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One could say hiking is walking. That would be correct. But you could also say that there are significant differences, though one is using the same set of feet. Walking generally is geared towards the athletic side of the activity. In walking, the concern is more towards physical conditioning, getting more speed, and making improvements in technical form; thus, walking is focused more on the individual than the environment. The orientation of hiking is different. One goes hiking in order to visit various natural settings; thus, hiking is more concerned with the surroundings than the individual. However, one does not preclude the other; hiking is also very demanding physically and will result in raising the level of physical conditioning.
There are many types of walking. Basic walking, with its slow speed (about 3-4 kilometers/hour) is what everyone does. Rhythmic walking (5-6 km/h) is needed to gain improvements in physical fitness. A hiker who gets used to rhythmic walking can cover long distances without tiring too much. Fast walking (6-8 km/h) and speed walking (8-15 km/h) are more on the level of sports and may lead to participating in organized competitions.
Hiking is not primarily concerned with speed, but it does present a different set of complications related to changes in altitude and kinds of terrain (grass, mud, snow, sand, rocks, etc.). The more experienced hikers generally learn to use a style that resembles rhythmic walking. That being said, there are different types of hiking and for each one, you may need different gear hiking.
Trekking. Trekking is essentially a long hike in a remote wilderness area. You would associate backpack hiking with trekking, where you would load your trusted Coleman exponent Bozeman backpack with all the hiking gear you need and move off to several days of hiking. Once you have put together all your gear hiking off to various destinations becomes easy. A trek often involves travel to exotic places, exciting adventure, and exhilarating altitudes. The ultimate trekking destination may be the Himalayas, without question, but there are enough trekking destinations in the country that can challenge the skills of even the most experienced hiker.
Alpine hiking. When you think of alpine hiking, it is unavoidable to also think of mountaineering. In addition to a sturdy Coleman exponent phadTM X2 Tent, you will have to carry special alpine camping and hiking gear (such as ropes, ice axe, leggings, crampons, and others) and have special knowledge of alpine dangers (avalanche, altitude acclimatization, crevasses, etc.). Alpine hiking is nevertheless an inviting target for hikers in good physical condition. You don’t have to go the Alps or the Pyrenees for alpine hiking; you can use your alpine gear hiking up the Rocky Mountains.
Short and long hikes. Short hikes are good conditioning hikes, where you stuff your gear hiking into your Coleman exponent Dodson daypack, containing lunch, adequate water, a windbreaker, a camera, perhaps, extra clothing, and return to your starting point at nightfall to sleep. Long hikes are those where you stay overnight somewhere else on the trail, for which you carry more essentials like a camp stove, mess kit, and sleeping bag, etc. Short hikes can be demanding, especially if you hike up a steep mountain. Long hikes can be easy, as when you cover short distances each day over level terrain.
For each type of hiking that you do, you will need a different set of gear hiking. With increasing experience, you will know what to prepare when you go from one type of hiking to another. |
