William Kemsley Jr. may well be considered the father of modern hiking and backpacking. As founder of Backpacker magazine (for decades the most important magazine for hikers and backpackers) and co-founder of The American Hikng Society (the national voice of the American hiker and one of the most influential non-profit organizations lobbying Congress today) he has established his legacy as one of the most important figures in the backpacking community. He is also a former board member of the National Parks & Conservation Association, Appalachian Mountain Club, Big City Mountaineers, and a long time member of the Explorers Club. He has authored numerous books on hiking and backpacking. He now lives in northern New Mexico.
