Information use in the trip planning process: A qualitative analysis of backpackers

Individuals planning trips in outdoor areas have a wide variety of information sources available to them. There is tremendous variation in the extent to which recreationists use these information sources. This study used qualitative methodology to examine the use of information by backpackers. It was found that individuals returning to previously visited sites were less likely to use any information source, that the most commonly used information source was a more experienced member of the individual's own party and there was little agreement among those interviewed about what represented a "good" information source.