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Hiking vs walking - a comprehensive guide
Both walking and hiking are great forms of physical activity with many positive effects. But what separates them? Although walking and hiking may seem very similar to both of us, there are some things that keep them apart. We’ll walk you through them below, together with suggestions on amazing locations and clothing and preparation tips.
The difference between walking and hiking
So, what makes a hike a hike and a walk just a walk? It all boils down to three main factors: the distance or time you spend on the journey, how physically demanding it is, and the roughness of the terrain. Hiking typically demands more from your body as it takes you off the beaten path while walking remains a casual, everyday activity. Further, your level of preparation, choice of clothing and gear, and physical condition are all factors to consider when choosing to go for a walk or a hike. Let’s dig into each difference to make things crystal clear!
Duration and distance
A walk can vary in duration, from a quick stroll around the block to a longer walk that lasts up to a couple of hours. In contrast, a hike generally lasts at least a few hours and can even extend over several days for more adventurous hikers. In terms of distance, walks are typically shorter, ranging from 1 to 5 miles at most. Hikes, however, often range from around 2 to 20 miles or even hundreds of miles if you’re especially ambitious.
Walking is accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels, with shorter, easier routes often in urban or suburban settings. On the other hand, hiking covers greater distances and requires a higher fitness level and more preparation as it usually involves more challenging, rugged terrain.
Intensity and physical demand
Compared to walking, hiking is a more physically intense activity, generally involving longer and more strenuous trails through different terrain. A walk is typically casual and moderate, with little to no elevation gain or obstacles, making it more leisurely and accessible to almost everyone. On the other hand, a hike requires more physical effort due to inclines, declines, and natural obstacles like rocks, tree roots, and uneven paths.
Both walking and hiking can be as demanding as you choose to make them, but hiking usually demands more endurance and physical effort. Rugged terrain and constant elevation changes force hikers to engage multiple muscle groups, maintain balance, and stay aware of their surroundings. Hiking for hours at a time can be quite physically engaging. On the other hand, walking is generally more relaxing and requires less physical exertion, even though some people find it challenging.
Terrain and elevation
Terrain and elevation might be the biggest defining differences between a walk and a hike. Walking tends to follow clearly defined paths on flat, well-maintained surfaces like sidewalks, parks and paved paths and often takes place in urban areas. In contrast, hiking trails are not as smooth and often involve rugged terrain, uneven trails, and elevation changes that require greater physical effort.
Is there a speed difference between hiking and walking?
As the outdoor enthusiasts we are, we also know that when walking, hiking, and pursuing any other outdoor activity, listening to your body and finding the pace that feels right for you, regardless of other factors, is what matters most. Both walking and hiking paces are very individual and depend on several factors, such as previous experience and fitness level, to mention a few. Overall, though, hikes are generally a bit slower than walks. This is due to the more difficult terrain, the distance of the hike, and elevation changes, which all make the journey more challenging than a regular walk.
As mentioned above, walking and hiking paces are highly individual, and if you’re speed hiking, for example, you’re going at a significantly faster pace than on a regular hike
Gearing up – equipment recommendations for walking and hiking
Walking
Walking is an activity accessible to nearly everyone, and it usually requires little to no special preparation. Most walks can be enjoyed in whatever makes you feel comfortable, but a few smart choices in clothing and gear can make your experience more pleasant!
For starters, comfortable shoes are key. Go for lightweight walking shoes with good support, especially if you're planning a longer walk. Weather-appropriate clothing is another important factor. On a hot day, light, breathable clothes will keep you cool, and it's a good idea to bring along a water bottle to stay hydrated, especially if you’ll be out for a while.
During cooler months, layering is essential. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat off your skin, add a warm mid-layer like a fleece or sweatshirt, and top it off with a waterproof shell set if you’re heading out in the rain or snow. This way, you can easily adjust your clothing as your body warms up during the walk.
Other optional but helpful items include a hat for sun protection or gloves and a beanie for colder weather. A small backpack, preferably a vest pack, is also useful for carrying essentials like your phone, keys, and water for longer walks.
Hiking
Hiking demands more specialized gear than a casual walk, which involves more challenging terrain and conditions. Proper preparation can make your hike both safer and even more enjoyable!
The first essential is a pair of sturdy, durable hiking boots or shoes with good grip and ankle support, especially for rocky or uneven trails. A reliable backpack is also important for carrying all your essentials without weighing you down. Make sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated - preferably a hydration bladder for added convenience - along with energy snacks or maybe even a lighter meal if your hike will last several hours or more.
Aim for hiking clothes that are durable, breathable, and moisture-wicking. We’d recommend hiking pants, zip-offs, or shorts (depending on the temperature) that combine reinforcements with stretch fabric at all the right places for spring, summer, and fall hikes. As for colder months, layering is key! Start with a base layer that keeps sweat away from your skin, add an insulating layer for warmth, and top it off with a shell set for protection against the elements. Dressing in layers lets you regulate your temperature as you warm up during the hike. Accessories like a cap, gloves, and a neck gaiter can help protect you from cold winds or sun exposure.
Since you'll likely be navigating unfamiliar terrain at some point during the hike, it's wise to bring navigation tools like a GPS, compass, or trail map. For added stability on steep or uneven paths, hiking poles can be very helpful. They reduce strain on your knees and help maintain balance.
Don't forget safety gear, such as a first-aid kit, sunscreen, and maybe even a whistle in case of emergencies. Depending on the extent of the hike, it's also a good idea to pack a headlamp or flashlight, even if you don’t expect to hike in the dark, as trails can take longer than anticipated.
How to get started with hiking
For new hikers, picking the right trail is crucial. Start by researching the trail on your phone, getting a map of the area, or finding a well-marked route. Consider factors like location, distance, and elevation gain when choosing a beginner-friendly hike that suits your expectations.
Always check the weather before you go and include the risk of unexpected showers and other weather changes that might impact your adventure. Dress appropriately in quick-drying, lightweight, and possibly waterproof clothes, and add layers if it’s colder. Wear sturdy, lightweight shoes with a great grip and ankle support. Don’t forget accessories like a hat, beanie, or gloves, and pack essentials like water, snacks, a first aid kit, and navigation tools in a lightweight, comfortable backpack.
Finally, it’s always important to protect nature and respect trail etiquette when meeting other hikers outdoors when enjoying it. Our hiking for beginners guide deep-dives into this topic—check it out for further information and tips!
Is hiking better than walking?
There isn’t a single answer to whether hiking is better than walking since the environment plays a significant role in determining the difficulty of either activity. Factors like terrain, weather, and location can all influence whether a walk or a hike provides a more challenging or fulfilling experience.
It really comes down to personal preference, but we’d like to see hiking as walking with added benefits. While walking is great for your health, hiking usually extends those advantages since it generally involves walking for longer periods and offers even more improvement in both mental and physical well-being. Hiking also tends to bring you closer to nature in a deeper way than a casual walk.
Ultimately, we’d like to say that both walking and hiking are excellent for your health, offering benefits like improved endurance, muscle strengthening, weight control, and mental clarity. They are great in different ways, depending on your goal. But if you’re looking for the activity that provides the biggest health benefits - including factors like time spent outdoors and physical improvement on your body - we would recommend going for a hike!
