What is slackpacking
slackpacking = hiking with a day pack instead of a full backpack
Not to be confused with day hikers, slack packers actually hike to their campsite or lodging each day. Often this lodging consists of a bed, hot water showers and a hot meal. Hence the derogatory “slack.” We’ve never used this word before on our site but we’ve decided to fully embrace it! We’re going to share our top slackpacking trails beyond the US and challenge you to consider walking holidays as a more enriching experience.
Hikers often talk about slackpacking in reference to long-distance trails such as the Appalachian or Pacific Crest Trails. In fact, there are trails beyond the United States that are way better for slack packers. The Brits practically invented the concept and the Europeans have perfected it!
The trails on this list are different from your typical bucket list of long-distance trails because they only include trails that can be hiked from inn to inn or hut to hut with meals provided and they offer tour operators who will transport your luggage. Backpacking is great but it’s not for everyone, and we firmly believe that staying in local communities or communal lodging is the best way to experience new places.
Why choose slackpacking
These trails, especially those that run through multiple countries, can be a powerful force for cross-cultural and cross-national collaborations. They promote sustainable models of tourism that empower local businesses and provide responsible access to natural wonders all over the world. Because you are staying and eating in local accommodations, your money is supporting that community and your opportunity for cross-cultural exchange is much greater.
There are obvious health benefits as well. Carrying a light daypack means you are truly footloose and fancy free. It saves your back and joints from repeated stress and allows you to walk longer distances each day. You’re more likely to eat healthier, as your meals are often freshly prepared nutrient-rich foods. While some people can sleep like babies on the trail, we find that a comfortable bed indoors gives us a higher quality of sleep, which equals a healthier start for the next day.
Trails to slack pack worldwide
So without further ado, here’s our bucket list of long-distance trails that are supported by tour operators who will help you slack pack. We didn’t include pilgrim routes – those will be in a separate list on Caminos Around the World.
Abel Tasman Track, New Zealand
One of the shortest trails on this list, the Abel Tasman Track is only 60 km (37 mi) but it’s perfect for slack packers who want New Zealand hiking without having to sleep in primitive huts. This route is for water fans as you’ll have options to swim and kayak. Luxury lodging each night is just icing on the cake. Since you’ll already be on the South Island, consider adding days to hike the more rugged trails like Milford Track.
Abel Tasman Tour Operators
Alta Via 1, Italy
Also known as the Dolomite High Route 1, the Alta Via 1 is one of the most popular hikes in Italy and is a classic hut to hut alps trek. It covers 120 km (75 mi) with a lot of elevation gains and losses. Accommodations on this route consist of rifugios, mountain hostels with warm meals, showers and dormitory beds.
Alta Via I Tour Operators
Cape to Cape, Australia
The Cape to Cape trail in Western Australia covers 130 km (80 mi) and is a perfect combo of coastal hiking with inland forest forays and plenty of wildlife. This is just one of several great walks in Australia so consider adding another route if you have the time and budget. Slackpacking is definitely more expensive here, accommodations and flights are pricey, but Australia’s multi-day hiking tours are in a category all on their own.
Cape to Cape Tour Operators
Jordan Trail, Jordan
Many know about hiking to Petra but did you know that Jordan has a long-distance trail? The Jordan Trail spans 675 km (420 mi), is designed to take 40 days (sounds like a great pilgrimage) and traverses through 75 villages. In terms of distance alone this is a challenging trek but it’s the kind of epic journey that’ll give you stories for a lifetime. See the real Jordan and explore its history and culture the way it’s meant to be experienced.
Jordan Trail Operators
Lycian Way, Turkey
The well known Lycian Way (Likya Yolu in Turkish) follows an ancient trade route along the Mediterranean coast in Turkey. Routes continue to be developed but it’s roughly 600 km (370 mi) and there are three major sections: west, east and coastal paths.
Lycian Way Tour Operators
Nakasendo Trail, Japan
The Nakasendo Way has been on our wishlist for years. This 534 km (330 mi) trail connects Kyoto to Tokyo via 17th century pathways. Walking from village to village and staying in traditional onsens, this trail is the perfect example of how walking holidays (aka slackpacking) combine hiking with cultural immersion.
Nakasendo Way Tour Operators
Rota Vicentina, Portugal
A classic European walking holiday, the Rota Vicentina is a coastal route that has grown to encompass a network of trails totaling 750 km (470 mi). The Fisherman’s Trail is the most well-known as it’s a popular coastal hike, but there’s also the Historical Way and several circular routes which can be combined for a grand tour. A huge variety of accommodations in beautiful coastal towns and inland villages make this an excellent choice for first-time slack packers.
Rota Vicentina Tour Operators
South West Coast Path, United Kingdom
Selecting just one long-distance route for the UK is a herculean task as there are so many to choose from. So we narrowed down our favorites then did eeny meeny miny moe – seriously, it was the only fair way to pick! The South West Coast Path is the longest of the UK trails, at 1,000 km (630 mi), and it covers some of the most majestic coastline in the world. Sprinkle in coastal villages with local inns that have defined hospitality for centuries and you’ve got a top-notch walking holiday.
South West Coast Path Tour Operators
Stevenson Trail GR70, France
France has many excellent grand randonnees but the GR70 is special because you can hike with donkeys. The Chemin de Stevenson follows the path walked by Robert Louis Stevenson in 1878 and detailed in his book Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes. Operators along the 272 km (170 mi) trail provide donkeys to carry your luggage from inn to inn. How’s that for a unique experience!
Tour du Mont Blanc, Italy/France/Switzerland
Considered to be easier than other classic alps routes, the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is our personal favorite because it traverses three countries: Italy, France and Switzerland. This circular route is 180 km (112 mi) of gorgeous alpine views and a good mixture of accommodations so there’s something in everyone’s price range.
Tour du Mont Blanc Trip Operators:
Via Dinarica
The Via Dinarica is a long-distance trail spanning 2,000 km (1,243 mi) connecting the Western Balkan countries of Albania, Bosnia Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Slovenia. This route is a combination of three trails which are still in development with the White Trail being the most established. This is epic scenery far removed from the modern “western” world with a rich history and simple cozy guest houses with friendly hosts.
Via Dinarica Tour Operators
- Outdoor Albania
- Green Visions (Bosnia Herzegovina)
- VMD Adventure Travel (Croatia)
- Black Mountain (Montenegro)
Transcaucasian Trail
Still being developed, the Transcaucasian Trail is a long-distance hiking trail that runs through the Caucasus Mountains. It stretches from Georgia to Azerbaijan and covers a distance of around 1,700 km (1,056 miles). The trail is not yet fully open to hikers but there are some local hiking clubs and organizations offering guided hikes along sections of the trail. This is one epic trail to keep your eye on!
Transcaucasian Trail Tour Operators
Every country should have at least one national trail and we’re obviously not the only ones who think this because as we write this there are new trails being developed across the globe. Countries have realized how valuable walking vacations can be, especially for rural communities. So here’s to those who love slackpacking, you’re helping to build a better world!
