Slackpacking vs Backpacking Explained

For South African hiker looking to experience a multi-day trail, deciding between carrying a heavy backpack and booking a slackpacking trail will shape the overall experience - and the choices stick with you for the trip.

Backpacking: what changes when you carry everything

Carrying all of your gear intensifies the challenge of a multi-day hike but also reduces the cost and adds a good deal of freedom. A backpacker's load is much heavier than a slackpacker's day pack, since it holds sleeping gear, food and cooking kit. A standard multi-day backpacking trip usually lasts 3 to 7 days, and is popular in mountainous regions and throughout the Western Cape. You may not want to carry all of your own belongings, especially if you are hiking in a region that is known for being hot or humid. Your backpacking trip would require more effort, since you would be carrying a large amount of gear. This is one of the main reasons why many hikers choose to slackpack instead of backpacking.

What is included and why it feels easier

You walk with a day pack for water, snacks and a rain jacket, while your main bag with clothes, toiletries and food is transported from one overnight stop to the next.

What it costs and why prices vary

Slackpacking packages tend to include accommodation, meals, and luggage transport, while backpacking trails usually only cover hut rentals or camping fees and leave other costs uncovered. Charges for park fees, permits, and organized transport are usually extra, so make sure to include additional fees in your budget when choosing which style of hike you are doing..

Overall, slackpacking can be more expensive than a traditional backpacking trail, as the operators will arrange transport, meals and accommodation (unless the hiker wishes to do it themselves).

How bookings differ

If you are looking for an active holiday, but don’t want the hassle of carrying your camping gear, then a slackpacking holiday might be right for you. These trips offer an opportunity to walk at a gentle pace, exploring the surroundings along the way. The luggage you leave behind will be transported to the next resting spot, so you don’t have to worry about carrying it with you..

Which trail style suits first-timers

Slackpacking is a multi-day hiking holiday with organised overnight stays. Most operators offer food and lodging packages with your hiking tour. The backpacking holiday certainly adds more to the trail experience, tempting you to a deeper adventure, but opens a whole bunch of extra logistical considerations - from how your extra provisions get moved, to planning your lightweight meals that suit whatever pace you're pushing and keeping your energy up

The Bottom Line

So, now that you have all this information, which route should a first-time multi-day hiker take: slackpacking or backpacking? Well, the answer really depends on your personal preferences. If you are looking for a more comfortable and stress-free experience, then slackpacking is definitely the way to go. This type of hiking allows you to enjoy the great outdoors without having to worry about carrying a heavy pack or finding the perfect spot to pitch a tent each night.

Of course, if you are more of an adventurer at heart, then backpacking might be a better fit. This type of hiking gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace, without having to follow a pre-planned itinerary. You can choose your own campsites, cook your own meals, and take detours to see interesting landmarks along the way. However, it does require more physical effort and preparation, so make sure you are up for the challenge before embarking on a backpacking trip.

Ultimately, both slackpacking and backpacking have their pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your individual preferences and goals. So weigh your options carefully, and choose the trail style that best suits your needs and desires for a memorable and enjoyable multi-day hike.