Both hiking and trekking are outdoor adventure sports that include a rejuvenating break from the daily schedule. If you are not clear about the hiking vs trekking difference, then, the most simple definition is that hiking involves exploration that lasts for one day, whereas trekking is a multi-day journey.
Although both hiking and trekking do share similarities, the challenges and experiences in both outdoor adventures are quite distinct from each other. You may have learned about the surface value of each of the adventures, but there is more to these adventures than just the definitions.
So, stick with this article till the end to find out more about the key differences between each of the outdoor sports, benefits, the considerations you need to make, challenges, and overall experience for you to decide on what suits you the best.
Hiking Vs Trekking Meaning
Let’s start the hiking Vs trekking comparison start by learning about the descriptive definitions of each of these outdoor adventures.
Hiking
Hiking is leisure walking in the natural environments, most generally at well-marked routes. Depending on the region and route, the hike can be a short or long walk but isn’t considered that physically challenging. The hiking period also just lasts for one day that why it is a popular recreational sport to take from daily life without the need to stray off to far remote regions.
As the trails are well-marked, there isn’t any kind of necessary for hiring a guide. Similarly, as this one-day sport requires a minimum level of clothes and gear, the explorers don’t need to bring a porter as well. The trails are easily accessible and everyone can take part in it regardless of age and fitness level.
In one thing it is quite similar to the trekking adventures, the varied terrains. So, typically during a hike also, you will traverse across a diverse landscape not to the extent of the remote treks, but still quite diversified trails. For better understanding, you can take a hike as an individual component of the long journey that is a trek that adds up to multiple days.
Trekking
Compared to hiking, trekking is a more physically demanding and intense journey that lasts for multiple days. Depending on the region and altitudes a trekking route takes you across, the difficulty level varies. Unlike the simple nature walking, you will take on the unmarked trails that lead you deep into the wilderness.
If you want to take part in a trekking journey, unlike a one-day hike, you will need a good strength and endurance level. That’s why a trekking journey is not recommended for everyone. Similarly, it is also not possible to navigate the remote trails without the help of a guide. You will also need the help of porters as you will be carrying a collection of varied layers and comprehensive trekking gear.
So, you can take a trek as a lengthy form of hiking that lasts for several weeks and test the physical endurance and mental resilience of the adventurers. There is a wide range of trekking activities that you will choose from which are classified according to the length of the journey, difficulty level, highlights, and particular experience.
From that analysis, it would be wrong to assume that every trekking adventures are difficult. They definitely are physically demanding but you will have several options to choose from and depending on you capabilities and experience you are looking for, you can select the most appropriate one.
Which One is Appropriate for Quality Family Time?
Generally, when we are considering outdoor adventure sports, it is to spend more quality time with friends and family. From the surface value, you might feel like hiking is the most appropriate option here as you will move along easy marked trail relishing the allure of nature.
However, the answer actually depends on what kind of experience you are looking for. If you are looking for an immersive and gradual-paced adventure that provides the opportunity to explore the cultural, historic, and natural aspects of the region, without a doubt, trekking is the ideal choice.
But, if you don’t have a long number of vacation days on your hand, you can go for the short and sweet exploration that is a hike. Even though the journey is more fast-paced, it is a wonderful way to reconnect with nature during the weekends.
In case if you are trying to completely avoid the trek because you hear it to be difficult, then, it would be wrong to do so. As there are plenty of options to choose from, you can select the relatively easy one so even a diverse-age trekking group can enjoy the experience without an issue.
How Much Do You Need to Train?
In this hiking vs trekking comparison, let’s move toward the physically demanding part. Well, learning from the definition, you might be pretty sure by now that trekking is a more physically demanding journey. That isn’t wrong, however, considering the hikes are pretty much easy-going adventures as they are just one day long can be a mistake.
Yes, the hiking trails are definitely not as physically exhausting as a trekking trail. However, depending on the hiking route, the nature of the terrain, and the involvement of the steep sections, even the one-day journey can completely drain you. So light exercises for preparation won’t hurt you and if you follow a workout routine, then overcoming the hiking route won’t be that much of a challenge.
However, as for the trekking adventures, it is a completely different story. If you are trekking in Nepal, you will be recommended to train for at least 3 to 6 weeks to prepare for the trek. Even the simplest route easily crosses 5,000 meters in altitude, that much training is a general requirement to make the journey comfortable.
But, there is an exception to the required level of training if you are exploring the cultural trails that hardly stretch to the alpine zone (4,000 meters). However, even if so, a good level of preparation will ensure a comfortable experience.
Skill Level Require for Hiking and Trekking
There isn’t any specific age requirement for hiking adventures unless the journey includes other activities such as rock climbing, rafting, canyoning, skydiving, etc. So, if you are not partaking in other adventure sports during your hiking journey, there isn’t any requirement for a particular skill set.
The same can be said with a trekking journey, as most of them don’t require any kind of technical skills. However, there are often cases where the trekkers may have to overcome some technical parts along the trail such as climbing a high pass, moving along the ridge, crossing crevasses or moraines, etc.Â
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So, in comparison to both of these outdoor adventures, trekking requires a good skillset if your journey includes traversing across the technical parts of the region. Similarly, as for hiking, pretty much anyone can join the well-marked trails. However, to take on the long route and high-altitude endeavors, a trekker will need some prior trekking experience.
Only relatively easy to mild levels of trekking journeys are recommended to the beginner trekker.
Packing for the Adventure
In this hiking vs trekking discussion, another major factor that you need to understand is the climatic zones of the region to pack appropriately for the occasion. The packing list also varies depending on the weather of the visit as there is a high chance of rainfall during the monsoon and trails can also be slippery.
As for the winter, depending on the region, trekkers may have to traverse across the snow in cold climatic conditions. Compared to those, spring and autumn seasons are the most favorable periods to enjoy both of these outdoor adventures at an optimum level. During your hike in these high seasons, just a comfortable and flexible layer will be enough to move along the marked route.
However, the same cannot be said about trekking adventures. A trekking journey generally stretches over different climatic zones, most generally tropical (below 1,000 meters) to tundra (above 5,000 meters). So, trekkers need to be very careful about packing the right layers during their long journey to keep themselves comfortable.
Like the hiking trails, at the lower trekking trails, you will be able to dress comfortably and use the light layers. However, as you start to have acne gradually in the higher regions, the temperatures slowly start to drop. So, warm and insulated layers are necessary for such climatic zones.
Moreover, unlike the short hikes, it is also important gear necessary for the trek and to feel comfortable during the long explorations.
Some Helpful Tips for Beginner Hikers and Trekkers
- Plan ahead and plan efficiently
- Dress appropriately for the occasion
- Don’t forget balanced nutrition and hydration is the secret to a comfortable journey
- Take part in the outdoor adventure during one of the peak seasons
- Pack all the essential layers and gear
- Follow a slow paceÂ
- Bring a map and GPS device to keep track of the route
- Know your limits and don’t push yourself
- Don’t forget snacks, energy bar,s and electrolytes
