Trying to figure out whether backpacking or camping is right for you? Read this guide for the pros and cons of each to find your new favorite outdoor activity!
Table of Contents
- Backpacking vs Camping: What's Right for You?
- Pros of Backpacking
- Pros of Camping
- So Which is Better - Backpacking vs Camping?
Backpacking vs Camping: What’s Right for You?
As always, follow the principles of leave no trace when you're out exploring! Pack out all trash, leave wildlife alone, and generally leave it better than you found it - for more information visit the Leave No Trace Center.
When I started learning about exploring the outdoors, I was really confused. A friend was talking about camping and how their family always brought a pizza oven to the family reunion camping trips.
“How does someone hike a bunch of miles with a pizza oven?” I thought. “Is one person the designated pizza oven carrier and everyone else has to carry other things?“
What I learned later is that I was confusing camping with backpacking! I thought when people were talking about camping, they had to hike all of their gear a ton of miles to a campsite. When I started car camping, I realized that you can sleep in a tent AND also have access to a bunch of fun gear like a pizza oven. (Can you tell I was not an outdoorsy kid?)
The goal of this guide is to compare backpacking vs car camping. For ease of reading, in this post, when I refer to “backpacking”, I am talking about camping after carrying all your gear into a site via hiking and when I refer to “camping”, I am talking about camping with access to your car. They’re both great ways to experience nature, but there are pros and cons for each.
Read on for more information comparing backpacking vs camping!
Looking for the difference between different types of camping? Check out my guide to car camping vs tent camping!
Pros of Backpacking
Backcountry Has Fewer Crowds
Ever been at a campground thinking “I wish it was just a little bit quieter”? By nature of being harder to get to, the backcountry is generally less crowded. Not everyone wants to (or can) strap thirty pounds of gear to their back and hike multiple miles to a campsite. Backpacking can take you away from the masses and into some pretty remote areas.
Feels More Empowering
There’s something magical about finishing a multi-day hike. Your legs are sore, your back is sore, you’re a little smelly, but you’re also floating on a cloud of endorphins because you accomplished something amazing. I have never felt as proud of myself and my body as the day I finished hiking the seventy mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail.
If you’re looking for tent camping where you hike to a campsite with no car access, check out my backpacking guides!
- Must Have Backpacking Gear
- Backpacking Clothing Guide
- How to Plan for a Backpacking Trip
Pros of Camping
Gear is Generally Less Expensive
Who knew the cost of sleeping on the group could add up so quickly? Ultralight backpacking gear is pretty pricey. Every ounce on the back matters! Because gear doesn’t need to be carried very far for car camping, the weight doesn’t matter as much, giving more options for every budget.
I always recommend starting with budget gear, gear rentals, or borrowed gear for any type of camping. This will help you see what you like (and more importantly, don’t like) before investing in gear for yourself.
Looking for a car camping checklist? Download my FREE guide here!
Don’t Have to Carry All the Gear
Carrying all the gear is usually the number one reason people don’t like backpacking. It is hard, especially when starting out, to get used to hiking with weight on your back. With car camping, you’ll either be sleeping in the car itself or you’ll be parked relatively close to your tent site. Either way, you won’t have to worry about gear weight as much.
Lower Barrier to Entry
Car camping has a lower barrier to entry. In general, backpacking requires more survival skills and more specialized, expensive gear than regular camping. Because of this, I recommend that people who have never camped before try car camping before trying backpacking. It can give you a sense of sleeping outside with fewer risks.
Trying to get a better night's sleep whether you're camping or backpacking? Check out my guide on how to sleep better outside!
So Which is Better? Backpacking vs Camping
Personally, I prefer backpacking. I love the empowering feeling of carrying everything I need for a trip on my back. If I’m going to sleep in my tent, I want to have carried it ten miles to my campsite. But I have a ton of friends who would rather bring the whole double burner stove and cook a gourmet meal than eat dehydrated pad Thai out of a bag.
The verdict? It depends. Evaluate your gear and your outdoor skill set before setting off on an adventure. There’s no right answer – it’s really up to you on what you prefer!
Being outdoors is for everyone and I would love to help you! If you have any questions or want to chat more, comment below or send me a DM on Instagram @torytalkstrails!
Updated December 11, 2024