I'm a social person, and I like having people around when hiking or camping, to share the adventure with and to talk to and just be with.

Very understandable. But in the last analysis, it must be your love of the outdoors that makes it all happen. The social aspects are always possible, but they cannot be at the center of things. What you'd have then is just another party, but in a more exotic locale.

Moreover, there will always be simpler, easier and more convenient places to enjoy the company of your friends than 10 miles up a trail. So, if the social aspect rules the roost, you'll inevitably end up favoring the easier path to get there.

Hiking can be fun for many people, especially when it's a rare treat or a change of pace, but backpacking costs more effort than most people are willing to pay for their fun. What gets most of us here in this forum out there is a passion for the outdoors we cannot easily explain to others.