Backpacking (hiking)
In North America, tenting is common, where simple shelters and mountain huts, widely found in Europe, are rare.
Backpacking trips range from one night to weeks or months, sometimes aided by planned resupply points, drops, or caches.
[4] A weighted load stresses the shoulders, delts, back, abs, obliques, hips, quads, hamstrings and the knees.
In some regions, varying forms of accommodation exist, from simple log lean-to's to staffed facilities offering escalating degrees of service.
Backpackers there can walk from hut-to-hut without leaving the mountains, while in places like the Lake District or Yorkshire Dales in England hill-walkers descend to stay in youth hostels, farmhouses or guest houses.
In the more remote parts of Great Britain, especially Scotland, bothies exist to provide simple (free) accommodation for backpackers.
On the French system of long distance trails, Grande Randonnées, backpackers can stay in gîtes d'étapes, which are simple hostels provided for walkers and cyclists.
[5] Backpacking gear depends on the terrain and climate, and on a hiker's plans for shelter (refuges, huts, gites, camping, etc.).
Depending on conditions - which include weather, terrain, load, and the hiker's age and fitness - a backpacker may drink 2 to 8 litres (1/2 to 2 gallons), or more, per day.
Consequently, items with high food energy, long shelf life, and low mass and volume deliver the most utility.
Taste and satisfaction are issues that are of varying importance to individual hikers, as they consider whether it is worth the effort (and trade-off against other gear) to carry fresh, heavy, or luxury food items.
Popular snacks include trail mix, easily prepared at home; nuts, energy bars, chocolate, and other energy-dense foods.
Many hikers use freeze-dried precooked entrees for hot meals, quickly reconstituted by adding boiling water.
An alternative is Ultra High Temperature (UHT) processed food, which has its moisture retained and merely needs heating with a special, water-activated chemical reaction.
Some people seek out lighter equipment for long-distance hikes, as it is easier to carry, reduces physical strain, and allows for ease of long distance travel.
Winter backpackers stick to wool or synthetic fabric like nylon or polypropylene, which hold less moisture and often have specialized wicking properties to dissipate sweat generated during aerobic activities.
Layering is essential, as wet clothes quickly sap body heat and can lead to frostbite or hypothermia.
[14][15] A sleeping bag is carried and other essential backpacking items, and often a tent or similar shelter, if places to stay are not available.
