Backpackers are a subset of the tourism market. They sometimes merge with other mobile groups such as itinerant workers, homeless, package tourists, vagabonds, campers, and vacationers.
Several traits set them apart from the other travellers:

• Long duration of travel (3 months to several years)
• Focus on inexpensive travel options;
• Stay in discount accommodation (hostels);
• Primarily 18-25 age bracket;
• Desire for adventure;
• Interest in local cultures;
• Commonly work while travelling;
• Carry large backpacks;
• Use a lot of low-end public transport;
• Commonly travel alone or in pairs;
• Tend to be social and enjoy meeting others;
• Minimal advance planning.

An overview of the backpacker demographic can be downloaded in pdf from Tourism Australia.

Backpackers in Australia are known to travel just about everywhere, and a support system of hostels, tours and transport options has sprung up to support it. Some of the busiest areas are along the South and East Coasts stretching between the primary cities and beach towns. Backpackers tend to travel in North or South patterns, jumping between common and not-so-common locations. Certain cities (e.g. Byron Bay, Sydney) are hubs on the network of movement. Backpackers seek out different experiences and enjoy engaging with the local culture. Portions of the demographic party a great deal as they move, while others travel for different reasons. It is common for backpackers to stay only a few nights in each location before moving on to the next town. Gossip from other backpackers or locals often greatly affects where they visit. Backpackers are known for their unpredictability and lack of planning. This allows them to take advantage of opportunities which present themselves while travelling and often leads to the most unique experiences.

Backpackers live for long periods in geographical isolation from their family and friends and move frequently. Consequently many communication and recording technologies see wide-spread use amongst them. These include e-mail (supplied in hostels and cafes), video-conferencing, phone cards, mobile phones, digital cameras, mp3 players and other devices. Despite being separated from their normal family and friends, backpacker commonly meet large numbers of people and sometimes form very close bonds with those they meet. Certain technologies such as the digital camera easily support sharing travel experiences via their LCD screens or data ports. Multimedia players are now being used to store large numbers of photos and new portable technologies are continuously being adopted.

Backpackers commonly discuss the tools they use and the problems they face while travelling. Finding ways around problems or learning about useful devices is good gossip. We are tapping into this rich culture using a variety of methods. Some of these methods include interviewing backpackers at hostels, doing interactive design exercises and "field trip" design activities. We believe that it is the peculiarities of specific travel situations that give rise to using specific technologies. For this reason all of our work is done with real backpackers in their natural environment and whenever possible, while they are mobile.

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