What Is a Backpacker?
Backpacking is a form of low-cost, independent travel. It includes the use of a backpack that is easily carried for long distances or long periods of time; the use of public transport; inexpensive lodging such as youth hostels; often a longer duration of the trip when compared with conventional vacations; and typically, an interest in meeting locals as well as seeing sights.
Backpacking may include wilderness adventures, local travel and travel to nearby countries while working from the country in which they are based. The definition of a backpacker has evolved as travellers from different cultures and regions participate in the trend. A 2007 paper says “backpackers constituted a heterogeneous group with respect to the diversity of rationales and meanings attached to their travel experiences. They also displayed a common commitment to a non-institutionalised form of travel, which was central to their self-identification as backpackers.” Backpacking, as a lifestyle and as a business, has grown considerably in the 2000’s due to low-cost airlines and hostels or budget accommodations in many parts of the world.
Backpacking can be separated into 3 genres
- Ultralight Backpacking
Ultralight backpacking is becoming more and more popular. Today the industry puts a lot of focus on making things ultra-light.
The backpacks are light like feathers, and the sleeping bags can be rolled up into the size of your palm.
This is definitely something for anyone to look into, as it could really help you ease some weight from your backpack.
These Ultralight backpackers go all the way, counting every ounce, cutting their toothbrushes in half to ease weight.
Although if this is your first time on the road, you will never understand why people would ever want to travel like this.
You find more and more Ultralight backpackers using smaller packs and buying lightweight clothes, quick drying travel towel, etc.
2.Flashpacking
Flashpacking is a new type of backpacking. It is generally where you travel more expensively and with higher living standards.
Many people like to explain the definition of a flashpacker as someone who travels with a lot of tech gear like iPods and laptops and such, but that has become so common these days that nearly everyone carry an mp3 player with them, and laptops are hardly something expensive anymore – so the view of a Flashpacker now is more of someone who has all the latest stuff, doesn’t save up for a trip, spends his money on drinking, partying and staying in nicer places.
Another way to define the flashpackers would be to say – ‘THEY BACKPACK IN STYLE.’
They prefer to go to the main guidebook destinations, do the main attractions, see what everyone else tells them to see.
They view backpacking more as an extended party than anything else.
3.What is a backpacker tourist – Backpacking RTW Travel
This is the type of backpacking that you will find the most information about on our website.
Backpacking in this term means traveling on a budget, usually for longer distances, seeing many different countries and for a longer time than normal holiday travellers.
These backpackers can be quite diverse, exploring different cultures and travel both in cities as well as on the countryside.
Some of them might make a short hike for a few days or do some volunteer work, and then continue their travels.
They view backpacking and travel more for seeing amazing new cultures and as a personal growth than as a party, or simply a short get away from the real world.
They see the whole world as their home, and don’t really feel a need to get back to the ‘real-world’ anytime soon. Travel is their life.
The Changes of Backpacking…
Backpacking has changed considerably the last decade.
It has always been around, but today it’s easier than ever before.
The flight tickets are cheaper, in many places it’s safer, the communication is better etc
Plus, you don’t have to worry about the boring part of traveling like plane tickets anymore, there are hundreds of organisations over the world that help you with that stuff.
Some people buy all their tickets to each country (including the one back home) before they’ve even left, through one of these companies. All you do is to go into their office, tell them where you want to go, how long you’d like to stay in each place, and they’ll book all the flights you need for a trip round the whole world if that’s what you want.
Although, they obviously don’t work for free, and certainly won’t spend extra time looking for the cheapest flights.
How to choose the right backpack for your trip, If you’re already planning a backpacking trip.
- Essential Gear for your Next Hiking Adventure
If you’re sick of city life and looking for a brief sabbatical, it might be time to dust off those old hiking shoes, tighten the straps of your backpack and head out into the wild.
Before you go, however, there are certain things you should consider such as the terrain you’ll be encountering and the gear you’ll be taking with you.
After all, you’re likely to be far from any sort of town or settlement and trekking through some arduous terrain, so it’s important that you pack accordingly.
- Sturdy Hiking Boots
Always spend good money on things that separate you from the ground, whether it be a bed, car tires or in this case hiking boots.
Since your feet will be bearing the weight of not just your body but your pack and gear too, it’s important to have reliable boots that will give you support and protection over long distances.
You might have to spend a bit of money to get a decent pair but it’s a worthwhile investment; better a slightly dented wallet than a broken fourth metatarsal.
- Hiking Socks
Designed to keep your feet dry and warm when it starts to get wet, and cool when things heat up, hiking socks are almost as important as boots when it comes to taking care of your feet.
They should be able to dry quickly and be durable in the long run.
If you can get your hands on them, Merino Wool socks definitely check both boxes in this regard.
And if you’re looking for gifts to give a fellow traveller and hiker, then hiking socks should be number one on the list as they’re something that can always be used.
- Military Watch
A military watch is one of the most long-lasting and robust watches out there.
The features from watch to watch vary, but in general, a military watch is water resistant, has luminescent hands and numerals, and is super lightweight.
Additional features include a scratch-proof watch face, power reserve for close to 48 hours capabilities and a moon phase calendar, all of which do wonders you’re trying to navigate in the wild.
- Lightweight and Waterproof Tent
While some trails have simple shelters along the way to take refuge in when it comes to night time, getting space in one is never guaranteed.
It’s therefore vital you always have a tent to provide shelter from the elements.
There are various things to consider when choosing a tent, but above all else it should be lightweight and waterproof.