There are some popular and crowded places on the trail, but also very remote areas, where it can take a day before you see someone. In these areas it can be several days between huts, so it is necessary to carry a tent.
The trail has both bustling and secluded sections, with some stretches requiring a full day to encounter another person.  In these remote regions, you might find yourself spending multiple days without seeing anyone, making a tent essential for shelter.