Hiking vs Trekking: So Is There Really a Difference?

Even with a basic understanding of what hiking and trekking are, it can still be a challenge to fully nail down the specifics of what makes each of these outdoor activities unique. Beyond the overall length and level of physical exertion required to complete each task, there are a number of subtle nuances to each that range from gear and supplies to organization and planning. Let’s dive into the similarities and differences between hiking versus trekking.

Hiking vs Trekking Similarities

The similarities between hiking and trekking stem from their shared goal: getting out to explore the natural world on foot. The sole reason for setting out on either type of adventure is up to the individual traveller; however, the things experienced along the way (ie. sightseeing, wildlife watching, etc.) are more or less the same. Pleasure, both in appreciating nature and getting in some good exercise, is one of the main attractions to both hiking and trekking.

Hiking vs Trekking Differences

Whereas similarities between hiking and trekking may be more subtle, the differences are a bit more distinct. The overall length of the journey – usually within 1 day for hiking and multiple days for trekking – and remote nature of the landscape are two of the differentiating factors. Hiking trails will often be very distinct, whereas trekking routes will utilize trails and open or difficult to navigate terrain.

Additionally, trekking generally requires sturdier gear to handle the rigors of successive days of use. Not only this, but trekkers need to account for higher quantities of gear and supplies to support life on the trail.

Aside from the gear aspect, planning and logistics are also more of a factor when comparing trekking to hiking. You will need to meticulously plan for all eventualities along the trail, and the remote nature of the route will likely require extra time and planning to reach. Due to all of this, a trekking expedition is often a much more serious undertaking that will require added time, money, and organization in order to successfully execute when compared to a hiking excursion.

Arguably one of the biggest differences when it comes to comparing hiking versus trekking is in the gear. Trekking generally covers much longer distances and a longer period of time; the result of which is a need for more and sturdier gear. As the main focus of either activity is walking, you will need to ensure that you choose the right pair of footwear. Depending on the terrain and length of the hike, you will likely be able to get away with a lighter pair of hiking boots or trail runners. By comparison, a longer and more serious trek will require sturdier boots with a thicker sole and good ankle support. Two other critical pieces of equipment that you will need for either type of journey are a compass and a first aid kit that contains a variety of supplies to keep you safe on the trail.

When setting out for a hiking excursion, there are some essential pieces of gear that you will need in order to safely, comfortably, and successfully traverse the trail. You will want your gear to be fairly lightweight, but still cover you for every eventuality. As such, be sure to bring a lightweight day pack to carry everything. Obviously food and a large water bottle will be critical in keeping you fueled along the route, but spare socks and extra layers will aid you if you run into any inclement weather. Hiking poles are also a great idea to provide extra stability, especially if you will be traversing uneven ground.

In regards to preparing for a trekking expedition, much of the same advice above applies, except for the fact that you will be spending more time along the trail. Make sure to choose your gear wisely, as remote areas will limit your ability to head back to the trailhead in the event that you run into some trouble. A few things to consider:

-In order to carry your extra gear and supplies, you will need a larger pack, ideally one that is 60L.

-Sleeping along the trail will require a tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag.

-Bring extra clothing to stay dry and warm for the duration of your trip.

-You will need more than just a day’s worth of water. Think about bringing a water filtration or purification system, as lugging around bottles of water will create unnecessary weight.

-Lastly, you will need extra food supplies, as well as cookware, fuel, and a camp stove to cook on.

While it may seem like a lot to arrange, all of the extra items that are required for a trekking expedition when compared to a day hike really do reflect the fundamental difference between the two activities, namely that trekking is a much longer, arduous, and serious affair that will require extra organization and planning.

Hiking and Trekking Benefits

So, if hiking and trekking are such physically demanding activities, why are they good for you? As with many different outdoor activities, hiking and trekking both offer a number of great benefits to your health that are the result of putting the different systems of your body to work. The most obvious are the physical benefits; however, lesser-known are the impact that they have on other aspects of your wellbeing, such as mental and social health.

Prolonged periods of physical activity that feature natural intervals (think climbing and descending hills) offer a great number of health benefits. Such activities can help with weight loss, reducing the risk of stroke, and general body maintenance. As weight bearing exercises, hiking and trekking will also serve to build bone density, strengthen muscles in the core and lower half of the body, as well as build endurance levels.

In terms of mental health, the exposure to vitamin D that comes with outdoor exercise can also provide a mental boost, increasing your creative capabilities and clearing your mind.

A 2015 study from Stanford University found that increased exposure to the outdoors resulted in less activity in the parts of the brain that are associated with mental illness. As such, many people find that feelings of anxiety, stress and depression can be alleviated through hiking and trekking, as they are able to detach from the worries of the outside world and connect with nature. This focus on the beauty of what is in front of you will allow you to come up with problem solving strategies that will help you in your everyday life.

Lastly, and closely related to the mental health points above, hiking and trekking will help you to form better social connections. Hitting the trails with friends, family, or even new acquaintances is a great way to bond and learn about one another in a new setting that is removed from the outside world. Even setting out for a solo adventure has its benefits in this regard, as some alone time is often a great way to alter your perspective and grow as a person, so that you can strengthen your relationships with others.

Regardless of your intentions when setting out on a hiking or trekking expedition, the benefits to your physical, mental, and social health are an undeniably positive byproduct that will certainly serve you well in your everyday life.

No matter where you find yourself in the world, you will almost always be in close proximity to a hiking route of some form or another that will enable you to get out and enjoy the beauty of nature, while getting some decent exercise in the process. Whether you plan on exploring the countryside around your hometown or are travelling further afield, there are a number of fantastic hiking routes that are suitable for a wide range of ages and skill levels.

Similarly to the many amazing hiking routes that can be found worldwide, there are countless treks around the globe that are set within near-magical locations, featuring famously scenic landscapes and world-renowned highlights. While there is generally a good variety of hiking routes for all skill levels, the challenging nature of most treks limit their usage to more experienced outdoor enthusiasts that are familiar with navigating remote and rugged landscapes or to those willing to hire a guide.

It’s safe to say that there are a fair number of similarities and differences that can be seen when comparing hiking vs trekking; however, there are also some geographic variations in the naming of each activity that can make distinguishing the two even more confusing. Here are a few alternate terms that are used around the world to describe hiking and trekking:

Is hiking better than walking?

While the question is fairly subjective, the simplest answer is yes. Hiking will burn more calories than walking.

Is trekking more difficult than hiking?

Yes… sometimes. Trekking often involves covering greater distances, over a longer period, in more remote and difficult terrain; however, an extreme day-hike through technically challenging terrain that features a large elevation gain can be equally difficult.

How do you prepare for a hiking or trekking excursion?

Strength, cardio, and endurance training are all great ways to prepare for a hiking or trekking excursion. Check out these training guides for hiking trips and longer backpacking trips to get started.

Is it OK to hike every day?

Yes… depending on how strenuous of a hike it is. Anything in excess is ill-advised, so if you plan on hiking daily, try mixing in some low-intensity hikes to allow your body to rest.

Is hiking good for losing weight?

Hiking is a great cardio workout that will help you to burn calories and lose weight, although per half hour it will burn less than running.

Does hiking tone your body?

Similar to using a stair climber in the gym, uphill hiking will help to build muscle; however, the downhill portion is what will tone your muscles the most, as your glutes and quads will be working in overdrive to help stabilize your body.

In short, although the definitions of hiking and trekking may be nearly indistinguishable, there are similarities and differences that make these two outdoor activities unique, yet closely related. At the base level, the easiest way to distinguish between hiking versus trekking is the overall length of time needed to complete the activity, with hiking being the shorter of the two.

It is up to the individual to explore the subtle nuances of each in order to fully understand which type of excursion best suits their needs. Whether you are looking for a life-changing multi-day adventure in some far-off, mythical land or simply to get in better shape while exploring the outdoors, the worlds of hiking and trekking can be found along the same spectrum, and you just might find that your involvement in one will lead you to realize a passion in the other.