Difference Between Backpacking and Hiking: What Every Adventurer Should Know

Some may say there is no difference between backpacking and hiking, but that isn’t necessarily true. Sure, these activities may have some similarities, but they are also different.

According to the dictionary, hiking is an activity where you go on long-distance walks, usually along the countryside. Backpacking is when you are traveling with your belongings in a backpack. Okay, simple enough. But, if you’re going on a long walk through the countryside (aka hiking), surely you’ll want to bring some stuff with you on your trip, right?

Confused yet? Let’s first talk about how they are similar, and then we’ll get into how they are different.

Similarities Between Backpacking And Hiking

When hiking or backpacking, you will likely walk a lot through nature. The terrain for both activities may include steep inclines, flat lands, hills, forests, and even the need to cross water.

Make no mistake, backpacking and hiking are very popular activities for an outdoor enthusiast because they allow one to enjoy nature, enjoy the company of of companions, and get in some great exercise.

What are the Differences Between Hiking And Backpacking?

Many people confuse the two activities because they have quite a few similarities, but if you talk to a hiker about how long they are on the trail, they may tell you they are hiking for a few hours, mostly over shorter distances, and then going home.

On the other hand, backpackers often go on long walks and trekking routes that take a few days. This is why they will pack a backpack containing various things like tents, sleeping setups, and so forth. You can consider backpacking to be a cross between hiking and camping,

Difference Between Backpacking and Hiking: What’s Different And What’s Important?

You still want to be prepared and have the appropriate gear for activities like backpacking or hiking. Let’s look at the most important pieces of gear for each outdoor activity and how they differ.

Shoes

Your shoes are the most important thing you will need when you want to hike or backpack. The shoes you will use for a hiking trip will not be the same shoes you’ll wear if you go backpacking.

Hiking shoes are lightweight and feature waterproof mesh. The soles and support around hiking boots are pretty flexible. There will be little to no reinforcement on the side of the shoe or the toe cap.

Backpacking boots are considerably heavier and made of tougher material, like thick cowhide, a stiff rubber sole, and a toe cap. The sole of these boots will be significantly thicker and have a stiff shaft to provide ample support for your arches, which will be incredibly important when walking on an uneven surface, a rugged terrain, or when carrying heavy backpacking gear.

Clothing

Other than shoes, the type of clothing you’ll wear for each activity is going to be a little different. You can wear your normal, comfortable outdoor clothing when you go for a hike. Depending on the weather, you may want to wear a pair of shorts and a T-shirt to hike. You may want to bring a light jacket to keep you warm while trekking. During the colder seasons, you may want to opt for heavier clothing on a hiking trip.

If you are going backpacking, you’ll want to pack a few days’ worth of clothing with you, as well as thermals, a heavy jacket, a rain jacket, and the like. You’ll be out in the elements for a few days, so you’ll want to have enough of the appropriate clothing to last the trip.

Backpack

Another important piece of equipment you will need is a backpack. Although hikers don’t necessarily need to bring a rucksack, you may want to carry a light one so that you can store food, water, an emergency kit, a compass, and other smaller items.

When you go backpacking, you will need a significantly larger backpack because you will need to bring a lot of things with you on the trail.

Hydration

Hikers can get away with a thermal water bottle that will keep about a liter of water cold. A backpacker, on the other hand, will want to bring couple bottles of water or a water bladder. You may also want to bring a water filtration straw in case you run out of water during your backpacking trip.

Shelter

As a hiker, you won’t need shelter because you won’t be out that long. However, as a backpacker, you will need a tent, a sleeping bag, and maybe even some camping gear. These are important because you will want protection from bugs, small animals, and the weather.

Conclusion

The difference between backpacking and hiking is all about personal preference. Both activities provide an excellent workout and allow you to get away from technology and fully appreciate nature.

With that said, while both activities are very similar, they are quite different. When hiking, a hiker only plans to walk a path or trail, and you’ll be back by the end of the day. With backpacking, you plan to go a longer distance, which will take a few days.

Not only do these activities vary in how long you’ll be out and about in your outdoor adventure, but they also require different gear. Hiking is a very minimalist activity: You can just go to the park and go for a walk. Backpacking, however, requires planning, more gear, and foresight.

Head over to our backpacking checklist before your backpacking trip so you don’t forget the important stuff!

Resources:

Backpacker’sBlaze
DifferenceBetween