{"id":16923,"date":"2025-05-05T12:59:01","date_gmt":"2025-05-05T17:59:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/?p=16923"},"modified":"2023-06-19T07:26:53","modified_gmt":"2023-06-19T12:26:53","slug":"hiking-vs-trekking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/hiking-vs-trekking\/","title":{"rendered":"Hiking vs. trekking: the essential gear you\u2019ll need for both"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hiking or trekking, the aim is the same: reconnect with nature. Discover the list of equipment you&#8217;ll need and get ready to set off on whatever adventure awaits you!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":16924,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[65,66],"tags":[457,592,720,815,816,1076,1194,2226],"class_list":["post-16923","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-outdoor-activities","category-hiking","tag-hiking","tag-hiking-shoes","tag-trekking","tag-hiking-equipment","tag-hiking-gear","tag-pick-hiking-boots","tag-hiking-backpacks","tag-randonnee-pedestre-2"],"acf":{"post_flexible_content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":false,"anchor_link_text":"","text_content":"<strong>Your gear is ready, and you\u2019re just about to head off on a hiking adventure; or is it a trekking adventure? Isn\u2019t it all the same?<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>While the terms are often used interchangeably, these activities do differ. There are major differences in the type of terrain you\u2019ll be exploring, the level of difficulty you should expect and the gear you need to take with you. The experts at SAIL are here to help you de-muddle it all and ensure you are fully prepared for whichever activity you decide to take up.<\/strong>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_anchors_list","anchors_section_title":"In this article, you will learn: "},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":false,"anchor_link_text":"","text_content":"<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[stag_button url=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/outdoor-gear\/hiking\" style=\"black\" size=\"medium\" type=\"normal\" target=\"_blank\" icon=\"\" icon_order=\"before\"]Shop Hiking Gear[\/stag_button]<\/p>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"What\u2019s the difference between hiking and trekking?","text_content":"<h2>What\u2019s the difference between hiking and trekking?<\/h2>\r\nBoth activities entail walking in the wild to reconnect with nature. However, a hike is usually much shorter than a trek, and done on groomed trails. Trekking, on the other hand, is a more strenuous journey which can take you through some pretty remote areas. Here are other key differences.\r\n<h3>What\u2019s hiking?<\/h3>\r\nHiking involves walking in a natural environment, usually a park, national park or reserve, on groomed and defined hiking trails or footpaths. It is usually a shorter outing (a few hours), but can sometimes stretch to an overnight stay. Hiking is done for pleasure, to reconnect with nature and to disconnect from the world.\r\n\r\nAs it isn\u2019t as long or technical as a trek, a hike can be undertaken with less gear. Therefore, hikers don\u2019t necessarily need to invest in ultra-light, minimalist equipment to get started.\r\n<h3>What\u2019s trekking?<\/h3>\r\nTrekkers usually have a particular destination in mind as they set off. Described as a journey, trekking involves walking from point A to reach point B. It is often a longer undertaking, stretching from several days (at least two) to several weeks. As such, more gear is needed as walkers are required to be autonomous throughout their entire adventure into the wilderness.\r\n\r\nTrekking over many days with a heavy backpack on your back does mean you\u2019ll need a much better level of fitness, as well as careful planning. A trek is much more challenging than a hike and involves going over rougher terrain, up and down mountains and sometimes wild, unexplored nature. Those taking up this activity should be ready for a sizeable challenge!\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><\/td>\r\n<td><b>Hiking<\/b><\/td>\r\n<td><b>Trekking<\/b><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><b>Duration<\/b><\/td>\r\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A few hours, potentially overnight<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several days to several weeks<\/span><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><b>Terrain<\/b><\/td>\r\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Groomed trails or footpaths<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remote or rougher terrain, unexplored wilderness<\/span><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><b>Gear<\/b><\/td>\r\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A day pack usually suffices<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Everything to be autonomous for several days<\/span><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><b>Footwear<\/b><\/td>\r\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hiking shoes or boots<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hiking boots<\/span><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><b>Level of difficulty<\/b><\/td>\r\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Variable, accessible to all<\/span><\/td>\r\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strenuous<\/span><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"The equipment you need for hiking","text_content":"<h2>The equipment you need for hiking<\/h2>\r\nA day hike doesn't require much gear. A light day pack filled with snacks, a bottle of water or water system (such as a hydration pack, including those offered by brand <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/shop?q=camelbak\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Camelbak<\/a>), a first aid kit, sunscreen, spare clothes and rain gear should do the trick. A 15 to 25 litres backpack should be big enough for a summer hike, although a winter hike may require a bigger 20 to 30 litres backpack to fit additional layers.\r\n\r\nHiking poles are also a great idea as they can give you more stability on wet or tricky terrain, and reduce force on your knees as you head down. Opt for telescopic poles so you can adjust them to your height for optimal support.\r\n\r\nFor a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/hiking-gear-the-essential-checklist-for-a-day-of-hiking\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">complete list of gear for a day hike<\/a>, have a look at our article.\r\n\r\nIf your hike stretches overnight, you\u2019ll also need to take a change of clothes, a sleeping bag and enough food and water. Depending on whether you are spending the night in a refuge at the top of a mountain or sleeping under the stars, you may need to add a tent and a sleeping pad to your gear kit.\r\n\r\nTo <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/best-sleeping-bag\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">choose the best sleeping bag for your needs<\/a>, have a look at the article here, or browse the selection of brands <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/the-north-face\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The North Face<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/marmot\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Marmot<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/rab\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">RAB<\/a>."},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"The equipment you need for trekking","text_content":"<h2>The equipment you need for trekking<\/h2>\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-16927 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Trekking-Backpack.jpg\" alt=\"Trekking Backpack\" width=\"1080\" height=\"720\" \/>\r\n\r\nHere, the main criterion to consider is weight. You\u2019ll be carrying all your gear, food and water on your back over a period of several days, so you will need to invest in ultra-light, minimalist equipment that\u2019s sturdy enough.\r\n\r\nStart with a 50 litres to 60 litres <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/outdoor-gear\/bags\/backpacks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">backpack<\/a>, a map and a compass. A GPS navigation aid may also be a good investment. You\u2019ll need a sleeping bag that packs light and keeps you warm enough, so look at mummy-shaped down options first of all. A light sleeping mat will also complete your sleep system.\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to hydration, you\u2019ll have to find water sources as you go along. A water filter or purification system is a must. Have a read of the article here to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/hiking-hydration-find-out-how-much-water-to-drink-and-which-water-system-to-choose\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">find the best water system<\/a> for you. You\u2019ll also need to carry cookware, enough warm clothing, a camping stove, your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/outdoor-gear\/hiking\/health-safety\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">health and safety gear<\/a> (whistle, first aid kit, etc.) and rain clothes. When it comes to trekking, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/outdoor-gear\/hiking\/hiking-poles-parts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">hiking poles<\/a> are not really optional! Find out how to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/how-to-choose-the-right-hiking-poles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">choose the best ones<\/a> in the article here."},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_content","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"Choosing hiking shoes or hiking boots","text_content":"<h2>Choosing hiking shoes or hiking boots<\/h2>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_16929\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1080\"]<img class=\"wp-image-16929 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Salomon-hiking-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"Salomon hiking shoes\" width=\"1080\" height=\"720\" \/> Salomon Outpulse hiking shoes,[\/caption]\r\n\r\nYour choice of footwear is probably one of the most important decisions you will make ahead of your hike or trek, so you should choose wisely. There is nothing worse than walking for kilometres with blisters or wet or cold feet, particularly if you are in the middle of the wilderness with no outdoor store in sight!\r\n\r\nHikers can choose between shoes or boots, depending on the weather and the level of difficulty of the walk. For easier summer walks without too many obstacles (such as roots or rocks poking out from the trail), hiking shoes are your best option. A breathable model with a mesh upper shoe will ensure your feet don\u2019t overheat. On steeper or rockier trails, you may want additional ankle support, so opt for a hiking boot. Waterproof models can be quite useful on rainy days or for winter outings.\r\n\r\nTrekkers do not have the luxury of choosing between shoes and boots: a hiking boot is a must to take on the more challenging terrains faced by those who forego groomed trails.\r\n\r\nWhether you are looking at hiking shoes or hiking boots, brands <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/merrell\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Merrell<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/salomon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Salomon<\/a> offer a wide range of models. Come in store for some advice on which one to go for!\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[stag_button url=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/en\/outdoor-gear\/hiking\/hiking-boots-shoes\" style=\"black\" size=\"medium\" type=\"normal\" target=\"_blank\" icon=\"\" icon_order=\"before\"]Shop hiking boots[\/stag_button]<\/p>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"faq_zone","content_anchor":true,"anchor_link_text":"FAQ","faq_title":"FAQ","faq_text_content":"","post_faq":[{"post_faq_question":"How to prepare for a mountain trek?","post_faq_response":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A multi-day mountain trek requires careful preparation. You will need a good level of fitness, and some light, sturdy equipment. Look for a compressible mummy-shaped duvet sleeping bag, a sleeping pad and a light tent. You\u2019ll also need cookware, a camping stove, a first aid kit, quick dry clothes and rain gear. Last but not least: good hiking boots that have already been broken in!\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\r\n<\/span>","post_faq_is_response_open":true},{"post_faq_question":"Can I hike on my own?","post_faq_response":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hiking is usually done on signposted groomed trails and can safely be undertaken by lone hikers. There are, however, a few safety measures to follow. Pick a well-marked popular trail. Always let someone know where you\u2019re going and when you expect to be back. Also, ensure you carry basic safety equipment with you, such as a first aid kit, a map, rain gear and a whistle. Start small, and you\u2019ll build your confidence in no time!\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\r\n<\/span>","post_faq_is_response_open":true},{"post_faq_question":"Hikes for beginners ","post_faq_response":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are plenty of hikes available, varying from easy to difficult. Start small (one- to two-hour loop trails) and go from there. Choose a popular well-marked trail, and make sure you have enough water and food for the journey. Have a look at our checklist to find out what to take with you on a short day hike, and how to choose the right gear.\u00a0<\/span>","post_faq_is_response_open":true}]}],"author_type":"wordpress","partnership_options":{"partnership_label":"","partner_logo":null,"partner_link":"","partnership_text":""},"override_related_posts":false,"related_posts":null,"right_cta_visibility":false,"sidebar_cta_content_override":false,"sidebar_cta_title":"","sidebar_cta_description":"","sidebar_cta_button":null},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Differences between hiking &amp; trekking | SAIL Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Find out the key differences between hiking, trekking and backpacking and the gear you\u2019ll need for each.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/hiking-vs-trekking\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Differences between hiking &amp; trekking\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Short hikes vs long treks: everything you need to know.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/hiking-vs-trekking\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"SAIL Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SAILpleinairoutdoors\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-05-05T17:59:01+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.sail.ca\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Trekking-vs-Hiking.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"720\" \/>\n\t<meta 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