Most people understand that hiking is a form of walking. However, there is a reason why it is given a different name. So what is considered hiking?

Although hiking can mean different things to different people and can also vary depending on the geographical region, there are some common characteristics of hiking.

Hiking is a long walk on the trails in order to bond with nature. Hiking also consists of elevation changes and hikers have to travel across different types of terrains, including mud, rocks, and snow. In addition, hiking requires more effort than simply walking and can burn more calories.

In this guide, I can help you understand what hiking entails, the differences between walking and hiking, the benefits of hiking, and some other types of physical activities that you may conflate with hiking.

I have heard a lot of people ask “what is considered hiking? “ and “how does hiking differ from walking?” As a lifelong hiker myself, I have created this blog to help beginner hikers understand how hiking is different from urban walks and the many benefits it has over it.

What Does Hiking Entail?

According to the 52 Hike Challenge, hiking is defined as a trial run or a climb in the mountains for a minimum of 1 mile. This figure may suffice for a beginner, but there are many experienced hikers who believe that 1 mile may not be sufficiently long enough to be considered a hike.

For myself, I consider it a hike when I have covered a distance of 3 miles in a terrain of varying elevation levels, which takes me about only 1 hour.

The best thing about hiking is that you can define what it means for you, although there are some commonalities that are shared by others as well.

A Hike Is Not Within an Urban Area

Typically, a hike is usually not done in an urban area, though the 52 Hike Challenge talks about a form of “adaptive hiking” that can take place in urban parks. Typically, though, a hike is done in the wilderness.

A hike consists of a longer and harder walk undertaken on rural, mountain, bush, or countryside trails or off-trail. These trails may typically be visible, but they are not paved walkways and are not smooth.

A Hike Involves Various Terrains

Since hiking is a longer form of walking, it usually involves varying terrain. For example, a hiker may experience relatively smooth and level gravel, rocky surfaces, dirt, mud, snow, and forests – sometimes all of these – in a single hike. This makes it much different from a simple walk which does not expose you to so many different types of surfaces.

A Hike Consists of Varying Levels of Elevation

A hike is typically not a straight walk. It involves a hiker traveling up and down, like traveling along a winding ridgeline or reaching a summit.

A hike should include a minimum elevation gain of 200 feet per mile. This number is very low and only excludes walks that are particularly flat. As such, the trails are supposed to be more rugged than your average urban walks.

A Hike Covers a Longer Distance

The minimum distance you need to cover during a hike is very subjective. For beginner hikers, a hike can be just one mile long. As you can see, the distance is not that great but will involve many elements that are not seen in urban walks like rough terrain and elevation so it might take longer.

For more experienced hikers, a hike can be as short as three miles and as long as several months.

For those of you who are familiar with hiking, you may have also heard or experienced thru-hiking which is taken on long-distance trails. This form of hiking can take weeks or the better part of the year to complete. For example, the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trails are two of the longest trails in the US which can take seven or even more months to complete.

A Hike Features Natural Elements as Destinations

Most hikers have a destination in mind when they set out to hike. This could be any natural feature along the trail or even off-trail, including a creek, lake, waterfall, peak, or cave.

The Main Difference Between a Hike and a Walk

Many people often wonder how hiking is different from walking.

When we talk about walking, we refer to moving at a regular speed for traveling, exercise, and pleasure. However, some of the criteria that we defined above for hiking like traveling three miles on a natural surface can also be achieved by a person who went for a walk as well. However, there are some major differences between a hike and a walk.

Hiking Requires More Effort Than Walking

Overall, hiking requires more energy and effort than walking since hiking trails are much more challenging than simple walks. As a hiker, you will have to go over boulders, cross hilly roads, and tramp through mud and snow.

However, when you are simply out on a walk, you do typically encounter so many different types of terrains or such uneven roads. This means it is a more leisurely activity than hiking and does not burn as many calories as hiking.

Hiking Shortens Your Breath

Hiking is an endurance exercise which means it requires more work than simply walking. Most people can keep a running conversation when they are out for a walk. However, talking can leave you out of breath and thirsty very quickly when you are hiking. That is because the path you are taking is not straight or smooth. In addition, with every few degrees rise in elevation, you will experience a drop in speed and more fatigue.

Plus, if you are hiking in a high

Hiking Elevates Your Heart Rate

Since it is a strenuous and physical exercise – much more so than walking — hiking will elevate your heart rate. In addition, hiking is a more high-risk activity than walking as well since it allows you to explore untouched areas that are not entirely safe for people as well as show you breath-taking sights that you cannot see in civilized or urban areas.

This makes hiking all the more exciting and thrilling and helps to pump your adrenaline levels which will keep your heart rate elevated.

Hiking is Done on Natural Paths

Hiking is typically done in national reserves, woods, or mountains that are rough and challenging, and often steep. It is common for hikers to cross a stream or go under a waterfall when hiking.

On the other hand, walking is done on constructed or leveled paths made of sand, gravel, concrete, and asphalt. Hence they are smooth and flat, unlike paths in natural settings.

Hiking is Done on Rugged Surfaces

Hiking is done in outdoor and rugged areas which are not constructed and hence can pose a challenge. Hiking tends to take you from lower to higher ground and its path undulates as you go further. In addition, most hikers go hiking to explore new paths and areas so they may not be familiar with their route or conditions of the trail, which can lead to a slower speed and less consistent movements.

On the other hand, walking is much easier since your movement is constant and you do not have to go very far. In addition, most people tread on familiar paths when out on a walk for pleasure.

Hiking is Done Less Frequently Than Walking

As a cardio and endurance exercise, hiking is more strenuous than simple walking. If you live near the wilderness or a natural setting, you can hike about 2 to 3 times a well. However, make sure you provide your body with the right amount of hydration and nutrients since hiking can take a lot out of you.

In other cases, many people perform hiking on a seasonal basis. These hikers may spend a few weeks each year in particular months to take to the trail.

As for walking, you can easily do it every day and as many times a day as you want. Even a 15 minute walk can benefit you and you do not need any special setting or equipment to do it.

Hiking Requires Appropriate Clothing

It is crucial that you wear the right clothing when out hiking that can protect you from the elements. It is a good idea to wear waterproof and insulating jackets when on hikes as well as sturdy and solid boots that can provide you more traction and stability on rough terrain.

On the other hand, walking does not require you to wear any special sort of clothes. Depending on the weather, you can wear jeans or yoga pants or a T-shirt and you will be perfectly fine to walk in the park, woods, or a shopping mall.

Hiking Requires the Right Gear

One of the most notable differences between hiking and regular walking is that walking requires virtually no gear while hiking requires special gear, depending on where you are going and how long you intend to hike there.

What kind of gear your bring to the trail with you demons on a few factors including:

●     Seasonality: Hiking in the winter is very different from hiking in the summer and it is important that you bring the right set of gear and supplies that are appropriate for both the seasons. If you are hiking in the summer, it is important to bring extra water supplies and lots of sun protection like sunscreen, hats, and shades during the hot season since UV rays are intense in the mountains. When hiking in winter, it is important to layer up in thermals and waterproof clothing.

●     Weather: It is important to keep an eye on the weather updates and be aware of the weather forecast when going out to hike. If the forecast is gray skies, it is important that you be prepared with rain gear such as raincoats and waterproof backpacks. In many instances, when you are hiking at high altitudes, you will also be short of breath because of the thin air. You need to be prepared for that as well.

●     Duration: How long you intend to hike is a big factor in deciding how much gear you need to pack. If you are out hiking for just a few hours or a single day, there is no point in packing a set of clothes, sleeping bag, or too much food. However, if you decide to spend multiple days in the wilderness, then you will need to load your backpack appropriately with camping gear, safety tools, and other equipment.

A single-day hike will require a light backpack containing some water and light snacks, sunglasses and sunscreen, your ID, your phone, a GPS device, a small first aid kit, and a raincoat, if it is forecasted to rain.

A solid pair of hiking boots are good footwear, depending on the duration and intensity of your hike. If you are going to be hiking in snow, make sure your boots are good for snowy weather as well.

Overnight treks or thru-hiking demand much more preparation than single-day hikes. For these hikes, you will need to pack all the gear above as well as a lot of other gears, including protection from the elements.

You will need to get more water or a water filtration system that will allow you to make use of rain or stream water safely. If you can’t carry that, you will need to chart a route that goes near a stop where you can replenish your water supply.

In addition, you will need to get more food supplies as well as cooking gear, including a stove, pots and pans, utensils, and lighter and fireproof matches.

For nighttime, you will need to set up camp. For that, you will need a tent and a sleeping bag. It is also important to carry a flashlight and a headlamp if you want to explore some terrain near your tent. However, keep in mind not to explore too far away from the camping spot in the night or you may get lost or meet with an accident in the dark.

Also keep extra batteries with you.

If the terrain is rough and has lots of elevations and obstacles, it is a good idea to get trekking poles for stability during climbs.

When packing your gear, it is important to keep the weight of your backpack in check, if your backpack is too heavy, it will slow you down quickly and increase your fatigue a few miles from your set off point.

Benefits of Hiking

Hiking offers a lot of benefits over walking. Here are some major benefits of hiking.

Bonding with Nature

The most important benefit of hiking is that it allows you to bond with nature and see the beautiful natural scenery and wonderful wildlife that you cannot see in walks around the city or the countryside.

Burning More Calories

Hiking is a more intensive exercise than walking and allows you to burn more calories, in fact, a person who is around 200 pounds will be able to burn up to 550 calories per hour during a hike, in some cases. A one-hour walk on the other hand burns between 210 to 360 calories per hour.

More Fresh Air

Since hiking is done in the wild, you will get more fresh air as opposed to if you were walking in the smog and dirt of the city.

Better for your Physical Health

Hiking involves a lot of ups and downs. Not only does it get your heart rate pumping, it can reduce bad cholesterol levels by 10%, regulate your blood sugar, and build up your glucose tolerance. However, if you are not experienced, and have yet to build your leg muscles, be careful when going down slopes or executing jumps as they can be very jarring to your knees.

Better for Your Mental Health

Hiking involves being surrounded by nature. This can help relieve the stress on your senses and can help to reduce headaches. Being out in nature will help your brain relax and slow down its hyper-quick processing, which will reduce anxiety and will give you better control over your mental health.

Every time is an Adventure

Every trail on the mountain and forest is different. Every time you set out to hike, you can expect to discover new routes, new flora, and new wildlife on the way. You will experience an endless number of gorgeous vistas and sights that you will remember forever and get to experience the most thrilling sensations.

Can Walking Become Hiking?

If you want to level up your walks, hiking is an excellent activity to crossover. Before you decide to go on a hike, make sure that you are ready for the challenge of walking on strenuous trails filled with rocks and roots or climbing uphill.

You will be able to transition from simple walking to hiking when you are on an elevated and rugged path and have walked for over one mile.

In addition, if you only have experience in walking on paved roads and paths, you need to get the proper clothing and equipment for a hike. It is a smart move to wear trail shoes rather than your regular sneakers. Trail shoes will increase your grip on the terrain and will offer you more stability, hence reducing your chances of injury. You may also use hiking or a trekking pole for support and stability on the terrain.

When learning to hike, you will also need to understand trail etiquette. Since hiking is done in a natural setting, many of them unspoiled, it is important that you leave no trace that you were ever there. That means if you cannot litter and you need to pack in everything that you brought with you. Learn how to respect the natural environment and not to needlessly wander off-trail as that can be a hazard to your safety. You will also need to carry your own water since hiking is a thirsty business.

If you are considering going out on a longer hike, you will need to pack a backpack with some food, hiking gear, and supplies. Plus, if your hike turns out to be more than a few hours long and nature calls, you will also need to know how to handle your toilet needs when there are no bathrooms.

In addition, if you have not had many occasions to hike before or you have only walked on paved and smooth surfaces, it is important that you do some training beforehand for a long hike or trek. This will help you build endurance and stamina by doing workouts that will get you breathing hard and maintaining strenuous effort for a long amount of time. You should also consider working uphill or increasing the elevation on your treadmill so that your leg muscles become stronger and you are ready to hit the trails.

What is Trekking?

A trek refers to a hike that is typically multi-day and camp-based and is performed in remote areas where there are little or no accommodations. Trekking is often done on trails that are partially visible or not visible and where there is a higher chance of rugged terrain and altitude.

This type of hiking is more specialized since it requires special equipment and gear. In addition, you should also prepare yourself for going without a shower for several days on end.

Trekking is usually done in areas where vehicles cannot go and where you need to carry your own backpack and gear.

What is Tramping?

Known as bushwalking by the Aussies, tramping is a New Zealander word for backpacking or hiking in rough country. The activity involves walking long-distance on rugged terrain, equipped with wet-weather gear and a backpack. Trampers also carry sleeping bags and equipment for cooking.

As you can see, all of these things have the same criteria as hiking so if you ever meet a Kiwi who keeps talking about how much he loves tramping, you will know what he means.

What is Rambling?

Rambling is a term mostly used in the UK which means taking a long leisurely walk in the countryside. Many ramblers are part of rambling groups and clubs which take part in this outdoor activity.

In the past, the word rambling referred to walking without a purpose. However, these days, when we talk about rambling, we mean walking on defined routes and trails with a definite purpose.

If rambling is done on hills and mountains, it is called hillwalking in the UK.

What is Nordic Walking?

Nordic walking is a total-body form of walking where people walk around holding specially-designed sticks, similar to ski poles. The Finnish activity is inspired by off-season ski training and is now a popular sport, not just in the Nordic countries, but all across the world.

The purpose of the poles in Nordic walking is to provide more power and support by leaning on the poles forcefully with each stride, just as if you were skiing. This offers greater stimulation to the entire body with higher intensity than present in regular walking and can result in increased heart rate and more muscle activity at any given pace.

Hiking is the ultimate outdoor experience for adventure lovers. It gives you the opportunity to explore some of the most exciting and wondrous places in the world, gives you an adrenaline rush, allows you to get in tune with nature, and is one of the best activities to plan with friends.

Hiking is a very exciting recreation for everyone. What’s more, the more people there are, the merrier it is.

However, if you are not in the mood for some daredevilry, you can always take a walk.