How many people should be in a backpacking crew?

You can always go by yourself but its always more fun with a friend or two, but id say no more then 5 gets sort of crazy otherwise. It is also much safer when there are more people with you especially if you are in bear country. Always pick people that get along well with others. when you have several it makes for setting up camp a lot easier especially when its time to gather wood for a fire or drinking water. Hope this helps