Backpacking trips offer incredible moments of adventure, but downtime is inevitable.
Bringing along compact and lightweight games can help pass the time and boost morale during breaks or long evenings at camp.
The right games should be easy to carry, quick to set up, and fun to play with fellow travelers or even solo.
The guide covers a variety of options, including classic card games, travel-friendly board games, DIY games using natural materials, and digital options for those who don’t mind using their phones.
Classic Card Games (Lightweight & Versatile)
Card games are an essential addition to any backpacker’s pack due to their portability and adaptability.
A standard deck of cards alone allows for countless variations of play, but specialized decks introduce additional fun challenges.
- Phase 10 – This rummy-style game adds a twist by requiring players to complete ten different phases, each with a unique combination of sets and runs. Its strategic depth makes it engaging for extended trips.
- Uno – A travel-friendly family favorite with straightforward rules and a competitive edge. With its small deck and endless replay value, it’s a great way to pass time in a group setting.
- Spit – A high-speed two-player game that keeps energy levels up. Its fast-paced nature makes it ideal for moments of rest when an adrenaline rush is welcome.
- President – A social game where players compete to become the “President” by shedding all their cards first. Ideal for groups, it helps pass the time while fostering friendly rivalries.
- Accordion (Solo Game) – A great game for solo backpackers, requiring only a standard deck of cards. The objective is to consolidate all cards into one pile, offering a challenge for those looking to unwind alone in their tent.
Digital Games (Using Your Mobile Phone)
For those who don’t mind using a little battery power, mobile games provide entertainment that doesn’t take up any space in a pack.
While many travelers prefer the simplicity of traditional games, having digital options can be a great backup, especially during long waits, bad weather, or solo nights at camp. Some games are designed for individual play, while others encourage interaction and group participation.
- Online Gambling – Many apps offer casino-style games like poker, blackjack, and slots, allowing travelers to experience the thrill of betting without carrying a deck of cards or extra accessories. You can find online casino reviews at Pokermira.
- Heads Up! – This fast-paced guessing game works well for groups and requires minimal effort to set up. One person holds the phone on their forehead while the screen displays a word or phrase that teammates must describe without saying the exact term.
- Photo Scavenger Hunt – This game adds a creative twist by encouraging players to capture specific images using their phone’s camera. Instead of searching for generic objects, travelers can set personalized challenges, such as finding an unusual rock, a plant with an interesting shape, or an animal in its natural habitat.
Travel-Friendly Board Games
Board games are often bulky, but some have travel-sized adaptations that make them viable for backpacking.
These games provide structured entertainment without adding unnecessary weight to a pack.
- Monopoly Deal – A card-based version of the famous board game that retains its core mechanics while significantly reducing bulk. Quick to learn and highly competitive, it’s an excellent addition for backpackers who enjoy strategy.
- Bananagrams – A fast-paced word game that removes the need for a board. The small letter tiles fit easily in a pack, and the game encourages creativity and problem-solving while being quick to set up.
- Cribbage (Travel Version) – A traditional strategy game that uses a pegboard and deck of cards. Compact travel editions ensure the board remains small while still delivering the full strategic experience.
DIY Wilderness Games (Using Natural Materials)
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Some of the best games don’t require any extra weight in a backpack.
With a little creativity, simple yet engaging games can be played using rocks, sticks, or drawn-out patterns on the ground.
- Oware – A traditional mancala-style game played with small pebbles. Players take turns moving pieces around a makeshift board, adding a strategic element that makes it fun for long breaks.
- Squava – A game inspired by tic-tac-toe but with added layers of strategy. Instead of a traditional grid, found objects like twigs and stones are used to create an evolving game board.
- All Queens Chess – A simplified version of chess where only queens are used. The game can be played using any small objects as pieces, making it easy to recreate in the wilderness.
Multi-Use DIY Camping Games
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Improvised games add entertainment to a trip without taking up valuable space in a backpack. Many traditional board games can be recreated with materials found in nature or repurposed items already packed for the trip.
A little creativity goes a long way in turning everyday objects into game components, making downtime more enjoyable while adding an interactive element to the camping experience.
Using common items like sleeping pads, scraps of paper, or even cutouts from cereal boxes, players can put together game boards or pieces without carrying extra weight.
Sticks, stones, and other natural materials serve as excellent stand-ins for traditional game pieces, allowing for on-the-spot setup and easy cleanup.
- Checkers & Chess – Drawing a simple checkerboard on a sheet of paper or a flat surface, such as a smooth rock or a section of a camping mat, can bring these strategy games to life. Small rocks, acorns, or bottle caps can serve as pieces. For chess, different markings on each piece can distinguish pawns, knights, rooks, and other pieces.
- Tic-Tac-Toe – A quick and easy game that can be played anywhere. A grid can be drawn in the dirt with a stick, or players can set up a board using paper, a napkin, or even a makeshift board sketched onto a flat object. Stones or twigs can act as markers for each player, making setup effortless.
- Backgammon – While traditionally played on a board, a makeshift version can be crafted with a little ingenuity. Drawing the triangles on paper, cardboard, or fabric creates a board, while small found objects like pebbles or seeds function as playing pieces. Dice can be substituted with a simple number-drawing system or a digital dice roller on a phone if available.
Summary
Selecting the best game for a trip depends on the type of experience a traveler seeks.
Whether exploring the scenic beauty of the wonders of Northwest Montana or venturing elsewhere, some games offer a structured challenge, while others thrive on improvisation.
Packing games that take up little space while delivering entertainment ensures a well-balanced trip.
The most rewarding options are often those that encourage creativity and adaptability, making every pause along the trail more enjoyable.
Hello, my name is Harper Barton. The only thing I love more than travelling is writing about it. Sounds strange doesn’t it? But yeah, I adore writing and sharing my experiences about what I have experienced during my travels. Since I am a person who loves being a part of the community, I often write about local festivals with the goal of popularizing outside just small communities they come from.
