Hiking vs trekking – it all depends on where you come from, what you’re doing and where you’re going.
So what is trekking or any other variation of walking? You can call it what you like but this is how we see it.
Trekking
Multi-day hiking usually in mountainous areas and over an extended period of time. This term is typically used for ‘hikes’ in the Himalayan and Karakoram Ranges, Africa and South America. Often this involves the option to have porters to carry overnight gear while trekkers carry enough for the day in their backpacks. Trekking is also used to describe the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea – a trek through wartime history and local culture.
Hiking
Long walks out on trails with a backpack – these could be single-day or multi-day hikes.
Tramping
Hiking in New Zealand. There is a great network of ‘tramps’ in New Zealand, including the Great Walks. These are maintained by the Department of Conservation. There is also the Te Araroa Trail which goes the length of New Zealand.
Bush-walking
Hiking in Australia. Each State or Territory in Australia maintains it’s own trails and there is a great variety of climates and landscapes to choose from.
Thru-hiking
Multi-day hiking. A term used in the USA – e.g. the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail.
Section-hiking
Hiking long distance trails in separate stages. A term more commonly used in the USA.
Walking, Hill-walking and Rambling
Various terms to describe hiking in the UK.
Backpacking
Either travelling the world with your backpack, or thru-hiking carrying everything with you on your back.
Pilgrimage
A long journey to a sacred place e.g. the Camino de Santiago or Japan’s Kumano Kodo or the trek around Mt Kailash in Tibet China.
Mountaineering
Climbing mountains which require the use of ropes and other technical gear like crampons and ice axes.
Hiking vs trekking – we hope this has helped explain the difference between hiking and trekking and a few other terms!
Now get started on your adventure or check out our guide to trekking for beginners.
