I've only done a very small amount of climbing many years ago, however I have done a fair bit of overnight hiking. I would suggest that the difference between

I've only done a very small amount of climbing many years ago, however I have done a fair bit of overnight hiking. I would suggest that the difference between protected and free climbing would be the same as the difference between hiking with a full backpack and hiking with a small day pack with only some food/water and maybe a warm pullover. Your plans are the same, to travel somewhere, your methods and the level of encumbrance is very different. Your enjoyment would also be different, with significantly less sweat and exhaustion but depending upon your environment maybe less enjoyable sleep and more restricted food. In my subtropical environment I know which I prefer, as long as it does not rain.