Day Hiking & Backpacking- what's the difference?

I've heard backpacking described as a series of day hikes put back to back. The basic idea may be true, but as I've transitioned to a backpacker, I've found some differences that need to be kept in mind. Here is a list of some of those differences-

Packs: An overnight pack is typically bigger than a day pack, but that's a minor point. A day hiking pack needs to carry first aid supplies, food and water for the day, and maybe some extra clothes or a rain jacket. Depending on the day and length of the hike, I've gone without any pack at all! Fit of the day pack is important, but not critical. Anything you wear for a few hours can be uncomfortable or pull slightly without any real problem.
Backpacking requires more things to go in your pack. So in addition to the items listed above, you need a way to purify your water and overnight supplies. For me, this includes a water filter, tent, thermarest & sleeping bag. Even going as light as possible, my overnight pack is sturdier and heavier than my day pack. This pack also needs to ride tighter to my body- more like a piece of clothing- than my day pack. A hip strap keeps the weight from resting completely on my shoulders and a chest strap pulls the weight close to my back; both straps help the weight stay in one place rather than shifting around as I walk down the trail.

Until recently, I decided not to weigh my pack before going on a trip. Pack weight is always a balancing act between comfort & weight; I went as light as I could ever time I packed, but really didn't want a number in my mind to mess with me. This spring, I finally weighed my pack- pack weight is calculated without food or water since those are variable & change on the trip. I was happy that the weight was better than I thought it was; more on gear and weight in a later blog.


Shoes: Day hiking is pretty forgiving on my feet. I've hardly ever had a blister & never had bruised toenail from day hiking. I could go in running shoes or boots- either was fine. I made the decision about which to wear based on the wetness of the trail & how I felt. For backpacking, I need boots with stiff soles, good traction & good side to side support. A better base became very important with the heavier weight I carry when hiking for several nights.

Hiking Sticks: I hardly ever use these when day packing. Right or wrong I don't know- my reasoning is that without the poles, my ankles and knees are getting stronger. With 15 to 20 pounds less on my back, no poles works fine. I never backpack without my 2 leki poles with shock absorbers. I love those poles! They help me keep my balance on slippery leaves, rocks and through streams. There have been many times those poles saved me from bad falls or helped me over tough trail- I highly recommend having 2 hiking poles.

Food: When I hike, I tend to eat more junk food than I do in my non-hiking life. I enjoy the salt and fat of potato sticks for any longer or hot weather hike I do- day or overnight. My other staples are mojo bars and paydays. I love that they're sweet, but not too sweet, and that the paydays have a salty edge to them. I am a salt nut and it so far hasn't caused any problems. Keep in mind that I mainly hike in South and North Carolina and being a Yankee girl- I sweat! For a day hike, I usually add an apple or orange, and maybe a peanut butter sandwich if I plan on being on the trail most of the day. For a backpacking trip, neither of those foods pack well. My mojo bars and paydays serve as lunch and snack. I have to have coffee in the morning- nescafe has a hazelnut instant that comes in single servings. It's pretty good mixed with cold water. For breakfast and snack, I make my own GORP with chex cereals (cinnamon and chocolate). I do a chex mix kind of thing with raisins, craisins, walnuts and sunflower seeds. Dinner is still a learning process. I like not cooking- I eat dry ramen or cold couscous with different thing mixed into both. It's not bad, but I hold out hope for something better. The no-cook idea is a balance between weight and comfort again. My stove and fuel are fairly light; my pot is heavy. By not cooking, I also don't need a rag for cleaning or any soap. It's a good bit of weight I don't carry all day for 1 warm meal at night- it works.

Clothes: Day hiking or backpacking, wicking wear works infinitely better than cotton. Dry weave everything- undies, hat, socks. For day hikes, I can get away with wearing a cotton t-shirt or other cotton garb. Not backpacking. Staying dry can be life saving and is way more comfortable. After any hiking adventure I usually have dry cotton clothes waiting for me in the car. The difference is on a backpacking trip, the car might be several days away. When I'm on an overnight hike, I also need things that can dry quick after a wash or a rain. I carry extra socks- happy feet make a happy hike- and an extra pair of undies. Other than that, all the clothes I carry I expect to use daily. The only exception is rain gear- gotta have it, hope not to use it.

So, that's my take on the major differences in day hiking trips and overnight hiking trips. Not a complete list, but a good start on some basics.