For the folks who have never been backpacking or know very little about it, let me take a stab at "why" backpacking can be fun and a learning experience. In it's most stripped down form, backpacking is nothing more than low cost, independent travel. What does that mean? Well, for the most part, you can go to faraway places, exotic places, or even places many people never see, for little to no money. How do you do that? Well, we'll get to that in another post, but for now, let's talk about backpacking in it's most elemental form.
Backpacking has changed much over the years, but the basics never change, like the need for food and shelter carried by you. No matter how you break it down, it's the budget way to travel. Carrying a lightweight pack is not a new concept either. People have struggled with that for years. Manufacturer's are constantly making lighter and stronger equipment. But, backpacking itself? I'm afraid it's no longer just a vacation or an adventure, it's become a learning experience. Education by experience. To go somewhere by backpacking, you are exposed to what the average tourists never sees. You interact with the "real life" lives of the local people on a completely different level. You give your vacation an aura of authenticity.
Planning your trip is an important part of your journey. With the "connected" world in which we live, considerations are now made for smart phones, GPS devices, Tablets, Netbooks and even Laptops... all of which have become lightweight enough for travel. Travel guides, guide books and maps, are now even digital, for easy access as well. If you plan the trip, plan your gear, plan your exit? Well then you are miles ahead of the next backpacker.
Stay tuned for the rest of my take on why you should give backpacking a try. Until then, stay safe and I'll see you on the trail!
-Campingman
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