We’ve been asked on numerous instances, what we prefer, Backpacking, Slackpacking or Base camp hike?
What do we think is the right way of doing the outdoorsy thing?
Now, honestly, I don’t think there is a precise answer here, it all depends on what you are keen for.
All three options has their benefits and disadvantages
(Read awesome and horrible situations).
I’m going to break it down for you, and then let you decide.
Backpacking:
Backpacking
/ ˈbakpak/
verb
gerund or present participle: backpacking
travel or hike carrying one's belongings in a rucksack.
The original format, of getting from point A to point B, by walking and carrying all your supplies. This is the one we like the most, it gives you a sense of accomplishment, to know you “survived” on your own for a couple of days.
It took a great deal of planning to finalize the contents of your bag to keep it to the bare minimum, as light as possible.
You carried all your weight, including the 6 pack beer and the water bottle filled with Whiskey.
But sometimes you just want to relax and walk with only a day pack, whilst knowing that when you get to camp, all your stuff is there. This is where slackpacking comes in.
Slackpacking:
This is a great choice, for the unfit.
You walk with only water and snacks, and your heavy pack, gets dropped off at each camp, thus all the backpacking gear available, but you don’t have to carry it all day.
Now as overwhelming as this sounds, this options usually works out VERY expensive, because now you have to pay someone to drive around and load/unload gear for you, like a glorified butler.
But on the other end, isn’t it great to just rock up and walk, and supporting a local business, nudge-nudge, wink-wink.
I would like to do the Whale trail like that.
Imagine walking along the coast and ending the day with a glass of wine with a great view?
Then we get the good old basecamp hike, the best of both worlds.
Base camp hike:
This is an option I really enjoy for weekend trips.
Driving out the Friday after work, get to the camp and enjoy the night, no hassles, with all the luxuries you can fit in your vehicle.
Then you can walk 2-3 looped trails out and back over the duration of the weekend, knowing that as you return, the cooler boxes are ready and the camp is set up already.
All you need to do start the fire, crack a cold one and get the feet up in the air.
Generally these basecamp aren’t that expensive and a weekend like this won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
It also gives the opportunity for hikers of various fitness levels to join in and walk one or 2 trails together.
What is your thoughts?
Cheers
J
#Hikingforbeer
