Hiking is a walking outdoor activity through hills, mountains, and the countryside. Hiking is popular due to the enjoyable views along the tracks.
Hiking is also well-known among Indonesians in the same way as trekking is. However, many don’t understand the specific differences between the two.
If you are still confused about what is hiking, take a look at the explanation below:
What Is Hiking?
Essentially, hiking is walking outdoors, either individually or in a group.
This term originates from the English word ‘to hike’, which means walking or lining up for fitness-related activity.
However, the definition remains unclear about what hiking actually is.
Aside from only walking, hiking specifically refers to long-distance travel.
Hiking is not limited to walking since it is allowed to use of supporting devices, such as a bike, pole, canoe, or horse.
Everyone often gets it wrong when hiking is defined by walking through mountain ranges.
Some mountains in Indonesia are popular hiking destinations, including Semeru and Kerinci.
Differences Between Hiking and Trekking
Both exercise types involve walking, but there are still differences between hiking and trekking.
Hiking is generally easier and more suitable for a newbie compared to trekking. Trekking itself is more challenging and requires preparation, including stamina and gear.
Here is the explanation related to the differences:
1. Track
In general, hiking is only performed on one type of track, such as mountain ranges, forests, hills, or other environments.
Hiking tracks are also given signposts that individuals can follow.
Meanwhile, trekking is different because the route is not limited to one track due to changing routes.
You can try out this exercise from the forest to the mountain ranges, or to the forest or the shore.
2. Time
Time is also the main difference between hiking and trekking.
Hiking typically requires less than a day or approximately 3–10 hours.
On the other hand, trekking may last for a few days, weeks, or months.
3. Intensity
In terms of intensity, hiking is also known as a recreational activity or hobby.
Therefore, it is less intense than trekking.
While trekking is more intense due to different tracks and varying lengths.
Hence, trekkers' physical preparation must be carefully done before challenging a trekking track.
Nevertheless, trekking can give you an unforgettable experience through moments during the journey.
Especially if you succeed in getting through each challenge.
4. Preparation
The next difference is the preparation required for hiking versus trekking.
Hiking does not require any preparation.
It is because the track actually doesn’t require intense preparation.
Nevertheless, for the first-timer, try to do more physical preparation.
Even hiking can be relatively tiring.
In terms of trekking preparation, the preparation must be more thorough.
Strategies related to the tracks must be carefully planned.
Aside from careful preparation, the supplies during the activity are also quite different.
During a hike, you may only require drinks and food.
On the other hand, trekking requires additional supplies, such as spare clothes, sleeping gears, and cooking supplies.
This is because trekking takes a long time to complete.
Health Benefits of Hiking
Hiking offers numerous health benefits, including giving more strength to thigh and leg muscles.
In addition, this activity also gives other benefits aside from physical ones, such as:.
1. Burning Calories
In addition to going to the gym, hiking also helps burn calories for approximately 440-550 calories per hour.
This fact is quite interesting, since one can imagine how many calories they burn in 8 hours of hiking.
You can rejoice in this fact and try it out yourself.
Calorie burning can help you lose weight and build muscle.
2. Improving Fitness
Regular hiking will help you build muscles, including thigh, lower leg, and pelvic muscles
In addition, this exercise improves the immune system, and challenging terrain during a hike helps with balance and coordination.
Having a strong immune system and muscles helps you achieve fitness and strength in daily life.
3. Refreshing the Mind
Research shows that hiking positively impacts the body, including anxiety or stress symptoms management.
Physical activities combined with an enjoyable view throughout the track help increase endorphin levels for ba etter mood.
In addition, hiking and trekking help improve focus to get through challenging tracks, which eliminates stress and anxiety.
4. Minimizing the Risk of Heart Diseases and High Blood Pressure
Hiking is one of the best ways to improve heart health.
Regular hiking increases heart strength and blood pressure, which minimizes the risk of stroke.
5. Supporting Bone Health
Hiking in the morning exposes the body to sunlight, which helps activate vitamin D.
Vitamin D is needed for calcium absorption to maintain bone health.
This concludes the explanation related to the differences between hiking and trekking and their benefits.
You can start hiking by taking easier tracks, such as forest trails or shallow hills.
In exercising, you will get tired and sweat throughout due to reduced energy levels. To stay hydrated, you need to drink mineral water.
Always have high-quality mineral water with you, which offers numerous benefits for your body, such as AQUA.
AQUA is trusted by Indonesians to offer quality and pure drinking water.
AQUA is committed to protecting water sources and maintaining the sustainability of the surrounding ecosystem.
AQUA products undergo more than 400 quality tests before they are available to the market.
Ensure to prepare #AQUADULU before and after hiking!
