: Mountaineering vs hiking vs trekking reddit Only thing I’d find kind of annoying is having to decide whether to use the bare metal spikes or rubber tips. Hiking is mostly walking on a trail in nice conditions. The Skechers are much lighter and great for sandier, smoother trails, the Merrells are obviously heavier and meant for more rugged/rocky landscapes. May 21, 2025 · Fancy hitting your first big summit? Well here’s a starter guide to mountain climbing! Learn essential mountaineering preparation, gear, and training tips. . In the UK, the difference between scrambling and hiking is similar: if you use your hands for stability, you’re hiking, if you use your hands for propulsion, you’re scrambling and if you use a rope, you’re climbing. A mountaineer, in my mind, is one who can safely and effectively transit an alpine area in any season. ) i am just wondering if the difference between hiking and mountaineering is just the categorization or if there are actual differences in the algorithm? A short explanation would be appreciated. The main differences are: For one, hiking is usually done on well-beaten trails, whereas trekking is often done where there are no trails. See full list on trekhunt. Just remember, these are not get out of jail free cards, electronics can fail, run out of batteries, or lose their signal. Apr 29, 2019 · What exactly is the difference between hiking, trekking, and mountaineering? Why is it important to know the differences? This comparison will clarify it all. Mountaineering Boots vs. Mountaineering, mountain climbing, or alpinism[1] is a set of outdoor activities that involves ascending mountains. To traverse the wilderness during your next hike, your hiking boots need to provide the three pillars of comfort, support, and durability as the bare minimum. Appropriate hiking clothing that is NON-COTTON, such as hiking pants, poly-pro shirt, poly-pro underwear, toque, and backpack. Called an Alpenstock this could be any handy branch or some formally carved piece of wood. This is critical to effective climbing (or hiking on trails that go straight up like ours do)! Is it just personal preference? I never used trekking poles before, Im 190cm / 6ft 3in if that matters, tent requires "about" 120cm, will use them mountain hiking mainly Share Add a Comment Sort by: Best Open comment sort options Best Top New Controversial Old Q&A WalkItOffAT • Trekking Poles: carbon fiber or aluminum. There are many more differences between I recently bought this trekking pole, the strong build and comfortable grip are the best things I love about these, and I highly recommend these trekking poles as they come with a very good price tag and overall great user experience. May 3, 2019 · Short answer: To “hike” is to go for a long walk; to “trek” is to go on a long and arduous hike; “mountaineering” is climbing (using your legs, or legs and hands, to ascend) a mountain for sport. Thanks Guys! So, what’s the difference between mountaineering and hiking? Mountaineering is more specified, extreme version of hiking that combines other skills like rock climbing and skiing. Obviously would put on the rubber tips in a rocky environment. Jun 24, 2019 · Our guide to mountaineering, including what mountaineering actually is, how to get started, and the best routes for various levels of mountaineer. But with shoes, I have mixed feelings, most of them were either uncomfortable or got destroyed quite fast. Learn when each is appropriate and what to look for in them before you shop. Salomon Quest 4 La Sportiva Trekking pole carbon fiber vs aluminum, which one to get? I was never a fan of trekking poles, but hearing how beneficial they are from all sides that I decided to get myself a pair, after some initial research as a UL-minded person I narrowed my search towards poles that goes under 200g per pole, have a twist lock for being less bulky. Fakespot detects fake reviews, fake products and unreliable sellers using AI. Coach David Roche calls this the "climber's paradox" where overdoing climbing, especially steep hiking climbs, with less running causes your legs to stay slow. 5 Scarpa approach shoes, size 45 or 45. Here is the analysis for the Amazon product reviews: Name: Ice Cleats Crampons Traction Snow Grips for Boots Shoes Women Men Kids Anti Slip 18 Stainless Steel Spikes Safe Protect for Hiking Fishing Walking Climbing Jogging Mountaineering Company: Cimkiz Amazon Product Rating How exactly does hiking make you fit if you go on a consistent basis? What physical changes do you see? Hiking vs Trekking: The Differences We have laid the foundation by giving you an overview of what is trekking and hiking. I lost most of 2018's hiking season due to knee surgery/recovery, and was only able to get back into the swing of things in November before winter conditions set in. While they are often used interchangeably, these activities differ in difficulty, terrain, and required skills. Understanding these differences can help adventurers choose the right challenge, whether it’s a simple nature Sep 18, 2025 · Confused between hiking, trekking, and mountaineering? Learn the differences in terrain, difficulty, skills, and gear with real Himalayan context. It includes hiking, but hiking is just a small fraction of the skills involved in mountaineering. Mountaineering, the sport of attaining, or attempting to attain, high points in mountainous regions, mainly for the pleasure of the climb. Popular multi-day routes from hut to hut in the Alps are often called treks (example Tour de Mont Blanc). Hiking is easier than trekking or mountaineering but it can still be challenging. It’s a way to see the world from new heights, to test your limits, and to discover a community of like-minded people who inspire each other to keep pushing forward. hiking vs. A long hike of multiple days would still be hiking. Hiking equipment varies, but a sturdy pair of hiking footwear and water are essential. mountaineering boots: Generally speaking, hiking boots are a bit more forgiving. My day hikes are usually 10+ hour long. Cascade mountain have 50 dollar carbon fiber I have used for the last few years, that work excellent! In addition, with the most lightweight tents requiring trekking poles, they have seen a huge rise in popularity. They do make the most sense for older hikers, but I would argue so too do hammocks that don't require trekking poles or ground The main difference is that Backpacking boots will have a much stiffer sole (full or 3/4 shanks) which will reduce the flexibility of the boot to be more rigid. That dates back centuries. I used the black diamond alpine carbon z. Mountaineering encompasses the skills needed to climb mountains in all conditions. Hiking Boots Hi folks, I'm looking to buy my first pair of mountaineering boots and was hoping for some help. I like the Skechers for lighter hiking, and the Merrells for more rugged hiking. I am planning on doing some winter hiking in the Adirondacks and NE in general (Not really sure if that qualifies as mountaineering). It's a great question, honestly. trekking, there are some key differences to take into consideration! What's your kind of definition hiking compared to Trail-Running? If you are climbing a mountain (1000+ elevation gain) and you are not able to run this mountain, do you consider this as a trail-run oder a speed-hiking-acitivity? :) Share Sort by: Best Open comment sort options Add a Comment relentlessRatKing • I'm a novice and just learning about the gear required for mountaineering. I haven’t seen too many good reasons for going with expensive poles, and my cheap poles have performed at least as well as the expensive poles I’ve owned. I recently read a thread where the difference between Hiking and Walking was explained (the latter contributing to VO2Max etc. I bought cheap REI brand trekking poles because I figured it wasn’t an essential piece of gear. That requires backpacking, rock climbing, ice travel, snow travel, navigation, and crossing waterways amongst other things. This is a Fakespot Reviews Analysis bot. Now, let’s walk you through interesting facts related to the difference between hiking and trekking. Although the latter is a multi-day hike, the hiking is relatively easy with mild inclines. Discover the key differences in hiking, trekking and mountaineering to ensure your safety and to match adventures to your skills and outdoor experience. To help prep for 2019's season I've been trying to come up with some routines on the treadmill using varying inclines Sep 14, 2023 · Trekking is another term, referring to a long journey traveled by foot. Compared to wearing trail runners when hiking, with trekking you'll more often have boots (depending on where you are trekking). Where to Start with Mountaineering in the USA: A Complete Beginner’s Guide. Basically, running improves both running and climbing ability, but doing more climbing does less to improve running ability. From what I understand so far, Global Rescue The Basics: Hiking Vs. What is your experience with their shoes for hiking, have you found any that were good? We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Mountaineering, therefore, requires quite a bit more gumption, expertise and technical gear such as ropes, ice axes and crampons than is needed for hiking. They will allow “trekking” up to 7000m with their special policy add-on but the moment you have to use climbing equipment (required for the island peak section) they won’t go above the 6000m. Physical Preparation The first and basic difference between trekking and hiking is physical preparation, which means you need to be in a reasonable shape to survive a hike Sep 13, 2024 · Let’s get down to brass tacks and create a brief overview of what properties are best in hiking boots vs. I feel like the trekking poles offer much more stability, and even help you with keeping your pace, particularly on steep ascents (these often slow me down). Back in ancient days before hiking poles became a thing we used a single hiking stick. I have been looking at boots and can't decide between a low-level/hybrid mountaineering boot like the La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX or a winter hiking boot like the Vasque Breeze WT GTX. According to them they won’t cover mountaineering above 6000m (which Island Peak falls under and goes to circa 6200m). Mar 9, 2025 · Introduction: The Call of the Wild Every outdoor enthusiast—whether a beginner or a seasoned explorer—has encountered the terms hiking, trekking, and mountaineering. In the few hikes that I did squeeze in, I noticed my hiking cardio was understandably not where it use to be. Apr 21, 2023 · Hiking and trekking are two outdoor activities that involve walking on natural paths or trails. The main difference between mountain boots and hiking boots is the outsole pattern or design. Apr 19, 2023 · In this article, we will explore the history of mountaineering as a sport and hobby, the different types of mountaineering, the skills required for mountaineering, essential gear, safety concerns, and how to prepare for a mountaineering trip. how low do temperatures have to go to worry about a failure. A short trek through the jungle would still be trekking. If you read Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills it describes mountaineering as a blend of several disciplines. Mountaineering differs from other outdoor sports in that nature alone provides the field of action—and just about all of the challenges—for the participant. Trekking Vs. Jul 5, 2022 · Mountaineering always involves ascending tall mountains with the intention of summiting and may involve bouldering, rock climbing and different types of skiing. May 15, 2025 · What Is Mountaineering? Mountaineering refers to the sport of climbing mountains using a combination of hiking, scrambling, rock climbing, and ice climbing skills. Hiking has a broad definition, but it usually just means getting from point A to point B in nature. Moreover, mountaineering boots feature a rather taller and stiff build due to added protection from injury or abrasions. I used a branch as a walking stick until the next resupply point that had an outfitter and promptly bought black diamond poles. Collapsible or Z pole? I’ve heard carbon fiber runs into problems at lower temps, up until now I’ve been using Leki ultralight trail running carbon poles currently. Here, we’ll tell you what comes with being a full-blooded alpinist, including 6 tips to help you build up the physical fitness and technical know-how you need to conquer your first summit. I currently do a lot of difficult hikes in BC with a lot of rocks, big roots and scrambling. IMHO both companies have comparable sizes in terms of length, but Scarpa boots are often wider than La Sportiva. the Chart to Show Your Non-Climber Friends 2 comments Best Add a Comment WRXGarage • 30 min. Within the first week of hiking the AT one of them snapped in half, and in the second week the other one snapped in half. Do you take two sets of boots with you, wearing hiking boots until you get to the technical terrain, or just use the mountaineering boots for the whole thing? Thanks! Climbing vs Hiking. I've looked into these boots: Mammut Trovat Tour High GTX. Mountaineering can involve rock climbing, glacier travel and off-trail hiking to reach a summit. On Reddit, the difference between mountaineering and alpinism is mostly gatekeeping. I wear size 45 or 45. Love them for the zip cargo pockets that secures my phone in the AR-15 slot inside, hidden passport pocket and the matching Cobra gun belt. Within that there are lots of different forms of hiking — trekking, peakbagging, etc. Then a pair of trekking poles were introduced. I’m a fan of the Fizan 3 aluminum poles (less than 6oz each and $60 for the pair) and cascade mountain tech carbon poles (less than 8oz each and $32 for the pair from Costco). Compared to mostly wearing trail runners when hiking, with trekking there is a bigger chance you'll need What makes them worth having as it seems that everyone is using them on the mountains now a days! We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. com Jun 25, 2025 · Trekking requires a higher level of endurance and preparation compared to hiking. I'm planning on getting into mountaineering and multiday backpacking trips. Boots when it is cold (obviouisly) and when I want ankle support and well protected feet, sandals in hot weather, also very handy for river crossings. Feb 23, 2023 · To help you better understand the difference between mountaineering boots and hiking boots, we’ll walk you through the basics of these two kinds of footwear and answer some of your top questions about the different boots you might use in the mountains. I use Lowa Trekker and Source Classic for more than 20 years now and very happy with both. I have narrow feet and usually LS fit me much better. I met someone in the Adirondacks who had a pair and after talking with him I decided to try a Oct 9, 2025 · Mountaineering boots and hiking boots are used for very different situations. 5 for La Sportiva hiking/trekking boots, size 46 for La Sportiva Nepal Mountaineering boots and size 44 for climbing shoes. ago We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. The hiking pants are tapered in the leg enough that I can wear them around without looking too out of place (they look like tapered leg 'army' pants). trekking vs. On the other hand, hiking boots are available in varying lengths (mid, high, and low) that provide safety from rocky and muddy pathways. There is also a heavier reliance on other skills such as navigation, medical care, survival in case of an emergency, understanding your terrain, potential dangers, for example, compared to hiking. I would assume the Vasque Breeze makes more sense in the Adirondacks due the Experienced trekkers and hikers, in your opinion what are your 'average person's Everest' and must do epic treks ? Want to train yourself but don't know what to choose between hiking vs. — but that’s the main Jun 13, 2024 · When it comes to mountaineering vs. The main difference between hiking and trekking is the level of difficulty and the duration of the activity. Mountaineering Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's start with a quick overview of these outdoor activities. Mountaineering is more than just a sport or a hobby. There are overlaps between these and other terms, and opinions will vary, but the difference in use tends to follow the level of technical difficulty (verticality, conditions, and height I have been using decathlon gear for a decade now, small things and some clothes are superb for the price. When I was using a tent that used trekking poles to setup, they were luckily also the same height necessary for the tent. You need some navigation and survival skills, but not a ton. I have a new pair of Merrell Moab and a new pair of Skechers Men’s GOrun Altitude Running Walking Hiking shoe. If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “I want to be a mountaineer,” then this one is for you. The boots are obviously quite different from hiking boots. Reply reply COBengal • Mountain boots, trekking boots, trekking shoes. The main reason is the unyielding stiffness of mountaineering boots offering the wearer superior support. mountaineering? Let's check this guide, and you can name the best! In mountaineering the difficulty of the route was always of importance and rock climbing evolved out of mountaineering because people were trying more and more difficult routes. This is great for carrying heavier weight on your back and also for travelling on very uneven surfaces (think backcountry boulders/scree or poorly maintained trails) Hiking boots will have much more flexibility on the sole and will Trekking: Almost the same as hiking, but often used for multi-day trips. If you're looking to improve fitness, I would recommend doing more level running than hiking. Mountaineering: This activity is the most challenging of the three, involving climbing mountains with technical equipment and skills. which is your favourite? Hi Everyone - first post here! I am planning to do the pyrenees haute route this year, and just went to get a new pair of hiking shoes to wear in. Mountaineering equipment involves warmer clothing, food and camping supplies, protective boots, gear for scaling walls, and trekking poles. Hiking shoes never made sense to me - it's either boots or sandals for me. The performance of mountaineering boots with crampons greatly exceeds the performance of hiking boots with the same crampons. On the Western Sierra Trekking vs. The latter is much safer than the former. Learn how to prepare and get the skills you need. Scrambling: Doing a more challenging route that requires some use of hands to balance yourself, but does not require ropes and climbing ability. hiking is not about durations. Aug 21, 2023 · Discover the key differences between Mountain Climbing and Hiking including equipment, destinations, purpose, and risk/safety factors. Jul 13, 2025 · She will take us through some of the essential mountaineering basics and 15 tips on how to begin mountaineering. Yes I spoke with World Nomads.

Mountaineering vs hiking vs trekking reddit. I have narrow feet and usually LS fit me much better.