Hiking or Trekking?
Always finding yourself interchanging between the terms hiking and trekking? Allow us to clear your confusion! :)
Hiking and trekking are outdoor recreational activities that many of us participate in. However, some of us find ourselves interchanging between the two terms.
Prolonged hours of walking and the scenic views might sum up the two activities for some. However, there are tons of differences between them. Let's uncover them together in this article!
Prolonged hours of walking and the scenic views might sum up the two activities for some. However, there are tons of differences between them. Let's uncover them together in this article!
Duration
The first and most distinct difference between hiking and trekking is the duration.
A hike usually lasts less than a day, between 2 to 8 hours.
On the other hand, a trek can last anywhere between a few days, weeks or even months!
A day hike is the most common term that we hear in the sphere of hiking! A day hike can involve Mabira forest trail, Mpanga or any trail in Uganda. While a trek may involve mountains such as Mount Kadam or Mount Sabinyo :)
A hike usually lasts less than a day, between 2 to 8 hours.
On the other hand, a trek can last anywhere between a few days, weeks or even months!
A day hike is the most common term that we hear in the sphere of hiking! A day hike can involve Mabira forest trail, Mpanga or any trail in Uganda. While a trek may involve mountains such as Mount Kadam or Mount Sabinyo :)
Preparation
A hike does not typically require much planning as hiking routes are often marked out clearly to follow. However, hikers would still need to prepare their hiking essentials for their hike.
Always remember to bring sufficient food and water even if your hike is expected to last for just a couple of hours! Sometimes hikes can lead to discoveries along the way which increases the duration of your planned hike, so having sufficient essentials is important.
Treks require extensive planning as (1) trekkers/trekking groups are required to mark out routes that they intend to take or (2) mark out locations that they wish to conquer as trekking typically does not take place on marked trails.
Trekkers will need to prepare their backpacks with essentials that are required, such as clothes, food, and sleeping equipment. This requires trekkers to plan out the duration of their trek which will determine their ration of essentials.
Trails
Hiking trails are usually in the midst of forests, mountains, hills or any natural environments that you wish to visit! As mentioned above, hiking trails are usually marked out for hikers to follow. :)
Trekking trails change during the course itself. From mountains, to roads, to the forest and even the beach sometimes! Trekking brings individuals to explore nature by foot, giving them first hand experiences of scenic locations that may not be accessible to many. Trekkers hold the power of where they wish to trek to and which trails they seek to explore, giving them more liberty than hikers!
Intensity
Hiking can be said to be a leisure activity as many consider it to be a weekend activity or personal hobby!
Although trails can be challenging at times to some, hikers typically face manageable obstacles along the way that many will overcome.
However, the intensity of trekking is considerably greater than that of hiking. As trekking takes place over different terrains and a prolonged period of time, the mental and physical expectations from it can challenge trekkers.
The fitness level required in both activities are vastly different, and trekking often requires more intense physical training. Being away from the comforts of home for an extended period of time may take a toll on anyone, but the views and experiences that trekkers receive makes it all worth the challenges they face.
Although trails can be challenging at times to some, hikers typically face manageable obstacles along the way that many will overcome.
However, the intensity of trekking is considerably greater than that of hiking. As trekking takes place over different terrains and a prolonged period of time, the mental and physical expectations from it can challenge trekkers.
The fitness level required in both activities are vastly different, and trekking often requires more intense physical training. Being away from the comforts of home for an extended period of time may take a toll on anyone, but the views and experiences that trekkers receive makes it all worth the challenges they face.
We hope you have gained a deeper understanding in differentiating between hiking and trekking!
Enjoy hiking or trekking!
Check out our Hiking gear collection below!