Hiking vs trekking: understanding the differences

Although the two terms are used interchangeably, hiking and trekking are two different activities. One involves getting out into nature on a well-defined trail for a single day, and the other involves a more rigorous outdoor experience that lasts for two or more days. Whether you’re hiking or trekking, you should be packing the right kind of equipment for your adventures and making sure you have the correct clothing and gear you need.

Definitions and key characteristics

There are many differences between hiking and trekking. In short, hiking is when you head out on a trail for the day, whether it’s a climb to a certain point or a pre-planned route through the forest, but a trek involves rougher terrain and is more physically demanding. A trek can take multiple days and cover a lot of ground, with overnight stops in tents or cabins along the way. A hike is usually a one day activity walking along a route up the side of a mountain or across the moors. The journey you take depends on both and should be planned out in advance and you should always have the essentials such as clean water and boots to keep your feet comfortable.

The physical and mental benefits

When hiking and trekking, whether a short route or a longer journey, there are lots of benefits to getting out in the Great Outdoors. Any time you walk or hike, you’re giving yourself a workout. Step after step, you’re strengthening your leg muscles, moving your joints, and keeping your heart in good condition. You’re also burning lots of calories, around 450 per hour when hiking, and up to 700 if you are hiking with progressive elevation gain. Aside from the physical benefits, just being outside in nature has the potential to greatly reduce your stress levels and disconnect from your daily 9-5. You become more resilient and confident, and experience an enhanced sense of well-being and mental clarity as you ‘get away from it all’.

Essential gear for hiking and trekking

If you’re going for a day hike in the mountains or planning on a trek across rough terrain, you need to wear suitable clothing for the activities. A hike requires tough hiking boots that will help you keep your footing as well as layers such as a light fleece that you can remove when the sun comes out from behind the clouds. When you’re trekking, you need to fill your backpack with essential items like a hat to keep the sun off your head, as well as a lightweight waterproof jacket in case the heavens open. Whether you’re planning on a trek along the Pennine Way, or a hike up Scafell Pike, you need to think ahead of the things you’ll need to make your trip easier.

Preparing for your adventure

When hiking and trekking in the UK, you need multiple items as well as a good mindset, to make your travelling adventure the best it can be. Think about the duration of your hike, and if you are going to be travelling for multiple days, you’ll need some sort of water purification system rather than carrying endless litres of water. The body requires food too, so ready to eat meals that you just add hot water to are easy, but don’t forget snacks that will power your every step. Some form of shelter and a way to keep warm on cold nights is needed too, and don’t forget to pack a variety of clothes when trekking, especially hiking socks for each day of the trip.

Cultural and environmental impact

Hiking and trekking is about having the best experience possible, and while you are out on the trail, you should aim to be as responsible as possible. This means bringing a small carrier bag to place your rubbish in such as sandwich wrappers and crisp packets, so nothing gets left behind to spoil the scenery or pose a hazard to wildlife. Stick to the marked trails when hiking, as if you go off the beaten path then you could disturb nesting birds, enter private property, and damage farmland. To maximise the cultural impact of your trip, look for places of interest along the hike to see the history of the UK and walk in the footsteps of all those who have gone before you.