In 1972, 16-year-old Rick Kempa and his older brother hitchhiked from their hometown of Chicago, Illinois, to the Teton Mountains in Wyoming for their first backpacking adventure. 

The previous year, a family vacation out West had piqued their curiosity, but it wasn’t the tourist stops that intrigued them. Instead, they were drawn to the backpackers they saw on the trails. For Kempa, his first backpacking trip was an unforgettable adventure that brought him a sense of freedom and deepened the bond with his brother.

The experience left such an impression on Kempa that, two years later, he moved west to attend college in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He began his teaching career in Wyoming, where he remained until he retired five years ago. Now 68, Kempa and his wife, Fern, live in Grand Junction. 

Kempa’s passion for the wilderness has never wavered. Over the past five decades, the acclaimed poet and essayist spent countless days on the trail, reflecting and writing about his experiences. He has published several books of poetry and founded “Deep Wild,” a literary journal dedicated to wilderness writing. This year, Kempa released “Truths of the Trail,” a memoir chronicling his 52 years of backpacking adventures.

“I’ve been writing in my pocket journal all along—on the trail or in camp—things I see, hear, feel, think,” said Kempa. “And then, a few years ago, I started shaping up all that raw material, which eventually grew into this little book.” 

BACKPACKING TRUTHS

“Truths of the Trail” captures not just the beauty of the backcountry but also the life lessons Kempa’s learned along the way. 

One such lesson is that there are different approaches to backpacking.

For example, Kempa refers to the “Yohe method,” named after a friend who accompanied him on a trek along the North Bass Trail in the Grand Canyon. Yohe carried minimal equipment and believed in “toughing things out.” Kempa, however, has a different philosophy.

“The body loves to move—exercise like a good dog. There’s no need to run it into the ground,” Kempa said.

He believes in testing your limits, but with moderation. 

In his book, Kempa also emphasizes that successful backpacking isn’t about spending a fortune on gear. He encourages a simple approach, centered on what he calls the “five sacks”: first aid, food, clothing, repair and “possibles”—miscellaneous items that come in handy in difficult situations or emergencies. The number of items may vary depending on the length and difficulty of the trip.

According to Kempa, the benefits of backpacking depend largely on what each individual hopes to gain. For those who venture out alone, the experience can be profoundly exhilarating.

“I feel more fully human…when I’m out,” said Kempa. “You feel like your own best self.”

However, group backpacking offers a different reward—a connection that comes from sharing the experience with others. Kempa recalled a four-day journey through the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park with his son, daughter-in-law and two friends. One night, an intense windstorm swept through their camp, and the group found themselves laughing as they called out to one another through the howling winds. 

“Alone, I might chortle at some fool thing I do and feel like a madman for it,” he said. “But a shared laugh is a social event—a tonic.”

Backpacking also offers spiritual rewards. Being immersed in nature provides a deeper appreciation for its beauty, far beyond what one can observe from a distance. Kempa encourages backpackers to care for the land, leaving as little trace of their presence as possible. 

“Care for the world, wherever we are. There’s something sacramental about it,” he said.

PREPARING FOR THE TRAIL

Of course, there are important considerations to keep in mind before heading out on a backpacking trip since the physical strain of hiking long distances with a heavy pack is significant. 

“A certain level of fitness is required, but you don’t have to push yourself to the extreme,” Kempa said. 

He suggests that those seeking a more relaxed experience stick to easier trails, while longer, more challenging trips may require some preparation and training.

Weather can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous, especially in remote areas with no cell phone reception. Kempa recommended checking the weather multiple times before embarking on any trip. 

Equally important is having a good sense of direction, as some trails can be deceptively similar. Kempa recalled his first solo hike in the Wind River Range in 1973 when he became “powerfully lost.” After venturing uphill, he realized that all the peaks, slopes and basins looked the same. Though he eventually found his way, the experience taught him the importance of paying attention to his surroundings and trusting his instincts.

Ultimately, Kempa’s message is clear: “Age is not an impediment.” He hopes that “Truths of the Trail” will inspire readers of all ages to embrace the adventure of backpacking. His book is available locally at Out West Books, 533 Main St., Grand Junction, or at DeepWildJournal.com. Learn more about Kempa at RickKempa.com.