Trekking vs hiking vs climbing reddit Hiking boots are the best all around, and you don't have to worry about getting a different pair for different tasks. And if I plan a more flat or or mainly up and down activity I choose hiking. I hate hiking shoes and boots. I need my mobility, lots of slides and rock scrambles, anything to restrict my mobility would be dangerous. All these brands are known for making high quality footwear. Hiking is the "activity of taking long walks, particularly through the countryside. There certainly are burly bike helmets that clearly offer much better impact protection from all sides then any climbing helmet and there are also minimalist bike helmets that may not. Some people like a really soft sole where they can feel the ground better. I’m of the “buy once, cry once” school. The whippet was such a pain in the ass it was easier to just keep it on my pack instead of using as a trekking pole. But the specific muscles and the balance and coordination benefit from the specific activity (in this case hiking). If waterproof shoes get soaked through, they take longer to dry. I tried Injinji toe socks. While hiking can be done in trekking form, a trek is not necessarily a hike. Hiking boots are fantastic for hiking. The hiking I do…. I get wide when I have normal feet. i thru hiked the pct six and a half times with adjustable poles thinking they were stronger. If you're doing longer stretches of steep-snow climbing it's nice to have two tools so a Ride (or even better, Gully, because of the hand-rest) + Sum'tec is a great combo. Both hiking and trekking offer unique ways to: Connect with nature; Challenge yourself both physically and mentally; Create lasting memories; Lose weight and improve overall fitness; Soak up all the vitamin D that nature offers; Beyond the Basics: Trekking and Hiking Tips. The main differences are: For one, hiking is usually done on well-beaten trails, whereas trekking is often done where there are no trails. I'll just stay away from the cheapest model. Jul 23, 2019 · Hiking vs Trekking vs Backpacking? Hiking, trekking and backpacking are all forms of walking. The above can be combined. Or, to put it another way, trekking poles do everything a walking staff does, except better. It also has a legit ice-climbing pick (same one that's on the Nomics) so it does pretty well if you have some ice bulges to surmount. The **easiest way to identify hiking mid shoes vs hiking boots is that hiking boots have at least two upper eyelets. I could never wear jeans. One important thing I missed out was that in the game, you're thematically climbing alone (I know in real life for some mountains you're required by law to take a guide, but hey, it's just a game). When choosing a walking stick or trekking pole, it's important to consider your individual needs and preferences, such as the terrain you'll be hiking on, your physical condition, and the weight you'll be carrying. I never quite got it. I feel safe wearing it, and it works well on hikes. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. May 13, 2023 · Hiking is also an excellent way to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. I get one size up from my normal size. A long hike of multiple days would still be hiking. Now for my personal opinion, hiking boots are better. They get raving reviews everywhere, and they seem to last people a long time. As for Merrells, I am a Merr fan! My feet run wide and they are the most comfortable for me. Basically, running improves both running and climbing ability, but doing more climbing does less to improve running ability. Hiking seems to be an American thing. Do what’s comfortable for you. For instance, you may not have a predefined path in the case of a trek, and you may be climbing different mountains to reach the destination. This can be good if you’ll be hiking in wet areas, but comes at the cost of breathability. One pair is lightweight and fairly shoe-like but warm and with good traction. There is no climbing involved and there's no snow. It depends on which shoes I'm wearing and what I'm carrying; hiking is hiking shoes, heavier pack with more gear for typically a longer distance/possibly overnight. If you are trying to climb up a cliff face as fast as possible or something the comfort of the straps on your shoulders probably isn't your top concern, but if you're going on a long hike or a backpacking trip comfort can be legitimately super important. For scrambles or really rocky terrain you want an approach shoe. They are my go to! Since trekking is longer than hiking, naturally, trekking becomes a strenuous exercise. More Than Just a Walk: The Benefits of Trekking vs Hiking. Hiking and trekking are also not the same thing. Personally I've tended towards foam climbing helmets that are pretty similar to bike helmets in construction but climbing certified. Then a pair of trekking poles were introduced. We recommend starting out in a group of more experienced mountaineers and a guide and taking the time to get used to higher elevations. hiking is not about durations. An easy walk would be a stroll. double rope rappelling (or even two half ropes, For backpacking trips I use merino wool liner gloves combined with a non insulated waterproof mitten. Trekking Tips: Lots of hiking footwear is waterproof. Join a climbing gym near you. That dates back centuries. A hike can be anything from 2-hour walk in a valley to a full day walk up a non-technical 3000m peak. For hiking specific, you can never go wrong with Merrell's MOAB line. May 16, 2025 · Trying to decide between hiking and trekking? Both sound fun, but they are not the same. They were faced with a downward incline. Thanks for the comment. Insufficient support for older feet and I got multiple issues so went back back to Oboz hiking shoes and mid-boots. Trekking: Almost the same as hiking, but often used for multi-day trips. For me it’s walking, fell walking, scrambling or climbing or backpacking or combinations of the above. Even low hiking shoes tend to have stiffer soles than trail runners, and a bit less cushion. My 80 year old, die-hard hiking friend went hiking near the Smokies with a fellow 20 years her junior (I’m 30 years her junior and she kicks my ass). The two terms are used online interchangeably, as though it’s the same thing. I loved them at first (hence replacing the same model 2 more times). For scary trad descents and scrambly approaches I love my Adidas approach shoes. In effect, whatever good a hiking staff offers is baked into what trekking poles can do. The ankle support is what gets me on the shoes. The experience becomes easier if climbing with guides or other players. So even if you want a low shoe the former can be an advantage in say rocks where a trail runner tends to taco-up and squish your foot, while a low hiker might retain enough stiffness to protect the foot. Feet change and what works when you are 22 isn’t what works when you are 42 isn’t what works when 62. Trekking vs. Overall, using a walking stick while hiking can be a helpful tool for enhancing your hiking experience and reducing the risk of injury. dynamic ropes, descenders and ascenders vs. So a commercial flight of stairs is around 20 steps which means you’re describing the equivalent of hiking the Empire State Building. Oct 22, 2024 · Hiking refers to walking on simple well-marked trails and trekking refers to covering a trail that requires a considerable climb, and you gain a lot of altitude over the days. Salomon x ultra 3's are great. Rule of thumb: anything that's only class 1 (YDS) is just hiking. Trail running shoes are definitely lighter, but don't offer the same comfort, support, and protection hiking shoes can offer. Popular multi-day Keep in mind I’ve only done 10-15ish mile trips however, it varies for me, and I haven’t decided which I like best: 1 pole, 2 poles, or 1 hiking stick. Climbing: Which One Is for You? If you’re already skilled at climbing and highly confident and adventurous in challenging mountainous terrain and weather, climbing may be your best bet. You could say if the Fokus is on height I choose climbing and if the focus is more on length I choose hiking. Got one of their 40 euros hiking / trekking shoes and it's honestly very comfortable. Plain and simple. You need to go around 100 stories and your other comment you said you have access to a 2-3 story building flight of stairs. Most often, I pack my climbing gear and a bare minimum of hiking gear, plus water and a balance of easily packable food. I have 2 pairs of winter boots. This article on trekking vs hiking will help you get a better understanding of both verticals of the outdoor world Stream crossings, hiking on a little bit of snow before it’s all melted, and the potential for rain hiking. Local chapters of the AMC or Sierra Club often have technical climbing groups that lead classes. Those seem to be quite uncomfortable Well, you have to since the last protection point is usually below you. Hiking is comparatively easier than a trek. In effect, the equipment for climbing and caving is considerably different: static vs. I personally always hike with boots just for injury prevention. I’m sure I’ll get some jeers from the trekking pole crowd, even though I don’t really have any hate against trekking poles. If you're looking to get into climbing r/climbing has a weekly "new climbers" thread on fridays. Loved Altra trail runners until I didn’t. For pure value for money for cheaper-mid range poles, they really cant be beaten. I just got used to using one trekking pole and haven’t looked back. But is it? Not at all! Turns out, these are two very different activities. I met a guy while hiking mount Washington (on the east coast) who was hiking barefoot. Back in ancient days before hiking poles became a thing we used a single hiking stick. Hiking shoes are designed for long days with heavy packs and trails that are not so forgiving. Oboz and Keen and similar hiking shoes provide the support some of us need. There is a difference between hiking and trekking approachability because of the selected routes and trails. And trail runners you lose support and sturdiness. Considering how hard I can be on my gear, Kahit mahal pa yan, as long as it meets my standards (in in some instances, exceeds them), I buy it. Finally, a pair of trekking poles can be used in tandem, or you can use just one. See full list on broamer. On about 90% of my hikes (day or overnight) over the past year and half, I have hiked in my Prana Stretch Zion hiking pants. I find with this combo I can keep my hands warm and dry in all kinds of weather. I recently did a quick 8 mile hike with my short running shorts and realized there are some major benefits to hiking in running shorts. It's a popular recreational activity and a great way to explore the beauty of nature while engaging in physical exercise. I got the dark green Hoka Speedgoat 5s but I'm not digging the fit. The differences are defined by the type of terrain you’ll be traveling through, for how long and what gear is required. From terrain to gear, here is how to choose the outdoor adventure that fits your travel style best. Coach David Roche calls this the "climber's paradox" where overdoing climbing, especially steep hiking climbs, with less running causes your legs to stay slow. Called an Alpenstock this could be any handy branch or some formally carved piece of wood. If it is completely flat I will choose walking. Running is similar enough to have pretty decent transfer, but hiking with weight uphill is still the best way to get better at hiking. Define “budget-friendly”. 85K subscribers in the ClimbingCircleJerk community. Sep 3, 2023 · Trekking, often referred to as hiking or backpacking, is an outdoor activity that involves walking or hiking through natural landscapes such as mountains, forests, trails, and remote areas. - Hiking shoes are more suitable for less rugged terrain - Hiking boots provide better ankle support when traversing uneven or rocky terrain. i broke two or three sections per thru hike, usually during long snow sections, and the company kept replacing them, so I kept using them. Hiking boots have destroyed my feet with blisters no matter what I do or try. May 3, 2019 · Class 2―Off-trail scramble (hard trekking, easy scrambling) Class 3―Climbing, use of ropes for beginners (moderate scrambling) Class 4―Belayed climbing (difficult scrambling, and easy rock-climbing) Class 5―Free climbing (rock/ice climbing, with ropes and specialist equipment). He says he always hikes barefoot unless it’s through snow. Hiking means different things to different people. She had trekking poles and he did not. I personally choose the climb activity if I go mainly upwards in a mountain area so if I plan to go to a summit. belay and rappelling devices, single rope techniques vs. This does provide ankle support when laced properly, but are heavier. I have 2 pairs of boots, a pair for hiking shoes, and trail shoes by them and all of them are comfortable and durable. It will have sturdier sole, grippie rubber that comes up around the toe box. So if I were you I’d start hiking. I keep coming back to wood hiking sticks for some reason. Much, much better. I'm going on a hiking/city hopping trip in Switzerland/Italy and looking for a main shoe for hiking and city wear that's comfortable in the heat and somewhat passable for a nice dinner. Biking and swimming will help your cardio but don’t transfer well to hiking. " How the terms are used. Hiking is done on a trail during a single day and usually has some level of vertical ascent and descent. I see people all the time with shoes on, and I'm a bit envious of them. I wear those on days like today, long drives in the winter where I wouldn’t want to be in normal shoes if I have car trouble, and after snow falls when roads may be clear but parking lots are still slushy and slippery. Although I now have a trekking pole shelter so I’ll have to go back to having two. A decent pair of fairly light running/hiking poles from a decent company are these from Harrier. I've always found their gear great and I like supporting smaller UK brands. A short trek through the jungle would still be trekking. She safely made it down and he, taking the same route, lost control and did not. . **A big problem is people easily misunderstand the difference between ankle support and ankle Can’t speak for the “trekking pole” crowd, but my hiking stick is a well-worn and trusty companion in the woods. Running is trail shoes with a minimal pack of just snacks/lighter/fire start/water filter and a jacket, no intent of staying overnight and <10mi. The soles will be stiffer and more ridged along the edges for climbing rocks. I've tried petroleum jelly in between my toes, foot powder, etc. The words "Trekking" and "Hiking" are seen in quite different ways. On the pct last year instead of an ice axe I had a whippet. However, the last two pairs have had an issue where the fabric in the back has worn off and exposed this terrible hard piece of protruding plastic that has destroyed the back of my foot with blisters and is so painful. com Jan 23, 2020 · Hiking and trekking, two activities that most adventurers deeply enjoy. I always get blisters. If you want reliable affordable trekking poles, Cascade mountain tech is a brand to look into. " Trekking: "to embark on a protracted, difficult journey, usually on foot. I have owned 3 pairs I used for hiking, backpacking and trail running. this year I did another pct thru plus extra desert section with Black diamond distance z aluminum poles. 98% of the time, I'd be fine. I tend to need boots with ankle support because I can think of more than a dozen times when my foot has slipped or hit wrong, and without my boot, I'd have had a sprained ankle. Hiking: Walking in the mountains including summiting non-technical peaks, which doesn't require any climbing, special equipment and technical abilities. Hikes are walking activities that can be one day or longer, whereas trekking is a multiday activity, involving (free) camping, and can be by foot, horse, bike, ski, canoe, snowshoe or other means. To clear things up, we crafted this hiking vs. I’ve attached metal badges gathered on my travels, put a rubber stopper on the tip to help with traction, and whacked a snake or two back into the trees. - Heavy backpacks can be carried with Hiking boots - Hiking shoes are more popular in activities like trail running - Hiking boots are very good in rocky paths, steep inclines, and off-trail hiking. In this guide, we’ll cover: Hiking vs. I used to work in an outdoor shop and latterly hiking started to become a thing in the footwear department where I worked. You get more support from backpacking, but you lose control and comfort. It’s a trade off and you have to choose what you’d prefer. They are nice the adventure climbing sort of thing with some of the farther approaches due to the ankle support, but the caveat is weight. trekking guide. Mike is our patron, Honnold our saviour Hiking: literally walking Mountaineering: pick 2 or 3 - walking, climbing, snow/ice skills Hiking San Gorgonio via the Vivian Creek Trail in the summer, for example, is not mountaineering because it's all trail. I met someone in the Adirondacks who had a pair and after talking with him I decided to try a The only real concern would be that mountaineering packs are usually lighter which sometimes means they cut corners on comfort. A hiking boot is higher and has a tighter lacing at the top. cnae vntwtz btfc fdsew fxzad lps zuan vetfwm xfh xgjmvhhm