What is the difference between backpacking vs. hiking? Both refer to you going out and discovering new lands, but there are significant differences between the two!
#1. Backpacking vs. Hiking: Comparison Table
Before going any deeper, let’s check this detailed comparison table. It will give you an overview of how backpacking vs. hiking differs.
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Hiking |
Backpacking |
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| Distance |
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| Gear |
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| Physical challenge |
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| Time |
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| Permits & fees |
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#2. What Is The Difference Between Backpacking vs. Hiking?
The term “Hiking” is widely used in the United States but is less prevalent in the UK. It refers to walking in nature, often on terrains. It also could be on nature trails, footpaths, and bushwacking across wide-open pathless areas.
The term “Backpacking” refers to carrying everything on your back while out in the wild. It includes food, clothes, and camping equipment.
These activities may look similar, but they have many differences. We will discuss each factor in detail to help you make your choice easier.
1. Types
- Day Hiking: It refers to taking a day pack and making an out-and-back trip that is typically under twenty miles long.
- You only need to carry a small bag with some snacks, water, and emergency gear like sunscreen, spare clothing, and a first aid kit.
- Section Hiking: It involves you walking a section of a long trail. At most, you only carry what you need for one overnight camp.
- Base Camping: You will hike into the mountains, camp in a remote area with no facilities, and utilize the camp as a base for your day hikes.
- Fastpacking: This is ultralight backpacking where you carry very few items and move quickly.
2. Gear
What you need to bring for hiking depends mainly on the terrain and conditions. Here are a few essentials:
- A small backpack
- Hiking boots
- Water bottle
- Map
- Extra layers
Backpacking will often require you to carry more items than hiking. Specifically, you’ll need to bring everything you need for hiking plus everything essential for camping, such as:
- Camping stove
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
3. Distance
There is not a fixed distance for hiking or backpacking. Generally, backpacking will allow you to go further than hiking.
No matter how long you hike on the out-and-back trail, you need to estimate so that you can return to the trailhead before the sun sets.
Backpacking allows you to cover twice as much distance in one day as hiking, and you can go further the next day. So there is a high chance that you will reach exciting and beautiful places like hidden hot springs or secret waterfalls.
There is no limit to how far you can go with backpacking as long as you have enough time and supplies.
4. Time
For hiking, it can last a few hours to half a day.
With backpacking, you must set aside at least the weekend for a backpacking trip. It can even last several days.
5. Physical challenge
With hiking, you will need to be physically prepared for hiking as it will require walking on steep slopes or trails for hours. The good news is that you will benefit from a lighter bag than backpacking.
Both hiking and backpacking can be great exercise, but the period required for backpacking lasts significantly longer than hiking. That means backpacking will be more physically demanding.
In addition, your backpack will be persistent as you must carry more items. So your legs will work harder due to this extra weight.
You’ll get a great workout on a challenging climb, but you’ll be more tired at the end of the day.
6. Fees and Permits
Several hiking trails, such as National Parks and Angel Landing, require fees and permits for access.
But in most cases, hiking does not require permission and is entirely free, except for the gear cost. Therefore, you can go hiking any time you want.
Since most backpacking will include camping, you will need permits which typically require a fee in most cases.
#3. Backpacking vs. Hiking: Which One Is for You?
If you plan to visit a place for more than a day, backpacking is your best bet.
So you will have to spend more time, carry more gear, have better fitness, and prepare money for permits.
On the other hand, hiking is the way to go if you can get there for a day and don’t intend to spend the night there. In this case, you won’t need to do a lot of shopping and carry around a lot of equipment.
Hiking is also ideal for people who don’t have much free time and just love to sleep in their bed every night.
#4. FAQs
Below here is common questions and answers related to Backpacking vs. Hiking.
What will you need for hiking and backpacking?
Here are the items that should be on your hiking checklist:
- Hiking backpack
- Hiking shoes or boots
- Plenty of water
- Plenty of food
- First-aid kit
- Knife or multi-tool
- Navigation tools such as a map and compass
- Weather-appropriate clothing (consider moisture-wicking and layers)
These items should be part of your backpacking checklist:
- Backpack
- Hiking shoes or boots
- Tent
- Stove and fuel
- Sleeping pad and sleeping bag
- Plenty of food
- Kitchen supplies
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Water bottles and water-treatment supplies
- Small repair kit
- Emergency and hygiene supplies
Why is backpacking good for you?
Most people prefer being outside in nature because it allows them to notice nature’s wonders. Backpacking helps with your self-esteem, provides a feeling of overall wellness, and helps lower stress.
In addition, backpacking has many other benefits, such as:
- You see the world
- It gives you strength and confidence
- You learn to be flexible
- You have the adventure of a lifetime
- Find lifelong friends
- You’re more open-minded
Is backpacking still popular?
Backpacking is a form of independent, low-cost travel that offers many benefits. It’s no surprise that many people love backpacking, especially on the weekends.
Does hiking build leg muscle?
Yes, hiking will help build muscle. The reason is that hiking is walking over rugged terrain, and the targeted muscle groups are the buttocks and legs.
Moving on the uneven or rocky ground requires more balance, which leads to more work in these muscle groups.
Hiking requires paired muscle movement of the quadriceps and hamstring to support the knees. In addition, it strengthens your thighs and hips.
What age are most backpackers?
The peak backpacking age range is from 20 to 25. People have the best physical strength at this age, allowing them to be ready to participate in backpacking energetically.
However, there are many people over 30 years old who can still participate in backpacking perfectly.
Does backpacking get boring?
Backpacking allows you to explore exotic areas, get exciting experiences in nature, and it is an excellent way to meet people. But you’ll get bored if you repeatedly go backpacking on the same path.
The key is to change the route to keep things fresh regularly. That way, you will always be excited about every backpacking trip.
What type of activity is backpacking?
Backpacking refers to any hiking activity but carrying more items, including food, clothing, and camping equipment in a pack back.
One thing that makes backpacking stand out is that it may include outdoor camping.
What do backpackers do for a living?
As a backpacker, you have a lot of opportunities to earn money, even a lot of money. Here are ten jobs to make money on the trail:
- Start a backpacking/travel blog
- Write a book about your adventures
- Become one park ranger
- Become one wildland firefighter
- Lead guided hiking trips
- Start one youtube channel
- Get sponsored by a gear company
- Sell your hiking photos
- Write for a hiking publication
- Work for NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School)
How do you entertain yourself while backpacking?
Here are eight ways to entertain yourself after dark while backpacking:
- Play games
- Find constellations
- Read
- Get creative
- Bring an instrument
- Recap around the fire
- Plan
- Make fun food
