Backpacking vs Vanlife
Backpacking and vanlife have 90% in common. Here is how they differ on time, cost and feel, so you can pick the one that fits your week.
| What | Backpacking | Vanlife |
|---|---|---|
| Time a week | 6 hours a week | 5 hours a week |
| Who with | On your own | On your own |
| You end up with | A skill you got better at | A skill you got better at |
| Feels | Calm | Calm |
| To start | $500 | $400 |
Choose backpacking if
- More physical
- More rhythmic and repetitive
- Slower to reward you
About $500 to start, then about $20 a month.
Choose vanlife if
- Gentler on the body
- Less repetitive
- Quicker first wins
About $400 to start, then about $200 a month.
What you'll need
- Backpacking: Stove System, Sleeping Pad, Gear hire Full cost breakdown
- Vanlife: About $400 to start, then about $200 a month. Full cost breakdown