Boomers are sharing their never-before-seen hiking photos from the 1970's

Every once in a while, the internet serves up a delightful surprise—a community or page so rich with nostalgia and character that it feels like discovering an entirely different civilization. The Facebook group Vintage Backpacking Through the 1970s is exactly such a treasure. With over 30,000 members, it’s a hive of activity where hiking enthusiasts share stunning photos from six decades ago, a golden age of trekking and outdoor exploration.

The images are a mix of breathtaking landscapes, rugged trails, and retro gear that makes you wonder how anyone carried it all. The posts often include tales of adventures with rain-soaked campsites, wildlife encounters, and the occasional ad for what passed as high-tech at the time.

In the captions of the stunning images are tales of hikes with beloved parents, first adventures with future spouses, and the occasional tale of skinny-dipping in icy mountain rivers. Threaded through all of it is a sense of adventure and nostalgia that is hard to resist. Like many of the trails in the images, this group presents the real risk of getting lost among the stunning scenery.

Hiking in the 1970s: a cultural movement

A group of hikers in the 1970s traversing a snowy mountain summit, wearing rugged retro outdoor gear. Ross Prather

These images capture more than individual adventures—they reflect the broader hiking culture of the 1970s. It was a decade when environmental awareness was blossoming, with Earth Day (founded in 1970) inspiring a generation to cherish and protect the natural world. Hiking became more accessible thanks to advancements in gear technology, the rise of outdoor publications like Backpacker Magazine, and a wave of federal legislation that protected trails and wilderness areas.

A vintage cover of Backpacker Magazine from the 1970s, reflecting the era's burgeoning hiking culture. Gary Brady

For many, hiking wasn’t just a hobby but an expression of counterculture ideals. Youthful enthusiasm for simplicity, self-reliance, and a deeper connection to nature aligned perfectly with the act of hitting the trail. Vintage Backpacking’s images perfectly encapsulate this ethos: the triumph of summiting a peak, the camaraderie of sharing a meal cooked on a portable stove, and the satisfaction of carrying everything you needed on your back.

"Hell, I knew the way all along ... no matter how much bushwhacking we had to do."

— William Brown III

"Brrrrrrr..." These three brave souls enjoy an icy dip during a hike in the 1970s. Allen Woodstock

Scrolling through the group’s feed, you can almost feel the sense of freedom and simplicity that defined hiking in the ’70s. There are no GPS devices, no ultralight gear, and certainly no Instagram influencers. Just people with a map, a pack, and a love for the outdoors.

"By 1980, we figured out the lighter we got the farther we went."

— Joe Kisner

The group isn’t just about nostalgia. Members actively discuss vintage gear, swap stories, and even share tips for finding and restoring classic equipment. The comments section is a mix of admiration, humor, and a shared appreciation for the simplicity of hiking in decades past. It’s a reminder that while technology has changed the way we explore, the core of hiking—walking through nature with a sense of wonder—remains the same.

The gear of the time was rugged and simple by modern standards.Kevin Yost

One of the best parts of the group is its community spirit. Members are eager to help newcomers understand the quirks of old-school gear or explain why certain trails in the photos look different now. Whether you’re a veteran hiker or someone new to the trail, the group offers inspiration and a sense of belonging.

In the early days of the national trail system bridges were often little more than logs that had fallen in the right place.Tom Schleif

"We were lucky to have a dad that got us out into the backcountry often."

— Brian Murdock

If you’re a fan of hiking or just love a good internet rabbit hole, the Vintage Backpacking Facebook group is worth checking out. The photos might just inspire you to lace up your boots, leave your gadgets behind, and hit the trail in search of that old-school spirit of adventure. The trails are still out there... calling.