Walking, hiking, trekking, or tramping? We explain what these words mean to outdoor travelers.
In every corner of the world, there are still old debates raging. What came first, the chicken or the egg? Marmite or Vegemite? Marvel or DC is better? Walking or cycling? Is it better to eat cereal with hot or cold milk?
All over the world, these questions spark interesting conversations and heated debates. Right now, we bet you are thinking about your own answers, but are they the same as your partners, friends, or colleagues, or does that depend on personal perception and opinion?
Walks, hikes, treks, and tramps have all been hotly contested terms in the walking community. What is the difference between a walk and a trek? Is it when the terrain is rougher and the walk is more challenging? It’s easier to understand what is meant by the term trek – it’s something much further away and longer than a hike. What then is considered a hike?
Do you still have a hard time understanding? Let’s break it down according to what our outdoor travellers might think these words mean. Read about mountaineering vs. hiking from this article.
Walk: A walk generally involves fairly smooth surfaces and defined paths without many obstacles. Walking does not usually require special equipment apart from a day pack with the essentials, and walks tend to take place in regions where accommodation is readily available. A walk is shorter in duration and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate level of fitness.
Hiking: Hiking is typically a longer and harder walk through the mountains or trails that go through bush or rural terrain. Trails are generally visible, but they do not have smooth surfaces like those of a walk. A hike tends to be longer than a walk and requires more specialized equipment and footwear as the terrain and trails are rougher. Hiking usually involves moving from lower to higher as you advance and is generally more undulating than walking.
Trek: Trekking refers to a walk or hike that is multi-day, remote, with little accommodation (generally camping), with trails that are either partially visible or invisible, and with altitude or other rugged terrain and crossings. Trekking requires the most specialized equipment and will leave you without a shower for days at a time. Treks are generally conducted in regions where there is no other way to get to the location than on foot, and you carry your own gear and backpack.
Tramping is the most interesting of all. New Zealanders came up with this phrase to describe a walk in the bush, whereas Australians would use the term ‘bushwalking’.
Tramp: Tramping is known as backpacking, rambling, hillwalking, bushwalking, or trekking in other parts of the world. New Zealanders describe it as walking over rough terrain with a backpack and wet-weather gear and carrying camping and cooking gear. The word ‘hike’ didn’t appeal to Kiwis, or did they think this was a ‘walk’ for outdoor enthusiasts?
The Kiwis weren’t the only ones to come up with their own terms. Here are a few more quirks from the walking community:
Rambling: Rambling is mainly used in the UK for walking in the countryside, with many clubs and groups meeting to take part in this outdoor pastime and the word “Rambling” is an old English term for walking aimlessly, but Ramblers walk on defined routes with a purpose. In the UK, hill walking is also popular for walking in the mountains and hills.
Nordic walking: We’re sure you’ve seen people walking with sticks around. Originally, it developed as a form of skiing training and has not only lasted but is gaining popularity all over the world. These specially designed poles provide more power and support while walking and provide a great workout for the entire body.
A pilgrimage is a walk with a purpose. An unfamiliar or foreign place can usually be described as a journey. An inner journey to find meaning in oneself or in nature. Pilgrimages tend to be long-distance, challenging the body and mind at the same time and often resulting in personal growth and development. Among the most famous are the Camino de Santiago in Spain and the Kumano Kodo in Japan. Pilgrimages tend to be undertaken for reasons that go beyond a simple love of walking and the outdoors.
There will be debates in the future about what makes a walk a walk or a hike a hike, and we are not attempting to answer this question, but only open up the conversation next time you think about heading outdoors.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is the difference between Mountaineering Vs. Hiking?
To know about the difference between the mountaineering Vs. Hiking you need to check out this article.
What is the difference between long walk and hiking?
Walking is a casual, leisure activity that is done in urban areas or on paved pathways. It’s an everyday activity that lasts a short distance. A hike is a long walk in nature, often involving elevation changes and dynamic terrains.
How to prepare for a winter hike?
If you want to know how to prepare yourself for a winter hike you need to read this article.
