Well, like in any group of travellers, there are good ones and bad ones
, but in my experience, the backpackers of today (the last ten years) are much better than the ones in the 80's. At that time, there was too much drugs involved and the not washing, beer drinking type was the majority. Things have changed radically. I meet some, have invited some at home and was pleasantly surprised at how well educated, well behaved they are.
I found out that many of them, although going very carefully with their money, were also spending a dinner or a drink out of reciprocity.
Rather a backpacker around than a package tour tourist. Anytime!