Backpacking

Backpacking has a variety of meanings, one of which implies a type of low-cost, independent and group travel. There are many features that differentiate backpacking from other forms of vacation travel and tourism, these include: use of trains, busses, and other various forms of public transportation, hiking and using trails as a means of reaching a destination, preference of tents, cheap hotels, and youth hostels as compared to luxury or traditional hotels, length of the trip vs. conventional vacations, use of a backpack as a means of carrying luggage, and a goal of seeing the sights and local places of interest.

Technological changes and improvements in backpacking equipment really helped to extend the reach of backpacking as well as its overall definition.. Traditionally backpackers did not travel with expensive electronic equipment as they were heavy and fragile when exposed to the elements. With an increase in overall technology and a decrease in weight and accessibility, it is not uncommon to see backpackers with sophisticated GPS Units, handheld electronics, GPS enabled phones, or even laptops. All of these tools have enabled backpackers to achieve more from their backpacking adventures.

There are several other types of backpacking adventures:

Flashpacking which entails travel in an environment not quite as "low-budget" as the typical backpacker. A flashpacker tends to experience luxuries of nicer accommodations and brings along more luxuries than a typical backpacker.

Daypacking is a form of backpacking with an abbreviated term of travel. Usually daypacking lasts no more than a day, however it is becoming increasingly popular to witness overnight trips, sometimes as long as a week, with the supplies typically meant for shorter trips. With the increase in technology it is now possible to carry much less weight but the same or even more equipment.

Backpacking is not typically viewed as a vacation, but rather a means of education and a greater overall experience. A backpacker's goal is to experience the "real" destination rather than the tourist's version. Backpacking provides a great way to take your life to the road, mountain, trail, or any other environment around the world. Typically backpacking is more of a solitary experience but with an essence and experience of group once you reach the destination. Sleeping in hostiles or coming across others while adventuring out provides a great portal to meet similar people with similar interests.