Adventure Friends: How to Make and Keep Them

Adventure Friends: How to Make Them and Keep Them

Advice and Resources for Seeking Community in the Outdoors.

By Hailey Hirst

Even though solo time in the outdoors is gratifying and valuable, spending time together can make a hike or backpack that much better. Unfortunately, it can feel hard to find friends or create a community in adulthood. There are so many distractions, obligations, excuses, and fears that prevent us from putting ourselves out there.

Seeking new adventure friends is a topic that’s popped up before in our She Explores Podcast Facebook group. It’s also one that Gale tackled in the She Explores book on a page called “Building Bonds in the Outdoors.” But it’s a topic worth revisiting.

Whether we are new in town, trying something new, simply seeking a community or our partner isn’t interested in the same outdoor activities we are—there are many ways to find outdoor adventure friends:

Join an Online Community

This is probably the least intimidating place to begin. Truly, there are so many groups that offer digital community (and in-person activities) that it’s hard to make a list that feels comprehensive—especially because some groups are small or niche, and vary by region and activity.

Many of these groups have chapters throughout the United States:  

Join a group and get involved in their affiliated Facebook Groups, planned group activities, or other resources.

A group picture of an Alpine Women’s Collective backpacking trip – photo courtesy of Christina Hickman

Tap Into Your Local Scene

Closer to home, check out local outdoor stores, guide shops, or community centers to find out what’s going on where you live (or in the place you’re visiting). What local clubs, teams, or groups exist that you might be interested in? Do they host meet-ups or events?

Take a Course, Class, or Workshop

 

A group with the Eastern Sierra Conservation Corps Women in Wilderness – photo courtesy of Agnes Vianzon

Attend an Event

This could be something local, or it could be something you travel to. Many of the groups and organizations listed above host events too. 

Women’s Climbing Festival – photo by Jaymie Shearer

A group of volunteers for the National Parks Conservation Association – photo courtesy of Amanda Machado

Plan Something Yourself

All of these groups, organizations, and events exist because individuals made plans and created a community where there was none before. If you’ve got an idea, the willingness to make plans, and the guts to ask others to share in the experience with you, you might be surprised how excited people are to join forces.

Look to Social Media

Even if it’s not an organized group, social media can be a great tool to connect with people who share your interests.

Instagram makes it easy to engage with people you find either through hashtags or from actively commenting with similar accounts. As with social groups offline, circles of common interest form online too. Reach out and engage with people.

Adventure friend affection with Gretchen Powers and Alexandra Roberts

adventure friends at mcgee pass in california

A meal together while backpacking with friends at McGee Pass – photo by Gale Straub

Go Anyway, with a Friendly and Open-Minded Attitude

So maybe your plans fell through or you haven’t made any yet. Go anyway. Talk to people on the trail. Bring a snack to share. You never know who you’ll meet. Plus, if you’re hiking the same place, you already have something in common.

And as for Keeping New Adventure Friends?

It takes time to really get to know people. Attending one event or meet-up might not build a strong enough bond, but consistently showing up (in person or online) can get you somewhere.

Try inviting a new connection on a hike or lunchtime walk around a park. Send a link to an outdoor documentary you’ve been wanting to watch and see if they’re interested too. Love to read? Start an adventure book club and meet regularly to discuss outdoor books.

Be patient and open, and remember that in friendships, like all relationship, you get what you give. So, be generous, curious, and open-hearted.

 


Banner image by Gale Straub

Do you have advice on finding or creating a community in the outdoors or otherwise?

  1. Tana says:

    Love this post, Hailey! Thank you for sharing all of these awesome communities and resources. One more tool I would add to your list is ILLA – a platform that matches women+ with local adventure partners. It’s fairly new but it’s growing quickly and it’s a fun way to meet people in between events. All women and non-binary are invited to signup at app.illa.co.

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