r/backpacking Feb 26 '19

Travel Welcome to /r/Backpacking!

564 Upvotes

Welcome to /r/Backpacking. It has now been over 10 years of this subreddit, and we just passed our 1,000,000th subscriber!

By popular demand, this subreddit explores both uses of the word Backpaking: Wilderness and Travel Below are the rules and links to the dozens of related subreddits, many of which focus on more specific aspects of Backpacking of both types, and specific geographic locations.

(The other main reason this post is here is so that the weekly thread works properly. Otherwise there would be two weekly threads showing.)

Rules

  1. All posts must be flaired "Wilderness" or "Travel"

  2. Submissions must include a short paragraph describing your trip. Submitted content should be of high-quality. Low effort posting of very general information is not useful. Posts must include a trip report of at least 150 characters or a short paragraph with trip details.

  3. This is a community of users, not a platform for advertisement, self promotion, surveys, or blogspam. Acceptable Self-Promotion means at least participating in non-commercial/non-self promotional ways more often than not.

  4. Be courteous and civil. Polite, constructive criticism of ideas is acceptable. Unconstructive criticism of individuals and usage of strong profanity is unacceptable.

  5. All photos and videos must be Original Content

  6. Follow Rediquette.

If you have any questions, or are unsure whether something is ok to post, feel free to contact the moderators.

Related Subreddits:

Wilderness Subreddits

Gear and Food Subreddits

Outdoors Activity Subreddits

Destination Subreddits


r/backpacking 6d ago

General Weekly /r/backpacking beginner question thread - Ask any and all questions you may have here - March 31, 2025

3 Upvotes

If you have any beginner questions, feel free to ask them here, remembering to clarify whether it is a Wilderness or a Travel related question. Please also remember to visit this thread even if you consider yourself very experienced so that you can help others!

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Note that this thread will be posted every Monday of the week and will run throughout the week. If you would like to provide feedback or suggest another idea for a thread, please message the moderators.


r/backpacking 18h ago

Travel Trip to Venice in New Year's Day

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362 Upvotes

r/backpacking 1d ago

Travel Colombia so far

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376 Upvotes

r/backpacking 2h ago

Travel Sleeping pad suggestions - Klymit unreliable

2 Upvotes

My first Klymit sleeping pad was incredible. Lasted a long time and was super comfortable. The valve stopped working eventually and now won’t inflate. I got the two person version and had to send it back multiple times for air leaks, they said they repaired it but it still didn’t hold air through the night so I returned it. I tried again last summer and after a handful of uses, I found a leak after it stopped holding air through the night. Most recently I tried again for a backpacking trip. 3 nights it worked great, 4th night it wouldn’t hold air for longer than a few minutes. Unreliable product in my experience and I just can’t trust them any more. Any suggestions for a comfortable inflatable pad that will last? I’m a side sleeper.


r/backpacking 5h ago

Travel Safety question - What to expect hiking Cerro Huemul in Patagonia in late October?

3 Upvotes

The plan is to hike the Cerro Huemul loop in late October to early November. Does anyone have any advice for how cold they think it will be between the wind, elevation, and temperature?

I took a look at the temperature for El Chalten and it looks like it can get down to 28F and historical lows as low as 18F in that time frame. The winds can be up to 40mph with 60mph gusts.

Also the mountain goes up another 3,000 feet or so higher than the city.

Has anyone done this trail in late october, what did you experience? Advice?


r/backpacking 6h ago

Wilderness Gaia versus CalTopo versus other for Europe?

3 Upvotes

I have used Gaia Premium the past few years for wilderness backpacking and trail running in the western US. I had been thinking about switching to CalTopo over the past year or so just based on some causal research (and honestly wanting to avoid Outside-related products), but now I'm moving to Europe where I hope to do a lot of backpacking and am wondering if there is a compelling reason to commit to one or the other. Does anyone have any recs or experiences using either or both in Europe? I did use Gaia last year on Laugavegur and AV1 and had no complaints, but I'm not loyal to their ecosystem and would like to use the most accurate / reliable platform available. Or are there other better alternatives that I should consider? Thank you!


r/backpacking 9h ago

Travel I am wheelchair user need help traveling

4 Upvotes

Hi, I am a wheelchair user and I love travelling, but due to accident, I am now a wheelchair user suggest me good places travel specially the ones that are off beat but still wheelchair accessible


r/backpacking 11h ago

Travel Film photogs on the road

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7 Upvotes

Some of my favourite film photos of my trips.

1 and 2 Mirissa, Sri Lanka 3 and 5 Indawgyi Lake, Burma 4 Ninh Binh, Vietnam 6 Yerevan, Armenia 7 Stepanakert, Armenia


r/backpacking 1d ago

Travel Pikes Peak Chill Trip

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61 Upvotes

Driving through the Pikes Peak Highway was unforgettable. 6° incline of the road is very steep for me. I felt pressed back in my seat, and every turn made my heart race. It took us about two hours to reach the parking lot at the summit, and I can hardly imagine how a race driver could drive the Volkswagen I.D. to the top in just 7 minutes and 57 seconds.

we take short hiking on the top. The trail is gentle, but be prepared for steep slopes and sharp turns. At the summit, the weather was sunny and the view was clear, letting you easily see the valley below. I took photos with my phone, though they would probably look even better with a professional camera. If you love driving or simply enjoy scenic routes, I highly recommend Pikes Peak.


r/backpacking 6h ago

Travel Sandles for backpacking trip

1 Upvotes

Hi all

Going to SEA in June for 11 weeks and I am looking into what footwear to bring. Decided that I will just bring a pair of sneakers and a good quality sandle.

Would anyone have any reccomendations of a sandle that I could wear for most of the day around the town, beaches and maybe even do some more hiking/trekking in for a man?


r/backpacking 1d ago

Wilderness THIS IS PAKISTAN! A journey to Snow Lake

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68 Upvotes

Less than 100 people visit this place in a year. Why follow the beaten path when there are so many magnificent places to explore in peace? Endless passes to climb, endless snow & endless silence to truly spend time reconnecting to nature in a way that is harder and harder to find these days. Snow Lake is located in a remote area in the Karakoram uniting the ancient kingdoms of Hunza & Baltistan. It takes about a week of trekking to reach. Truly one of the most incredible places I've ever been.


r/backpacking 7h ago

Travel Looking for a new Backpack

1 Upvotes

Hey fellow travelers,

I‘m currently looking for a new backpack to travel, but I‘m kind of lost in the market.

Maybe you guys have some good recommendations. Here is a list of must haves that are essential for me: - 65L - adjustable back paddings - removable pouch for day travelling would be nice

Thank you for reading!


r/backpacking 14h ago

Travel mountain design x country 55L vs osprey fairview trek 50L

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone, i need some help choosing a pack for my 2 month europe backpacking trip! I’m looking for a good travel/hiking hybrid pack as I will be starting my trip doing the camino de santiago- so i will be walking with my pack on for 2 weeks and then continuing to backpack for 6weeks afterwards. I like the idea of the osprey fairview trek 50L as it opens like a suitcase but then has features of a hiking backpack aswell for comfort during the long days of walking, I am also looking to get a smaller daypack to attach to the pack for when i go on smaller daypack hikes! Only downside to this bag i can see is the price point, I found the mountain design x country looks like a good cheaper option however Im unsure if you can attach a day pack to this bag and just wanting to know if anyone has any opinions on these two bag options! Thanks


r/backpacking 11h ago

Travel Ha Giang Loop Tours Spoiler

1 Upvotes

Fantastic Adventures Ha Giang Loop is an exhilarating journey through one of Vietnam's most breathtaking landscapes. This adventure takes you along the winding roads of Ha Giang, surrounded by stunning mountains, lush valleys, and vibrant ethnic cultures. Riders experience the thrill of navigating hairpin bends while enjoying panoramic views of terraced rice fields and dramatic cliffs. Along the way, visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture, visit traditional markets, and connect with the welcoming communities. This loop is not just a ride; it's a memorable exploration of nature and culture in a truly unique setting.


r/backpacking 15h ago

Wilderness Looking for a new tent. I am thinking either single person or 2 person. Needs to be under $500

1 Upvotes

At this point I am liking the Mountaon Hardware Strato 2 or Nimbus 1 or 2. They seem lite but still offer good protection and space. Any other recommendations are welcome as long as the price is under $500.


r/backpacking 19h ago

Travel 2-3 weeks in South American, what is your itinerary suggestion for the ultimate hiking/adventure trip?

2 Upvotes

Hi! I aim to spend 2-3 weeks in South America sometime between October to early December. I will be flying in from Canada. I love hiking and all sorts of activities (snorkling, scuba diving, etc). How would you suggest spending the 2-3 weeks? Also, is there any issues regarding weather during this time of the year?

I love fast paced travel, so I am not concerned with spending too much time in each place necessarily. Would also be up to see any must-see non-hiking things if they are exceptional!


r/backpacking 1d ago

Wilderness A short trek through the forests near the lake and a meeting with the keeper of the swamps

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325 Upvotes

r/backpacking 1d ago

Travel Just explored Chernivtsi, Ukraine — this city blew my mind

5 Upvotes

I recently visited Chernivtsi in western Ukraine, and I honestly didn’t expect it to be this charming. It has such a rich mix of Austro-Hungarian architecture, local culture, and literary history. One of the highlights was visiting the statue and theater dedicated to Olha Kobylianska, a legendary Ukrainian writer.

I filmed my experience walking around the city, talking to locals, and soaking in the vibe. It felt like one of Europe’s underrated gems — no tourist crowds, just authenticity.

If you're into off-the-beaten-path destinations, you might enjoy this:
https://youtu.be/tda27atURB0

Let me know what you think or if you've been to this part of Ukraine!


r/backpacking 1d ago

Travel Golden hour magic at Kyarki Point, Rishikesh – yesterday’s sunset felt unreal!

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38 Upvotes

Yesterday’s sunset at Kyarki Point was something else – the sky turned into a painting right before our eyes. I had the chance to guide a small group up there, and watching their faces light up as the sun dipped below the hills was the best part of my day.

Kyarki is one of those lesser-known gems in Rishikesh – peaceful, raw, and perfect for travelers looking to escape the usual crowd. I’ve been guiding tours around Rishikesh for a while now, showing people the spiritual spots, nature trails, and hidden viewpoints like this. If you're around and want to explore with someone who knows the place like the back of their hand, hit me up!

Let the photos speak for themselves –


r/backpacking 23h ago

Travel Santa Cruz Trek (Huaraz, Peru) - Early May

2 Upvotes

Hey guys, I’m planning on doing the Santa Cruz trek in Huaraz (starting either May 2nd or 3rd) and wanted to either join an organised group going to find other travellers to hike with. Is anyone else planning the hike around this time?

It’s one of the most famous hikes in north Peru! I’m 30M from the UK


r/backpacking 1d ago

Travel Solo Trip to Cusco – Machu Picchu Package Worth It?

2 Upvotes

Hey all, I’m planning a 4-day solo trip to Cusco to see Machu Picchu and nearby sites. I got a quote from a tour group for around $1,200. It includes airport pickup, a city tour of Cusco, Sacred Valley tour with an overnight in Aguas Calientes, a guided Machu Picchu visit, all transport (including trains and buses), and 3-star private hotels with most meals included.

It sounds super convenient and I’d be okay with it, but I’m wondering if there’s a cheaper alternative—maybe staying in hostels with private rooms and booking day tours through them. I’d love something more social and budget-friendly but still efficient. Has anyone done that? Would love tips!


r/backpacking 1d ago

Travel How do backpackers on a budget get around Bali? Scooter rental per city or long-term?

2 Upvotes

I’m doing a 3-week trip in Bali and I’m trying to figure out the smartest way to get around as a budget backpacker. My route is: Canggu → Ubud → Munduk → Nusa Penida → Uluwatu.

I’ll be carrying a 55L Osprey backpack, which I know is on the larger side for some people, but it’s because I’m continuing on to Europe for another 18 days with my family after Bali, and I’m also bringing some camera gear (GoPro + drone) with me.

I want to use a scooter to get around locally, but I’m not sure if it makes more sense to rent one scooter for the entire time I’m on the island, or just take Grab between cities and rent scooters locally in each spot.

I’ve heard of people doing long-term scooter rentals, but I don’t know how that works with ferry transfers, scooter returns, or riding with a backpack between towns. Would love to hear how other backpackers have handled this — especially those on a budget and moving around like I am. What worked best for you?


r/backpacking 22h ago

Travel Best Backpacking / camping trails in illinois or midwest?

1 Upvotes

To celebrate graduation me and and some friends want to spend a few days hiking and camping together, but we are relatively inexperienced and don’t know any good trails within a few hours of us (we live near chicago).


r/backpacking 1d ago

Travel What are your go to brands for pants and shoes to wear both on a hike and a night out?

21 Upvotes

Sorry if this is a common repost, I’m backpacking Central America from April to June, looks like it’s gonna be hot wet and humid for most of it. I need to get a pair of pants and shoes that I can wear camping, hiking, etc, but still looks nice enough for the occasional night out, ideal if it will help keep my dry and cool too. Budget is around $150 each, obviously less is ideal but can stretch to maybe 200 if they’re just to die for or come bulletproof.

Any suggestions are welcome, general brands or specifics! TYIA


r/backpacking 16h ago

Travel Everest base camp down jacket

0 Upvotes

I’m going to everest base camp end of april and i’m wondering which down jacket to get. I considered renting but I also might just splurge and buy my own cause i would reuse it. I was considering the rab electron pro, rab infinity, arc’teryx thorium. Or any others if anyone has recommendations. I have the arc’teryx beta ar as an ouyter shell and i’m taking fleece and merino wool base layers. I feel like i have all the gear but overthinking the down jacket so much!!


r/backpacking 2d ago

Travel Sunrise in Co.Kerry, Ireland 🇮🇪

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219 Upvotes

Lovely morning in An Clochán, Co.Kerry, Ireland.

I ngach siúlóid leis an dúlra faigheann duine i bhfad níos mó ná mar a lorgaíonn sé.