Poll: Is Backpacking a Sport?

The first time this question came up in conversation–is backpacking a sport?–I thought, well, it doesn’t really matter. People are going to recreate by carrying on their backs what they need to live in nature no matter what we label it. But still, as we watch (or don’t) the spectacle of the Olympic Games in Rio, where synchronized swimming competes for eyeballs with trampolining, it’s illustrative to consider the question. After all, what we call things, and how we think of them, matters.

“Sport,” of course, is a bit like art. We can attempt to define it by its elements — athletic, skill-based, recreational/enjoyable — but it often squirms out from under your gaze. On the other hand, even without words, you know it when you see it. Poker — not a sport. Golf — grudgingly, a sport. Darts, bowling, and ferret legging…hmmm. Sporting, to be sure. Competitive, too. But sports?

So then, let us consider backpacking. It instills a sense of self-worth, of healthy living, accomplishment, self-reliance. It requires physical strength and a certain set of skills (balance, anyway). It can be conducted competitively (sort of) — ask anyone trying to break a long-distance speed record. But does that make it a sport or just walking with weight on your back?

WIN SMITH SUNGLASSES JUST BY VOTING
This week, one poll participant will receive Smith Optic’s Dockside sunglasses. We’ll pick the winner via random number generator (and announce it here) – all you have to do to enter is vote and leave a comment so we have your email to contact you. Must have a U.S. or Canadian address. Contest ends Sunday, August 28, 2016, at midnight PST.