Backcountry

A backcountry area in general terms is a geographical region that is:

• isolated
• remote
• undeveloped
• difficult to access

The term may apply to various regions that are reasonably close to urban areas but are:

• not immediately accessible by car
• at relatively high altitude
• not generally frequented by human visitors
• limited to human-powered visitors

While the term "backcountry" is roughly comparable to the term "wilderness", they are not necessarily equivalent. "Wilderness" implies more the condition, whereas "backcountry" implies more the position. Backcountry is similar to hinterland.

There is some debate about the accessibility of people by means other than human power. While wilderness is a state of mind that implies pristine and untouched landscapes, backcountry serves as areas of land explored exclusively by human power. Wilderness exists in many places, including the backcountry.

The backcountry contains many hazards including rough terrain, life-threatening weather, avalanches and wild animals. Tragic accidents and dramatic backcountry rescues of stranded hikers, climbers or skiiers are a staple of news reporting. Some jurisdictions have discussed placing limits on human access to the backcountry during times of particular danger.

A more well-known, Australian term is "outback" or in some countries "the bush".

See also

• Potability of backcountry water
• Backcountry skiing
• Backcountry snowboarding
• Backcountry.com
• Backcountry hut