It followed the hippie trail, that was the motivation: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippie_trail
An interactive article from CNN : https://edition.cnn.com/interactive/travel/hippie-trail-hist...
He swears by it. The main reason he uses it, is because he's a bicyclist, and needs small and light, when folded.
Looks great, but pricey.
This is either to save the image of state or central govt.