Power Hiking Vs. Running: Which Activity Is The Best For You? 

There are more differences between hiking and running than you think. So, power hiking vs. running: which is the better physical activity? This post tells you!

Comparison Table: Power Hiking Vs. Running

	Power Hiking	Running
Main Features	Burn more energy in the long term and consume more stamina Beneficial for cardiovascular diseases and increase your heart’s well beings Generate lower impacts on your joints and muscles Requires special hiking boots and breathable clothes. May need waterproof clothes and hats for special conditions Consume more time Run on tough peaks and trails	Burn more calories in the short term and consume less stamina Help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases but may damage your heart with too high an intensity Put more pressure and strain on your joints and muscles Require running shoes, light, and breathable clothes Consume less time Run on comfortable running tracks and roads
Suitable For	People with cardiovascular diseases People who love mild actions and have plenty of times	People who look for weight loss and build stamina People who love robust and high-intensity activities
Pros	More beneficial for people with cardiovascular diseases Require less stamina but burn more calories if you do it for long Allow you to watch the sceneries on the road Lower injury risk and more accessible	It can help you build stamina and leg muscles better Consume less time and don’t need much preparation You can wear lighter and more breathable clothes Suitable for those who are busy or short on time
Cons	Requires more hiking gear Consumes more time The hiking trails are more dangerous You need to prepare more carefully	Higher risks of injury and muscle sore It’s harder to enjoy the scenery on the road Not ideal for people with soreness and hurt body parts

Power Hiking Vs. Running: What Are The Differences

So, what are the differences between power hiking vs. running? Keep following the sections below, and I will show you the answer.

Safety

Scientific research indicates that hiking is generally safer than running.

When moving at high speed, it will put more strain and pressure on your joints and muscles, thus increasing the risk of injury for people with weak bodies.

Meanwhile, walking is very safe and comfortable, suitable for those with cardiovascular diseases and muscle soreness.

Also, you will fall down easier when running on slippery and rugged terrains.

Meanwhile, walking at a slow speed allows you to control your breath and body better. It’s also easier to react if there’s an obstacle or hazard on the road.

Comfort

When running, you have to focus more on keeping balance and coordinating your body movement. Meanwhile, power hiking allows you to enjoy beautiful leisure activities on the road.

In addition, hiking requires less stamina and effort, and you don’t have to take a break when the body wears down. You can also chat with your friends more comfortably on a hiking trip.

However, you don’t have to put on a backpack when you go running. Long hiking trips require hikers to bring water, a tent, and clothes, which add uncomfortable weight to your back.

You can run around the neighborhood comfortably for a quick ten minutes. The preparation has to be carried out more meticulously when going hiking.

You have to plan the time, hiking tracks, and stopping distance. Also, the weather needs to be calculated carefully to avoid accidents on the road, which is more time-consuming and not accessible at any given time.

Health Benefit

Research showed that running for 12-13 minutes will burn an equivalent amount of calories to hiking for two hours. This is true when you keep a consistent speed without taking any breaks.

Therefore, running and hiking bring nearly similar effects on weight loss. However, if you’re short on time, running is definitely a better choice to reduce weight and make your body thinner.

Running is ideal for those looking for a thinner body or who want to increase their body’s speed and flexibility. Meanwhile, power hiking helps build your stamina and willpower more effectively.

If you need more in-depth comparisons, follow this video to find out!

Power Hiking Vs. Running: Which One Is Better?

In summary, power hiking is advisable if you have plenty of time and prefer a milder, more relaxing physical activity. It allows you to enjoy the beautiful natural sceneries on the road with more quietness and relaxation.

Meanwhile, running is ideal if you love doing intense and high-impact movements. It will burn more calories and stamina in a short time, which is perfect for busy people who want to release their stress on the weekends.

Both activities provide substantial health benefits for both physical and mental well being. It just depends on the available spare time you have and the weather conditions around your living area.

Sometimes you may be in the mood for running, and power hiking may seem more attempting on another afternoon.

One activity is not necessarily better than another, so just go for what you like if all the safety conditions are ensured.

FAQs

I hope you can decide which is the optimal activity for your body conditions and preferences by now. This section provides some helpful information on power hiking and running that you’ll find interesting.

Is Hiking More Effective Than Running?

It depends on your available time and body conditions.

If you have a lot of time, then hiking generates more health benefits. Meanwhile, running is ideal for busy people looking for quick and robust physical activity.

So, if you’re willing to hike for many hours, power hiking is more effective.

How Much Hiking Is Equivalent To Running?

According to research, hiking for 2 hours will burn around 1000 calories if you consistently walk at a moderate speed. Meanwhile, running at a fast speed for approximately 10 minutes will burn around 800 calories.

So, 12 to 13 minutes of fast running is equivalent to 2 hours of power hiking.

How Can I Improve My Hiking Power?

Practice makes perfect, and you should push your body out of its limit more often. If you feel tired after hiking for 1 hour, try to push it a little bit more to 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Also, train your mental toughness and spirit, creating more willpower and making you feel stronger.

What Is It Called When You Run A Hike?

If you run on a hiking track, that activity is called trail running.

The term indicates the act of running on any off-road terrain and unpaved surfaces, which is also similar to mountain running or hill running.

Does Trail Run Help Hiking?

Trail running is an excellent way to prepare for your upcoming hiking trip. It helps build your stamina and gives you more experience on the road.

In addition, your muscles and joints will get stimulated and grow more accustomed to robust movements.

Why Do So Many Thru-Hikers Become Trail Runners?

The thru-hikers love conquering the long-distance tracks, but the act of hiking at slow speed is not challenging enough to satisfy their interests.

So, they’re inspired to take a more challenging activity, which is trail running.

How Many Times A Week Should You Hike?

The time and frequency of your hiking are crucial to reap significant health benefits. Even if you’re short on time, hiking at least 2 or 3 times per week is encouraged.

You can reduce the frequency and hike for longer or vice versa, but consistency is the key.

How Fast Can You Power Hike?

It depends on your stamina, intended hiking time, and speed. For example, you should hike for around 4 and 5 miles per hour on a long-distance hiking track. It means that each mile takes you around 12 to 13 minutes to finish.

If the road is much shorter and you want to finish it, increase the speed accordingly.

Can You Hike 10 Miles A Day?

If you hike at a slow walking speed (around 4 to 5 miles per hour), it will take around 2 hours to finish a 10-mile track. If you take a break on the road, it will become even longer.

So, consider reducing the hiking distance or increasing your speed accordingly if you’re short on time.