Hiking vs. Backpacking: Which Is Better For You?

If you’re new to the outdoors, the question of whether to go hiking or backpacking can be confusing. Both activities have their pros and cons, but which is the right choice for you?

If you want a fast, safe, and less strenuous way to enjoy the outdoors then hiking is for you. If you want to explore the backcountry through multiple-day trips and traverse low-traffic areas then backpacking is your calling! Let's explore some of the differences to ensure you choose the right activity.

Hiking is a great way to explore the outdoors if you do not want to purchase expensive gear or planning to go very far. Hiking can be great for families, beginners, and in some cases even experienced backpackers. Hiking doesn’t require lugging all your gear with you because the trail often provides the necessary accommodations to keep you safe and comfortable. Hiking is a great way to get some cardio and enjoy nature without having to worry about things like bears or snakes.

Backpacking, on the other hand, is a great way to venture into the backcountry. Backpacking takes you away from the beaten path and allows you to really explore the wilderness. It can be a great way to get away from civilization, see beautiful landscapes, and do some serious camping. Backpacking also requires a lot more gear than hiking, so if you’re not prepared to carry a lot of weight on your back, this may not be the right activity for you.

Gear Needed For Backpacking

Assuming you’ve already decided that backpacking is the activity for you, what kind of gear do you need? Well, let’s start with the basics. Obviously, a backpack is necessary. This will be your home away from home for the duration of your trip so it’s important to get a good one. The size you need depends on how long your backpacking trip will be and what kind of hiking or camping you plan to do. If you’re going to go over several days and plan to take a lot of gear with you, get a bigger and more comfortable backpack that will allow for easier movement while carrying all the equipment.

Once you’ve got your backpack, you might want to consider purchasing boots. These aren’t necessary for everyone but if you plan on traveling over rough terrain or even just be in the backcountry for a while then boots are worth considering. The right kind of boots for you will depend on what type of hiking you plan to do and what activity you plan to use them for.

If you’re doing any serious backpacking or hiking, a tent is a must-have item. This will keep you safe from the elements and provide some shelter if needed. To get a good one, make sure it’s big enough for all your gear and fits in your pack. There are plenty of backpacking tents on the market to choose from so you should be able to find something that works for you at an affordable price.

An inflatable sleeping pad is also a great idea if comfort is important to you. Sleeping pads can help ensure you’re warm all night long and make your sleep much more enjoyable. They can also make the difference between waking up sore and refreshed, so don’t underestimate the value of a good night’s rest.

Last but not least, you should probably think about packing some dry food for your trip. You don’t want to be stuck out in the backcountry with nothing to eat so having some pre-packed food with you can ensure you won’t go hungry. Just make sure you don’t pack anything that will spoil if the temperature gets too hot or cold.

If you want to learn what else is needed for backpacking activities, I suggest reading our backpacking checklist post.

Gear Needed For Hiking

Hiking requires a lot less gear than backpacking. You don’t need to bring things like tents, cooking supplies, or backpacks if you plan on sticking to the trail. All you need is proper shoes and some water. The right hiking shoes can make all the difference so don’t mess around with cheap boots! You’ll be a lot more comfortable if you invest in a quality pair of hiking boots.

And of course, you need water to stay hydrated and safe from heat-related injuries. Some hiking experts recommend one gallon per day for each person but this depends on your activity level and the climate where you’re hiking. The best way to figure out how much water you need is to test it out on a few short hikes and see what your body’s telling you.

You might want to bring some gear with you in case of emergencies such as sunscreen, bug spray, bandages, etc. But for the most part, the gear you need for hiking is very minimal due to the length of an actual hike. Please sign up for our newsletter to receive a free day-hike checklist!

Advantages Of Backpacking

• You can go on backpacking trips for a few days or weeks at a time, depending on your needs and supplies

• Backpacking is a great way to see nature up close and personal

• You can cover more ground when backpacking than you can when hiking, allowing you to explore more of the area you’re visiting

• Backpacking is a great way to get in shape

• You can go backpacking with a group or by yourself, giving you plenty of flexibility and options

Disadvantages Of Backpacking

• It can be expensive to buy all the necessary gear

• You need to be in good shape to do backpacking activities

Advantages Of Hiking

• Hiking is a great way to get in some exercise without spending too much time on it

• You don’t need as much gear for hiking vs backpacking

• You can make your hike more enjoyable by bringing along some friends or family members

• Hiking is a great way to see nature and get some fresh air

Disadvantages Of Hiking

• Hiking can be more dangerous than backpacking if you’re not careful

• It can be easy to get lost while hiking if you’re not paying attention

• Hiking can be a boring, solitary activity

The Social Benefits Of Hiking And Backpacking

While hiking and backpacking are different activities with similar attributes, they both provide a social benefit. When you hike with a group or family member, you can enjoy conversation and companionship along the way. This can make the hike more enjoyable and help the time pass by faster.

Similarly, backpacking also provides an opportunity for socializing. You can make friends with people who are backpacking in the same area as you or you can chat with people you meet at the campsite. This can make backpacking a fun and social activity, especially if you’re doing it with a group of friends.

Whether you’re hiking or backpacking, enjoying nature and spending time with friends and family are two of the main social benefits. So get outside and enjoy!

The Mental Benefits of Hiking and Backpacking

Hiking and backpacking provide a number of mental benefits, including:

• Stress relief

• Improved mood

• Improved focus

• Reduced anxiety

• improved mental health

• Lowers risk of depression according to a study performed by Stanford Researchers.

All of these benefits are due to the fact that hiking and backpacking allow you to disconnect from electronics and the digital world. When you’re hiking or backpacking, you can’t check your phone or computer and you’re forced to pay attention to your surroundings. This can be refreshing and lead to a more clear mind.

Hiking and backpacking are also great activities for problem-solving. When you’re out in nature and away from distractions, you improve your focus and are able to come up with solutions for any challenges you might face.

Conclusion

Hiking and backpacking are different activities that require different equipment, planning, and level of fitness. However, both encourage us to get outside and enjoy nature. After all, nature is a powerful healer - not to get too spiritual here - but sometimes we need to get outdoors and hit the refresh button!

So, which activity do you prefer and why?

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