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'''Backpacking''' (also '''tramping''' or '''trekking''' in some countries) is the complete combination of ] and ]. '''Backpacking''' (also '''tramping''' or '''trekking''' in some countries) is the complete combination of ] and ]. A backpacker hikes into an area with the intent of exiting at a later date, so he or she carries supplies and equipment to satisfy sleeping and eating needs.


People are drawn to backpacking primarily for ], to explore places that they consider beautiful and fascinating. The main advantage of backpacking over day hiking is that it allows the hiker to see remote areas, almost entirely devoid of people or their effects, that are otherwise inaccessible. The main disadvantages are that the encumbrance of the backpack itself substantially reduces the hiking pace, so that less ground can be covered in a day, that the backpack is something of a nuisance and a distraction to enjoying the scenery, and that camp chores use up several hours every day. People are drawn to backpacking primarily for ], to explore places that they consider beautiful and fascinating, or for which there is no other way to access. The main advantage of backpacking over day hiking is that it allows the hiker to go deeper into remote areas well away from transportation systems and people and their effects. The main disadvantages are the weight of the supplies and gear (carried in the backpack) substantially reduces the hiking pace, so that less ground can be covered in a day, and that the backpack is something of a nuisance and a distraction to enjoying the scenery, and that camp chores might consume several hours a day.


== What is backpacking? == == What is backpacking? ==
A backpacker camps in one place, then packs all of his or her gear into a ] and hikes off to a different location. This gear must include ], ], and ], or the means to obtain them, but very little else, and often in a more compact and simpler form than one would use for stationary camping. Many backpacking trips last just a ] (one or two nights), but long-distance expeditions may last ]s or ]s, sometimes aided by prearranged food and supply drops. A backpacker packs all of his or her gear into a ] and hikes to an inspirational location. This gear must include ], ], and ], or the means to obtain them, but very little else, and often in a more compact and simpler form than one would use for stationary camping. Many backpacking trips last just a ] (one or two nights), but long-distance expeditions may last ]s or ]s, sometimes aided by planned food and supply drops.


Backpacking ]s are more spartan than ordinary camps. In areas that experience a regular traffic of backpackers, a hike-in camp might have a ] and a small wooden bulletin board with a ] and some warning or information signs. Many hike-in camps are no more than level patches of ground without ] or ]. In truly desolate areas, firmly established camps do not exist at all, and travelers pitch their tents wherever they please. Backpacking ]s are more spartan than ordinary camps. In areas that experience a regular traffic of backpackers, a hike-in camp might have a ] and a small wooden bulletin board with a ] and some warning or information signs. Many hike-in camps are no more than level patches of ground without ] or ]. In truly desolate areas, established camps do not exist at all, and travelers pitch their tents wherever they please.


In some places, backpackers have the option of lodgings that are more substantial than their tents. In the more remote parts of ], ] exist to provide simple (free) accommodation for backpackers. Another example is the High Sierra Camps in ]. ]s provide similar accommodation in other countries, though one must usually join an organisation to make use of their facilities. In some places, backpackers have access to lodging that are more substantial than a tent. In the more remote parts of ], ] exist to provide simple (free) accommodation for backpackers. Another example is the High Sierra Camps in ]. ]s provide similar accommodation in other countries, so being a member of a mountain hut organisation is advantageous (perhaps required) to make use of their facilities.


Most backpackers purposely try to avoid impacting on the land through which they travel. This includes following established ]s as much as possible, not removing anything, and not leaving trash in the backcountry. The ] movement offers a set of guidelines for low-impact backpacking. Most backpackers purposely try to avoid impacting on the land through which they travel. This includes following established ]s as much as possible, not removing anything, and not leaving trash in the backcountry. The ] movement offers a set of guidelines for low-impact backpacking ("Leave nothing but footprints. Take nothing but photos.").


Backpackers face many risks which add to the danger and excitement of a trip. These can include adverse ], difficult terrain, treacherous ] crossings, and hungry animals. Illnesses run the gamut from simple ] to ], ], ], and physical ]. The remoteness of backpacking locations exacerbates any mishap. Backpackers face many risks which add to the danger and excitement of a trip. These can include adverse ], difficult terrain, treacherous ] crossings, and hungry or unpredictable animals. Illnesses run the gamut from simple ] to ], ], ], and physical ]. The remoteness of prime backpacking locations exacerbates any mishap.


== Equipment == == Equipment ==
All backpackers seek to minimize the weight and bulk of gear that they must carry. A lighter pack causes less injury and soreness, and allows the backpacker to travel longer distances. Every piece of equipment is evaluated for a balance of utility vs. weight. Significant reductions in weight can usually be achieved with little sacrifice in equipment utility, though very lightweight equipment is often more costly. All backpackers seek to minimize the weight and bulk of gear carried. A lighter pack causes less injury and soreness, and allows the backpacker to travel longer distances. Every piece of equipment is evaluated for a balance of utility versus weight. Significant reductions in weight can usually be achieved with little sacrifice in equipment utility, though very lightweight equipment is often more costly.


A large industry has developed to provide lightweight gear and food for backpackers. The gear includes the backpacks themselves, as well as ordinary camping equipment modified to reduce the weight, by either reducing the size, reducing the durability, or using lighter materials such as special ]s, ]s of ], and ]. Designers of ]s and ]s have been particularly ingenious. Homemade gear is common too, such as the ]. A large industry has developed to provide lightweight gear and food for backpackers. The gear includes the backpacks themselves, as well as ordinary camping equipment modified to reduce the weight, by either reducing the size, reducing the durability, or using lighter materials such as special ]s, ]s of ], and ], or making them consumable such as sleeping bags made of processed paper which can be burned. Designers of ]s and ]s have been particularly ingenious. Homemade gear is common too, such as the ].


] is usually obtained from ]s and ]s. Drinking and cooking water may need treated with a filter or purifier to protect against ] and ] (see ]). If water is unavailable, or if the only water available is utterly filthy, backpackers may carry large amounts of water for long distances. Since a hiker needs three or four ]s every day, and much more under especially hot or dry conditions, a water supply for more than a day or two is prohibitively heavy. In many cases, though, one litre or less is enough to sustain a backpacker between water sources. ] is usually obtained from ]s and ]s. Drinking and cooking water may need treatment with a filter or purifier to protect against ] and ] (see ]). If water is unavailable, or if the only water available is utterly filthy, backpackers may carry large amounts of water for long distances. Since a hiker needs three or four ]s every day—and much more under especially hot or dry conditions—a water supply for more than a day or two is prohibitively heavy. In many cases, though, one litre or less is enough to sustain a backpacker between water sources.


Water may be stored in soft, collapsible bladders, some of which are equipped with drinking hoses for easy access while hiking. Some backpackers also store water in ordinary plastic beverage bottles, while others use something more durable. In particular, the ] company sells a line of famously indestructible bottles. Water may be stored in soft, collapsible bladders, some of which are equipped with drinking hoses for easy access while hiking. Some backpackers also store water in ordinary plastic beverage bottles, while others use something more durable. In particular, the ] company sells a line of famously indestructible bottles.


Backpacking food is typically highly packaged, dehydrated fare that can be reconstituted by adding hot water. The most valued food products combine a high ] content with low ] and ]. High-] foods are generally somewhat preferred. Some backpacking meals are pre-cooked and vacuum-packed without being dehydrated, and reheated when needed by a ], allowing the backpacker to avoid carrying a stove and ]. (This technology, known as "Meal Ready-to-Eat" (]), was originally developed and is still used for military purposes.) However, meals of this type are heavy, and if the backpacker carries more than two or three, there is typically no weight savings. ] is a form of backpacking food that can be manufactured at home. Backpacking food is typically highly packaged, dehydrated fare reconstituted by adding hot water. The most valued food products combine a high ] content with low ] and ]. High-] foods are preferred by many. Some backpacking meals are pre-cooked and vacuum-packed without being dehydrated, and reheated when needed by a ], allowing the backpacker to avoid carrying a stove and ]. (This technology, known as "Meal Ready-to-Eat" (]), was originally developed and is still used for military purposes.) However, meals of this type are heavy, and if the backpacker carries more than two or three, there is typically little weight savings (compared to carrying a stove and fuel too). ] is a form of backpacking food easily prepared at home.


Some backpackers go to greater lengths to seek lightweight and compact gear than do others. The most radical measures taken in this regard are sometimes called ''ultralight backpacking''. Some backpackers use lighter weight and more compact gear than do others. The most radical measures taken in this regard are sometimes called ''ultralight backpacking''.


Due to the emphasis on weight reduction, a practical joke common in some circles is to secretly pack a small but relatively heavy luxury item, such as a ], into another backpacker's pack. Then, once the group stops for a rest, the perpetrator retrieves the item, thanks the bearer for carrying it, and consumes it. Due to the emphasis on weight reduction, a practical joke common in some circles is to secretly pack a small but relatively heavy luxury item, such as a ], into another backpacker's pack. Then, once the group stops for a rest, the perpetrator retrieves the item, thanks the bearer for carrying it, and consumes it.

== Skills ==
* ] are handy for peace of mind: In case the weather, terrain or environment is more challenging than prepared for, or for dealing with shortcomings in
* ] is useful to find the ], then find and follow a route to a desired sequence of destinations, and then an exit. In case of disorientation, navigational skills are important to determine where you are and formulate a route to somewhere more desirable. At their most basic, navigation skills allow you to choose the correct sequence of trails to follow.
* ]: effectively dealing with minor injuries (splinters, punctures, sprains) is considered by many a fundamental backcountry skill. More subtle, but maybe even more important, is recognizing and promptly treating hypothermia, ], dehydration and ], as these are rarely encountered in daily life.
* ] is the backpackers's version of the ]: To have beautiful and pristine places to enjoy, help make them. At a minimum, don't make them worse.
* ] is a skill of last resort. It's considered good ettiquette to attract attention before perishing, thus avoiding upset of wildlife patterns and leaving unsightly and heavy gear strewn about.


==See also== ==See also==
Line 38: Line 45:
* ] is similar to backpacking, but uses ]s or other ]s for transportation. * ] is similar to backpacking, but uses ]s or other ]s for transportation.
* ] and ] are alternative forms of ] (overnight or otherwise) that can be engaged in when the ground is buried deeply in ]. * ] and ] are alternative forms of ] (overnight or otherwise) that can be engaged in when the ground is buried deeply in ].
* Some travelers use ]s (usually ]s or ]s) to carry their equipment, and sometimes also themselves. This is variously called ''horse packing'', ''mule packing'', etc. ]s are sometimes hired for the same purpose. * Some travelers use ]s (usually ]s, ]s or ]s) to carry their equipment, and sometimes also themselves. This is variously called ''horse packing'', ''mule packing'', etc. ]s are sometimes hired for the same purpose.
* ] live as transients in towns and cities. Their main interest is the culture of the places they visit, rather than the natural wonders, though they may also take wilderness side trips. * ] live as transients in towns and cities. Their main interest is the culture of the places they visit, rather than the natural wonders, though they may also take wilderness side trips.
* ] is travel in a region or environment that is, for one reason or another, highly unpredictable or hazardous. * ] is travel in a region or environment that is, for one reason or another, highly unpredictable or hazardous.

Revision as of 20:48, 5 November 2005

Backpacking in Carpathian Mountains, Poland

Backpacking (also tramping or trekking in some countries) is the complete combination of hiking and camping. A backpacker hikes into an area with the intent of exiting at a later date, so he or she carries supplies and equipment to satisfy sleeping and eating needs.

People are drawn to backpacking primarily for recreation, to explore places that they consider beautiful and fascinating, or for which there is no other way to access. The main advantage of backpacking over day hiking is that it allows the hiker to go deeper into remote areas well away from transportation systems and people and their effects. The main disadvantages are the weight of the supplies and gear (carried in the backpack) substantially reduces the hiking pace, so that less ground can be covered in a day, and that the backpack is something of a nuisance and a distraction to enjoying the scenery, and that camp chores might consume several hours a day.

What is backpacking?

A backpacker packs all of his or her gear into a backpack and hikes to an inspirational location. This gear must include food, water, and shelter, or the means to obtain them, but very little else, and often in a more compact and simpler form than one would use for stationary camping. Many backpacking trips last just a weekend (one or two nights), but long-distance expeditions may last weeks or months, sometimes aided by planned food and supply drops.

Backpacking camps are more spartan than ordinary camps. In areas that experience a regular traffic of backpackers, a hike-in camp might have a fire ring and a small wooden bulletin board with a map and some warning or information signs. Many hike-in camps are no more than level patches of ground without scrub or underbrush. In truly desolate areas, established camps do not exist at all, and travelers pitch their tents wherever they please.

In some places, backpackers have access to lodging that are more substantial than a tent. In the more remote parts of Great Britain, bothies exist to provide simple (free) accommodation for backpackers. Another example is the High Sierra Camps in Yosemite National Park. Mountain huts provide similar accommodation in other countries, so being a member of a mountain hut organisation is advantageous (perhaps required) to make use of their facilities.

Most backpackers purposely try to avoid impacting on the land through which they travel. This includes following established trails as much as possible, not removing anything, and not leaving trash in the backcountry. The Leave No Trace movement offers a set of guidelines for low-impact backpacking ("Leave nothing but footprints. Take nothing but photos.").

Backpackers face many risks which add to the danger and excitement of a trip. These can include adverse weather, difficult terrain, treacherous river crossings, and hungry or unpredictable animals. Illnesses run the gamut from simple dehydration to heat exhaustion, hypothermia, altitude sickness, and physical injury. The remoteness of prime backpacking locations exacerbates any mishap.

Equipment

All backpackers seek to minimize the weight and bulk of gear carried. A lighter pack causes less injury and soreness, and allows the backpacker to travel longer distances. Every piece of equipment is evaluated for a balance of utility versus weight. Significant reductions in weight can usually be achieved with little sacrifice in equipment utility, though very lightweight equipment is often more costly.

A large industry has developed to provide lightweight gear and food for backpackers. The gear includes the backpacks themselves, as well as ordinary camping equipment modified to reduce the weight, by either reducing the size, reducing the durability, or using lighter materials such as special plastics, alloys of aluminium, and titanium, or making them consumable such as sleeping bags made of processed paper which can be burned. Designers of portable stoves and tents have been particularly ingenious. Homemade gear is common too, such as the beverage can stove.

Water is usually obtained from lakes and streams. Drinking and cooking water may need treatment with a filter or purifier to protect against bacteria and protozoa (see Potability of backcountry water). If water is unavailable, or if the only water available is utterly filthy, backpackers may carry large amounts of water for long distances. Since a hiker needs three or four litres every day—and much more under especially hot or dry conditions—a water supply for more than a day or two is prohibitively heavy. In many cases, though, one litre or less is enough to sustain a backpacker between water sources.

Water may be stored in soft, collapsible bladders, some of which are equipped with drinking hoses for easy access while hiking. Some backpackers also store water in ordinary plastic beverage bottles, while others use something more durable. In particular, the Nalgene company sells a line of famously indestructible bottles.

Backpacking food is typically highly packaged, dehydrated fare reconstituted by adding hot water. The most valued food products combine a high energy content with low mass and volume. High-protein foods are preferred by many. Some backpacking meals are pre-cooked and vacuum-packed without being dehydrated, and reheated when needed by a chemical reaction, allowing the backpacker to avoid carrying a stove and fuel. (This technology, known as "Meal Ready-to-Eat" (MRE), was originally developed and is still used for military purposes.) However, meals of this type are heavy, and if the backpacker carries more than two or three, there is typically little weight savings (compared to carrying a stove and fuel too). Trail mix is a form of backpacking food easily prepared at home.

Some backpackers use lighter weight and more compact gear than do others. The most radical measures taken in this regard are sometimes called ultralight backpacking.

Due to the emphasis on weight reduction, a practical joke common in some circles is to secretly pack a small but relatively heavy luxury item, such as a soft drink, into another backpacker's pack. Then, once the group stops for a rest, the perpetrator retrieves the item, thanks the bearer for carrying it, and consumes it.

Skills

  • Survival skills are handy for peace of mind: In case the weather, terrain or environment is more challenging than prepared for, or for dealing with shortcomings in
  • Navigation is useful to find the trailhead, then find and follow a route to a desired sequence of destinations, and then an exit. In case of disorientation, navigational skills are important to determine where you are and formulate a route to somewhere more desirable. At their most basic, navigation skills allow you to choose the correct sequence of trails to follow.
  • First Aid: effectively dealing with minor injuries (splinters, punctures, sprains) is considered by many a fundamental backcountry skill. More subtle, but maybe even more important, is recognizing and promptly treating hypothermia, heat stroke, dehydration and hypoxia, as these are rarely encountered in daily life.
  • Leave No Trace is the backpackers's version of the golden rule: To have beautiful and pristine places to enjoy, help make them. At a minimum, don't make them worse.
  • Distress signaling is a skill of last resort. It's considered good ettiquette to attract attention before perishing, thus avoiding upset of wildlife patterns and leaving unsightly and heavy gear strewn about.

See also

Related activities

  • Canoe camping is similar to backpacking, but uses canoes or other boats for transportation.
  • Ski touring and snowshoeing are alternative forms of hiking (overnight or otherwise) that can be engaged in when the ground is buried deeply in snow.
  • Some travelers use pack animals (usually horses, mules or llamas) to carry their equipment, and sometimes also themselves. This is variously called horse packing, mule packing, etc. Porters are sometimes hired for the same purpose.
  • Urban backpackers live as transients in towns and cities. Their main interest is the culture of the places they visit, rather than the natural wonders, though they may also take wilderness side trips.
  • Adventure tourism is travel in a region or environment that is, for one reason or another, highly unpredictable or hazardous.
  • Thru-hiking is traversing a long trail in a single, continuous journey by starting at one end of the trail with a backpack and hiking essentially unaided to the other end. The term is traditionally used when refering to an end-to-end hike on routes such as the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, or the Continental Divide Trail.

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