. I've introduced probably a dozen friends to backpacking, and they're all most impressed by the Jetboil :) These days me and my SO go on a few trips a summer, not quite as much as we were younger, but still.

Ya gotta start somewhere! That's all I'm saying.

[phil21]

Being outside implies discomfort, or at least the potential for it. Many want to experience nature without being exposed to the harshness. Probably all of us to some degree.

It's more or less the difference between a tourist and an expat.

[xwdv]

Oh if only there was a way to combine the natural wonder of hiking but with the speed and comfort of a vehicle…

[solardev]

They make off-road Segways, lol. Just don't be like this guy, who bought the company and then drove one off a cliff... https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna39377851