Since trekking is a form of hiking, drawing a firm line between them can be challenging. Generally, trekking is longer and more strenuous than basic hiking. It involves longer trips, often over less established terrain.

Hiking:

  • Duration: Less than one day, some may say 2-3 days.
  • Difficulty: Easy to very hard.
  • Length: Generally, what you can fit into a full day of hiking, or a very short backpacking trip (under 30 miles).
  • Terrain: Can be all kinds, generally on established trails.
  • Experience Level: All ability levels.

Trekking:

  • Duration: Usually at least 3 days and beyond.
  • Difficulty: Intermediate to very hard.
  • Length: Generally 30+ miles.
  • Terrain: All types, may take place on non-established trails.
  • Experience Level: All ability levels – but need to be able to be on the trail for multiple days.

Backpacking:

  • Duration: 2 days to 2 weeks.
  • Difficulty: Intermediate to very hard.
  • Length: Usually 10+ miles.
  • Terrain: All types, generally on established trails.
  • Experience Level: All ability levels – but need to be able to be on the trail for multiple days.

Mountaineering:

  • Duration: Any duration.
  • Difficulty: Very difficult.
  • Length: Any length.
  • Terrain: Usually higher than class 3 hikes, involving climbing or very difficult hiking. Requires special equipment.
  • Experience Level: Generally need to be very experienced, or with very experienced individuals.

Other types of Hiking

Hiking and trekking aren’t all that’s out there. One common expression used for long treks is “thru-hiking,” often used for long trips in America, like the Appalachian Trail. Mountaineering is a more challenging subset of trekking, involving long treks up to mountain peaks, often over 5,000 feet above sea level.

Stay safe, explore, and have fun

Whether you prefer the shorter trips of hiking or the rigors of trekking, you’re still experiencing the wonder of nature. You’re getting away from your daily routine, and having an encounter with something larger than yourself.

Hiking and trekking are two very different experiences in terms of rigor and challenge. But they offer many of the same joys and rewards. The most important thing is to get out there. Explore, stay safe, and have fun!