Hiking and walking – they’re the same thing, right? Just putting one foot in front of the other. Well, hold your horses, buckaroo! There are some critical differences between these two pastimes that deserve a gander.
We’ll mosey through the ins and outs, from the gear to the terrain. And we’ll tackle some frequently asked questions for good measure. By the end, you’ll be an expert on hiking and walking apart – even if the difference is subtle as a snake in the grass!
Gearing Up
Regarding equipment, hiking and walking have some overlaps but also crucial distinctions.
For starters, let’s talk footwear. Walking can generally be done in your everyday kicks like Converse or sandals. But hiking often requires sturdier boots with grippy tread to handle uneven terrain like the Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail.
Next up: poles. Walking poles aren’t mandatory for a stroll around the neighborhood or on a paved park path. But they’re recommended for hiking Vermont’s Long Trail or Mt. Whitney to distribute weight and prevent falls on steep, rocky ground.
Finally, there’s specialized clothing. Light, breathable clothes are fine for walking downtown. But hikers need quick-drying shirts and pants for the mud and stream crossings of the John Muir Trail or rainy Milford Track in New Zealand. A good hat and wool hiking socks are also standards for an excursion in the Rocky Mountains or Andes.
The takeaway? While simple sneakers, shorts, and a t-shirt will pass for walking through the mall, hiking often requires more heavy-duty gear.
Terrain and Distance
Now, let’s get down to the nitty gritty – what’s underfoot. Walking primarily happens on flat, paved surfaces like sidewalks, treadmills, or groomed park trails. Hiking involves more natural settings over greater distances, like forests, mountains, deserts, and open country. The ground is often uneven, rocky, steep, and uncleared, like in Yosemite National Park or the Swiss Alps.
The distance factor is critical, too. Walks are usually short jaunts under 5 miles, like an urban stroll or neighborhood loop. But hikes regularly cover many miles daily over varied terrain, sometimes over a dozen, like the Inca Trail’s 26 miles!
There are exceptions. You could walk farther; some parks have short “hikes” on paved paths. But in general, hiking exceeds walking for technical challenges and mileage.
I’ll never forget the shocked look on my friend John’s face when our supposedly short hike around Mt. Hood turned into an 8-mile trek up the mountain and back. He was used to 20-minute walks to run errands, not hours of climbing over volcanic rocks and roots!
Physical Intensity
With the rugged terrain and increased distance, hiking is often more physically intense than walking. Be aware of the leisurely images of hikers stopping to snap photos – they’re still getting an intensive workout!
Hiking the Kalalau Trail or Mountains of Mourne involves aerobic challenge, flexibility and balance in navigating obstacles like rockslides, stream crossings, and fallen trees, and muscle strength for inclines and using poles. There’s more risk of sprains, falls, or fatigue than walking along Lake Michigan or strolling the National Mall. Walking stays lower impact with steadier elevation and smooth footing.
So, while a walk in the park may be relaxing, tackling the trails of Torres del Paine or Mount Kenya works up more of a sweat! The extra exertion contributes to hiking’s reputation as fantastic exercise.
My friend John found this out firsthand – he was huffing and puffing up the mountain trail to Machu Picchu even though it was fewer miles than his daily urban walk to work. The Inca Trail required way more endurance than he was used to on neighborhood sidewalks!
Purpose and Mindset
Now, let’s get existential – what’s your motivation? Walking tends to have a destination purpose, like going to the store, commuting to work, or getting in your steps. Hiking focuses more on the journey and experience. It’s slower-paced, with time built in to appreciate nature, take photos, or chat with companions.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail, the Camino de Santiago, or along Hadrian’s Wall often promotes mindfulness, whereas walking on a treadmill or through a city is more “heads down” motion. Hiking lets you escape civilization and be fully present. Walking is part of everyday tasks and responsibilities.
For Jane, walking city blocks is checking off her step count, listening to podcasts, and staying in shape. But hiking the Continental Divide Trail is about disconnecting from technology to observe wildlife and appreciate scenic vistas. She says immersing in nature makes her feel more grounded and joyful than just racking up steps around the neighborhood.
Conclusion
While hiking and walking both involve putting one foot in front of the other, we explored how factors like gear, terrain, mileage, physical intensity, and mindset create critical distinctions between an urban stroll and conquering the trails of Patagonia…
So lace up your boots, grab your poles and water bottle, and take comfort knowing if you’re climbing mountains and navigating trails far-flung, you’re hiking! Just be sure to stop and photograph those scenic vistas between determined boot steps. Happy trails!
