Hiking can be referred to as an outdoor activity that involves walking in natural environments. They are done often on hiking trails. It is a popular activity and there are many hiking organizations set up in the world. There are several health benefits for different types of hiking that have been confirmed in studies. In different countries, it is used in different ways. In the United Kingdom and the United States, it is referred to as cross-country walking for a longer duration. This is not a simple walk but usually over terrain where hiking boots are essential.
A day hike is a hike that can be completed and accomplished in a single day. This is often applied to mountain hikes to a summit or lake. This does not require an overnight camp in which generally backpacking is used. Multi-day hiking in the mountainous regions of North America, India, Nepal, and South Africa and in the high lands of East Africa is also referred to as Trekking. In the United Kingdom, hiking is also often referred to as rambling or hill walking. The term bushwalking is endemic to Australia and In New Zealand, it is known as tramping.
The apparels and essentials needed for hiking completely depend on the length of the hike. Day hikers generally carry food, a map, and rainproof gear. They wear sturdy hiking boots for mountain walking and a must needed backpacking that increases stability. Other essentials include sunglasses, sunscreen, trekking pole, and a first aid kit. Last but not the least flashlight.
A GPS navigator can be helpful and route cards can be used as a guide. The hiking times can be estimated through Tobler’s hiking function or Naismith’s rule. Distances can be measured by a map with a tool called opisometer. A pedometer can be helpful in recording distance walked.
