The main difference between hiking and trekking is that trekking is a longer distance than hiking and takes many days .

In common parlance, we usually use the two words hiking and trekking interchangeably. That is not entirely wrong. Hiking refers to a long walk, especially for pleasure or exercise. But we usually refer to trekking as a multi-day hike far away from home, on the other end of the world.

Key areas covered

1. What is Hiking - Definition, Features 2. What is Trekking - Definition, Features 3. Similarities Between Hiking and Trekking - Overview of Common Features 4. Difference Between Hiking and Trekking - Comparison of Key Differences

key terms

Hiking trekking

What is hiking

Hiking refers to a long walk, especially for pleasure or exercise. It is a long, energetic walk in nature on hiking trails or footpaths for a day or a night. Hiking is usually done on ready-made paths or roads. Compared to trekking, hiking requires a shorter distance and a shorter investment of time. A 1-mile walk can even be described as a hike. Therefore, hiking is not as strenuous or arduous as trekking.

Hiking has many health benefits. It lowers the risk of strokes and heart attacks, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, etc. It also improves cardiorespiratory fitness and increases muscle fitness. In addition, hiking can strengthen your core and improve balance and posture. It can also help you burn fat and lose weight. In addition, hiking has some mental and emotional benefits as well. Being outdoors can help reduce your risk of depression and improve mood.

Since a lot of time is spent outdoors while hiking, you will need to bring some equipment with you. This includes good walking shoes, a backpack , waterproof equipment, a walking stick and water.

What is trekking?

Trekking refers to a long journey through a difficult country on foot, usually for pleasure. Unlike hiking, trekking takes several days - not just a few hours. In other words, they are multi-day expeditions that cover many distances. Hikers tend to go to places that are less accessible than hikers. They can span any terrain. That is why they are more strenuous than hiking. Trekking also offers opportunities to visit remote local areas and create a cultural and natural experience.

Trekking has the same health benefits as hiking. But if you are completely unfamiliar with long walks, start hiking, not trekking. Once you get used to hiking, you can start trekking. Also, trekking needs more equipment than hiking; In addition to the essentials such as backpacks, good shoes, etc. you also need sleeping bags, tents and other equipment that will help you to live many days in the wilderness.

Similarities Between Hiking and Trekking

• Both require a long distance.
• They have many health benefits.
• A trek is actually a kind of long hike.

Difference between hiking and trekking

definition

Hiking refers to a long walk, especially for pleasure or exercise, while trekking refers to a long journey through a difficult country on foot, usually for pleasure.

Days

While hiking takes half a day or a full day, trekking takes many days.

terrain

Hiking usually involves ready-made trails and roads, while trekking involves a variety of terrains.

nature

Trekking is more strenuous than hiking.

equipment

Also, hiking doesn't require a lot of necessities, while trekking requires a lot of equipment, including tents and sleeping bags.

For beginners

Hiking is great for beginners, while trekking is a difficulty level from hiking.

diploma

Hiking refers to a long walk, especially for pleasure or exercise, while trekking refers to a long journey through a difficult country on foot, usually for pleasure. The main difference between hiking and trekking is that trekking is a longer distance than hiking and takes many days.

Image courtesy:

1. “455338” (CC0) via Pixabay 2. “Trekking in Chaltén - Argentina” By Chreownl - Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia