Hiking vs cycling vs cycling: What are the main differences? All of them are great activities, but it always makes sense to tell the difference between them.
Hiking vs. Cycling vs. Biking: Comparison Table
For outdoor activities, hiking, biking, and cycling are some of the most popular ways to exercise outdoors. But which one is better? It typically depends on what you are aiming for when you choose to exercise.
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Hiking |
Cycling |
biking |
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| Define |
|
|
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| Gear |
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Water. Helmet. Sunscreen. Sunglasses. A spare tube. A bike tool kit. A bike pump. |
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| Weight Loss |
Draw |
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| Burns Calories |
Lower |
Higher |
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The Main Differences Between Hiking vs. Cycling vs. Biking
The Hiking vs. Cycling vs. Biking comparison table above is clear, but you may need more details before making a decision. So let’s check each factor closely.
Cycling and Biking
After all, both of these activities use bicycles. But there are a few critical distinctions between them. Cycling typically refers to commuting or sports, while biking commonly refers to recreational activities.
Hiking
Hiking refers to walking in nature, considered a recreational activity.
It is a natural exercise that promotes physical fitness, is convenient and economical, and does not require special equipment.
Hikers can go as far as they want. So there’s no physical strain if they do not walk among mountains or hills.
#1. Grear
Cycling And Biking
Both of these outdoor activities are almost the same, including the necessary equipment, including but not limited to:
- Water
- Snacks
- Helmet
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
If you’re going on a lengthy bike ride, you should bring a spare tube, a bike tool kit, and a bike pump.
Hiking
It is essential to bring proper gear to ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience. Some of the most vital things to bring include:
- Hat.
- Knife.
- Whistle.
- Compass.
- Rain jacket.
- Sunscreen.
- Multi-tool.
- First-aid kit.
- Insect repellent.
- Map of the area.
- Food and water.
- Batteries, Headlamp, or Flashlights
#2. Which Is Harder?
Mountain biking is more challenging than hiking since it requires agility and skill. But hiking can be demanding, especially in high altitudes or rugged terrain.
Mountain biking/cycling might require more physical strength than hiking as you need more strength and stamina.
The mountain biking terrain is also more challenging, with obstacles such as roots, logs, and rocks. Contrastly, hiking is typically less technical and can be on flatter trails.
Remember that hiking could be one strenuous activity, depending on your chosen route and difficulty level. For example, hiking uphill might be very demanding. Hiking in hot weather conditions is also very strenuous.
So mountain biking is usually more challenging than hiking, but it can vary depending on the activity and the individual.
#3. Which Is More Fun?
Biking and cycling allow you to explore wider areas. Even boring parts of a hiking trip could be more fun when cruising on a bicycle.
Racing downhill on your bike through puddles and over stones is also an experience that you will not experience on foot.
On the downside of cycling, you cannot take your bicycle everywhere.
You usually won’t be able to reach the most beautiful mountain top views and wildest places when cycling and cycling.
#4. Which Is More Expensive?
Hiking and cycling both require quite some items. For cycling /biking, you need a bike on top of everything and an adventure bicycle if possible.
Even the specialized handlebar, frame, and seat bags could be extra expensive than a backpack you need for a hiking trip.
Moreover, you must carry materials and tools if something breaks on the bicycle. So cycling/biking can be more expensive.
#5. Which Is Better for Weight Loss?
Regarding weight loss, your entire lifestyle is relevant. For example, eating habits have a vital role, but sleep, activity, and exercise all play a role.
Cycling generally can burn more calories than hiking, but it is unclear what activity allows you to burn more calories at the end of the day.
For example, hiking for longer periods turns out to help you lose weight better.
Both outdoor activities can help you make a calorie deficit, which is necessary for weight loss. So hiking and cycling are the winners here.
#6. Which One Burns More Calories?
How many calories you can burn will depend on many factors, such as your body weight (plus bicycle and backpack weight), fitness level, and intensity.
For one average person, the following are calories burned in an hour through various activities.
| Activities | Burned Calories |
| Fast hiking speed (6km/h) | 275 kcal |
| Moderate hiking speed (3 km/h) | 185 kcal |
| Steep uphill hiking | 750 kcal |
| Moderate elevation hiking | 625 kcal |
| Vigorous intensity cycling | 800 kcal |
| Moderate intensity cycling | 600 kcal |
| Light intensity cycling | 400 kcal |
Cycling tends to allow you to burn more calories at maximal intensity (per hour).
But remember that the intensity changes quite often for hiking and cycling/biking throughout the day.
Cycling downhill does not seem to burn significant calories while hiking downhill might be quite demanding. So it is hard to pick a winner in this category.
Both hiking and hiking allow you to easily burn 4,000 kcal or more, which is more than you expect from typical fitness activities.
Hiking vs. Cycling vs. Biking: Pros and Cons
If you are still confused, we will give you some Pros and Cons of Hiking vs. Cycling vs. Biking.
#1. Biking vs. Cycling
Pros
- It is cheaper than cycling and normally needs more specialized equipment like a racing bike.
- It is more flexible than cycling, which is restricted to paths and roads.
- It is more comfortable than cycling. Casual bikes are more comfortable than racing ones, which could not be comfortable for a long ride.
- Biking is much more relaxed and is an excellent way to get exercise.
Cons
- Biking can be less aerodynamic than cycling. When cycling, you are in an aerodynamic position that lowers drag, allowing you to go faster with less effort.
- Biking tends to be less efficient than cycling, while cycling allows you to cover more ground at the same time.
- Biking is typically slower than cycling. So if you want to travel long distances, cycling is the ideal option.
#2. Hiking
Pros
- It is easier to go with a group.
- You do not have to buy a bike.
- You burn more calories per mile.
- You get a great strength workout.
- You have access to more trails.
- You get to enjoy your surroundings more.
- You have a lower chance of a high-impact injury.
Cons
- Hiking requires more gear.
- Hiking is slower than cycling and cycling.
- Hiking covers less ground than cycling and cycling.
- Biking and cycling are excellent ways to exercise, whereas hiking is less intense.
Hiking, Cycling, And Biking: The Final Verdict
Hiking, cycling, and cycling have a lot in common.
Whether you are cycling or going hiking, you can disconnect from the modern world and discover beautiful nature.
Cycling and cycling allow you to burn more calories on harder terrain while hiking burns more during the easier parts. They are ideal for anyone who wants to manage weight and stay in shape.
Even though cycling seems more expensive, you can enjoy it with basic items.
If you want to go further, pick a bicycle. But if you want to travel to wilder places, going on foot is ideal. Either way, you’ll have a great experience.
FAQs
Below here is common questions and answers related to Hiking, Cycling, and Biking.
What is Burns More Calories: Walking or Biking?
It is clear that biking allows you to burn more calories.
Does Cycling Make Your Legs Bigger?
The short answer is No. Cycling with a healthy diet will result in a lean physique for most people.
Does Cycling Keep You in Shape?
Cycling can help change body shape by burning calories, leading to weight loss, and helping build muscle in the upper and lower body.
Are 30 Minutes of Cycling a Day Enough?
Exercising on the bike for at least 30 minutes per day will build up your muscular and cardiovascular endurance.
Is Cycling 3 Times a Week Enough?
Yes. The minimum cycling times you can get away with and still see significant fitness gains is about three rides weekly.
Does Biking Burn Belly Fat?
Yes, biking can help lose belly fat, but it will take time.
Does Cycling or Hiking Burn More Calories?
Cycling typically burns more calories on harder terrain, while hiking commonly burns more during the easier parts.
