Most people who've never been hiking for more than a day or not at all might think that tents are the only accommodation for hikers. There are quite a few options for you to shelter at night. Using tents is one option but you can also stay in huts, lodges, hostels, bed and breakfasts, and trail shelters.
These are options you can take in your trip if they're available. Other than using your own tent, all the accommodations incur a small fee. Many hikers use a variety of lodgings on the course of a hiking trip.
Using Tents in the Wilderness
Hikers on a multi-day trips usually carry with them lightweight camping tents. Some hikers like to pitch a tent out of sight in the wild and if possible away from other hikers and campers as well.
In some places like in North America, a tent is usually the only option for accommodation. You'll have a hard time looking for bed and breakfasts or lodges because there aren't any.
This is not such a big deal because many hikers in North America prefer to camp with no other people around. You need to remember that if you camp, make sure you leave the campsite as it was when you're done. This is called no-trace camping. Leave nothing behind and take your garbage with you.
Using Tents in Designated Campsites
While some hikers like to be left alone, some actually look for company or like to be in the company other hikers. This is a safer option to camping in solitude because there's safety in numbers.
In Europe, designated campsites usually have food stalls where you can buy or prepare your own food. In the US, campsites are available in parks where campers are designated to a group site.
Taking Shelter in Huts
While huts are rare in North America, it is quite common and popular in Europe especially in mountainous areas. They're found in remote places away from populated areas and usually only accessible on foot.
You get basic accommodation facilities including cooking facilities. You can also buy a hot meal at a reasonable price. This type of accommodation is so popular that it's usually full during the high season. Be sure that you book in advance or you'll be sorely disappointed.
Bed and Breakfast and Backpacker's Hostel
In Europe, B&Bs are everywhere especially along hiking routes. The facilities and service is a bit better than the ones you see in huts. The same goes for Backpacker's Hostels. You'll find cooking facilities, a common room, laundry machines, hot shower and a friendly environment.
You get to meet other hikers and share stories or just enjoy each others company. These accommodations are usually listed in trail guides especially if they're hiker-friendly.
Staying in such places don't require you to carry any camping gear, not even sleeping bags and cooking gear. They're usually situated near local attractions including historical sites and other places of interest for tourists.
There are usually no locks for the rooms so you might want to carry your gear with you when you go out. Quality varies from spotless to roach infested. Choose ones that have good reviews from other hikers.
Trail Shelters
The difference between trail shelters and accommodations such as B&Bs is that there are no services in trail shelters. There are no laundry and cooking facilities so you'd have to rely on your camping gear. Trail shelters are popular in the northern parts of Scotland.
Jonsky writes for Hiking-Camping-World.com where you'll find camping gear such as lightweight sleeping bags including kids sleeping bags.
Comments