Understanding Backpacking Styles
Backpacking Styles
Backpacking styles can be viewed along a spectrum that stretches from the very ultralight & minimalist person to the other end where convenience & comfort is king. It is not always as simple as placing an individual into a single category but it definitely helps to think about these things to see where you mostly fit. Understanding your backpacking style will help ensure that you do not waste your money on gear that does not suit your needs.
- + Backpacking Style Spectrum + -
minimalist <-> ultralight <- -> convenience <-> comfort
The minimalist sacrifices everything for simplicity. This includes the simplest foods to prepare, spartan packs and tents with little frills and no extra pockets, etc. The result is usually a very lightweight overall pack but weight reduction is not the goal, rather simplicity is. This can often have the side effect of gear at a lower cost because of the lack of extra features. The minimalist people I have met hike for the enjoyment of the experience and nature around them. They look at backpacking as a way to get away from life's complicated flow, if only for a short while.
The ultralight person is looking to reduce their overall pack weight as much as possible. This is usually done through extremely expensive ultralight items. They seek to shave ounces off every item that can be adjusted. These individuals will sacrifice an item and leave it home if it is not justified and the weight is too much. I have found that they are usually motivated to have the lightest pack in order to accomplish goals on the trail such as covering large daily mileage, getting to the top of a high mountain quickly, or hiking long distances . These folks are usually conquerors that are very goal-oriented.
The last two categories of convenience and comfort can get lumped together because the result is usually the same. These people like to have a certain amount luxury while living on the trail. Their meals are more elaborate and they look at their campsite as a home away from home not just a place to put a sleeping bag down for a few hours. Their gear has extra features that make things easier. I have met a few people in these categories who live by the old Boy Scout motto of "be prepared" . . . for everything. Someone in this category should not plan huge daily mileage, climbing major elevation in a single day, or doing long-distance backpacking. Unless you are in the very best shape with a strong core, your back, legs and core muscles will hate you.
The ancient phrase "know thyself" definitely applies to backpacking styles. Try to think about what you enjoy most and your purpose for backpacking in order to get a better understanding of where you best fit along the spectrum.
I must admit that I fit best into the comfort category and that I believe this category best aligns itself to backpacking with children. It would crush me to find out that my children ended up hating backpacking because I pushed them too hard on the trail or it was not viewed as enjoyable because they ate oatmeal the whole time. I try to plan for minimal mileage so we have the time to enjoy the gorgeous views, nature, and elaborate campsites. Remember the most important thing is to enjoy the journey.
Legal disclaimer: Backpacking has inherent dangers and this activity is done at your own risk.
by Bryan 4/1/2009