What Is Backpacking? (What It Means In 2021)

While backpacking is a form of travel favored by youngsters, the truth is it's an adventure that anyone can enjoy, no matter their age. Staying in inexpensive accommodations and packing everything you need in a single backpack is, after all, quite liberating.

The best part is that you can be much more flexible with your plans with just a backpack in tow. Now is as good a time as any to start planning your next backpacking vacation.

What Does It Mean To Be A Backpacker?

To be a backpacker quite literally means having everything you need in a pack that is carried on your back. While travel has been around as long as mankind, traveling for leisure only took off during the 17th century.

One of the reasons why backpacking is so popular is the cost. Being able to carry all your stuff in a single bag can save money on check-in luggage. Backpackers also save money on hotels because they usually favor more affordable lodgings in a bid to experience local culture on a more intimate level.

Backpacking can be done with a group of friends or solo. Backpacking solo is challenging but still fun and is a great way to meet new people.

Different Types of Backpacking

Spiritual Traveler

Spiritual travelers are people who are fed up with the modern focus on materialism and want to experience the world on a spiritual level. They are perhaps students of Kabbala, Buddhism, or yoga.

They are searching for a more spiritual connection with the world and love to explore local religion and culture. Spiritual travelers usually prefer to backpack solo.

The Hippie

Hippie travelers hate commercialism. They travel around a country using local transportation and eating local food. You can easily spot a hippie backpacker by their clothing: tie-dye t-shirts, beaded hair, and fisherman pants.

Hippies usually avoid popular tourist areas since they are "too commercial." They prefer to travel from place to place by hitching for rides.

Gap Year-ers

This kind of backpacker is young. British, Kiwi, and Aussie kids usually take a break after high school and spend a year traveling outside their native countries before entering university.

They prefer to travel in groups, like to party, and usually stay in youth hostels to save money.

Partygoers

These backpackers spend most of their time partying and drinking. Mornings are usually spent in bed, and hangovers are common.

Partygoers are nocturnal creatures and like to explore bars and experience as many different drinks and cocktails as possible.

Backpacker Couples

Backpacking couples like to go on tours, spend time sightseeing, and do local activities. They can be found around the world and gravitate towards other couples.

Young couples like to explore by day and party by night. Older travelers like shopping and sightseeing.

Digital Nomads

Digital nomads carry their laptops, cameras, and iPads with them, combining their work with travel. You can usually find them in local internet cafes working during the daytime and exploring into the night.

Backpacking Vs. Hiking Vs. Camping: What Are The Differences?

Some people use backpacking, hiking, and camping interchangeably, thinking that they are the same. However, there are a few significant differences.

Backpacking Vs. Hiking

Backpacking typically refers to a vacation where exploring new cultures and experiences is the main focus. Hiking often involves physical activity, such as trekking and exploring the great outdoors.

Both backpackers and hikers usually carry all their gear in a single backpack. However, backpackers tend to travel for longer periods and don't intend to stay in one place for a long time. Hiking backpacks are often designed to carry more equipment at once.

Backpackers explore the wilderness, cities, countries, or anywhere in the world that allows travelers. Hikers can also travel around the world but prioritize exploring hiking trails, outdoors, and nature.

Backpackers Vs. Campers

Backpackers prefer to move from one place or another. They like to explore local culture, food and go sightseeing. Campers prefer to stay rooted in a specific area. They see camping as a way to unplug from society and like the solitude of the wild.

Backpackers travel to one or many destinations and countries during their trip. Campers drive to a campsite and relax.

Backpackers have the option to stay in hotels, hostels, inns, and other forms of accommodations. Campers usually stay in tents, caravans or sleep under the stars. backpackers should consider other things such as theft of bags when moving from city to city.

What To Bring Backpacking: Must-Have Gear Guide

Seasoned backpackers know that it takes a lot of planning and advanced preparation to ensure that your adventure starts on the right footing.

Here are some items you should always have on your backpack.

Traveling For Leisure

Passport, especially if you're traveling abroad.
Travel documents like tickets and itineraries.
Clothing
Toiletries
Phone and gadget chargers
Camera
Water bottle
Medicine or first aid kit
Flip flops for hostel bathrooms

Traveling For Outdoors Or Wilderness

Enough clothing and underwear to last the entire trip.
Toiletries
Food and water
Medicine and first aid kit
Solar gadget charger
Cutlery and cooking implements
Flashlight
Tools for cutting wood
Firestarter
Walking poles
Tent
Sleeping bag
Blanket
Spare batteries
GPS, compass, and maps

How to Become a Backpacker: Tips for Beginners

Backpacking is not just an economical way to explore the world but also a way to experience new things. If you're thinking about backpacking but unsure of how to do so, we have some tips on how you can become a backpacker.

Start small
If going abroad intimidates you, start with something in the next state. You can easily drive there and make a day trip out of it. Nearby locations are also easier to plan and don't cost a lot of money. Plus, you can always turn around and go home if you feel uncomfortable.
Invest in a backpack
It's essential to invest in a backpack that is high-quality. Don't just pick the cheapest one you see. Find something that is reasonably priced and versatile. It should be big enough to hold your possessions for the entire trip and comfortable to wear.
Plan your itinerary
Even if you're only going for a day, having a plan will make you feel secure. If you're visiting a new city, you can include places of interest, and you can find reviews of restaurants and local delicacies online. For backpackers going into the wild, having an itinerary will prevent you from forgetting things. Include necessary information like trail length, break times, and food to eat during the whole trip.
Prepare physically and mentally
Outdoor backpackers should increase their stamina before going on a hike. Remember, a backpack can be heavy when it is laden with food and equipment. Carrying it for long periods can be exhausting. Solo travelers may find backpacking a little mentally challenging, so being mentally fit is essential. Aside from this, waiting for hours in airports when flights are delayed is both physically and mentally draining. Be prepared for this and have a contingency plan on how you can entertain yourself when unexpected things like this happen. A book is always a good choice.

Conclusion

Backpacking is a great way to see and explore nearby destinations and far-flung countries. This cheap travel method attracts young people, empty nesters, and retirees because it makes them feel young, and experiencing new cultures is an enriching activity.

Next time you get the travel itch, consider backpacking. It will not only save you money, but it can also open doors to new experiences and adventures.