What is the difference between backpacking and camping

So what a backpacker does is hike to great distances while looking for suitable spots to set up tents for the night. Certain nature parks even offer a more robust housing option such as small rooms and cottages for those who are not confident about sleeping in meagre camps.

Depending on the duration of hike, hikers need to carry equipment like food, water, map, compass, sunscreen, insect repellent, etc. Backpacking on the other hand, is never done for a day or two. So backpackers require equipment including camping essentials such as sleeping bags, clothes, tent, first-aid kits, jacket, survival tools and of course, all the materials required by the hikers. Over the years, ardent travelers and nature enthusiasts have laid down specific categories for both hiking and backpacking.

Base Camping — Here, hikers set up a camp wherein they stay for up to 10 days at a stretch. Base camping is believed to be the next step after day hiking.

It is apt for those who are looking for more time to spend outdoors. Once you set up the basecamp, you travel around for day hikes and return back to the location at night. Base camping also evades the necessity of hauling out excess gear on a regular basis, and is perfect for those who wish to camp in a more rural setup than a campground.

Section Hiking: Section hiking is chosen by hikers that have hiked or completed a particular trail in several trips over a few years. Section hiking enables you to walk at a slower pace in order to enjoy every section of the trail and even spread out your expenses over a longer span of time. Thru-Hiking: Thru-hiking or end-to-end hiking is the most strenuous and lengthy of all the types of hiking.

Obviously, it requires a whole lot of planning, especially pertaining to replenishing supplies during travel. The definition of backpacking is pretty broad, to say the least. There are backpackers who love tramping in the woods, sleeping in tents and hitch-hiking their way around the globe, while there are those that prefer to backpack in style, with roller-bag suitcases, and sleep in cheap motels, as well as travel around the country in their own car.

Both of these are two very different types of traveling, yet they both prefer calling themselves backpackers. As the name suggests, ultralight backpacking is all about cutting down expenses while hiking for miles and miles in a row.

Ultra light backpacks are super light and the sleeping bags are extremely foldable. Ultralight backpackers count every ounce they spend, and even slash their toothbrushes in half to reduce weight. Flashpacking is a more refined form of backpacking. Literally loading up a bike with all the gear you need to camp. Alternatively, you could hike. If you are walking, you will need to carry everything on your back and are backpacking.

Choosing to go backpacking means that you can make the most of public transport and other forms of transportation to get as far as possible without spending too much money.

You can travel the world by backpacking and if you are doing great distances, it will make more sense to stay in hostels and motels rather than lug all your camping gear on your back the whole time. I like that I am in control of what happens to me, and I can design my trip exactly the way I want it by packing the right stuff. Below are the most important factors to keep in mind while making […]. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Chat Now. Sign Up.

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The feeling of getting back into nature tends to be much more distinctive on these trips. You have to limit yourself much more on backpacking trips since you only have a pack instead of an entire car to work with while choosing items. It can also be much more difficult for young hikers to come with on backpacking trips.

You have to keep them much shorter and use easier trails to get to where you want to stay if you want it to be more of a family matter. Camping is often car-centric, while backpacking is backpack-centric.

You will not be able to fit everything that you can in a car into your backpack. Sometimes, that can be freeing. Only bringing the essentials with you gives you a taste of minimalism and simplicity that your life might lack. It can also make packing choices much more of a challenge. Car camping allows you to bring a larger tent to make more room for larger groups of people as well, such as the Coleman 8-Person Tent.

Although the range of time you spend outside is up to you, backpacking tends to include a lot more time in nature. There is nowhere else for you to go but outside, either you are in streaming water or bathing in the forest.

Another significant difference between the two is the level of required preparedness. If you have a car and realize that you have forgotten something, you can hop in and drive to the closest market.

Depending on the kind of outdoor activities you are and how you enjoy adventuring, camping or backpacking might be a better choice. Also, there are different times when you might be able to do both. Camping is often better suited for people who want a quick trip away or going with a family of younger outdoorsmen.