If you love the outdoors, you may be planning to trek or hike sometime in the future. Besides getting closer to nature, trekking and hiking may improve your health. Generally, they’d prompt you to be physically active, resulting in more burnt calories and better fitness. In addition, these activities could take your mind off your worries, thus making you more mentally focused.
Suppose trekking and hiking are new to you. In that case, you may need to know the nature, similarities, and differences between the two. For more ideas, you may visit trekking and hiking websites, such as The Hungry Trekker and others. By doing so, you may know which suits your preference and skills. For that purpose, here’s an article to guide you. So, read on!
What Is Trekking?
In comparing trekking and hiking, the former is a more extensive and rigorous walk. It may need some advanced hiking skills as the walk could take even the off-road trails. Additionally, the paths may include traditional hiking trails, dirt roads, and even the uncharted wilderness.
Trekking takes more than a couple of days in most cases. Because of this, it may require a more extended preparation, better physical condition, and better hiking gear. On the other hand, trekking seems to give a better experience outdoors. In many cases, trekkers could do various outdoor activities such as:
- fishing
- foraging
- geocaching
- paragliding
What Are Trekking Essentials?
Trekkers and hikers generally need similar stuff. These things differ in size in most cases, as trekkers take the dirt longer than hikers. For better ideas, here are some of the trekking essentials you may need to consider:
Hiking Backpack
This may include a 50L or 60L traditional knapsack, with more accessories, such as tools, lines, and waterproof bags.
Hiking Clothes
These may include a waterproof and long-sleeve jacket, absorbent shirt, and quick-dry pants. In addition, these could’ve lightweight, cushioning, breathable, and waterproof boots. More so, you may need to consider the presence of more and better lugs for more superior traction.
Camping Gear
Because trekking generally takes more than two days, heavy-duty tents, sleeping pads, cooking equipment, solar lamps, and water purifiers are necessary.
Other Necessities
Trekking typically requires top-quality trekking or hiking poles, tools, first aid, and hygiene. Additionally, it may also need a compass and a more detailed map.
What Is Hiking?
Generally, outdoor enthusiasts define hiking as a long and energetic walk. This activity usually takes a day. Sometimes, it requires overnight or two days. Many people hike to take a break from their busy lives, literally taking a breath of fresh air to rejuvenate. Today, hikers include children to develop their interest in nature and outdoor skills.
Hiking may be the more accessible option for beginners as hikers walk on established footpaths and trails. Because of this, they have a few challenges down the road. Beginning hikers are usually acquainted with seasoned hikers, while those with some experience in outdoor activities may opt to walk independently.
On average, hikers take five to six hours of continuous walking before taking significant rests. Beginners may take more hours, especially on their first attempts. While hiking may seem more straightforward than trekking, hikers may still walk through rugged terrains like rough or muddy roads and push through inclement weather.
What Are Hiking Essentials?
As mentioned above, the trekking and hiking essentials are similar and are necessary to keep you safe and suitable for your long walk. The more extended and complex the hike, the more your backpack’s contents are. For more ideas, you may delve into the following:
Hiking Backpack
Backpacks for trekking and hiking are the same. However, comparing the bags for trekking and hiking, the latter is more lightweight than the former. Yet, they’re spacious enough to hold other hiking necessities.
Hiking Boots
Hiking shoes could range from essential hiking shoes and high-end boots appropriate for walking off-roads. Either way, you may need to know what to go through before choosing your footwear.
Hiking Clothing
Depending on the weather, you may need quick-drying pants and moisture-wicking shirts. Apart from the socks you wear, you may also need spare ones. In addition, you may need extra clothes for the same purpose. If it’s rainy, you may need fleece pants and a jacket to keep you warm.
Food And Water
You may need two-liter water bottles, energy bars, nuts, and jerky to keep you nourished on the trail. You may need more of these should you choose longer hikes.
Other Essentials
To keep safe and protected and finish the trail within the expected time, you may need the following:
- maps
- GPS/compass
- first aid kit
- matches/lighter
- hand sanitizer
- tent and sleeping bag
Final Thoughts
Trekking and hiking are the two of the go-to options when outdoor enthusiasts decide to tread the wild. In many cases, inexperienced ones choose hiking as it needs fewer and simpler requirements. On the other hand, more adventurous ones prefer trekking because of their terrain complexity and walking length.
If you’re choosing between the two, keep balancing your outdoor skills and your preferences. You may also consider the gear you have. In addition, you may consider if you’re going alone, with your loved one, or in groups. Apart from these, you may think about the time and effort you’re willing to give for the outdoor experience to experience what you deserve fully.