The correct meaning and use of 'Backpackers'

[Tom]

Hi

I often hear this sentence in movies, We are backpackers...

Does 'Backpackers' exactly mean the same thing as 'Tourist'?

Tom

[Yankee]

Hi Tom

To me, a backpacker is simply a hiker.
I would not consider it to be a synonym for tourist.

Amy

[Tom]

Hike= go for a long walk

So, backpack also means "go for a long walk"??

Tom

[Yankee]

Hi Tom

Hiking is more than just "a long walk". In fact, a hike could last for more than a day. Here is a definition of "hike":
1. to walk or march a great distance, esp. through rural areas, for pleasure, exercise, military training, or the like.

When someone hikes in the mountains, for example, they might need a few things during the hike (water, food, a jacket, tools, etc.) and these things would be carried in a backpack. Thus: "backpacker".

A person who walks around a city as a tourist for a few hours doesn't need to carry a lot of things with them. They might carry their wallet and camera -- and possibly souvenirs purchased during the walk.

Amy