/r/backpacking

Photograph via snooOG

A subreddit for traveling backpacking and wilderness backpacking, not restricted to one or the other. All posts must be flaired "Travel" or "Wilderness"

A reddit for Backpackers who are traveling around the world. Here you will find anything and everything on the topic, from transport, accommodation, food, health, and gear.

Link flair is now required. Add these to any new posts. There are two categories:

  • Travel: Travel Backpacking in urban or semi-urban areas
  • Wilderness: Off-grid Hiking or Camping

Rules and posting guidelines:

  1. All posts must be flaired "Wilderness" or "Travel"

  2. Submissions must include a short paragraph describing your trip. Submitted content should be of high-quality. Low effort posting of very general information is not useful. Posts must include a trip report of at least 150 characters or a short paragraph with trip details.

  3. This is a community of users, not a platform for advertisement, self promotion, surveys, or blogspam. Acceptable Self-Promotion means at least participating in non-commercial/non-self promotional ways more often than not.

  4. All photos and videos must be Original Content

  5. Be courteous and civil. Polite, constructive criticism of ideas is acceptable. Unconstructive criticism of individuals and usage of strong profanity is unacceptable.

  6. Follow Rediquette.

If you have any questions, or are unsure whether something is ok to post, feel free to contact the moderators.


Related SubReddits:

Outdoors Related Subreddits:

Gear and Food:

/r/backpacking

5,105,646 Subscribers

1

Random side quests

People who do “side quests”, which was the most random? Would you recommend it?

Mines was drinking a pina colada on a “remote” beach on Cham island (the island near hoi an). We drove like 3 hours through the island to get anything we needed (rum coconut milk, pineapple juice and coconuts). We even got some ice from our lovely host. Then hiked a few kilometers with everything along the coast (it was more climbing Rocks) to get a remote spot to mix and enjoy our drink while sunset. 10 out of 10, totally recommend it.

0 Comments
2024/12/01
20:41 UTC

3

How to protect the backpack?

Hi, how to protect the backpack during travelling in airport ? So that none can open it to take stuff from it or put stuff in it?

9 Comments
2024/12/01
20:03 UTC

0

Website for cheap flights

Im wondering if there is a website were i can input a starting airport and a starting date and it gives my the cheapest flights to any country anywhere

7 Comments
2024/12/01
18:34 UTC

1

best treks in indonesia?

asking what are the must-do treks/camp adventures to do in indonesia. hoping to do late december (i know its wet/rainy season) so consider what treks are still open. open to suggestions especially if you have done them yourself

mount ranjini seems to be one of the more popular ones in lombok. any other parts of country?

i am fairly experienced and done many big-brand treks and hoping indonesia has something for me. i have done:
- torres del paine, chile 5d4n, supported
- huemul, chalten, argentina, 4d3n, unsupported
- cordillera huayhuash, peru, 11d10n, supported
- machu pichu, pueru, 4d3n, supported
- smith rock, bend, or

0 Comments
2024/12/01
17:49 UTC

2

Tour operator in Guatemala?

I will be traveling from San Cristobal, Mexico to Semac Champey (Lanquin), Guatemala and then eventually on to El Salvador.

I am seeking a recommendation for tour operators that can help me schedule shuttles/ bus service from one place to another. I’ve been trying to figure it all out on my own and not getting far. ☹️

English speaker is a huge plus. Thanks!

Crossposted.

3 Comments
2024/12/01
17:15 UTC

1

Solo Trekking in Tibet (Not TAR) – Kunlun Mountains

Hey! Has anyone here done a solo trip in Tibet (not the Autonomous Region), particularly in the steppes with views of the Kunlun Mountains?
I’d really love to get in touch with someone who has 🙏
If you’ve read The Snow Leopard by Sylvain Tesson, I’m looking for trails inspired by that book.
I’d be super grateful for any tips ❤️❤️❤️

0 Comments
2024/12/01
16:47 UTC

52

Gila Wilderness, New Mexico

17 river crossings to get to this point! Bot a recommended route in Winter as you will get real wet!

2 Comments
2024/12/01
16:42 UTC

0

Backpack on Plane

I just got my first backpack for my six months trip through SEA and Australia! I’m really hyped. But I’m struggling with what I should do with my backpack on the plane. I already got flight bag so no straps get torn off by the belt carriers in the airport. But the Kajka has a wooden support frame / stays. I’m worried the could be broken on the plane. Even aluminum bars can get destroyed or bend beyond repair. How do you guys handle this problem? Do you just remove the bars / stays and put them in your carry-on-luggage? :-)

3 Comments
2024/12/01
16:19 UTC

4

Numbness in fingertips after a backpacking trip

I just came back from a hiking trip back from the smoky mountains and I think I have some kind of mild nerve damage in my fingertips. Obviously it was extremely cold and my woollen gloves weren’t enough. All the experienced winter hikers out there do you have any remedy for it? I would see a doctor if it gets worse but still wanted to know your opinions.

5 Comments
2024/12/01
15:16 UTC

1

Beginner 2P tent

I would like to get in to overnight hiking a bit more this next summer. Would only be for 1-3 nights at a time. I currently own a BA sunnyside 2, which is fine, but it is a bit heavy and it is super bulky when packed up. I am looking to upgrade my tent system to something a little bit smaller. The two I have been looking at are the Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight 2 and the Paria Bryce 2P. I would like to keep it around $200. Weight isn’t a huge issue, but bulk is. I would like something that packs up small. Does anyone have experience with the 2 mentioned? Or any other brands I have missed?

1 Comment
2024/12/01
14:39 UTC

3

Money or adventure

Here’s the context. I've been in Australia for over a year on a working holiday visa. After traveling around the country, I ended up in Perth, where I found a well-paid full-time job (like a temporary contract with better benefits).

However, after a few months of road trips around the country, I had to face the fact that I don't like this country. There's nothing that interests me here, especially as an introvert. So, I decided to get a job to earn some money again (because yes, road trips cost!). But the problem is that this city is deserted, and I'm isolated in a residential neighborhood, very much like the "French dream" lifestyle. I can feel my mental health deteriorating.

On the side, I have a project to complete the Te Araroa, a trail that crosses all of New Zealand, and I’m really attracted to it. I would need to leave next month.

I would have enough money to do the trail, but not much left after that. I plan to return to France after completing the trail and start building my life there (too much travel kills the travel, it's a long story).

But I don’t know what to choose, because on one hand, here in Perth, if I finish the contract, I’ll have a nice sum of money that would allow me to return to France comfortably. On the other hand, if I leave, I don’t know what could happen and I would have to start building from scratch in France (though I can find a job when I return, my sector is not saturated, and I have a CV that attracts employers).

I'm afraid of losing it here, being isolated and doing nothing just for money, which might make me lose the desire to do the trail (since I’d have to wait another 6 months to start, and it’s impossible in winter, so it would be a 1-year wait). But on the other hand, the money would be a great cushion, and it could take years to make this kind of amount in France, ensuring a smooth return.

I don't know what to choose, time is passing, and I have to make a decision. Money or adventure...

4 Comments
2024/12/01
12:04 UTC

21

I became frustrated with airbnb booking fees

While backpacking in norway/sweden, I’ve grown increasingly frustrated with the extra fees on Airbnb. While it’s undeniably convenient, the service fees can quickly add up, often negating any savings.

I started wondering if there was a way to connect directly with property hosts and bypass the middleman altogether. That idea inspired me to create getaway.direct —a free Chrome extension that helps travelers save on bookings.

Here’s how it works:
1️⃣ Browse Airbnb listings as usual.
2️⃣ The extension scans for direct booking links, host websites, or social media profiles where you can contact the host directly.
3️⃣ Results are displayed instantly, allowing you to compare prices, avoid fees, and book smarter.

The goal is simple: transparency. Many hosts already have their own websites but rely on Airbnb for exposure. This tool helps uncover those direct options, saving you 10-20% per booking on average.

I’d love to get your thoughts:

  • Would this be helpful for you?
  • Are there features or improvements you’d like to see?

It’s completely free, and I’m actively working to make it even better. Your feedback would be invaluable—whether it’s on usability, functionality, or anything else.

Thanks for taking the time to read, and I’d really appreciate hearing your honest input! 😊

26 Comments
2024/12/01
11:43 UTC

9

Sri Lanka for Backpackers?! Go or No?

Hi everyone! I’m thinking about traveling to Sri Lanka in 2025 and wanted to get some input from people who have been there or are planning to go. Is Sri Lanka truly a great place for backpackers, or has it become overrated over time? How easy is it to meet other backpackers, especially if you’re traveling solo?

I’d love to hear any personal experiences, tips, or recommendations from those who’ve been to Sri Lanka. Also, if anyone else is planning to visit in 2025, feel free to share! Thanks in advance!

20 Comments
2024/12/01
11:34 UTC

0

I have created a community for the people in India who are interested in trekking or hiking.

Hello!

I have created a community specifically for Indians who wants to share their trekking experiences or ask any queries. Please join :

r/TrekVentureIndia

0 Comments
2024/12/01
09:52 UTC

2

40 L, 55L, 65L? Which bag!

My boyfriend and I are planning on doing some traveling around south east Asia in March. I’ve done some pack packing myself but only for weeks at a time, and have always used a 45L Patagonia bag that’s worked great. This time around we’ll be gone for upwards of a month if not longer (planning on buying a one way) and I’m wondering if I should be looking into a bigger bag?

He’s never done any kind of backpacking so I thought I good Christmas gift for him would be a back pack. I went back and forth but ended up deciding on the 40L osprey farpoint. I’m second guessing if it’s big enough or not.

Realistically I know the 40L is fine. He’s a light packer and lighter bags are ideal, not only for transport but also love a carry-on. That being said, I’m thinking it makes more sense to buy him a bigger bag now for future trips that could be as long as 6 months? From camping to back-packing.

I also have 2 of the same 45L Patagonia bags that he could use for our upcoming travel. They kinda suck to carry around (not the most supportive) but they’re sturdy and always do the trick.

Bigger bag? Keep the 45L osprey? Please share you’re insight with a noobie backpacker :-)

10 Comments
2024/12/01
08:58 UTC

0

would an app that alerts you of stops offline make your journeys smoother?

In longer bus or train rides, especially in countries where I do not speak the language, I have sometimes overslept, been distracted, or otherwise confused by an unfamiliar transit system and missed my stop. It's frustrating, right? I'm building a GPS-based stop alert mobile application. You would have already set your stop and, as you approach it, it would alert you- through vibration, a beep sound, or a pop-up. The best feature: it would work offline and is perfect for those out-of-the-way areas and places where you need to conserve mobile data. What do you think? Would this be helpful for backpacking journeys? Are there features you'd want added to make it even better?

I'd love to hear your feedback!

14 Comments
2024/12/01
08:48 UTC

0

Nomadically inclined

People that have made or plan to make money while travelling, what type of work do you do? I want to sell my art online, there are so many ways to make money out there what’s yours

28 Comments
2024/12/01
04:09 UTC

8

how long do people usualy stay in south east asia ?

i thought i was going to stay for 6 months but 2 months in and i’ve done thailand, laos and almost done with vietnam. i want to do cambodia and the phillipines also. i dont party or take days off, so everyday i’ve been doing a different thing and exploring different places. i feel like 1-1.5 more months and ill be done. it it kinda feels like i failed. what’s your opinion? am i travelling wrong ?

55 Comments
2024/12/01
03:37 UTC

0

Polishing Titanium Cookware?

Hi folks,

Does anyone polish the cooking surfaces of their titanium cookware? Do you find it makes any difference?

I've polished a few bits of titanium cutlery, as I don't like the 'rough' feel of that, but I'm wondering if there's any point in doing it for the inside of my pots, in terms of cooking efficiency or cleaning ease.

I tend to use my titanium kit just for boiling water, or drinking the odd tea or coffee, so I'm 99% convinced there is no point whatsoever.

4 Comments
2024/11/30
21:31 UTC

0

Anyone wanna meetup and perhaps travel a bit together (summer 2025)?

Hey I'm a guy from Sweden traveling to Dublin between 25-28 of June through DiscoverEu flight ticket. Then I'm gonna fly to Skopje, North Macedonia and be there from the 28-? (Haven't decided when I'm gonna leave), and travel by train in some way either Bulgaria, Serbia or like Bosnia Herzegovina and get to Hungary I think (not decided yet but an early plan at least). Will anyone be around Skopje or Dublin during these dates or around these cities, If so then just write to me privately or reply down here?

3 Comments
2024/11/30
19:22 UTC

2

Backpack advice

Hi, I’m 24y/o female and I’m struggling to find a suitable bag for a month in SE Asia. I’m 5ft and under 40kg and they all feel too bulky and large on me, would be great if anyone has any recommendations for petite women!

1 Comment
2024/11/30
18:41 UTC

6

19F solo travel in Central/South America?

Hi I (19F) am planning my fist solo trip. I am planning on backpacking for 3months through Central and South America, as it is a childhood dream of mine.

I have been backpacking before, but have never traveled alone. Some of my family and friends are a bit nervous about the solo trip, as South and Central America are considered a dangerous travel destinations in my country.

Do you guys have any safety tips or experiences from traveling alone in that area?

I unfortunately don’t speak Spanish, but I’m trying to learn as much as possible beforehand. (My native language is pretty much useless outside of my country, but I have learned English and French in school)

30 Comments
2024/11/30
18:11 UTC

549

Last trip of the year

Squeezed out 1 last trip before the year ends! Had the place all to myself except when i got back to my car, there was a couple getting ready to hike in.

Sometimes i ask myself why i go on these solo adventures… then i ask again would i rather be at home? Answers easy. Id rather be outside🤝

16 Comments
2024/11/30
16:46 UTC

2

Vietnam Itinerary solo

Ho chi minh 4 nights (3 full days as arriving in evening)

Da lat 3 nights - fly to Da Nang

Hoi An 7 night, is this too much?

Da nang 2/3 nights - fly to Hanoi

Ninh binh 4 nights

Hanoi 3 nights - doing a cat ba day trip here

Ha giang loop.

Hanoi 1 more day then fly home

Does this sound rushed or okay. Unfortunately not going sapa due to time of year 🙂

3 Comments
2024/11/30
15:52 UTC

2

Iquitos to Belem travelling by boat the Amazon river

Hey everyone! My friends and I are planning a trip along the river Amazon, featuring Peru and Brazil, and our itinerary spans the distance from Iquitos to Belem. We are doing some research to find our what kinds of places will be found along the riverbank and so far, I have seen that the riverside cities are:

Iquitos (Perú);

Caballococha (Perú);

Santa Rosa del Yavarí (Perú);

Leticia (Colombia);

Puerto Nariño (Colombia);

Tabatinga (Brasil);

Manaos (Brasil);

Santarém (Brasil);

Belém do Pará (Brasil);

Macapá (Brasil).

Hola a todos! Mis compañeros y yo estamos planeando un viajo por el río Amazonas traversando por las cuidades Iquitos hasta Belem. Estamos buscando información detallada sobre las cuidades ribereñas los cuales son algo difíciles por encontrar y visualisar con una mapa detallada cuando alguien esté buscando por el Internet, especialmente si lo hago en inglés.
Hasta el momento veo que las cuidades ribereñas son los que he enumerado arriba.

I wonder if someone has done a similar trip and can share details on riverside villages and smaller settlements that may not be featured on the map? Or perhaps someone who can share a more detailed/extensive map of the region!

Hablo español también, así que, si alguin dispone de información en español también, se lo agredecería muchísimo!

Thanks everyone!

|| || ||

2 Comments
2024/11/30
15:08 UTC

Back To Top