Month: August 2021

There are many types of travel: leisure travel, business travel, and then there’s backpacking.

Backpacking is a tradition for decades and has evolved into a popular form of travel.

There is debate over whether backpacking should be defined as “a person who travels with few belongings,” or “a person who travels with a backpack only.”

To many backpackers, the journey is what matters, not how it’s defined.

What is backpacking?

Backpacking is a form of travel in which the traveler carries everything they need on their shoulders—for ease of movement—instead of checking bags as most travelers do.

The word “backpack” may conjure images of high-tech gear designed for adventurers who trek miles upon miles each day. Still, backpacks used by travelers vary greatly based on the destination, weather, conditions, and length of the trip.

Typically, a backpacker will carry a day pack with water, snacks, a camera, etc… as well as what they need for overnight stays in hostels or cheap hotels.

Backpacking is like budget travel. But you have to carry everything you need instead of checking your bags at the airport’s baggage claim.

Backpacking originated in Europe during World War II when people were forced out of their homes. So they hit the road, hitching rides with soldiers who traveled from place to place. Travelers also built and slept in huts and caves along the way.

The simplicity of backpacking (traveling with a few items that you can buy at new locations) moved travelers from Europe to the United States and eventually further afield.

Today, backpacking has evolved past its origins and is done by people of all ages—from school-aged students to retirees—in various types of physical conditions.

The reason for “backpacking” is as varied as the places you take: experience a place without the distractions or overhead costs of vacationing; saving money on lodging and transportation; learn about yourself while exploring your world.

Another popular backpacking type is thru-hiking, which involves hiking one long trail through multiple states (for example, The Appalachian Trail in the US).

Thru-hikers typically in the spring at one end of the trail and hike toward its opposite end. If they complete the thru-hike, it is called a “thru-hiker.”

Thru-hikers who do not make it to the end of the trail often continue on another trail hoping to reach their major goal another day—like a metaphor for life!

How much does backpacking travel cost?

Backpackers have different budgets based on how long they plan to backpack and their choice of accommodations.  

Some hostels offer free stays or work exchanges where travelers help with household duties offered free stay—others might require payment, but you can find plenty of deals online if you’re willing to look around.

Other places to find inexpensive backpacking travel include volunteer projects/work exchanges through organizations like WWOOF or HelpX, stay at farms, B&Bs, or cheap hotels.

Some backpackers also carry their own tents and share food they cook themselves (not always the safest idea in some locations).

Where can you backpack?

Backpacking is a prevalent form of travel that takes you all over the world.

You can backpack from one destination to another if you want an intense experience (for example: spending two months on The Appalachian Trail; flying to Kathmandu for a week before heading to Australia).

You can also start by traveling to a single country and see where it takes you—much like the original backpacking tradition.

Many travelers backpack around their own countries and then revisit favorite spots during future trips.

Traveling within your own country offers an experience of its own with language, culture, food, history—you’re bound to learn something new (and save money on travel) by choosing this option.

Some of the most popular places to backpack are:

• The Appalachian Trail

The Appalachian Trail is one of the most popular backpacking trails in North America.

The trail is about 2,200 miles long and runs through 14 states in the eastern part of the United States.

This trail is so popular with backpackers because it spans a wide range of terrain, from lush forests to barren deserts.

It also connects to many other nearby outdoor locations, such as Shenandoah National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, and parts of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

• The Camino de Santiago

The Camino de Santiago is an ancient pilgrimage route that leads to sites of significance in the Spanish region of Galicia.

Historians believe Christians have used the path since the Middle Ages.

Today, pilgrims undertake this route as a physical and spiritual challenge. The journey can take up to four months, and some even walk for two years on their pilgrimage.

Many people choose to hike sections of The Camino, but others decide to do it all simultaneously.

Some of the most notable landmarks you’ll come across on your trek are:

>Santiago de Compostela Cathedral

>Pico Sacro (Sacred Peak)

>Plaza del Obradoiro

>Alviz Bridge

>Collado Vindeo Pass

• Vietnam from North to South

Backpacking Vietnam from the north of the county to the south typically takes around three months (about 1,200 miles).

You’ll start in Hanoi and pass through scenic beaches, waterfalls, ancient cities, limestone karsts (bizarre land formations shaped by erosion), and much more.

Another popular option is to travel overland from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City. This journey can take 2-3 weeks, depending on how often you stop.

There are many places where backpackers can stop along the way, such as:

>Ba Be Lake

>Lang Son Market

>Ngoc Ha Reservoir

>Cuc Phuong National Park

>Mai Chau

>Halong Bay

• The Colorado Trail

The Colorado Trail is perfect for backpacking because it’s a point-to-point trail that spans 800 miles.

The Colorado Trail is the “most scenic” of the National Scenic Trails and runs into the Rocky Mountains from Durango to Denver.

You’ll find endless adventures from hiking, biking, rafting, fishing, camping, or just sitting by one of the many lakes.

Depending on how much time you have and your pace, you can complete the trail in 2-5 weeks in the summer months and over five months during winter.

• The West Highland Way

If you’re looking for an extended backpacking adventure, consider hiking the West Highland Way in Scotland (135 miles).

You’ll start in Milngavie and hike through scenic valleys, forests, hills, heather moors, stone farmhouses, and into some of Scotland’s most remote villages.

Many people walk the route in 7-9 days, but the trail can easily break it down into sections.

• The Pacific Crest Trail

One of the most popular long-distance hiking trails is The Pacific Crest Trail (2,650 miles). This trail runs from Mexico to Canada along prominent ridges and through deserts, forests, and a few passes.  

In all its entirety, this hike will take you 4-7 months, depending on how much time you have and your pace.

One thing backpackers like most about this trail is that it connects to three different public transportation systems: rail (Glasgow), bus (Edinburgh), or ferry (Loch Lomond).

• Pennsylvania Wilds

The Pennsylvania Wilds is a rugged, forested landscape home to over 600 miles of scenic hiking trails.

You can choose from an extensive network of day-long hikes or longer backpacking adventures.

Backpackers can choose from trails ranging in length and difficulty level, leading to some of the unique and scenic destinations in Pennsylvania, such as:

>The Appalachian Trail (which runs through the eastern portions)

>Allegheny National Forest

>Elk Creek Indian Caverns

>Pine Creek gorge (a deep gorge along the boundary between Elk County and Clearfield County)

>Cherry Springs State Park (a state park for observing astronomical phenomena)

• Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park has about 400 square miles and is the second-largest national park in Colorado.

One of the main reasons this park is so famous for backpackers is that it offers various hiking opportunities, ranging from day-long hikes to backpacking adventures.

A Rocky Mountain National Park hike usually starts at either Estes Park, Grand Lake, or Kawuneeche Valley.

Hikes often include such sights as:

>Moraine Park museum

>The Big Thompson River

>Deer Ridge Trail

>Paradise Creek Trail

>Boulder Falls Trail

One of the most famous day-long hikes (8 miles) in Rocky Mountain National Park is called Glacier Basin. This hike takes you to beautiful alpine lakes and provides spectacular views of the Continental Divide, Longs Peak, Mount Meeker, and Twin Sisters.

Another popular day-long hike is The Cub Lake Trail, which takes you around a small lake full of beavers and other wildlife in the middle of forests and meadows filled with wildflowers.

Backpacking trips in Rocky Mountain National Park usually focus on either the East or Westside.

The East Side: If you venture into the backcountry here, then expect to see lots of elk, bighorn sheep, moose, pikas (small mammals), marmots (large rodents), golden eagles, ospreys, mule, coyotes, ptarmigans (medium-sized birds), and willow ptarmigans.

You can go backpacking here from early summer to late fall.

The West Side: You’ll see even more wildlife here, including grizzly bears, black bears, mountain lions, lynx, wolves, …