We are well aware that hiking is an outdoor long walk on steep routes and requires a pair of comfortable hiking shoes, but not every type of hiking trip is meant to entertain a person and sometimes he may not like it at all because all hiking trips are not the same.
They vary from leisure walks to arduous adventures and knowing about them helps a person in analysing that which hiking type suits him best.
Following are the main types of hiking and whichever type is chosen, a
person will fully get the benefits out of them be it physical or mental.
1. Day hiking
It is the most common type of hiking and is easily accessible. Anyone can do it during the day time in a peaceful forest or on a long hiking trail. The day hiking may take a person up to a rocky mountain top. The time span of a day hike is from dawn to dusk.
It can be done on out and back trails or loops. However, a person does not need to carry any backpack containing things like a tent or sleeping bag because it does not involve overnight camping. Only essential hiking items are required.
A day hike does not necessitate a person to learn special skills or possess a certain fitness level. No special permission or fee is required for day hikes unless a person goes to a national park for such purposes.
Essentials for day hiking
- A hat
- Sunglasses
- Insect killer
- Tissue rolls or small towels
- A lip balm
- A device for communication in time of need
- A camera
- A repairing kit
2. Backpacking
Backpacking or otherwise an overnight hiking refers to a hike that involves an overnight stay for at least one night. It involves hiking for many hours before establishing a camp and a further hike the next day. It may be prolonged for several days.
Backpacking involves long-distance hiking but most of these trips consist of one or two miles and an overnight camping where you can keep yourself away from all the hustle and bustle of city’s life. This hiking type is much easier and a person is self- sufficient to go for it and spent a quality time away from stressful routine and feel the nature
Irrespective of the duration of trip, the gear required is for more than a day. Apart from a tent, it includes a sleeping bag, a stove to cook food and some meals (raw or cooked).
Besides, the skill of building a campfire to get warmth at night and hanging a bear bag at specific places must be known to the person. Bear bags are used to protect food from black bears. They are made out of strong material and can not be torn by bears. Backpacking permissions are also required to pitch a tent.
A modern day backpack is revolutionised by the material used to make it. It is constructed with good capacity and provides utility to its users to a great deal.
In olden times, These packs were made from canvas, which, though strong and comfortable, were extremely heavy to carry. Furthermore, they were not water resistant. Now a days, the backpacks are made up of nylon or
any other lightweight materials and are usually waterproof
Following tips are important to consider before going for backpacking
1. Seeking advice from experienced backpackers
One can seek advice from hiking club members or any other known backpacker in this regard. Several guidebooks are available to guide backpackers.
2. Ensuring the abundance of water
Water is any hiker’s best buddy during the journey because drinking sufficient water keeps a person hydrated although it is difficult to carry the load of water throughout the journey.
Drinking half a litre per hour in mild temperature can help a great deal. The quantity can be increased or decreased in accordance with changing temperature and difficult hiking situations. One should not drink water from any other source on the route without purification. It may make you ill.
3. Importance of Mobile Phones or GPS Units
Always take mobile phones along as a basic means of communication. A GPS unit is also helpful at times but their batteries may die or the signals does not always rain the same and one may also lose them so keeping
traditional maps and a compass is a good idea
4. Be weather wise
One should always see the weather reports before backpacking. Any storm prediction must be considered seriously to avoid any challenging situation.
5. Don’t Go Solo
Hiking alone can endanger your life and therefore it should be avoided to go solo A close friend accompanying you may become a difference in case of any emergency
A backpacking trip gives you a pleasant experience when you witness wildlife from the tent in the morning when the new backpackers arrive and in the evening when they go back to their homes . Gazing at the stars and milky way soothes you and the journey up the trail gives you all the calmness and strength
Section hiking
Section hiking is a type of hiking which involves different phases of hiking on a long trail of hiking. For example, you could cover the complete hiking trail spread over a few weeks of activity, covering sections in each phase.
Some section hikers may plan to do one half of the trail in one visit and complete the other half next time. This hiking type benefits a person practically by controlling the hiking pace. If a person wishes to walk at a low pace, spending more time appreciating nature, this type allows him to do so.
It also supports your idea of choosing the most interesting and panoramic parts because how you do your journey is solely your choice. Furthermore it doesn’t burden a person by splitting the expenses in two parts and those having no free time to complete the hiking in one go.
An issue to consider with section hiking is the ability to stay in shape to ensure the possibility to keep coming back to walk the trail.