If you look in your dictionary the meaning of hiking, you´ll probably find something like this:

“Walking as a recreational activity and sport. Especially among those with sedentary occupations, hiking is a natural exercise that promotes physical fitness, is economical and convenient, and requires no special equipment. Because the hiker can walk as far as he wants, there is no physical strain unless he walks among hills or mountains.”

We could also simplify this definition by saying that hiking is a form of walking, undertaken with the specific purpose of exploring and enjoying the scenery.

In my opinion, these definitions are good, but they fail to deliver the true essence of hiking. The best description I´ve heard of is the following:

“In Hiking, the Journey is more important than the Destination”.

Hiking is one of the fundamental outdoor activities on which many others are based. Many beautiful places can only be reached overland by hiking, and enthusiasts regard hiking as the best way to see nature. It is seen as better than a tour in a vehicle of any kind (or on an animal; see horseback riding) because the hiker’s senses are not intruded upon by distractions such as windows, engine noise, airborne dust and fellow passengers.

Synonyms and derivations

The word ‘hiking’ is understood in all English-speaking countries, but there are differences in usage. There are many words often used for Hiking depending on the Hiking conditions, hike length and terrain.In some places, off-trail hiking is called ‘cross-country hiking’, ‘bushwhacking’, or ‘bush-bashing’. In the United Kingdom, hiking is a slightly old-fashioned word, with a flavor more of heartiness and exercise than of enjoying the outdoors; the activity described here would be called ‘hillwalking’ or simply ‘walking’. Australians use the term ‘bushwalking’ for both on- and off-trail hiking. New Zealanders use ‘tramping’ (particularly for overnight and longer trips), ‘walking’ or ‘bushwalking’. Hiking in the mountainous regions of Nepal and India is sometimes called ‘trekking’. Overnight hiking is called ‘backpacking’ in some parts of the world. Hiking a long-distance trail from end to end is referred to as ‘thru-hiking’ in some places.
         

Vermont Hiking Information

Ecological impact of hiking

Hikers often seek beautiful environments in which to hike. Ironically, these environments are often fragile: hikers may accidentally destroy the environment that they enjoy. The action of an individual may not strongly affect the environment. However, the mass effect of a large number of hikers can degrade the environment. For example, gathering wood in an alpine area to start a fire may be harmless once (except for wildfire risk). Years of gathering wood, however, can strip an alpine area of valuable nutrients.

Generally, protected areas such as parks have regulations in place to protect the environment. If hikers follow such regulations, their impact can be minimized. Such regulations include forbidding wood fires, restricting camping to established camp sites, disposing or packing out fecal matter, imposing a quota on the number of hikers per day.

Many hikers espouse the philosophy of Leave No Trace: hiking in a way such that future hikers cannot detect the presence of previous hikers. Practitioners of this philosophy obey its strictures, even in the absence of area regulations.

Human waste is often a major source of environmental impact from hiking. These wastes can contaminate the watershed and make other hikers ill. Bacterial contamination can be avoided by digging cat holes 10 to 25 cm deep (4 to 10 inches, depending on local soil composition) and covering after use. If these cat holes are dug at least 60 m (200 feet) away from water sources and trails, the risk of contamination is minimized. Many hikers warn other hikers about the location of their cat holes by marking them with sticks stuck into the ground.

Sometimes, hikers enjoy viewing rare or endangered species. However, some species (such as martens or bighorn sheep) are very sensitive to the presence of humans, especially around mating season. Hikers should learn the habits and habitats of the endangered species, in order to avoid adverse impact.

There is one situation where an individual hiker can make a large impact on an ecosystem: inadvertently starting a wildfire. For example, in 2005, a Czech backpacker burned 7% of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile by knocking over an illegal gas portable stove. Obeying area regulations and setting up cooking devices on bare ground will reduce the risk of wildfire.

7 Reasons for hiking

  1. Hiking is a great body exercise which will greatly improve your overall physical condition. The natural walking motion provides you with a relatively low impact but effective workout. Furthermore, you are able to set the exact pace and length of your workout. Many people use walking as part of their Fitness routine.
  2. Hiking is a great way to explore nature. Most people enjoy Hiking as it brings them back to nature. It can bring you to the most beautiful places on earth and into contact with amazing plants and wildlife. Beaches, deserts, woods, jungle forests, hills, and mountains all facilitate in different Hiking conditions, each with their own unique appeal.
  3. Hiking is easy to start and it does not require high tech equipment. A solid pair of Hiking Boots, some basic (outdoor) clothing, and a small Hiking Backpack will be enough to get you started on basic day-hikes. The Walking Technique is something you possess from childhood and for basic Hiking, there is nothing else you need to learn.
  4. Hiking is an activity that allows you to grow in your knowledge and skills as you progress. In its easiest form, Hiking is a very safe walk using clearly defined trails. In its extremer form, it would require Mountaineering, survival, hunting, and Navigation Skills.
  5. Hiking is the starting point of a whole range of other outdoor activities that require hiking. It is often a part of Rock Climbing, Mountaineering, Camping, Para Gliding, and a lot of other outdoor/mountainous activities.
  6. Hiking is a year round activity. In fact, being able to hike in different conditions is one of the activity’s most appealing and challenging factors. Autumn leaves, the winter snow, the new green of spring and the heat of summer – you can go hiking at any season.
  7. Hiking is a great way to get away from things and forget about the everyday stress in your life. It could be an experience you share with others or something that you do all alone. Many people take a walk to clear their heads or to think about issues. Hiking could be a way of relaxing or something that can test your own capabilities.
Maine Hiking

You don´t have to be McGyver to hike, but…

You don’t have to be a wilderness survival expert to go off tramping in the woods, but a person needs to have a sound grounding in the basics of the outdoors. It’s the hiker’s or responsibility to obtain the necessary knowledge, preparation and equipment to ensure a safe hike. Joining a group or club can be a great way to get some of the knowledge and training.

Hiking may produce threats to personal safety. These threats can be dangerous circumstances while hiking and/or specific accidents or ailments. Dangerous hiking circumstances include losing the way, inclement weather, hazardous terrain, or exacerbation of pre-existing medical conditions. Specific accidents include metabolic imbalances (such as dehydration or hypothermia), topical injuries (such as frostbite or sunburn), attacks by animals, or internal injuries (such as ankle sprain).

Hikers often propose a set of behavioral prescriptions to minimize these threats. A well-known example of such a set of prescription is the Ten Essentials.

According to the standard textbook Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, the ten essentials are:

  1. Map
  2. Compass (optionally supplemented with a GPS receiver)
  3. Sunglasses and Sunscreen
  4. Extra Food and Water
  5. Extra Clothes
  6. Headlamp/Flashlight
  7. First aid kit
  8. Fire Starter
  9. Matches
  10. Knife

The textbook recommends supplementing the ten essentials with:

  • Water treatment device (water filter or chemicals) and water bottles.
  • Ice axe for glacier or snowfield travel (if necessary).
  • Repair kit, including duct tape and a basic sewing materials.
  • Insect repellent (or clothing designed for this purpose)
  • Signaling devices, such as a whistle, cell phone, two-way radio, unbreakable signal mirror or flare.
  • Plastic tarp and rope for field expedient shelter.

Useful Hiking tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes and socks to prevent your feet from blistering.
  • Be careful when hiking up and down hills. Hiking up and down hills and mountains requires care, especially on slopes covered with loose gravel or loose dirt.
  • Keep your knees bent and use side-stepping maneuvers when hiking on steep parts.
  • Use a hiking stick or hiking poles. A hiking stick or even a pair of hiking poles will give you an extra stability.
  • Take your time. When you ascend to higher elevations the air is thinner and has less oxygen.
  • Be careful when crossing streams. Rocks and debris in the streams can be very slippery and hazardous.
  • Bring your own water. Water running over rocks is not safe in most areas. The water may be contaminated with parasites or bacteria. If you plan to drink water from a stream, use a water filter or water purification tablets.
  • Dress in layers.The weather can change dramatically. Dressing in layers will help ensure you maintain the proper body temperature.

Tips for Dressing for the Outdoors

Outdoor enthusiasts have long recognized that multiple layers of clothing keep them warm in winter and from overheating in summer. Adding or removing garments is a practical way to adapt quickly to different activity levels and temperature changes during your time outside.

Many winter campers wear a system of underwear, a midlayer of polyester fleece (pants and top), followed by a windproof, water-resistant outer layer (windpants with full zips down the side for easy on/off and a high-performance wind shell with zippers under the arms for ventilation during active sports).

Underwear

While cotton was once the mainstay of long underwear and cold-weather clothing, it is no longer recommended for strenuous winter activities because it soaks up moisture. Damp clothes are heavier and, if next to your skin, can pose a chilling hazard.

Modern performance underwear, made from polyester or polypropylene, is most effective in moving moisture away from your skin and into outer layers of clothing where it can evaporate.

In addition to traditional shirts and “long johns,” many other garments, including short-sleeve tops, bras, boxer shorts and briefs, are now made with polyester fabrics to wick away chilling perspiration.

Midlayer

If you are performing an active sport such as skiing, or hiking in spring or fall, a polyester fabric, such as fleece, is an ideal second layer over your long underwear. It continues to trap your body warmth while wicking away moisture. Even in warmer seasons, a midlayer is useful to have handy in your pack for those times you begin to chill (particularly during rest stops.)

Outerwear

Depending on weather conditions, you may want to wear wind-resistant, water-resistant pants and an anorak over your other clothes. How many layers you need depends on your level of exertion, personal preference and weather conditions.

Rainwear

Be prepared for severe weather. Carry a waterproof rain jacket and pants with you, even if the forecast is for sunshine.

Hat

Up to 80% of your body heat can be lost through your neck and head. Carry a hat with you for added warmth or protection from the sun.

For overnight trips, carry a lightweight polypropylene hat. It stores compactly in your pack pocket and doubles nicely as a comfortable sleeping hat in cool weather.

Winter campers often carry a hat system consisting of a lightweight polypropylene liner and a nylon shell to adjust to changing winter temperatures.

Socks

For maximum comfort and blister prevention, many hikers wear two layers of socks, a thin polyester sock liner with a thicker outer sock. On overnight or extended trips, be sure to carry enough socks to be able to change into a fresh set each day.

Fitz Roy Mount - Patagonia - Argentina

The Good Hiker Protocol

Because hiking is a recreational experience, hikers expect it to be pleasant. Sometimes hikers can interfere with each others’ enjoyment, or that of other users of the land, but they can minimize this interference by following good etiquette. For example:

  • When two groups of hikers meet on a steep trail, there may be contention for use of the trail. To avoid conflict, a custom has developed in some areas whereby the group moving uphill has the right-of-way. In other situations, the larger of the two groups will usually yield to the smaller.
  • Being forced to hike much faster or slower than one’s natural pace can be annoying, and difficult to maintain consistently. More seriously, walking unnaturally fast dramatically increases fatigue and exhaustion, and may cause injury. If a group splits between fast and slow hikers, the slow hikers may be left behind or become lost. A common custom is to encourage the slowest hiker to hike in the lead and have everyone match that speed. Another custom is to have an experienced hiker sweep up the rear, to ensure that everyone in the group is safe and nobody straggles.
  • Hikers often enjoy the silence and solitude of their surroundings. Loud sounds, such as shouting or loud conversation, disrupt this enjoyment. Some hikers purposely avoid loud sounds, out of deference to other hikers. Staying quiet will also increase the likelihood of encountering wildlife.
  • Hikers sometimes trespass onto private property from public land or rights of way (easements). Such trespass can alienate the property owners and (in countries where rights of way are not protected by law) close down hiking rights-of-way. To maximize hiking opportunities for everyone, most hikers will either stay on public land and easements, or solicit permission from property owners. Staying on well-marked trails avoids the possibility of trespass.
  • Tree branches or other vegetation often hang low across trails. A passing hiker may cause a tree branch to snap back in the face of a hiker behind. While it is courteous to warn following hikers if a branch is likely to snap back, it is every hiker’s responsibility to allow enough space between himself and the hiker ahead to avoid the hazard.
  • When two groups of hikers meet, it is considered a common courtesy to exchange greetings (either verbal or physical (e.g. smiles and friendly nods)). To pass another group without such acknowledgment is seen as rude.

Enjoy it as a complete experience

  • Don’t just go out for a hike, stop and use your senses. We are privileged to be gifted with so many other aptitudes that we do not just have to use our legs when hiking.
  • We have the sense of smell, which enables us to enjoy the sweetness of the spring flowers but also the song of daisies’ droppings.
  • Touch is wonderful, feel the silky soft moss on a rock in comparison to the prickly thorns of cacti.
  • Sight is one of our most precious gifts, admire the fantastic views mother nature offers, look at the various plants, shrubs, grasses.
  • Listen to the gentle flowing of water, the songs of various species of beautiful birds.
  • At night, don’t let your senses go to sleep, feel the warmth of the fire, hear the crackling of logs or the jackal’s call, admire the stages of the moon and astonish at the galaxy of stars and enjoy the taste of water from a stream before slipping off to bed.

Sources: Abc of hiking, Wikipedia, L L Bean

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