Walking Vs. Hiking Vs. Trekking: Comparison Table. What Is The Difference?

Walking Vs. hiking Vs. trekking: which suits you the most? They are all beneficial activities, but you may prefer one to the others. Let’s see which is your favorite!

#1. Walking Vs. Hiking Vs. Trekking: Comparison Table

Before going any deeper, let’s check this detailed comparison table. It will give you an overview of how walking, hiking, and trekking differ.

	Walking	Hiking	Trekking
Definition	The activity of walking or pleasure	The activity of going for a long walk in the countryside	The activity of walking for a long distance on multiple days
Intensity	The least arduous	Arduous	The most arduous
Terrain	Even	Uneven	Rough and hard
Equipment	No special equipment	More tools for safety and tracking	More tools for safety, tracking, sleeping, and food
Duration	Short, often around one to two hours	Often overnight	Multiple days
Environmental Impact	Minimal	Moderate impact as you generate many wastes	Most severe impact because the trip is long
Pros	Short and can be taken any time No special equipment is required  Simple for all-level walkers	The combination of walking and trekking Quick preparation Suitable for new trekkers and hikers	Most exciting experience Chances to explore the world Best for fitness
Cons	Lack of challenges Sometimes boring due to repeated routes	Impact on the environment	Challenging for beginners More tools required  Impact on the environment

#2. What Is The Difference Between Walking Vs. Hiking Vs. Trekking?

The three activities may look similar, but they have many differences. We will discuss each factor in detail to help you make your choice easier.

Intensity

Walking is a simple way to get you moving, whether you just want to take a quick wander for some fresh air. It can serve two purposes: exercise and relaxation.

However, if you plan for a hike or a trek, things will be more complicated as you have a longer trip. Hence, these activities require a higher intensity level.

Since it’s a hike, you’ll probably push yourself. But if you want to go trekking, the pace is essential.

Try to plan how your body will obtain the nutrition it needs as you travel through rocky paths and climb through branches and stones.

Terrain

You can tell the difference in the walking terrain first. Since you don’t travel a lot, an even road in your neighborhood will be enough for you.

Walkers often exercise in their local park or beach. A stroll to the supermarket can also make a walk.

Also, when you trek or hike, the terrain will be rougher and more challenging. You will break through your comfort zone to access the new world outside.

Hikers frequently travel through mountains, woods, hills, or some other natural habitats. They want to experience approved hiking trails.

In contrast, trekking excursions travel through undiscovered natural areas like mountains, highways, beaches, woods, and much more.

Trekkers don’t follow defined tracks. So, trekking gives you more freedom, making it an excellent choice for those who love nature and want to explore it.

Equipment

You don’t walk too far from your home. Hence, feel free to go out with a minimal pack. We recommend the following things:

1. Sunglasses
2. Sunscreen
3. Lip balm
4. Walking belt
5. Water

Although you may hike for a few hours, you will need to pack more things in case of getting lost. Here is essential stuff for your hike:

1. Daypack
2. Water
3. Sunglasses
4. Compass/Map
5. Headlamp
6. Utility knife
7. First aid kit
8. Water filter
9. Raincoat

Packing for a trek is not easy, especially if you have just started the trip for the first time. You will travel to a new place, which can be isolated.

Moreover, since your trip will last for several days, you will surely stay and cook outdoors. These activities call for more things.

Also, expect to deal with broken equipment. You can’t come back home or any urban area immediately to have your stuff fixed. Thus, include some repair tools in your package too.

Here is the checklist of your trek:

1. Backpack
2. Hiking Shoes
3. First aid kit
4. Fire-starter
5. Water filter
6. Backpacking tent
7. Food
8. Insulated water bottle
9. Sunscreen
10. Headlamp
11. Emergency thermal blankets
12. Multi-tool
13. Duct tape
14. Sleeping pad
15. Sleeping bag
16. Compass/Map
17. Stove

Duration

One of the most apparent differences between these three activities is duration. The shortest is walking, and trekking requires the longest time.

Trekking generally lasts at least two days, but sometimes more. Moreover, trekkers have a destination before they do. They can walk for thousands of kilometers at a time in an effort to achieve their goal.

A hike is shorter. Hikers often walk for a few hours or overnight. However, it doesn’t take you days to complete a hike.

Walking will be the best choice if you want to go for a short walk around your town. A walk lasts only one to two hours so you can see it as a workout.

Environmental impact 

If you are an environmentalist, you may prefer walking. It’s simply a stroll in your neighborhood.

Moreover, since you travel near your home, you know how long it takes to get to the garbage bins. So, there will be little or no waste during your walk.

Meanwhile, trekkers and hikers sometimes pose a danger to the environment because of the garbage they discard.

Over the years, hikers can damage their natural environment by collecting wood, starting fires, disposing of waste that won’t decompose, and leaving non-biodegradable stuff behind.

Treks might have a more severe environmental impact than hikes since they take longer. Trekkers also need more stuff for their trips, throwing more waste across their paths.

#3. Walking Vs. Hiking Vs. Trekking: Which One Is Best For You?

You will move your body when walking, hiking, and trekking. But which is the best for you? The answer differs depending on several factors.

Quick exercises

Walking will be the best choice if you want to exercise every day. You don’t have to pack and plan anything, as walking to your local grocery store is a type of workout.

Furthermore, walking doesn’t call for any special equipment. Although we have suggested bringing sunscreen or water, these things are optional. Hence, you can go for a walk anytime.

Body training

If commuting to an adjacent place to your house is too simple for you, consider a longer trip. In this case, you may want to go trekking.

However, ensure that your physical capacity can adapt to the harsh conditions. Otherwise, you will end up getting exhausted in an unknown place.

If you need a long, safe trip, a hike will suffice. It’s longer and more challenging than a walk. Yet, you don’t have to push yourself too much as you do while trekking.

Environmental conservation

Walking is more eco-friendly because you don’t leave much waste behind. However, it doesn’t mean that trekking and hiking also worsen pollution.

Since people are becoming increasingly environmentally conscious, they have devised many ways to avoid harming nature in everything they do. Trekking and hiking are among the activities that need these ideas.

This video will show you how to pack things sustainably. Please check before starting your next trip:

#4. FAQs 

Below here is common questions and answers related to Walking Vs. Hiking Vs. Trekking.

Is trekking the same as walking?

No. Trekking and walking are different in many terms. A trek is lengthier and tougher than a walk. Hence, it demands more careful preparation.

Moreover, for this long adventure, you need to be confident about your physics.

Is it better to hike or walk?

It depends on what you want from the walk. Walking is often a leisurely activity done on a street or sidewalk in an urban setting.

Meanwhile, hikers walk on trails and immerse themselves deeper in nature.

Is hiking considered walking?

No. A hike is generally a longer, more arduous stroll on a trail through the hills, woods, or other rural areas.

Although they don’t have the smooth terrain of a walk, the pathways are usually accessible and clear.

Why is trekking better than hiking?

Trekking entails a lengthy, rigorous journey over several days in a remote, undeveloped area. Hence, it’s better hiking because we will have more interesting experiences and train your physics at a higher level.

What kind of activity is trekking?

Trekking is an outdoor activity that involves walking and lasts more than one day. You can see it as a form of walking performed to discover and enjoy nature.

Is hiking once a week enough exercise?

Yes. You should hike once a week as it will help:

• Strengthen your body
• Lower your risk of developing diabetes and heart disease
• Maintain your bone density as you age
• Lose weight

How many miles should you hike a day?

Although every hiker and trail is different, you can walk 8 to 15 miles daily.

With enough time, even the slowest walkers can manage a considerable distance. You can easily walk 10 miles a day at a speed of 2 mph.

Is it OK to hike every day?

Yes, going on a hike every day is beneficial for you. It is a fantastic exercise method. Moreover, maintaining a moderate to vigorous speed helps get your lungs in good shape and raise your heart rate.

Which is more difficult, hiking or trekking?

Trekking is an adventure, which refers specifically to anything more difficult, demanding, and taking more than one day.

Meanwhile, people relate “hiking” to “walking” because it’s a pleasant stroll.

How many miles should a beginner hike?

Choose a hike around five miles long with little climbing if you’re just starting. Establish a training schedule in advance if you intend to go on a long walk.

Also, increase your weekly mileage by one or two miles until you hit your desired distance.

How much water should you drink a day hiking?

One liter of water is enough for every two hours of hiking.