This is merely anecdotal and definitely tangential, but I've noticed a strong trend between programmers and common outdoors activities (camping, kayaking, etc)

This is merely anecdotal and definitely tangential, but I've noticed a strong trend between programmers and common outdoors activities (camping, kayaking, etc) during my time in tech. I've always assumed it was just a means of getting as far away from the work environment as physically possible. While they will of course have more technical hobbies, they also seem to like to fill their time with just about anything that's outside or at least doesn't involve them in front of a screen. When I was in WA, home brewing beer was also extremely popular.