Last Updated on March 15, 2022 by Alpha Adventure Treks
Hiking is an outdoor sport that involves walking in natural settings, sometimes on pre-marked roads known as hiking trails, whereas trekking is a long journey over unmarked paths that can last several days and be physically challenging. Trekking is frequently done in areas of great natural beauty, usually in mountainous areas where there are no other modes of transportation. It’s more demanding than hiking.
Hiking is a simpler kind of trekking than trekking, which nevertheless entails travelling up and downhill in rural hilly areas below 3000 meters. Hiking in Nepal still provides vistas of the high mountains, while trekking takes you from low-lying villages to a high mountain pass at about 5,600 meters.
Hiking vs. Trekking in Today’s World
Hiking and trekking have somewhat – emphasis on the word ‘slightly’ – distinct meanings in modern times. What’s occurred is that individuals have stretched out the minor variances in those definitions above a little bit further. So, when someone (or a corporation working in the great outdoors in some capacity) says “hiking,” they usually mean a nice day hike or a multi-day hike that isn’t too strenuous and shouldn’t cause too many problems. Meanwhile, when people talk of trekking, they generally conjure up images of jungles or more challenging hikes. The Annapurna Circuit, for example, or the journey to Everest Base Camp
Hikes can, however, be multi-day excursions. They might entail sleeping in a tent for a few days. Hikes can also be short and sweet, lasting only a few hours and allowing you to return to your hotel or base the same day. Treks, on the other hand, are always thought to be multi-day excursions. They usually last at least a couple of days on the route, but they might last for several days, weeks, or months. Treks, in terms of location, tend to go to regions that are much less accessible than hikes due to the amount of time spent on the trail. This is why they are more difficult. Hikes and treks, on the other hand, can cover a wide range of terrain, and the aim of both is to get out into the great outdoors.
What are the advantages of hiking and trekking in terms of health?
Hiking and trekking are not only entertaining and exciting, but they may also benefit your mental and physical health. Here are a few of the advantages of hiking and trekking:
It lowers your blood pressure and reduces your risk of heart disease:
Both hiking and trekking are great for your health!
According to a research conducted by the CDC, you should walk for at least an hour five days a week. This cuts your chances of suffering a stroke in half! Regular hiking and trekking boosts your heart and blood pressure, lowering your risk of stroke. Maintain a healthy heart rate!
Improvements in general fitness:
These exercises are really beneficial to your muscles. Thighs, lower leg muscles, hip muscles, and hamstrings should all be strengthened. It also improves your stamina. Both hiking and trekking are weight-bearing sports that help to increase bone density. As you climb with a hefty backpack, trekking also strengthens your core. Your general strength and fitness will improve as you accomplish more.
Enhances mental well-being:
Get away from the stresses of everyday life by going outside. When you’re stuck inside for too long, stress, depression, and anxiety can build up. Getting out on the trail might help you put your life into perspective and distract you from your troubles. The world around you has a way of grabbing your attention, which can help relieve whatever stress you’ve accumulated.
It encourages you to be inventive:
Hiking and trekking, in addition to providing physical and emotional benefits, can also help you become more creative. Yes, it is correct! Spending time outside and soaking up as much Vitamin D as possible will help your memory. Vitamin D, also known as the “sunshine vitamin,” boosts our capacity to focus and extends our attention span. Give our problem-solving abilities a creative twist. Vitamin D is also beneficial for keeping your bones and teeth healthy, as well as supporting your immune system and improving your cardiovascular health.
Hiking Vs. Trekking: Equipment List
Hiking and trekking equipment of high quality is vital. High-quality gear will help you to get even more enjoyment out of your hikes and treks while also keeping you safe and warm regardless of the weather!
Here’s a list of equipment that’s well worth your money:
- Hiking Boots:
Comfortable sneakers may do for short day walks, but proper hiking shoes or boots are required for longer overnight hikes. You might wish to consider ankle-supporting boots for trekking. Before going on a hike, remember to stretch in your shoes.
- Back pack:
A light day backpack with a hydration pack is ideal for day hikes. A 50-60L backpack should enough for longer walks and trips where you need to carry your food and tent. Make sure it includes a waist belt and a back support that can be adjusted.
- Tent:
Your lodging should be durable for the duration of your journey. A three-season tent will suffice if you expect to hike during the warmer seasons; however, if you plan to trek during the winter, be sure your tent has a skirt and can handle wind, rain, and snow.
- Sleeping Bag:
When purchasing a sleeping bag, stick to the manufacturer’s recommended comfort temperatures. Typically, three numbers are used: comfort, limit, and extreme. Comfort is the temperature at which a female can sleep comfortably, limit is the temperature at which a man can sleep comfortably, and extreme is the lowest temperature at which a female can sleep for 6 hours without risking hypothermia.
A GPS device, a compass, and maps Make sure you have a good map of the area before going on any hiking expedition. A GPS gadget or a compass is also useful for longer hikes. Make certain you understand how to use them.
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