30 replies to this topic

[slowpoke]

I felt compelled to share my thoughts on this matter at once this evening - not sure exactly why. I'm also not sure if this really belongs in this forum, so let me apologize up front. This really has nothing to do with RMNP, but it sounded like too much effort to put this in the Off-Topic forum. Mods, feel free to move it, or remove it, if you wish.

I know that there are many here who love their Backpacker Magazine; so I write this knowing full-well that my comments may not be received in the warmest of light. I too once sat captivated reading this publication from cover-to-cover with irreverence to more pressing responsibilities, but these days I find myself more and more in general disgust of the content and subject matter which is spattered about between ads for various locator beacons and subscription renewal cards (no less than 5 in this current issue).

It seems almost every issue in my most recallable recent memory has devoted at least some portion of its pages to the topic of ‘wilderness survival’ and the October 2008 edition certainly attempts to take it even one step further. Yes, the “Survival Issue”, makes a striking first impression complete with a young woman in a classic melodramatic pose, suspended above an unbelievably high precipice, grasping her (unbelievably strong) partner’s hand, all while being surrounded by bold, powerfully significant words such as “Survival”, “Dangerous” and “Free”.

Flipping through the pages quickly I come to realize that both water and gravity are roughly the environmental equivalent to Al-Qaeda, indicated of course by the color “red” on the “Backpacking Terror Index”. We all know that water in its most villainous form, snow, is the ring leader, the Osama of nature if you will. Don’t fret though, because on page 44, the editors are willing to share a helpful tip which states that: “if you happen to be traveling on a snow slope without and ice axe and slip, dig your hands, elbows, knees, and boots into the snow to self arrest.” After that, all we can assume is that the next step for us is to flip on our PLB, wait for rescue and try to explain to friends, neighbors and the news media why we were too short-sighted and irresponsible to be carrying the proper gear.

Taking a step back, I suppose perhaps I’m being a bit too harsh in my assessment of this issue. They really nailed the first round match up for “Ultimate Survivor” between the 3 Mexican Fisherman [sic] and Jesus (yes, Son of God, that Jesus). I mean, he did have the ability to feed thousands from just a day’s supply of food, so the Fishermen never really stood a chance. However, while it’s not the first time Reinhold Messner has been compared to Jesus, I really think they got that one wrong. Besides, I really wanted to see Him and Aron Ralston go head-to-head for a rematch. (By the way Backpacker, way to go on the Jesus / performance enhancing drugs comment, real classy)

No, it’s just too difficult to let go of what is essentially the centerpiece of this issue – the pull-out poster of “America’s Most Dangerous Hikes”. Yes, we all know the Barr Trail on Pikes Peak is a treacherous path originating in the harsh wilderness just minutes from Santa’s Workshop in the remote outpost of Manitou Springs. But if you make it onto trail, and the limited parking at the trailhead doesn’t get you first, be on the lookout for the town locals who regularly run the 12 mile trail in a little over 2 ½ hours carrying nothing more than a water bottle. They may run you over causing you to sprain an ankle. At this point, your only plan for escaping with your life would be to crawl to one of the few cabins, roads, or restaurants that adorn the mountainside. I could go on, but you get the point.

Honorable mention must go to one of the 7 "most dangerous peaks": Quandary Peak, a “14er” feared by the tens of thousands who scale its class 1+ East Slopes route every summer. Don’t let the guidebooks fool you when they say this is regularly regarded as among the easiest of all the 14ers. Accidents do happen on some of the tamest mountains and no effort at altitude is to be taken lightly. Quandary is a dangerous place for anyone but the most seasoned mountaineer. But don’t take my word for it; listen to this trip description on Backpacker’s very own website warning of the perils of this epic adventure: “Follow this popular route up a long, gentle ridge to gain intimate views of the Tenmile Range and the Continental Divide.” Danger, Intimate Views! I don’t know about you, but intimacy scares the crap of out me.

I hope I’m not coming across as too much of a cynic. Sure there are accidents in these places. But you have to think about how much of this is propagated by the very publications that turn around and sensationalize the risk involved in such pursuits. Why doesn’t Backpacker just stick to “Backpacking” and leave the mountaineering and climbing to those publications which are devoted to these endeavors? Is it afraid that backpacking isn’t “extreme” enough to retain a readership? I used to find value in the tips and articles they published on camping which I could then apply in support of various outdoor pursuits. Now I’m not so sure I want to even keep my subscription.

Backpacking doesn’t need to be “cutting-edge”. Misrepresentation of the risks involved in non-mainstream pursuits such as climbing and mountaineering is rampant in the media and the concept that is the “collective knowledge”. I have to think that these types of publications do more to hurt that image than to correct it. And I’m sure it’s the reason that every time I step out the door to take a hike in the woods, or climb a peak, my wife and family have to sit at home and wonder if I’m ever going to come back. The fear is senseless and unnecessary considering the extremely slim chances of encountering a life-threatening circumstance in most situations, but unavoidable given a mass ignorance that is spread by this sensationalist type of journalism. I should have seen this coming a few months back with the "Global Warming Issue". What a bunch of garbage.

[michiganhiker]

I stopped renewing my Backpacker subscription a couple of years ago. Too much fluff and not enough meat. The issues also started becoming very repetitive. Maybe there's only so much you can say about backpacking? I did see a little of the issue you cite at a doctor's office yesterday. I had to chuckle at your comments because I was thinking the same thing when I skimmed through their "Terror Index". Watch out for those bees!

Besides, I live in Detroit, I go to the mountains to avoid terror! lol.

[junkie]

Don't apogize for maybe being cynical - I love a good cynic.

I don't read the magazine, but I really enjoyed your rant. Now I know to never try hiking up pikes peak or quandary..... good thing too because I might have tried those beasts at some point.

[hector]

Have you thought about sending this post as a letter to the editor?

[smudge]

Scott, I completely agree about backpacker. I still thumb through it at the store every once in a while because they will sometimes have some interesting tidbit about something that interests me, but usually it's sensationalized gibberish with its only point being so that those who climb peaks like quandary can pretend they have conquered one of the worlds toughest mountains!! Or for those who climb pikes and buy a souvenir on top, can use it as a memento to prove they "conquered" Americas mountain. These magazines (including "outside" and a few others) give people a gigantic false sense of security... use your hands elbows knees feet to self arrest!!!! Holy crap! How about...avoid steep snow if you don't have crampons and an ax??

Anyway...I think this issue goes deeper. Man was created for more than what your average person in our culture is doing. These magazines, their contributors and editors are feeding off of and profiting off of a very genuine desire that many in our culture have for a closeness with nature, a yearning to explore it and a need for some adventure and expansion outside of the proverbial cubicle.

I think that's just the tip of the iceberg, but these magazines appeal to people's desire for the same things that cause us to be a part of this forum and to love RMNP. These magazines are just a bit irresponsible in their content and approach. Just because there are personal locators and beacons for this and that, doesn't mean that one should encourage your casual hiker to venture out on to some glacier with nothing but body part to stop a self arrest (there are times I'm on snow and wonder if my ax and crampons would be enough to stop me!!).

[JDgreen]

I don't buy it because they are "Green" without a clue but then thats another rant!!

[bpv_UW]

LOL...love the paragraph about Pikes Peak, Slowpoke. Hilarious.

That aside, I do agree that Backpacker and many related magazines tend to be quite fluffy and sensationalist, and often times lacking in real, quality content. I do subscribe to Backpacker (and Nat Geo Adventure), but find myself "reading" them more to enjoy the photography and to get ideas for future destinations/trips that I am not currently familiar with, rather than treating them as authorities on outdoor techniques or survival. Taken in the right light, they can serve a purpose, but I definitely agree that those who view these publications as the Bible of everything outdoors are misguided and are setting themselves up for trouble. I also second your point about perpetuating the idea that many outdoor pursuits carry a greater degree of risk than is the case in reality. I already have to alleviate my wife's fears every time I head into the outdoors alone...the last thing I need is a magazine to exacerbate the situation.

-Brandon

[Lsmith]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Scott, great perspective. I agree totally.
Lori
I guess an upside of these publications is the trails will be less traveled and you can enjoy more solitude.

[greg126]

I'm with you. There can be good stuff in there but not as much as previously AND imho its harder to find with the very busy format (think its a youth thing). Can't remember when it changed from Rodale publishing but I suspect that may be when it started to go downhill.

[jflo]

I have noticed the gradual shift into sensationalism too. I wonder if moving to Boulder had anything to do with it. I subscribe because there's still some good content in it. I must admit though that I don't read it as religiously as I used to. I still enjoy the Gear Guides.

[slowpoke]

Thanks everyone for the comments. I'm glad I'm not alone in some of my observations.

I have noticed the gradual shift into sensationalism too. I wonder if moving to Boulder had anything to do with it. I subscribe because there's still some good content in it. I must admit though that I don't read it as religiously as I used to. I still enjoy the Gear Guides.

Funny, I hadn't realized that. But you're right, after they left the small town of Emmaus, PA, things went downhill.

Have you thought about sending this post as a letter to the editor?

No. Do you think it's too long winded and harsh?

I don't buy it because they are "Green" without a clue but then thats another rant!!

I thought about mentioning that. Those 5 renewal cards in one copy are a bit much.

I guess an upside of these publications is the trails will be less traveled and you can enjoy more solitude.

Turning lemons into lemonade. I like that. Thanks!

[Bill 007]

To heck with Backpacker, I wanna read more of your stuff! Hilarious Scott!

I let my subscription to Outside lapse for much the same reasons.

Bill

[Igloo Ed]

No. Do you think it's too long winded and harsh?

Yours wouldn't be the first they've received like this. Trouble is, the experienced backcountry traveler isn't their market.
You might consider: http://www.backpackinglight.com

[Aaron]

Yours wouldn't be the first they've received like this. Trouble is, the experienced backcountry traveler isn't their market.
You might consider: http://www.backpackinglight.com

I believe they have a podcast too.

--Aaron

[Allie]

I enjoyed your thoughts. I did chuckle a couple of times. I don't subscribe to that magazine, and now I know I won't waste my money. Thanks for the insight.

Allie