Dear People Of Color, It's Time! How To Start Hiking And 5 Other Outdoor Activities

Whether you are Hispanic, Native, African American, or other BIPOC, we need you outside. But why? You wonder. The answer is simple because representation matters. If children don't have figures to look up to, how can they get involved in the great outdoors?

Diversity in the outdoors is so important in all aspects of life. Unfortunately, as of 2022, the outdoor industry remained predominantly white. That needs to change. Organizations like Latino Outdoors, HECHO, and Recla.ma are doing a great job. They provide education and the necessary tools for BIPOCs to access the outdoors.

Don't be afraid to claim a seat at the table. You deserve the same kind of fun as everyone else. To help you get outside, we gathered six ways for you to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Keep reading to learn how your presence can make a difference in the outdoor industry.

Why Is Your Presence So Important

The outdoors need more diversity. Without you, the data will remain the same. Back in 2020, nearly 75% of outdoor participants were white. The outdoors have so much to offer. You can learn so much by immersing yourself in nature. So, we urge you to step outside and claim your spot in nature.

We want to see people of color in sports like skiing and snowboarding. Data from 2019-2020 reports that 88.2% of ski resort visitors were white, with only 1.8% being black. We need progress in the outdoor industry, and you can be the one to inspire this change.

The United States has over 245 million acres of land for public use. This land is available to all, not only to white citizens. You belong. You don't need the most expensive gear, fancy hiking boots, or the perfect outfit. All you need is a desire for adventure and a positive attitude to enjoy the outdoors. Keep reading to find out how you can kickstart your outdoor adventures.

#1 - Hiking:

Hiking is nothing but strolling in nature. You don't need to spend weeks planning your hike or train for it. Your first hike can be a simple walk near your house. Invite a friend or go solo. Either way, we know you'll love it.

You don't have to be an athlete, skinny, or fast to hike. A desire for adventure and discovery is more important than anything else. Take it slow, go at your own pace, and enjoy the views.

Where to hike? Every state offers some form of hiking, from small, low-altitude ones to the more challenging, rocky ones. We recommend an app like Alltrails to find a hike that suits you. Start easy and keep moving up in difficulty if you want to.

Even though your first hike will be easy, you'll still need a few items. You may need water, a communication device in case of emergency, sunscreen, sneakers or boots, and a snack to enjoy at the end. Treat yourself!

And finally, safety. Here are a few tips to remain safe and have fun during your hike. Let someone know where you'll be hiking, be aware of wildlife, pay attention to the trail, and follow LNT rules. So, start hiking today. We look forward to seeing you there.

#2 - Overlanding

This one is for the ones seeking an extended adventure. Want to dive deep into nature for a few days and forget about societal issues? We've got you covered. Let's go overlanding!

So what is it? It's another way to explore nature. Embrace minimalism with overlanding. Think of road-tripping + camping. But you sleep inside your vehicle, no hotels, cabins, or tents. Your car will be your home for the time you choose to travel.

Start by selecting your basic needs. They should include food, water, a cooking device, dishware, a sleeping bag/blankets, a headlamp, and your vehicle. To explore nature, you don't need a Land Cruiser. Your Subaru or even Camry will do.

But where do I stay? As mentioned before, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has many acres of public land where you can park your vehicle for free and enjoy incredible views! Navigating BLM can be overwhelming for beginners but don't worry. There are apps to help you.

Some of our favorite apps include OnX Offroad, The Dyrt, and Freecampsites.net. OnX has the most comprehensive list of maps and off-road trails on public lands. Try the app here to learn more about how OnX works. With these apps, you can find free camping near you in one click. So pack your bags, and head out. We need you out here, friend!

#3 - Camping

Can you say s'mores? Camping is by far one of the most beautiful ways to enjoy the outdoors. The smell of campfire, roasting s'mores, and the milky way will make your camping experience unforgettable.

According to research, 80% of Americans can't see the milky way due to light pollution. But just because you can't see it from your neighborhood doesn't mean it isn't there. It is, and it's ready to welcome you.

So what will you need to go on your first camping adventure? A tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, food, a stove, and water. Your first camping adventure can be a single night. You can stay in a developed (paid) campground to keep the anxiety at bay.

Choose a campsite that suits your style and needs. The temperature drops at night, so if you are not used to camping, bring enough gear to stay warm. We recommend taking your first camping trip during summer or fall if you are north. If you are in the southern states, you have more flexibility.

Always follow the Leave No Trace guidelines. Stay at least 200-500 feet away from any body of water. Did you know that wildlife refrains from drinking when humans are present near rivers? Be kind, and let wildlife be wild. That's all. You are ready to set out on your first camping trip. Get out there and enjoy nature.

#4 - New Cities

The best way to learn about your country or a new one is by visiting different cities! There is so much history around the world, but it's important to also learn about your own.

Due to inflation, flight cancellations, and COVID concerns, domestic travel is on the rise. Nearly 48% of domestic travelers visit another city within the US. This year it is expected that more people will stay local to avoid currency changes, geopolitical tensions, and more.

But with 31% of Americans more interested in international travel than domestic, exploring new cities abroad will also be a trend. Since the USD is higher than most Asian currencies, that is where many Americans have their eyes on for 2023. To find affordable flights to exciting destinations, make sure you check this link out.

#5 - Abroad traveling

Your presence is needed out in nature but also abroad. From 2019 to 2021, the number of travelers abroad dropped by over 26 million. This travel pattern change can be attributed to the global pandemic, but the trends now point toward a rebound.

More Millennials and Gen Z Latinos are increasing their disposable income these days. The Latino population as a whole has a current purchasing power of $1.5 trillion. About $73 billion of that is spent on traveling. Latino communities are looking to go to countries beyond where their families come from.

Traveling abroad allows you to learn about different lifestyles and how the one you currently live may not be the most beneficial for you and your future. You can't know if you're living to your greatest potential if you only know about one way of life.

If traveling more sustainably this year is one of your goals, you'll want to read this post with tips on accomplishing it.

#6 - Backpacking

Backpacking may be one of the biggest ways to step out of your comfort zone. Depending on who you talk to, this traveling style can get a good, bad, or ugly rep. However, it is a great way to learn about yourself in ways you may have never imagined.

In 2020 almost 11 million people went backpacking in the US. Since the pandemic subsided, that number has spiked and will continue in the coming years. Get ready now to partake in this beautiful activity when the backpacking season arrives.

The best part about backpacking is you don't have to do it alone. There's this misconception that all backpackers travel alone, but this couldn't be farther from the truth. Backpacking can be a group trip and not even far from home.

Downsizing your life and necessities into a 40L backpack (a size we recommend) and going off on adventures will make you realize you don't need a lot to live a fulfilling life. Warning: this may have you Marie Kondo-ing your home when you get back.

You made it to the end of the blog. Thank you for reading! We hope you enjoyed the content and feel inspired to take up space outdoors. Remember, the main thing you need is a positive attitude and a sense of belonging. You got this! If you have any questions or need support to do any of these activities, please reach out. You can contact Flavia here, and Xoshil here. We will be more than happy to help you get outside. Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to our channels to receive all the fun and travel tips in the comfort of your inbox.