Camping - Mobile Camping

Mobile Camping

Backpacking is a mobile variety of tent camping. Backpackers use lightweight equipment that can be carried long distances on foot. They hike across land, cross rivers, and camp at remote locations, and select campsites at will, if resource protection rules allow. Backpacking equipment typically costs more than that for car camping, but still far less than a trailer or motorhome, and backpacking campsites are generally cheap. Backpacking is popular, especially amongst youth who are willing to go through a challenging experience. Although it can be among the cheapest ways to camp, backpacking is also the most uncomfortable and it is usually performed by individuals who are in a generally good condition. The equipment one needs for camping must be carried on the camper's back, making it an athletic activity not suited to everyone; however, technological development and increased interest in camping has led to an improvement in the equipment carried by backpackers. Many camping companies nowadays produce a wide range of equipment that is lightweight or otherwise specialized for backpacking. Modern technology has greatly improved the general comfort and ease of backpacking. Titanium cookware, ultra-light synthetic fabrics, heat-molded hip straps, and down sleeping bags make for a much lighter pack than similar equipment of the past 50 years or more. For many campers, backpacking allows them to experience the true wilderness, but there is the possibility of severe weather and injury in the backcountry. Some backcountry campers pack in comfortable mattresses, compact chairs, and solar-powered satellite phones.

Mobile camping may involve riding animals such as horses and mules. Pack animals increase the limited carrying capacity of riders or may assist hikers by carrying much of the load. Some pack animals, such as dogs and llamas, cannot be ridden but can carry much of the weight of camp supplies. Horse trails and horse camps may be kept separate from "hiking only" areas due to the extra wear that the heavy animals can put on these areas, but a good dog, goat, or llama can easily go just about anywhere that a human can.

Canoe camping is similar to backpacking, but uses canoes for transportation; much more weight and bulk can be carried in a canoe or kayak than in a backpack. Canoe camping is common in North America. Canoe camping is quite popular as a camping opportunity, although the equipment needed is more expensive than that needed when camping with a car. The advantage of this type of camping is that the canoe provides an easier way to transport everything that is needed when camping; however, paddling can be a challenging experience. Rivers and lakes that are not suitable for canoeing may be dangerous, especially for novices. Electric motors or small gas ones may be attached on some canoes, where allowed, for a faster journey on the water. Waterproof bags and fishing gear are often used due to the constant presence of water.

Sail Camping is a form of camping while sailing or boating. Sailors will visit islands and campgrounds along the shorelines, dock their boats, and set up camp. This form of sail camping makes a variety of land-based activities available to the boaters, as they may want a break from being on the water.

One form of bicycle touring combines camping with cycling. The bicycle is used to carry the gear and as the primary means of transportation, allowing greater distances to be covered than backpacking. A small number of "bike-in" campsites exist along trails only accessible by mountain biking. People who enjoy riding their bikes consider bicycle camping a great alternative to enjoy the beauty and quiet of nature. Due to the lack of protection against bad weather, individuals who are bicycle camping usually carry a different type of equipment, which is helpful especially when raining. Poor road conditions and low temperatures are safety issues when camping during the winter. This type of camping is popular because it is more "pure" than car camping and yet easier than backpacking.

Motorcycle camping is more comparable to bicycle camping than car camping due to the limited storage capacity of the motorbike. Motorcycle camping riders, as well as bicycle touring riders, often use some of the same equipment as backpackers because of the lighter weights and compact dimensions associated with backpacking equipment.