6 Difference between Hiking and Trekking (With Table)

Many people like spending their leisure time on different activities. Some activities require a lot of energy while some only need a little amount of energy.

Hiking and trekking are two activities that are mostly enjoyed by people who are on an adventure. However, most people use the terms interchangeably without really knowing that they are different.

Both hiking and trekking involve long walking in a natural environment. Both lower the risks of heart diseases and improves blood pressure.

So, what is the main difference between hiking and trekking? Hiking is an outdoor activity of walking in a beautiful, natural environment on pre-charted paths called hiking trails while trekking is a long journey undertaken on foot in areas where there are usually no means of transport.

To understand more the difference between hiking and trekking, you may continue reading the article. You will also have an opportunity to learn of the similarities between the two.

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Comparison Table (Hiking vs. Trekking)

Basic Terms	Hiking	Trekking
Definition	Is an outdoor activity of walking in a beautiful, natural environment on pre-charted paths called hiking trails.	Is a long journey undertaken on foot in areas where there are usually no means of transport?
Locations	Done in areas where nature trails and has a beautiful environment especially in hills.	Done in mountainous areas where there are no other means of transport.
Importance	Done for pleasure and fun.	Done for pleasure and fun and also with a particular destination.
Duration	It lasts for a day or a night.	It takes several days.
Environmental impact	It has little environmental impact unless done regularly in an area.	It takes long hence it has a greater impact.
Equipment	Shoes, water, compass, hiking pole, Backpack with survival kits, food, and medicine.	Survival kit, camping gear, boots, compass, clothing applicable to weather changes especially in mountainous areas.

What is Hiking?

Hiking is an outdoor activity of walking in a beautiful, natural environment on pre-charted paths called hiking trails.

It is done over a day or a night. It is done in areas where nature trails and has a beautiful environment, especially in hills.

When going hiking, one has to carry shoes, a compass, a survival kit, food, and medicine. A hiking pole may be required in some areas hence it also needs to be carried.

When hiking is done regularly, it may have a negative impact on the environment. There may be wood gatherings, fire, fecal matter, leaving non-biodegradable matter.

Those going hiking should be able to walk for at least five hours, a journey of between 4 to 5 kilometers.

What is Trekking?

Trekking is a long journey undertaken on foot in areas where there are no means of transport. It is mostly done in mountainous areas.

It normally lasts for days hence one has to carry a lot of equipment that will enable him or her to take care of himself during the days.

The equipment to be carried includes; boots, compass, survival kit, camping gear, clothing applicable to weather changes especially in mountainous regions, food, and medicine.

It has great damage to the environment hence when done in a place regularly, it may make the place have erosion, and leaving non-biodegradable matter may make the area dirty.

Trekking can be means of necessity where the vehicles are inaccessible. It helps burn calories and this reduces diseases that are related to weight accumulation.

Main Difference between Hiking and Trekking

Hiking is an outdoor activity done on pre-charted paths called hiking trails while trekking is a long journey made in areas where there is no means of transport.
Hiking is done within a day or night while trekking is done for several days.
Hiking is done for fun and pleasure while trekking is done for fun and pleasure and also to reach a certain destination.
Hiking has little impact on the environment while trekking has a greater impact on the environment.
Hiking is done in nature trails especially in hilly areas while trekking is done in areas where there is no means of transport.

Similarities between Hiking and Trekking

Both involve a long walk.
Both are done in the natural environment.
Both require equipment to be accompanied.
Both reduce heart diseases and blood pressure.
In both calories are burnt.
Both have an impact on the environment.

Conclusion

Hiking and trekking are both activities done during the adventure. Most people like spending their leisure time either hiking or trekking.

Hiking is done on hiking trails especially in hilly areas while trekking is done in areas where there is no means of transport, especially in mountainous areas. Hiking is done within a day or night while trekking is done for several days.

When either going hiking or trekking, one needs to carry along with some equipment such as a survival kit, food, medicine, compass in case to tell directions, shoes, and camping gear.

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