Difference Between Hiking and Trekking

Hiking vs Trekking
 

Hiking and trekking are two fun activities between which there are certain differences; therefore, they cannot be used interchangeably. However, the two terms, Hiking and Trekking, are often confused when it comes to their meanings. People tend to confuse them as both hiking and trekking involve walking a great distance. So, without thinking much, most people assume that hiking and trekking are both one and the same. However, trekking is a more popular way of travel than hiking. On the other hand, hiking refers to the interaction of man with nature during leisure time. Both of these activities are much loved by people around the world as interesting activities that are beneficial in creating a strong body and mind.

What is Hiking?

Hiking is walking for a long distance, which is normally undertaken for fun. This is because people take this as an activity that allows them to interact with nature and calm their minds. Hiking, thus, may not involve health benefits at times. However, hiking is also done for health benefits too. In hiking, people follow nature trails that are dedicated for hiking. However, on a casual day, a person hiking can also prefer to traverse streets and roads of the busy town. Also, hiking need not give attention to swimming, mountain climbing, and the like because it is walking on a path that is already there. Hiking is a safer bet when compared to trekking.

What is Trekking?

Trekking is an intense form of hiking. In other words, trekking is walking for a long distance for days. It is undertaken with the motive to reach a particular destination. In fact, trekkers have the intention to travel more than hikers. Therefore, they normally take a backpack with them as they have to travel for days. Trekkers get immensely benefited by walking, rather than traveling by a motor vehicle. Hence, trekking keeps them very agile and healthy too. Also, trekkers believe in traversing wonderful scenery. They try to avoid urban colonies. In fact, they believe in walking through the wilderness rather than through the streets and roads of the urban colonies.They prefer to walk several miles to enjoy the nature with an intention of becoming one with it.

Trekkers are expected to have special skills in certain other arts and sports too. They are supposed to be good in a few aerobic exercises as well, such as jogging and swimming. In other words, it can be said that getting trained in swimming, mountain climbing, and the like is an additional bonus for trekkers. This is due to the fact that trekking involves some challenges against the perils of nature. For example, you are confronted with the challenge of climbing the trees when the necessity arises in trekking.

What is the difference between Hiking and Trekking?

• Definition:

• Hiking is walking for a long distance for fun or pleasure.

• Trekking is an intense form of hiking; walking long distances for days. It is often difficult too.

• Purpose:

• Hiking is normally undertaken for fun or pleasure. To interact with nature and calm the minds. It is done for health benefits too.

• Trekking is also undertaken for pleasure, but it has a motive of reaching a destination. Trekking is more serious in nature.

• Trails:

• Usually, for hiking, there are separate, dedicated natural roads where hikers can mingle with the nature. However, a person can take a hike in a city too by walking in the city.

• Trekking is always done in locations that are in the wilderness. These places are normally the locations without any transport facility other than walking by yourself.

• Duration:

• Hiking does not last for days. There are day hikes as well as night hikes.

• Trekking lasts for days as it is a long journey.

• Skills:

• Hiking is through pre-charted paths. So, as long as you can walk without a problem, you do not have to worry about much.

• Trekking is a long journey that takes you into wilderness that may have not been crossed by other people. So, you need to be ready to face any situation. Knowing swimming and climbing trees can be handy is such as setting.

• Equipment:

• For a short distance, wearing something that is suitable to the weather is enough. Also, you have to wear suitable shoes. For overnight hikes, you have to take a backpack with medicine and the essentials.

• For trekking, you have to be ready with camping gear, compass, backpack with your necessary belonging, boots, etc.

 

Images Courtesy:

1. Hiking by Wesley Fryer (CC BY 2.0)
2. Peru-Cusco Trekking by McKay Savage (CC BY 2.0)