Travel E-Zone
camping-gear

Backpacking Gear versus Camping Gear

August 5, 2011 by · Leave a Comment 

There is a major difference between backpacking gear and camping gear. For example, carrying the wrong sleeping bag during a 15-mile-a-day backpacking trip can add unnecessary weight to your pack and leave you cold throughout the night. However, the same sleeping bag would be perfect for a weekend camping trip or a sleepover at a friend’s house. Whether you’re researching camping tents, hiking shoes, or clothes, make sure you do your homework and find the best equipment for the trip.

Backpacking gear consists of lightweight equipment, clothes and food. Every piece of equipment that goes into your pack — from clothes to the backpack itself — should be as light as possible. An overweight pack can cause major issues on a backpacking trip, including injuries such as blisters and swollen ankles. An overweight pack also creates a top-heavy physique which can throw off your balance when you need it most, such as during river crossings, log crossings or hiking along thin paths next to steep drop offs.

On the other hand, camping equipment can be as heavy as you wish. Camping stoves, tents, and other camping gear are usually transported to the camp spot in a vehicle as opposed to your back. So you don’t have to worry about fitting that 10-person tent into your backpack.