Backpacker Mag Subscription

“After more than 20 years, I quite my Backpaker subscription. Too many repetitive articles, too much advertising, and not enough info. What do you think? Any better sources?”

“Hey Mr.fffred...do you ststststudder?”

“20 years! Wow.

I think that after 20 years, there's not a lot more a narrowly-focused magazine like Backpacker could tell you. I like it for the product tests and comparisons, but, heck, buying just the Gear Guide would work for that.”

“i have nothing against the mag, but i feel that it does not have anything to offer me, personally, anymore. i am letting my subscription run out.”

“Funny, I always bitched about the mag, but have found that it has recently improved. Lots of good reading and more sensible reviews. I guess it's just me.”

“I've had my subscription for only a year and a half - so no repetition... yet.

I like the weekend wilderness guide. It introduced me to the Chinnabee Silent/Pinhoti/Skyline loop in AL. Cool trails. There have also been articles of places I've been and places I will visit as per their recommendations.

I bought my Eureka! Aurora based on a field test of solo tents that they did, too.

Still a nice mag in my view...”

“Hmm... no one's addressed the "better sources" issue yet.

Guidebooks are great, especially the kind you can get on an interlibrary loan when just wanting to check out an area to see IF you want to go there.

And of course internet websites like this and those of specific locations.

You might have to do a little more work on your own, but on the other hand, can end up with LIVE, PERSONAL information and answers to your questions.”

“i agree, lizs.

i have found many great places, just by browsing sites on the internet.

if i need a map, backpacker's little examples don't quite cut it.”

“A better source for ideas is some of the yahoo groups e-lists, such as backpackinglight.”

“I have used BP'er mag articles to kickstart internet searches for more detailed info...”

“http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BackpackingLight "> BackpackingLight e-list”

“I agree as well with the general consensus...had a subscription for many years. Now I just check the newstand to see what the features are or browse their website. Like this month has too much on CA...it's a great place but this Midwesterner isn't going to get there too often. Or sometimes I'll just sit and read the one at the library. I usually buy one if I want to save it for future trip info but with the net even that is becoming a less important reason. I find that Outside has become a better mag lately - the articles really have a punch to them and catch my interest. Look at the names of the BP story writers, editors...they've been there for years - could use a little fresh blood, imho.”

“I also checkout whats on the newstand, and don't find myself feeling compeled to buy the magazine.”

“You people are RUTHLESS!

Poor, poor BP'er mag...”

“I have 4 issues of it, and love it.”

“I get BPacker, Outside, Adventure, Elevation, and Canoe&Kayak. I think I like BPacker the best. I find the reviews useful for new gear updates. I sometimes like the ideas for food. But I really like the trip reports. Like gojo, I use the articles as a starting point.

I also love the pictures. When I'm not out there, I love to drool over the pictures and fantasize. Especially the fold-outs. Hey, I have no life.”

“I've been subcribing to Backpacker for about 20 years also. I like the magazine and it's the only one I get anymore. I too like to look at the pictures and see what's new out there in the gear department.”

“An article about reducing yer pack's weight???

Can this be true?”

“Well to do it, you have to buy all new gear.”

“Frankly, I think their editors are ripping off Trail Talk.

This month they had a feature on how to build a tuna can stove (sound familiar) and one about a weird character encountered in the wilderness (Trail Creeps).”

“I didn't care for the "tease" headline, "sex in the mountains." It was an article about pollination not sexual etiquette in the wilderness. Of course an article on sexuall etiquette in the wilderness would definately mean they are stealing from TT. ;o)”

“That was a rip off too!:

its snowing

It's snowing tree sperm over by me. So much F*cking pollen, it really looks like its snowing. Any one ells having trobles like this.
-Ice Tea
6:11:08 PM
5/24/01


If we see any jello articles, we'll know for sure!”

“About 15 years ago I had to decide between "Outside" and "Backpacker". I still like the "Outside" mag. because of the variety--Backpacking, biking, hiking, swimming, running, exercise, weightlifting, climbing, caving, scuba, and stuff you really don't need to know anything about but is interesing.”

“I get both now. I read Outside in about 1/2 hour (thank you Evelyn Wood) and it goes into the trash. I have a tall stack of Backpacker going back several years.”

“I often times will quit a subscription to a magazine for a couple of years and then go back for a couple more. I too find that magazines get repetitive if you read them for a very long period. For me, the same is true for Good Housekeeping, Organic Gardening and Better Homes and Gardens.

Lately, I let my Outside Magazine subscription end and am taking Backpacker Magazine for a while. I am finding all kinds of neat tips and info. Maybe in a couple of years I'll go back to Outside.”

“Like children who outgrow their toys, some of us have outgrown Backpacker Magazine. I get a grin out of the apparent conclusions drawn from those who've read BP for many years, and now, have dropped their subscriptions because it no longer fulfills their needs.

Have you stopped for a moment to consider those who - most probably like yourself - started OUT as a novice, and have Backpacker Magazine (and other resources, of course) to THANK for your knowledge and experience level today? Or is it that since you no longer find it useful (read: educational & challenging), it's no longer worthy of your respect?

Lighten up. You've outgrown many things in your lives... are they all obsolete, now that you no longer feel you need them? Or might the mentor in you suggest to a beginner that BP magazine could be a valuable resource?

Obi Wan taught you well, but Luke, I am your father!{}”

“I started a thread asking how many miles have you hiked in a day. The Backpacker Magazine came out with the same idea 2-3months later.”

“obi wan, once again you show the great wisdom that makes you a Jedi Master.”

“I read about have of this months issue on the way home from ohio Saturday (6 hrs of driving). I was pretty good, I didnt learn anything but it was a fun read.”

“I give my bro-in-law a gift subscription, 'cause I like to go out in the Sierra with him and I want him to keep it in the back of his mind during the year.

Hear that, Lars?”

“OK ...fess up which one of you gals or guys is secretly writing for Backpacker Magazine?”