Difference Between Hiking and Trekking

Hiking vs Trekking

We've often heard the terms hiking and trekking used interchangeably. We all know they're both outdoor recreational activities. But are they really the same?

Hiking is an outdoor activity of walking in beautiful natural environments on pre-charted paths called hiking trails. There are day hikes and overnight hikes.

Trekking is a long journey be undertaken on foot in areas where there are usually no means of transport available. Trekking is not necessarily mountaineering; it is walking for a number of days, usually on uncharted paths, in challenging environments which are likely to be hilly or mountainous.

Comparison chart

	Hiking	Trekking
Equipment:	Depends on the weather, day or over-night hiking. Shoes applicable to the hiking terrain, water, compass, sometimes a hiking pole. Backpack with survival kit, food and medicine for overnight hiking.	Survival kit, camping gear, boots, compass, clothing applicable to changes in temperature especially if in mountainous areas.
Overview:	An outdoor activity of walking in natural environments often on pre charted paths called hiking trails.	A long journey on non-designated paths which could last several days and could be challenging. It is more intense and energetic than hiking.
Holidays:	Day hiking or walking holidays are popular in Europe, New Zealand, Chile, Costa Rica, Hawaii and North America.	Trekking is popular in the Himalayan foothills in Nepal, India and Bhutan. The Andes in South America is also popular trekking Mecca.
Environmental impact:	Hikers over many years in an area can destroy the natural environment they walk in through wood gathering, fires, fecal matter, leaving non-biodegradable matter.	As treks take longer than hikes, the environmental impact can be greater.
Locations:	Usually in beautiful natural environments, nature trails, hills.	In areas where there is no means of transport and areas of great natural beauty. Usually in mountainous areas.
Worldwidedifferences:	Hiking is called by different names around the world: tramping in New Zealand, bush-walking in Australia, trekking in Nepal.	Trekking is also known as backpacking but should not be confused with mountaineering