Comments on: What Do You Consider Hiking?

By: Ed K

Ed K — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:08:58 +0000

Obviously this is a question in semantics, and different folks
will have varying answers. Off course to hike you have to walk
but there is walking and there is “walking”, the later being at
a rather good clip and goal-directed. The first is like “mall
walking” or outdoors on a paved surface perhaps in a park.
Usually hiking is considered to be outdoors, and in the woods;
and generally more than a couple miles, perhaps from 4 to
20 miles and at a moderate to fast pace, not just ambling
along. For day-hiking one will usually have a small back
pack (school pack size OK) for carrying water, snacks, and
first aid stuff. Long-distance and overnight hikers will have
larger packs, with tent, sleeping bag, cooking gear, etc. for the longer haul. So I think what you did was a “walk in the
woods” but others would say you were hiking. Either way
you are to be commended for getting outdoors and enjoying
nature; keep it up! What you call it is not so important as
doing it. (A rose is a rose is…….etc.)

By: Dave M

Dave M — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:13:36 +0000

No, that’s backpacking. What you did today was indeed hiking. And you were also walking, so I suppose you were multitasking too.
Backpacking is generally considered hiking with a pack and when you are headed to a place to camp for the night.
But does it really matter what you call it?

By: iawho12

iawho12 — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 07:04:29 +0000

Yes, you are right it’s walking, exercising and letting your mind bathe in the beautiful things of nature!…
Have a nice walk!!

By: saturn

saturn — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 02:26:53 +0000

Hiking is from my chair to the fridge during a football game.

By: Rockerba

Rockerba — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:34:19 +0000

Gnerally I consider it walking where it’s also acceptable to pee.