Backpacking vs. Camping vs. Glamping (See Which One You Are)

backpacking vs camping vs glamping

There’s a lot of crossover between backpacking, camping and glamping.  For example, I sometimes bring my portable espresso maker (definitely a glamping item) camping but sit on the ground instead of camping chairs.

Below is a breakdown of backpacking vs. camping vs. glamping.  See which items you do on your trips. If they mostly fall into one category, that’s the type of camper you are.

BackpackingCampingGlamping
ShelterMinimalist tent, tarp or hammockFamily tentYurt, cabin or treehouse
SleepingFoam or self-inflating pad and sleeping bagInflatable mattress, sleeping bag and inflatable pillowCot with mattress, blankets and pillow
FoodDried foodCanned food and instant mealsDutch oven and cast iron meals
WaterFilter waterJugs of waterFaucet with potable water
CookingCanister or alcohol stoveCampfire cooking and large canister stoveWood stove and oven with hotplate
RefrigerationNo refrigeratorCoolerElectric cooler
UtensilsSporkNesting or folding utensilsKitchen cutlery set
DishesEat from steel or titanium potPlastic or silicone bowlsGraniteware, ceramic or wood tableware
CoffeeInstant coffeePortable coffee filterFrench press or portable espresso maker
KitchenCook on groundCook on picnic tablePortable camp kitchen
Washing dishesLick dishes clean and rinseBucket sink or campground washing stationSink with plumbed hot water
ClothesOne change of wool or synthetic clothesLots of layers, cotton or whatever you haveWool and down clothes for each day
BathroomCatholeOuthousePlumbed WC
ShowerNo showerCommunal campground shower or solar showerShower with hot water
TransportWalk or hike to campDrive to campTaken by guide
FeesFree or park permitSite fee, vehicle fee, electric hookupNightly or tour fee
EntertainmentTalking to other backpackersMusic, games, campfire storiesPerformances, portable projectors
SeatingSit on ground or foam padFolding camp chairs, picnic tableAdirondack chairs, high-end folding chairs
Temperature controlNo AC or heatingElectric fan, campfireAir conditioning, wood or gas heater
PowerRechargeable batteries or power bankPortable solar charger, campground electric hookupElectric hookups
LightingHeadlampLED lamps and flashlightsLanterns
ConnectivityPersonal locator beacon or satellite messengerPhone signalPhone signal and wifi

 

What other differences between backpacking, camping and glamping can you think up?  Let us know in the comments section.

About the author /


Diane Vukovic grew up camping and backpacking in upstate New York. Now, she takes her own daughters on wilderness adventures so they can connect with nature and learn resiliency. With dozens of trips under her belt, Diane is an expert in minimalist camping, going lightweight, planning, and keeping her kids entertained without screens.

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