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Bust out your knapsack. Become a natural trekker. Take an exciting hike. There are, of course, all kinds of ways to get out there and enjoy a day on the trails. Backpacking, trekking, and hiking are three great outdoor activities, and while they may seem the same, there are subtle variations to each.
As far as outdoor adventurers are concerned, trekking and hiking are basically the same. The differences lie in the source of the words. The word “hike” is derived from the Middle English word “hytchen” which became the English word “hitch”. The term “trekking” is borrowed from the African term for ox-cart transport. Those taking part in a hiking adventure through the Himalayas could safely use the word “trekking” without literary repercussions.
Backpacking
The word “backpacking” is much less exotic. You’ll use this word when you walk to a nearby place, over a day or two. In general, “backpacking” involves hauling some gear in a package on your back. If you do want to walk on the wild side, but you’re not quite set for the Himalayas, backpacking through somewhere like the Grand Canyon can fit the bill.
When telling people you’re about to take a hike, they will probably imagine you traversing miles of trail. Your audience will picture you traversing miles of trails, scaling mountains, winding through forests, and stopping only to admire the scenic vistas waiting you encounter along the way. It’s no wonder that hundreds of hikers spend their vacations on travels like these. From leisurely self-guided winery tours, to rugged backcountry tours through pristine wilderness, outdoor itineraries are limited only by the traveler’s imagination.
Itinerant hikers have tons of choices available. You may have dreamed of standing at the foot of Mount Everest and reliving the moments when the first climbers reached its summit. Maybe you’d like to witness sunrise over Africa from atop Mount Kilimanjaro. Those adventures are absolutely available to you. One of the most exciting aspects of planning and taking a hiking tour is that you can visit places that are otherwise remote and isolated from civilization.
Guided Hiking
Most guided hiking trips are basically the same, but the location and the level of strenuousness can differ. There is also a bit of variety in the styles of treks, all having effect on the degree or difficulty of adventure that your trip will hold.
A traditional hiking trip is often expedition-style, which means that it involves a crew including guides, cooks and porters. This support team will prepare meals, set up or take down camp and even bring your gear.
If you want fewer people along for the trip, consider taking a lodge-to-lodge hiking trip. Take this style of hike and you’ll stay in rustic mountain lodges or alpine huts, with no cook or porter. A limited number of support staff may accompany you on your expedition, however, the group will be substantially smaller than in the traditional style of hiking. Lodge-to-lodge hiking normally costs a bit less than fully catered alternatives, but they can be inconvenient. Many hikers would rather focus all their energy on completing the hike, instead of worrying about their next meal.
Hard-core adventurers, in fact, have a hiking style just for them. Mountain climbing treks and the exploratory hiking trips, while offered by only a few adventure travel companies, are journeys on routes not previously offered by that company. These trips provide genuine adventure, since even the guides aren’t sure what to expect around the next bend.
Trekking, hiking or backpacking. Choose your adventure and get ready to experience the sheer beauty of nature. When your friends ask where you’ve booked your next vacation, tell them you’re simply going to take a hike.
Tagged with: hikers • mountain hiking
Filed under: Hiking