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The 30 hobbies closest to backpacking in what you actually do and how it feels. Each one says what's alike and what's different.
Walking hill and mountain trails, from ticking off summits to long-distance paths.
Alike: Both active and outdoors.
Different: Cheaper to start. Quicker first wins.
VanlifeGentler on the body. Less repetitive.
CampingCheaper to start. Gentler on the body.
BushcraftCheaper to start. More hands-on.
OrienteeringCheaper to start. More competitive.
OverlandingGentler on the body. Nothing alive to look after.
Rock poolingCheaper to start. Gentler on the body.
Wildlife watchingCheaper to start. Gentler on the body.
Conservation workCheaper to start. Less adrenaline.
BeachcombingCheaper to start. Gentler on the body.
Urban explorationCheaper to start. Nothing alive to look after.
GeocachingCheaper to start. More screen time.
WalkingCheaper to start. Quicker first wins.
Cycle touringGentler on the body.
Kayaking & canoeingCheaper to start. Quicker first wins.
MountaineeringMore of a thrill. Nothing alive to look after.
Scuba divingGentler on the body.
Horse ridingCheaper to start. Gentler on the body.
Mountain bikingLivelier. Nothing alive to look after.
Trail motorcyclingLivelier. Nothing alive to look after.
Archaeology digsCheaper to start. Nothing alive to look after.
FishingCheaper to start. Gentler on the body.
Fly fishingGentler on the body. More fiddly, precise work.
SurfingCheaper to start. Less hands-on.
Trail runningCheaper to start. Less hands-on.
SpearfishingMore of a thrill. More useful day to day.
Fossil huntingCheaper to start. More about collecting.
GolfGentler on the body. More competitive.
Open-water swimmingCheaper to start. Less hands-on.
Road cyclingNothing alive to look after. Quicker first wins.The closest are Hiking, Vanlife, Camping, Bushcraft and Orienteering. They're alike in what you do and how it feels.
Camping is close to backpacking and quicker to pick up.
Vanlife is close to backpacking and costs less to start.
