![\"hiking](\"https:\/\/hikeauthority.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/people-hiking.jpg\")
<\/p>\nJargon gets confusing, especially if you're looking to start hiking or trekking. In this trekking vs hiking face-off, we'll take a look at the key differences to help you decide which activity suits you best.<\/p>\n
It's plain to see why there is confusion between the two. We have an abundance of information readily available at our fingertips. So maybe you popped in a quick search about hiking vs trekking and you start seeing very close similarities. What gives? Is there a difference between hiking and trekking?<\/p>\n
To better understand the differences between hiking and trekking, let's park apart each activity and get a clear definition.<\/p>\n
To clear things up a bit, trekking is also used as a synonym for hiking. However, for many, the differences are great enough to break them up into two different activities.<\/p>\n
Trekking, according to the conventional outdoors aficionado, is a more physically-demanding and time-consuming sport.<\/p>\n
On the flip side, hiking is less demanding than trekking. Though, you can take on some hikes that leave you battered and ready for bed, so don't let that be a determining factor for what you choose.<\/p>\n
With either activity, you'll definitely be exerting physical effort that requires an energy surplus. Always make sure you pack the right foods and needed amounts of water for your journey.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hiking involves navigating the terrain of various inclines for a day or a half-day.<\/p>\n
The difficulty level for hiking is considered easy to mildly challenging, and can usually be completed without a surplus of gear.<\/p>\n
Going for a hike will involve visiting a state park or trail and navigating through marked paths to take in the scenery.<\/p>\n
While both hiking and trekking are done in groups, hiking can easily be completed alone. It's also very common to run into other hikers fairly often on a hike. (Related:\u00a0Hiking Etiquette For Beginners \u2014 What Are The Rules of Hiking?<\/a>)<\/strong><\/p>\n Physical strain is still a factor. However, hiking isn't known to be completely exhausting, unless you've chosen a difficult trail.<\/p>\n Just because hiking isn't usually viewed as a massive effort when compared to mountaineering, you should still make sure you're picking the best snacks for a day hike<\/a>. It's also vital to know how much water you need for a day hike<\/a>.<\/p>\n Hiking gear can be very similar to trekking gear. On the other hand, packing for a hike will usually require far\u00a0less<\/em> gear than that needed for a trek.<\/p>\n To keep things simple, let's take a look at what gear is used for hiking:<\/strong><\/p>\n Because hikes can vary in length, gear will vary, too.<\/p>\n Weather conditions also affect how much and what kind of gear is used. But prepping for a day-long hike involves less gear prep than, say, a two or three-day trek does.<\/p>\n The terrain for hiking is usually pretty mild in intensity.<\/p>\n The most common terrain for a hike is naturally made or man-made trails that have been refined and properly marked for hikers.<\/p>\n Hiking trails usually do have hills and some occasionally steep inclines, but they're not as intense as, say, a week-long trek through a valley of peaks.<\/p>\n Most hiking trails will contain markers giving hikers directions for different trails. These markers usually also indicate the distance for each trail and your current distance from the beginning of the trail.<\/p>\n Most hiking is completed anywhere from a couple of hours to an entire day.<\/p>\n Don't let that time frame fool you, though: hiking, as with trekking, is gauged by distance and not necessarily time.<\/p>\n Having said that, most hiking trails are able to be completed by the average person within the previously mentioned day-long timeframe.<\/p>\n Alright, now that we combed through what hiking is, let's take a look at trekking.<\/p>\n Although trekking is often used as a synonym for hiking, the effort involved with a traditional trek separates the two entirely.<\/p>\n Trekking involves a very strenuous effort, usually over the course of at least <\/em>a couple of days. This requires hardcore trekkers to pack more gear, food, and water. It also calls for camping, most of the time (unless you're an absolute monster<\/em> who treks non-stop!)<\/p>\n Just like hiking, treks are completed in groups. However, you're less likely to run into many fellow trekkers on your adventure, unless it's a popular trekking path\/trail.<\/p>\n With that in mind, always be sure to bring the proper supplies and take the best safety measures possible. You may be more likely to encounter wildlife, so always remember to respect wildlife and keep your distance; a selfie in front of a grizzly or wild cat really isn't worth it, trust me.<\/p>\n As with hiking, the type of trekking gear you choose will vary depending on weather conditions, terrain, and altitude.<\/p>\n What gear is used for trekking?<\/strong><\/p>\n Depending on the distance of your trek and the location, some of the listed gear isn't always required, though it's still good practice to prepare properly.<\/p>\n You can expect your backpack to weigh more on a trek than it would during a hike, so proper packing is essential for your journey (we don't want you gassed out halfway into it!)<\/p>\nWhat Gear Is Used For Hiking?<\/h4>\n
![\"trekking](\"https:\/\/hikeauthority.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/add-weight-to-backpack-to-improve-uphill-hiking-speed.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
What Terrain is Involved In Hiking?<\/h4>\n
How Long Does Hiking Take?<\/h4>\n
What Is Trekking?<\/h3>\n
![\"people](\"https:\/\/hikeauthority.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/people-trekking.jpg\")
<\/p>\nWhat Gear Is Used For Trekking?<\/h4>\n
![\"gear](\"https:\/\/hikeauthority.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/gear-used-for-trekking.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
What Terrain Is Involved In Trekking?<\/h4>\n