Introduction

This short article, Hiking Equipment – Hiking Walking or Backpacking? aims to clarify the terms, hiking, walking, backpacking and others by outlining thier differences!

Mankind, the hike and the need for Hiking Equipment

Mankind seems to have the inbuilt characteristic of aspiring to ascend to great heights and investigate, to expand the boundaries of human stamina, and this has resulted in some wonderful discoveries. However, the hike can be a hazardous activity, and no matter if you are a seasoned mountaineer, a long distance backpacker or just a day hiker, you need appropriate hiking equipment to participate safely in this activity. It can be a traumatic and dangerous time when you are miles away from help or refuge and have an emergency situation you are not equipped for. No matter if you are: in the middle of nowhere and have nothing to eat; suffering from blisters due to poor footwear; or, caught in an unanticipated storm; hiking without the appropriate equipment is not a happy experience.

Hiking and Tourism

The hike is a primary outdoor activity and is the foundation of other tourist activities. Many enthusiasts regard a hike as the only means by which to truly experience mother nature. A hike may be the only way to reach many beautiful places overland. Many view a hike as superior to a coach or car tour as your vision is not interfered with by windows, your ears are not offended by engine noise, you are not choked by airborne dust and you don’t have other holiday-makers irritating or annoying you. Both physical ability and knowledge of the route and its dangers are required for a hike over great distances or over challenging terrain but it can be a fantastic learning experience.

Is there a difference between a Walk and a Hike?

From the hiking equipment perspective, HikingEquipmentSite.com view these two terms as interchangeable. When taking a walk in the natural environment, usually on paths, tracks or trails, which is a very popular activity, it is usually described by the term “walking” in the UK. Other English speaking countries such as the USA may use the term “hiking” which is considered a little old-fashioned in the UK. In the UK, a stroll in the countryside may also be called rambling, and the term “hillwalking” may be used to describe a walk in mountainous areas. In the USA, hiking is used to describe cross-country walks of a longer duration than a simple walk, and also over terrain where boots are necessary.

What Other General Terms may be used?

A “hike” or “walk” completed in a single day and not involving overnight camping would be called a “day hike” or “day walk”. A popular activity is “backpacking” which usually takes place in the wilderness, and involves a hike with overnight camping, and the carrying of equipment in a backpack for the whole journey. Another term in use is “ultralight backpacking” which is backpacking whilst carrying minimal lightweight hiking equipment.

Specific Terminology used in other Countries and Regions

The term “bushwhacking” means a challenging walk through dense forest, undergrowth, or bushes, where forward progress requires the moving of the undergrowth to one side. When the undergrowth is so impenetrable that human passage is obstructed, a machete is used to clear a pathway. The term “bushwalking” is used by Australians to refer to hikes which are both on-trail and off-trail. Terms used by New Zealanders are “tramping” (particularly for overnight and longer trips), walking or bushwalking . The term “trekking” refers to a multi-day hike in mountainous areas of India, Nepal, North America, South America, and the highlands of East Africa.

Summary

As you can see, there are a number of terms in use throughout the world relating to travel on foot. I hope Hiking Equipment – Hiking Walking or Backpacking? has helped clarify them for you!

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