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Hiking: Difference between revisions
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'''Hiking''' is a form of walking, undertaken with the specific purpose of exploring and enjoying the scenery. It usually takes place on [[trail]]s in rural or [[wilderness]] areas. | '''Hiking''' is a form of walking, undertaken with the specific purpose of exploring and enjoying the scenery. It usually takes place on [[trail]]s in rural or [[wilderness]] areas. | ||
The word '''hiking''' is understood in all English-speaking countries, but there are differences in usage. 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 rather of 'heartiness' and 'exercise' than of 'enjoying the outdoors' (people in the UK would be more likely to use more modest terms such as ''' | The word '''hiking''' is understood in all English-speaking countries, but there are differences in usage. 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 rather of 'heartiness' and 'exercise' than of 'enjoying the outdoors' (people in the UK would be more likely to use more modest terms such as '''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 (wilderness)|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. | ||
== Comparison with other forms of touring == | == Comparison with other forms of touring == | ||
Hiking is one of the fundamental [[outdoor activity|outdoor activities]] on which many others are based. Many beautiful places can only be reached overland by hiking. 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 in large quantities, and fellow passengers. It has an advantage over standing in one place because the hiker may cover a wide area. | Hiking is one of the fundamental [[outdoor activity|outdoor activities]] on which many others are based. Many beautiful places can only be reached overland by hiking. 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 in large quantities, and fellow passengers. It has an advantage over standing in one place because the hiker may cover a wide area. | ||
On the other hand, hiking over long distances or over difficult terrain does require some degree of physical ability and knowledge, as well as a [[backpack]] to carry food, water and [[Ten | On the other hand, hiking over long distances or over difficult terrain does require some degree of physical ability and knowledge, as well as a [[backpack]] to carry food, water and [[Ten Essentials|essential equipment]]. Hikers may be caught in inclement weather or suffer mishaps. Some jurisdictions (for example, New Hampshire) now require inadequately prepared hikers to pay for their own rescues. | ||
[[Image:Trailblazesymbols.jpg|150px|thumb|right|The most common symbols used in [[trail blazing]]]] | [[Image:Trailblazesymbols.jpg|150px|thumb|right|The most common symbols used in [[trail blazing]]]] | ||
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*[[Hiking equipment]] | *[[Hiking equipment]] | ||
*[[List of long-distance footpaths]] | *[[List of long-distance footpaths]] | ||
*[[Ten | *[[Ten Essentials|Ten essential items of gear]] | ||
Kinds of hiking: | Kinds of hiking: | ||