Backpacking (travel) in the context of "Backpacking (hiking)"

Backpacking is the outdoor recreation of carrying gear on one's back while hiking for more than a day. It is often an extended journey and may involve camping outdoors. In North America, tenting is common, where simple shelters and mountain huts, widely found in Europe, are rare. In New Zealand, hiking is called tramping, and tents are used alongside a nationwide network of huts. Hill walking is equivalent in Britain (but this can also refer to a day walk), though backpackers make use of a variety of accommodation, in addition to camping. Backpackers use simple huts in South Africa. Trekking and bushwalking are other words used to describe such multi-day trips. The terms walking tour or long distance hike are also used.

Backpacking as a method of travel is a different activity, which mainly uses public transport during a journey that can last months. It is, however, similar to bikepacking, bicycle touring, canoe and kayak camping, and trail riding, with saddlebags.

A hostel is a form of low-cost, short-term shared sociable lodging where guests can rent a bed, usually a bunk bed in a dormitory sleeping 4–20 people, with shared use of a lounge and usually a kitchen. Rooms can be private or shared - mixed or single-sex - and have private or shared bathrooms. Food and beverage, laundry services, luggage storage, and lockers may also be available.

Hostels are popular forms of lodging for backpackers and with youth travel; however, most do not impose age limits. The global size of the hostel market was estimated at US$7.21 billion in 2023 and was projected to grow at a 6.5% compound annual growth rate until 2030. In 2019, there were an estimated 5,829 hostels in Europe and 4,738 hostels in Asia. The typical guest is between 16 and 34 years old, although it can vary depending on the country. Many hostels are locally owned and operated.