Here we are ‘hiking’ in the Uintas Mountains of Utah where we walked for just a few hours..
Hiking, tramping, or trekking are words that I hear different people use when they talk about going for a walk into the mountains. Here is a quick explanation of what those three terms all actually mean.
When I lived back in Salt Lake City we always talked about going hiking or sometimes backpacking. People knew what we meant when we said that. Now we live in New Zealand and the people here talk about going tramping or trekking and not so much hiking. Sometimes I say we are going hiking and people look at me quizzically. Well, here is a concise explanation of what the terms hiking, tramping, or trekking mean so that you can use them correctly the next time you discuss your adventures.
Hiking, Tramping, or Trekking?
When it comes right down to it these are simply three different terms for talking about exploring the outdoors by walking.
The differences between them are the duration of the walk, and where you are walking.
What Is Hiking and Who Says Hiking?
Hiking is the term used to describe long distance walking, especially cross country or in the great outdoors. It is mainly walking along a trail and is done in natural settings, such as mountains.
Hiking can be used to describe a walk that on a trail that ascends a mountain or a trail that follows a coast. The key is that it is done along a trail and it only takes one day to complete.
This term is used mainly by people the live in North America (United States and Canada). Here are the essential items you would take if you go hiking with kids.
We went tramping on the Routeburn Track in New Zealand. We carried our own gear, went for four days, and slept in huts.
What Is Tramping and Who Says Tramping?
Tramping is a term used in New Zealand to describe a day or multi-day walk in nature. It generally is done over rough terrain, but can be alone trails.
Tramping may mean staying at huts at night or it may mean camping.
The key way to think of tramping is that it is the term used in New Zealand to describe a day or multi-day walk out in nature or in the bush.
Here we are at the start of a 9 day trek in Nepal! We walked for many days and had porters carry a lot of our gear.
What Is Trekking and Who Says Trekking?
Trekking refers to walking for a longer period of time and is done over a variety of terrain. Different definitions vary in the exact wording, but basically it means a long, difficult journey done on foot.
Trekking may take place along trails, roads, or other surfaces. Trekking may also mean staying at a hut, guest house, or camping.
People throughout the world use the term trekking. Some of the most well known areas to go trekking are the Himalayas, and the Inca Trail in Peru. I’ve done a lot of trekking in Nepal and Peru where we used porters and guides to help us out.
Backpacking in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming.
What About Backpacking? What Does That Mean?
Backpacking is a multi-day hike or walking in the wilderness for more than one day and camping. Backpacking means that you carry your own gear and are not staying at huts or such.