What Is the Difference Between Hiking Vs. Trekking?

When planning a trip to nature, you must have considered walking through calm forests or climbing an intimidating mountain trail. 
The wild is always beckoning, so it is time to plan your hiking or trekking adventure and lace up those boots! 
But there's a twist: they are not the same thing, even though we sometimes use them interchangeably. Simply put, hiking and trekking differ in the experience they provide. 
At Skyhook, we offer the best packages to ensure you experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! 
But before you book a trip with us, let's dissect hiking vs. trekking below!
Best UK hikes for beginners
Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights
Switzerland
From €775 pp
599

What is Hiking?

Hiking is a simple leisurely walk along marked trails in parks, forests, or mountains. 
The duration of a hike may range from some hours to a whole day, while the intensity varies from an easy walk to a strenuous climb. It is an easy way to enjoy nature and exercise a bit - maybe in preparation for a trek?
Hiking does not even require much gear, and often, not much planning goes into it. As such, it is very suitable for beginners, families, or really anybody who wants to head into the outdoors. 
Here are some hiking trips you can enjoy with Skyhook: 
These are awesome hikes that will take a few hours to complete in a day before you embark on different fun activities on other days of the tour with us. 
patagonia o trek
Get the genuine experience
Get the genuine experience

Discover once in a lifetime adventures, made possible by local guides.

What Is Trekking?

On the other hand, trekking refers to longer, more strenuous journeys on foot, often lasting several days to a particular destination, especially summits like Aconcagua, Mount Everest or Everest Base Camp, Kilimanjaro, and Mount Toubkal.
In other words, a trek means the same thing as the best multi-day hikes or overnight hikes to a summit or popular destination. 
On a trek, you'll walk through rugged and sometimes remote landscapes - while carrying all the gear on your back. 
We are talking of extra clothing, navigation equipment, food, water, and camping equipment, as you'll have overnight stays in the wilderness or basic lodges along the route. 
Therefore, the physical fitness and mental endurance required for a trek are much greater than on a hike.
At Skyhook, we offer so many trekking tips you can book now. Here are just four of them: 
Best time to hike
Tour du Mont Blanc Classic Route
Switzerland
From €2,005 pp
9

How Will You Differentiate Hiking From Trekking?

In essence, hiking would be your go-to choice if you're looking for a day activity that allows you to return home in the evening. 
Trekking would be more suitable if you're prepared for a multi-day, off-the-grid adventure that challenges your stamina and allows you to immerse yourself in the natural world.
Let's break down the differences below:
  • Duration and intensity: Hiking can last a few hours to a day, with trails ranging from easy to difficult. On the other hand, you'll spend several days trekking -  with more challenging physical exertion and rougher or remote landscapes.

  • Terrain: Hiking paths are marked and maintained, while trekking routes may be rougher and less defined - you may often have to navigate rugged landscapes, such as steep slopes and dense forests.

  • Gear and preparation: Hiking requires minimal gear - comfortable shoes, a daypack, water, sunscreen, and such daily essentials. Conversely, trekking requires all hiking gear plus more essentials like extra clothing, tents, and cooking supplies to last several days. You will also carry all this in a big backpack as you hike, especially if you go on a solo trek instead of a guided and supported tour.

  • Level of experience and purpose: Hiking is more about viewing nature and getting some exercise, which can thus accommodate a wide span of people. It's a simple way to get outside without much fuss. On the other hand, trekking focuses on adventure and endurance by challenging one's limits and discovering remote, unexplored areas.

5 day salkantay trek (machu picchu)

Wrapping Up

Get it now? Which adventure do you prefer between trekking vs hiking? A hike is short and more leisurely, while trekking is a more serious adventure that spans days of walking on rugged trails. 
You can book any fun adventure with us if you're ready to start. At Skyhook, we offer fantastic mixed activities with superb hikes on particular days and multi-day hikes to famous summits and destinations worldwide. 
Ready to go?