Backpack and kayak camping are more similar than they are different. For one adventure, you primarily hike to your campsite; for the other, you paddle to your campsite.
After backpacking before it was cool and hopping onto the kayak camping train several years back, I’ve discovered that you might not enjoy the other just because you like one.
Let’s find out if you’re a backpacker or a yacker!
Backpack Camping Pros & Cons
I began backpack camping with my dad as a kid. We would venture off into the woods at my great-grandparents’ place with only sleeping bags and some food. I loved every minute, from the hike to searching for firewood, learning to start a fire, and sleeping under the stars.
Pros
- Easy to get started
- There are many places to hike and camp
- You walk as much or as little as you want
- You encounter beautiful scenery
- Hiking is great exercise
- It’s peaceful and fun
- Builds relationships and friendships
Backpack camping has exploded in popularity because it’s easy to get started. There are many places to try it out, such as national parks, state parks, and private citizens who are willing to let you venture on their land.
Even with all the benefits of backpacking, there are still a few cons that you should be aware of before getting started so you know what to expect.
Cons
- You can only bring what you can carry
- Camping gear gets expensive
- Must learn lots of new skills
- Threat of wild animals
- Help or rescue is hours away
If you’re like me, you might fantasize about the possible adventure instead of dealing with and planning for the realities.
The cons above are not meant to scare you off but to help you become aware of the possible dangers of a backpacking adventure.
Unless you’re as strong as an ox, you likely won’t be able to carry every creature comfort on the trail with you. Instead, you’ll have to determine the necessities and only bring those. As I’ve bought camping gear throughout the years, I’ve noticed its price has skyrocketed as it’s become more popular, and companies are creating specialized gear for backpacking.
The most significant thing people don’t realize about backpacking is all the other skills you need to know to have a safe and successful trip. Fire starting, first aid, navigating, water filtration, cooking on a fire, self-defense from other people and animals, setting up a tent, and many more skills are often tested on the trail.
Kayak Camping Pros & Cons
Sometimes, I wonder if I should have been a fish… I love the water and being around streams, rivers, and lakes. That’s why I love kayak camping so much and for all the benefits listed below.
Pros
- Paddling is fun and a good workout
- You can bring along more gear
- You get most of the benefits of backpack camping
Since both activities are so similar, many benefits are identical; you get to experience the beauty of nature while exercising and making lifelong memories with friends and family. The primary advantage of kayak camping is bringing along more gear.
Cons
- All the cons of backpacking plus the added dangers of water current
- You must buy a kayak on top of all the expensive camp gear
- Must learn another skill, water navigation/paddling
- You will need dry bags to keep all your gear in
- You often need two vehicles (one at drop off and one at the pickup location)
- Water access can be minimal
The drawbacks of both adventures are also very similar, but kayak campers must remember how dangerous water, especially moving water, can be when you least expect it.
The added expense of dry bags (you might want one anyway if you’re backpacking in the rain) and a kayak also deters many potential kayak campers.
Get Outdoors!
No matter which adventure you choose, remember to enjoy it! I’m a big fan of both, but if I had to pick a favorite, I’d go kayak camping because I can fish a little while floating down the river or paddling across the lake.
I can’t wait to see you on your next adventure!
Author BIO
Sam Jacobs is a writer, and chief historian, at Ammo. As a self-proclaimed outdoorsman, it’s his responsibility to use his knowledge and experience to educate others about ammunition, the outdoors, and conservation.