If you’re here, you’re probably wondering how to get the most out of connecting with nature and exploring its wonders on foot. Hiking and backpacking are great activities for tuning out the hubbub of work and personal obligations while getting lost in the pleasurable sensation of moving your body.
While the two terms appear similar, there’s actually a world of a difference between hiking and backpacking. This article will help you distinguish between backpacking vs. hiking and outline the pros and cons of the two activities. It will also give you an idea about how to decide which one is the right choice for you.
A Definition of Backpacking and Hiking
Most people would describe hiking as simply taking a long walk. However, a hike is often a satisfying and challenging workout, usually a one-day walk going down manufactured paths or trails. As you’re hiking, you’ll sometimes have to go over uneven ground and discover nature’s picturesque landscapes.
Taking up hiking is a good way of losing weight, getting lean, and escaping rampant city pollution. Depending on how long you’ll be outdoors, the main things you’ll have to take with you are water, sunscreen, maps, a bit of food to keep you energized, etc. Since hiking lasts about a day, it’s wise to pack light and carry only the essentials.
Like hiking, backpacking revolves around walking in nature. However, backpacking comes down to a mix of camping and hiking. It’s a walk that stretches over several days with backpackers carrying a pack containing tents, food, clothes, and camping equipment.
Unlike hiking, backpacking can take you into more remote forests or mountainous areas where you’ll search for a spot to set up camp for the night. While some nature parks have marked-off areas for you to explore and spend the night, you could also chase adventure and go off the beaten path to find picturesque landscapes.
Hiking Pros and Cons
Pros of Hiking
Hiking is an excellent way of working up a sweat without feeling too exhausted afterward. Because hiking has become a popular activity in recent years, many beginner-friendly trails have popped up worldwide. These trails allow people of all ages and skill levels to exercise appropriately to their fitness ability.
Taking into account the duration and seriousness of your hike, you’ll likely only need to pack up a water bottle, hiking shoes, some food, and a map of the trail. Most mountains have signs and detailed descriptions before each path. You should have no trouble finding shorter ones that will provide you with just enough fresh air without needing to lug around a big bag of supplies.
Hiking helps you get in shape by building your lower body muscles and has numerous health benefits. It lowers the risk of heart disease, decreases blood pressure levels, and even reduces the stress and anxiety you experience. Going on a hike is a fun way to spend some time in the great outdoors and prevent numerous health issues.
Many people have to divide their time between work, family, and education which often makes them feel like they’ve got no free time on their hands. So, taking several days out of a busy schedule to go on longer trips is just not something they can afford. However, many larger cities are surrounded by forests, hills, and mountains. So, even city dwellers can find pleasure in escaping their urban environment and enjoying the beauty of the countryside on foot.
Cons of Hiking
Taking a stroll down the city center is a relatively worry-free activity. Whatever happens, we know there’ll be someone to help. However, hiking alone can be dangerous, especially in areas with no cell service. If you get lost or injure yourself, you’ll have no one to turn to, and in places where there are fewer hikers, this can mean waiting for hours until help arrives.
When done right, hiking is an excellent experience for everyone. When you start with shorter and less demanding trails, you’ll gradually work your way up to walking the more challenging paths. When you overestimate your skills, you risk serious injury, especially when your body is not used to such exertion. You should be realistic with your abilities and set appropriate hiking goals to achieve in the future.
Many people have become interested in hiking in recent years. While this certainly boosts tourism in certain areas, it also means that you won’t always be able to escape large crowds. Shorter trails that don’t demand too much exertion are usually full of hikers looking for a productive way to spend their day. While you’ll undoubtedly get some exercise done, you probably won’t be able to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature with so many folks scattering around you.
Backpacking Pros and Cons
Pros of Backpacking
Exploring the beauty of nature with only the supplies you’ve brought in your backpack is an exhilarating experience. Without the gadgets and devices of urban life, you’ll reconnect with your environment and learn to trust and follow your instincts. Backpacking will help you feel more independent than ever and teach you how to rely on yourself in challenging circumstances, building confidence and improving general wellbeing.
Since backpacking can span from as little as a few days to as much as several weeks, it’s a perfect way to connect with your friends and family on a deeper level. Out in the wild, the scenic landscapes will inspire meaningful conversations, helping you understand just how unique and complex the people in your life are.
Since 1 in 5 Americans will experience mental health struggles in any given year, backpacking is a perfect chance to get away from the triggers in your environment. When peace and tranquility ease your mind, you’ll find yourself overwhelmed by the wonders of the natural world and not by stress and anxiety.
Our homes and offices have become cluttered with trinkets and devices we’re not sure we need. But we still buy them because of the growing modern pressure to amass more things. This maximalist lifestyle disappears when you go backpacking. With only the most essential of items, you will learn to be grateful for the little things in life. Imagine witnessing the sunset or spotting a flock of rare birds across the sky. In the outdoors, you’ll realize that the best experiences can’t be bought. Instead, they have to be lived.
Cons of Backpacking
While just packing up your things and embarking on an adventure is an enticing concept, it’s certainly not for everyone. Wearing the same clothes for days and washing them when the opportunity arises can turn your backpacking trip into a dreadful affair you won’t want to repeat.
To have a good backpacking experience, you’ll need to get the right camping gear. Carrying all your clothes, equipment, and resources on your back several hours a day can be challenging. Unless you’ve prepared beforehand, you’ll have to take several breaks and seriously slow down your progress, which can deprive you of seeing everything you’ve marked in your itinerary.
Backpacking is not feasible for busy bees who can’t find the space in their schedule to merge a few free days. Only people with a flexible work routine and a more carefree lifestyle can embark on a backpacking journey, with no deadlines or urgent emails spoiling their fun.
To Sum Up the Pros and Cons
To give you a clear overview of what we’ve learned, we’ve created this infographic that outlines the pros and cons of backpacking vs. hiking.
How to Decide Between Backpacking and Hiking
Before choosing between backpacking and hiking, you’ll need to consider how each of them would fit into your lifestyle.
You should opt for backpacking if:
Go for hiking if:
Final Thoughts on Backpacking vs. Hiking
Ultimately, when it comes to deciding whether backpacking or hiking is the right choice for you, the ball is in your court. First, go over how you enjoy spending your days and how much free time you typically dedicate to leisure activities. Then, be honest about your skills and fitness level.
If you feel like hiking is more up to your speed but are unsure how to start, check out our article on hiking must-haves for beginners!
