Many people don’t know the difference between thru-hiking and backpacking. If you are one of them, this post is for you! Let’s read to the end to get valuable information.
Thru-Hiking vs. Backpacking: Comparison Table
The terms backpacking and thru-hiking appear in various places throughout the online world, and it often seems as if they are being used interchangeably.
So are they all just the same thing? Or are they referring to different outdoor activities? Differences do exist, but do many similarities!
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A Backpacking Trip |
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Thru-Hiking vs. Backpacking: Key Differences
Thru-Hiking vs. Backpacking is better for a specific purpose, which I will discuss further in the following sections.
Thru-Hiking
According to the ATC (Appalachian Trail Conservancy), a thru-hike is a trek on foot that can last for twelve months or one calendar year. Hiking groups within the US use this definition the most.
Thru-hiking can be arduous and grueling, requiring great mental and physical stamina. Thru-hikers experience mountainous or hilly terrain, wild animals, flash floods, and mud. So they must carry enough items to be safe but not so much.
Thru-hiking is not an activity for the faint of heart since it requires months of mental and physical preparation and some thorough and excellent planning.
Backpacking
Backpacking is an exciting and fun activity to travel to and enjoy the local flavor of any land or country.
Backpacking is also an independent and low-cost means of traveling, including using public transportation when needed and inexpensive lodgings like inns and hostels.
Backpacking requires you to prepare everything you need in a backpack, including personal items, clothes, camping gear, and food since you will spend at least one night in nature on the trail.
You’ll also need to plan for backpacking in advance, like thru-hiking, as you’ll need to know the route and places to camp at night.
1. Time Commitment
Thru-Hiking
A thru hiking will require you to take six months to one year away from your work, a source of income, family, and friends.
It is not the right choice for office workers because few companies and businesses are willing to give their employees a long break.
Backpacking
A backpacking trip can last from a few days to a week, depending on your plans. It is the perfect choice for a vacation with family and friends.
2. Gear
One of the significant differences between thru-hiking and backpacking is the gear you need to prepare.
In most cases, backpackers emphasize comfort and convenience, while thru-hikers are more interested in minimizing the weight they must carry.
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Backpacking Gear |
Thru-Hiking Gear |
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A backpacking trip is much more leisurely than a thru-hiking one. Weight is the enemy of anyone struggling with climbing a mountain or steep hill, especially within months of continuous hiking.
3. Mental Capability
Thru-Hiking
Most of the thru-hiking time, you will be alone, although you may meet new people. The greatest mental challenge for thru-hikers is overcoming internal barriers and pushing their body past their limits.
You will face insecurities and bouts of loneliness with a solid mind to get through the whole journey.
Backpacking
For solo backpacking, the loneliness factor is also something to consider. But because of the shorter nature of a backpacking trip, you will not have the mental challenge as significant as you need for thru-hiking.
4. Physical ability
Thru-Hiking
A thru-hiking trip requires you to hike continuously for several months. Hence, physicality plays an essential role for thru-hikers.
Backpacking
Backpacking also requires a certain fitness level, but it is less demanding than thru-hiking due to its quicker and shorter nature.
Thru-Hiking vs. Backpacking: Which Is for You?
Hiking gives you the chance to experience a tremendous sense of accomplishment from completing a long and challenging hike. It also allows you to discover the power of your body and mind.
However, a thru-hiking trip usually lasts up to a year, while very few companies allow you to take such a long break.
Moreover, thru-hiking can be arduous and grueling, requiring great mental and physical stamina. So it is not an activity for the faint of heart.
Backpacking allows you to quickly escape the pressures of society at the weekend without a detailed plan. You can bring home comforts and enjoy nature to the fullest.
While backpacking is a fun outdoor activity that’s more accessible than thru-hiking, it’s also extremely hard on one’s body and unsuitable for people with low physical fitness.
FAQs
Below here is common questions and answers related to Thru-Hiking vs. Backpacking.
Is Thru-Hiking Healthy?
Thru-hiking is still a healthier and overwhelming activity for both your body and mind, despite the many difficulties you will face.
How Long Does a Hike Have to Be to Be a Thru-Hike?
A thru-hike is a hiking trip on one long-distance trail, such as the PCT (2,100 miles) or the A.T. (2,100 miles).
How Many Miles a Day Should You Walk on the Appalachian Trail?
Most hikers start slow, averaging from eight to ten miles per day. Then they will eventually work up from 12 to 16 miles per day.
What Is The Flip Flop Thru-Hike?
It refers to one hiker who starts their hiking trip at a less conventional location and then returns to complete the remainder of a trail.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From a Thru-Hike?
It might take about two weeks for physical recovery. But depending on your specific situation, the recovery time may be longer or shorter.
How Hard Is a Thru-Hike?
Thru-hiking will be tough on your body and even harder on your brain. Sometimes you’re sore, hungry, exhausted, filthy, cold, and wet. There will also be times when you are lonely, homesick, and bored out of your mind.
So you’ll need mental perseverance to not give up in those moments.
Is Backpacking Considered Camping?
The main difference between backpacking and camping is how you get to where you will spend the night.
To camp, you can drive to your location. But for backpacking, you carry all your needed items to set up your campsite on your back.
Moreover, you can take everything for camping, while backpacking is restricted to carrying only the bare necessities with you at any time.
To sum up, camping refers to taking all items you need to sleep outdoors for at least one night. Backpacking is merely taking everything for a trip on your back.
Why Is It Called Backpacking?
Backpacking is a recreational activity of hiking while carrying food, camping equipment, and clothing in a pack on the back. That’s why it’s called “backpacking”.
Why Is Backpacking the Best?
Backpacking outdoors helps with your self-esteem and lower stress and provides a feeling of overall wellness.
Here are some benefits you can get through a backpacking trip:
- 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.
- Help in getting your body in shape.
- You learn how not to squander resources.
- Detoxification from technology.
- Engages Our Primordial Instincts.
- It is more cost-effective.
What Is Urban Backpacking?
Urban backpacking is a form of backpacking focusing on low cost and flexibility, typically sleeping in hostels and other budget accommodation.
What Are the Benefits of Thru-Hiking?
Here are five unexpected benefits of thru-hiking:
- Increases fitness
- Take control of your workouts
- Tones the whole body
- Helps prevent and control diabetes
- Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
- Hiking heals
- Is a social activity
- Increase creativity
- Increases happiness levels and curb depression
