Backpacking boots and hiking boots may look similar, but they are not. There are many differences between the two.
The main difference between backpacking boots and hiking boots is their interior comfort and flexibility. It means, backpacking boots are more flexible and resilient and help in running with added support whereas hiking boots offer the best durability, and support on uneven and abrasive grounds.
Backpacking boots work best when you have to carry a load, such as a backpack, on your shoulders, while hiking boots deliver the best performance on shorter trips where you don’t have to carry weight. Below I’m going to shed light on some more differences.
Comparison Between Backpacking Boots vs Hiking Boots
| Features | Backpacking Boots | Hiking Boots |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Material | More rigid materials, leather or a leather-nylon | A synthetic mixture such as polyester or nylon and leather |
| Performance | Somewhat stiff | Feel flexible and offer the best feet functionality |
| Design | Ultra-thick soles and shanks | Mid to high-cut ankles with thinner shanks |
| Breathability/waterproofing | Less breathable due to added padding and support | Best breathable and provide airflow due to minimal design |
| Outsole | Thicker outsole | Thinner outsole |
| Weight | Heavyweight | Lightweight |
| Ankle support/cut | High cut and covers ankle and socket | High-cut or mid-cut |
| Price | Expensive (check) | Reasonably-priced (check) |
| Best for | Long-term, long-distance backcountry travel with heavy loads | For day-hikes and shorter trips when carrying lighter loads |
Helping Video to Understand the Difference
Details of Backpacking vs Hiking Boots
Below I’m explaining the straightforward differences between backpacking and hiking boots with examples of boots I have experience with.
1. Weight and Material
The weight of backpacking boots is not too heavy, yet in comparison with hiking boots, they feel heavier. On the other hand, hiking boots are not too heavy on the feet. Therefore, you can quickly wear hiking boots for all-day long without strain on the joints and feet.
Backpacking boots come with robust and sturdy uppers and other materials that add weight. In contrast, hiking boots usually come in nylon, polyester, and other synthetic material (some boots also feature leather). And that keeps the hiking boot lightweight.
This Vasque Men’s Sundowner Gore-Tex Backpacking Boot with 2.1 pounds of weight for my backpacking trip felt heavier. On the contrary, this Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot was lightweight on my feet, with only 1.1 pounds of the total weight.
2. Price and Affordability
The price is something that makes a difference in hiking and backpacking boots. Usually, hiking boots are available at flexible prices, allowing them to be affordable, whereas backpacking boots are not very flexible and can be expensive.
Backpacking boots usually feature high-quality and durable materials which are expensive, such as leather and carbon coating at the bottom of the boot. Although some hiking boots also come in full leather upper, they also have other materials.
For example, this SCARPA Men’s Zodiac Plus GTX Waterproof Gore-Tex Boots for Backpacking and Hiking boot has cost me about $329.00. In contrast, I bought this Mountain Warehouse Adventurer Women’s Waterproof Hiking Boot for only $49, which is pretty less reasonable n price compared to the backpacking boot.
3. Design, Performance, and Ankle Support
One of the noticeable factors when comparing backpacking and hiking boots is their design and performance on dedicated terrain.
Having said that, backing packing boots are usually mid-cut in design; thus, they provide the best support for the ankle and the sockets but less breathability, whereas hiking boots are available in a variety of ankle support with mid-ankle, low-ankle, and high-ankle support designs and make sure best airflow.
For example, this Asolo Men’s Fugitive GTX Hiking Boot has provided my best performance for hiking trips that usually last for a day, in comparison with this Jack Wolfskin Men’s 4049841 Backpacking Boot which has an ideal 4.7 in (12 cm) ankle support for a backcountry trip. Overall, both boots are reliable for outdoor activities.
4. Outsoles
Backpacking boots have Tough material and thicker outsole, whereas hiking boots don’t have thick outsole and rigid material. Backing lasts more than a day. Therefore, the boot is supposed to offer the best support under the feet while hiking does not continue for more than a day, so these boots are manila with a lighter outsole material choice.
From an example, you can see the difference between ECCO Women’s Eurohike Retro Hiker Backpacking Boot with a unique tread pattern with excellent traction and stability. In contrast, this KEEN Women’s Nxis Evo Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boot has an all-terrain outsole that mainly works best on muddy environments and rocky surfaces.
5. Where to Wear
Now, where backpacking and hiking boots work, the best way is something that is a wise way to compare these boots. Usually, backpacking boots are best for walking and trailing, lasting more than one day.
Therefore the comfortable interior, softer padding, and breathability of backpacking boots are reliable. On the other hand, hiking boots target more traction and the best grip on the ground, as hiking usually lasts for a day.
Moreover, backpacking boots focus on long-distance travel with a heavy load, whereas hiking boots are best for day-long trips carrying a lighter or no load. So, the grip of hiking boots is less efficient than backpacking boots!
Such as this Salomon Women’s Outback 500 GTX W Backpacking has a rubber outsole that is delicately great for backpacking and keeps strain from feet, while this Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Lightweight Waterproof Shoe Hiking Boot excels in comforting features plus, its chic colors available make the hiking experience memorable.
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