What is the difference between hiking and trekking?

 

 

 

Hiking:

 A hike simply means walking in natural environments.

If you’re doing that, you’re hiking. 

It’s still a broad term that can be used in many different situations. But we'll get more into detail on that later.

When we talk about a hike, we refer more to the shorter scenic trails such as the Vicentina Trail or Torres del Paine. 

So, when does a hike become a trek? Let’s look at what exactly defines a trek.

Conditions: Long, brisk walk on hiking trails, potentially challenging but with varying difficulty levels.

Duration: Typically 5-7 hours in a day, may extend over a couple of days.

Distance: Ranges from 3 to 50 km, with trails of different difficulty levels.

Backpack Size: 15-20 liters for a day hike, larger for overnight or multi-day hikes.

Famous Example: The Grand Canyon National Park, Bright Angel trail.

 

Trekking:

Trekking: A trek involves walking or hiking through rugged terrain. 

The word trek actually comes from the Afrikaan word literally meaning “pull, travel.” So that is why it is not spelled "trecking" as we would expect it.

Trekking is more strenuous than hiking and can be done in various ways, from overnight backpacking trips to multi-day hikes.

We look at trekking as a walk through testing terrains, slopes, and ascents, and over a long journey and a longer period, from multiple days to even weeks.

 

Conditions: Challenging journeys through harsh terrain, bad weather, steep slopes, and possibly low oxygen levels.

Duration: Can last from a week to several weeks, camping along the way.

Distance: Anywhere from 50 to 1,000 km, with some treks covering about 10 km per day.

Backpack Size: 60-85 liters, considering the need for specific equipment like ice axes or extra hydration.

 

Famous Example: Trekking to Mount Everest base camp in Nepal, with potential dangers requiring local guides or Sherpas.

 

 

 

 

In summary, the main differences lie in the intensity, duration, and conditions. Hiking is a long walk, potentially challenging, but often on designated trails with varying difficulty. Trekking, on the other hand, involves more challenging journeys through varied terrains, adverse weather, and potentially higher altitudes, requiring specific equipment and sometimes training. The duration of treks is usually longer, and the distances covered can be more extensive compared to hikes.

  

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