Understanding the Difference Between Backpacking and Hiking A guide for new adventurers

Originally Published February 3, 2023
Last Updated: February 1, 2025

Many newcomers to outdoor activities find the terms ‘hiking’ and ‘backpacking’ confusing, as they are often used interchangeably. I once took a friend on their first outdoor adventure, and they packed way too much gear—everything from a tent to a full set of cooking gear—because they followed a backpacking checklist instead of a simple hiking essentials list. As a result, what should have been an enjoyable day on the trail turned into a strenuous trek, and they were completely exhausted by the end.

At the end of the day it was a small mistake that we all laugh about now. However, it was our fault for not helping our friend more. As a couple with over 20 years of hiking together, it’s easy to take a lot of the stuff we have learned for granted. That’s why we started this blog, and why we are writing this post. Hopefully it will help you to avoid a similar mistake. In this guide will break down the distinctions between backpacking and hiking, covering essential gear, physical and mental demands, and what to expect from each experience.

A group of hikers in the woods

Note: This article focuses on the American perspective of outdoor recreation. In other parts of the world, the term “backpacking” often refers to budget travel between cities, rather than wilderness camping. In Europe, for example, backpacking typically involves traveling between destinations using public transportation, staying in hostels, and exploring new cultures with a lightweight pack. If you’re interested in learning more about long-term travel and budget backpacking, check out Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel by Rolf Potts. It will change your outlook on everything.

Key Takeaways

Hiking: Short single-day trips involve short walks on trails with basic supplies.
Backpacking: Multi-day excursions require carrying everything needed for food and shelter.
The main difference between these experiences is the duration, level of preparation, and self-sufficiency required.
Both activities offer a unique way to connect with nature—hiking allows for a more relaxed, immersive experience in natural settings with minimal gear, while backpacking fosters a deeper appreciation for self-sufficiency and survival skills as you navigate and adapt to the wilderness over multiple days.

Hiking: Short Walks Outdoors

The Hikers Companion for Beginners: Essential Tips and Tricks for Hiking with Confidence In this new guidebook to hiking for beginners, everything you may want to know about the ins and outs of hiking is laid out for you – so you can embark on your hiking adventure without fear.

Hiking is simply the act of walking in natural environments, typically along designated trails in forests, mountains, and parks. It allows individuals to engage with nature while enjoying physical exercise at their own pace. For beginners, look for easy trails in your local area that offer gradual inclines and well-maintained paths. We use the website AllTrails.com to find trails and read reviews from fellow hikers before we set out, ensuring a suitable match for our skill level.

Hiking is an ideal activity for adventurers of all skill levels, offering fresh air, scenic views, and the opportunity to explore different terrains without requiring extensive gear or preparation. It provides a great way to relieve stress, improve cardiovascular health, and build endurance while connecting with nature. We strongly recommend new hikers stick to popular and well-established trails until they get more experience.

Tips for beginner hikers

Choose the Right Time of Day: Avoid starting hikes during peak heat hours, especially in summer. Early mornings or late afternoons provide cooler temperatures and better lighting for scenery.
Wear the Right Socks: Invest in moisture-wicking, anti-blister socks instead of just focusing on footwear. Socks play a crucial role in keeping feet dry and preventing painful blisters.
Test Your Gear at Home: Before heading out, wear your gear around the house or on short walks to ensure comfort and proper fit, especially backpacks and shoes.
Use the 10-Minute Rule: Start slow—hike for 10 minutes and assess your breathing and energy levels. Adjust your pace accordingly to prevent burnout early on.
Learn Basic Trail Markings: Many trails use a system of blazes or symbols to mark paths. Familiarizing yourself with these will help you avoid getting lost.

Essential gear for short trips

Comfortable walking shoes that are appropriate for the terrain.
Water (How to Keep Water Cold on the Trail)
Small first-aid kit (DIY First Aid Kit for Outdoor Adventures)
Snacks (Choosing the Best Trail Snacks)

For most short outings, this basic equipment is all you need.

Backpacking: Extended Wilderness Trips

How to Suffer Outside: A Beginner’s Guide to Hiking and Backpacking Diana Helmuth offers real advice, opinionated but accessible and based on in-the-field experiences. She wins readers’ hearts and trust through a blend of self-deprecating humor and good-natured heckling of both seasoned backpackers and urbanites who romanticize being outdoorsy,

A multi-day outdoor adventure that involves carrying all necessary supplies, including food, water, shelter, and safety equipment. Unlike short hikes, these extended journeys require greater preparation and endurance, offering a deeper connection with nature.

One of the key benefits of these trips is the opportunity to develop valuable outdoor skills such as navigation, fire-building, and wildlife awareness. Travelers learn to read maps, use a compass effectively, and adapt to changing environments, enhancing both physical and mental resilience.

The challenges of carrying a loaded pack over rugged terrain build endurance and problem-solving abilities, making each trip not only a journey through nature but also a test of self-reliance and adaptability.

A group of backpackers in the mountains

Beginner Tips

Master Your Packing System: Organize your backpack with frequently needed items easily accessible. Practice packing and unpacking at home to streamline your routine on the trail.
Hydration Strategy: Instead of just carrying water bottles, use a hydration bladder for easy sipping while walking. Additionally, know where natural water sources are along your route and bring a reliable water filtration method.
Layering for Temperature Control: Conditions can change drastically, so use a layering system with moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer layers to adapt easily.
Understand Food Weight vs. Calories: Prioritize high-calorie, lightweight foods such as dehydrated meals and nut butters to maximize energy without adding unnecessary bulk to your pack.
Plan Your Exit Strategy: Whether it’s mapping out emergency routes, carrying a personal locator beacon, or informing someone of your trip plan, always have a backup plan for getting out safely if things don’t go as expected.

Essential gear for multi-day trips

Large, supportive backpack
Tent or other shelter
Sleeping bag
Cooking gear and food (Easy No-Cook Meal Ideas)

We recommend packing lightweight and compact gear since you’ll be carrying it the entire trip. For those interested in reducing their pack weight even further, ultralight backpacking focuses on minimizing gear weight while maintaining safety and comfort. This approach often involves using multi-purpose equipment, selecting lighter materials, and planning what to bring. If you’re interested in learning more, check out this guide to ultralight backpacking for expert tips on cutting down pack weight effectively.

Comparing the Two Experiences

Factor	Hiking	Backpacking
Duration	A few hours to a full day	Two or more days
Gear Needed	Minimal supplies for comfort and safety	Extensive gear for food, shelter, and survival
Overnight Stays	No overnight accommodations needed	Requires camping in remote areas
Physical Demands	Lower effort, suitable for most fitness levels	Higher endurance needed for carrying supplies over long distances
Mental Focus	More relaxed, focused on scenery and enjoyment	Requires navigation, planning, and survival skills

Short trips serve as an excellent starting point for beginners and casual explorers, allowing you to build confidence and develop essential outdoor skills. Focus on fundamental skills such as reading trail maps, using a compass, understanding weather patterns, managing energy and hydration, and making informed decisions about gear selection. These foundational skills will not only improve safety but also enhance the overall hiking and backpacking experience. One of our favorite methods to prepare for longer summer excursions is to take shorter walks early in the year, building endurance and acclimating to higher altitudes.

Backpacking Vs Hiking - Finding The Right Pack

Accessibility Considerations

Outdoor adventures should be inclusive and accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability. With thoughtful planning and the right resources, people with disabilities can enjoy the beauty of nature just as much as anyone else. Many trails and parks now offer wheelchair-accessible routes, adaptive equipment rentals, and guided experiences tailored for individuals with mobility challenges.

For those looking for more guidance, organizations such as the National Parks Accessibility Guide and Disabled Hikers provide excellent resources on accessible trails and adaptive outdoor gear. Our own post on Adaptive Hiking offers valuable insights on how to modify traditional hiking experiences to suit individual needs.

No matter your level of ability, with proper preparation and support, the outdoors can be a welcoming and rewarding place for all adventurers.

Understanding Leave No Trace

The Leave No Trace philosophy comprises seven principles aimed at minimizing our impact on nature. Key principles include disposing of waste properly—such as packing out all trash and food scraps—and respecting wildlife by maintaining a safe distance and not feeding animals. These simple actions help preserve nature for future generations. By adhering to these principles, outdoor enthusiasts can help preserve nature for future generations.

A popular trail that we visited yearly became so littered with trash and damaged by careless visitors that it eventually had to be shut down for years for cleanup and repairs. That experience reinforced the importance of following Leave No Trace principles, such as packing out all waste, staying on designated trails, and respecting wildlife, to ensure these areas remain pristine for future adventurers.

For a deeper dive into these principles, check out our post on Leave No Trace.

References for New Hikers and Backpackers

A group of backpackers crossing a bridge in the forest

Hiking vs. Backpacking: Which One is Right for You?

Choosing the right outdoor adventure depends on multiple factors, including your physical fitness, personal interests, and level of experience in self-sufficiency. The terrain type, expected weather conditions, and the availability of essential resources can all influence how challenging an excursion will be. By understanding these variables, you can make well-informed choices that ensure both safety and enjoyment.

In our experience, starting with shorter hikes can help build stamina, develop familiarity with essential gear, and boost confidence before attempting longer or more challenging journeys. A great way to find beginner-friendly trails is to use trail-finding apps like AllTrails or Hiking Project, which allow you to filter by difficulty level, trail length, and elevation gain. Look for trails labeled as ‘easy’ with gradual inclines and well-maintained paths, and check user reviews for insights on trail conditions and accessibility.

Additionally, following a simple training regimen, such as gradually increasing your hiking distance and incorporating uphill walking, can help prepare your body for more strenuous adventures. Gradually increasing the difficulty level of your adventures allows you to gain skills and comfort at a manageable pace, leading to more fulfilling and rewarding outdoor experiences.

In Conclusion

Whichever option you choose, make sure you have the right supplies, plan ahead, and embrace the adventure. The great outdoors is for everyone, and every trip—big or small—brings new experiences and discoveries. Have a favorite tip or story from your own outdoor adventures? Share it with us on social media—we’d love to hear from you! Happy exploring!

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By Summer and Bill

Summer and Bill are the dynamic duo behind Adventureite.com, a blog dedicated to inspiring others to explore the great outdoors. With a combined lifetime of experience traveling and adventuring across America, they have a wealth of knowledge to share. From hiking to camping, kayaking to travel, Summer and Bill are passionate about helping others discover the beauty of the natural world.

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By Summer and Bill

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