This article contains affiliate links. When you click these links and make a purchase, I may get a small commission. It won’t cost you anything, but it helps me run this site.
Are you a camper? Wondering what’s the difference between camping and backpacking? Well, they’re very similar in most ways. Here’s how they break down.
Camping is a great experience and if you haven’t tried it yet, you should, whether you go primitive style or in an RV, it’s up to you!
When going camping, you may bring a tent and sleeping bags or you might sleep in a vehicle. For the purpose of this comparison, I’m going to compare backpacking to tent camping.
Camping
Here are some items that you may bring along when camping:
- Tent, sleeping bags, blow-up mattresses, pillows
- Camp kitchen, including your Dutch oven and cast iron pan
- Camp games like horseshoes, corn-hole
- Firewood for a campfire
- Lots of food and snacks
- A variety of clothing for different needs like swimming
- Camp seating
- Tarp to cover a sitting area
- Variety of lights to keep your area lit in the evening
Something that you may enjoy when camping in the summer is one of these. There’s nothing worse than camping in the summer and being so hot and sweaty that you can’t enjoy the fun or even sleep at night! Stay cool and savor the moments!
Looking for some ideas of gear to take camping?
Camping GearBackpacking
Backpacking is much more primitive than camping. Also, you’re campsite will involve only what you bring in on your back in your pack. Here are some things you’ll have in your backpack:
- Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad and inflatable pillow
- Small camp stove and small pot for cooking
- Enough food and snacks to get you through your trip
- Essential clothing
- Possibly a book or playing cards
Check out my post here to see what I take when I go backpacking.
Are you looking for some backpacking gear? Check out what Amazon has to offer!
Backpacking GearThe Difference
As you can see, the difference is that camping is more about enjoying the campsite and relaxing. A backpacking campsite is different in that you will not be able to bring as many items with you. Chances are, you also won’t be staying at your campsite long when backpacking. You’re usually just making camp for the evening and then getting started again in the morning. It’s much more transient.
Which would you prefer, camping or backpacking?