A brief historical overview: the evolution of walking

Hiking and trekking have very ancient roots.
Originally, walking was first a necessity: people traveled on foot to hunt, trade, migrate, or complete pilgrimages. Great ancient roads, like the Roman roads, bear witness to this movement. In the Middle Ages, walking took on a spiritual dimension, particularly with pilgrimages like the one to Santiago de Compostela, structuring networks of villages and inns.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, walking became a recreational practice. The Romantic movement valued exploration, leading to the formalization of mountaineering and the birth of the first mountain clubs. In the 20th century, the practice became organized with the creation of marked trails, shelters, and guides, making the mountains more accessible. This is also when great mountain ranges like the Himalayas attracted expeditions and, later, trekkers curious about extreme landscapes.

After the Second World War, hiking became democratized with the invention of specialized equipment (shoes, bags, tents) and the development of trail networks (like the GR in Europe). Trekking then became a popular way to discover distant regions. Today, the activity is diversifying with "thru-hiking," the "ultralight" philosophy, and ecotourism. Digital tools (GPS maps, apps) are transforming the preparation and safety of walkers.

Hiking vs. Trekking: key definitions

Although they share walking as the main activity, hiking and trekking are primarily distinguished by their duration, difficulty, and the required level of autonomy.

Hiking: the adventure, simply put

According to the ISO standard, Hiking is defined as an: "Adventure activity based on walking and less arduous than trekking."

Hiking in brief

✓ Short duration: It is most often done over one day or a half-day.
✓ Logistical support: The walker is rarely in a situation of total self-sufficiency. Accommodation and meals are often found at planned logistical points (shelters, hotels).
✓ Marked trails: The routes are often well-maintained and signaled, reducing the need for technical navigation skills.
✓ Audience: Accessible to families and beginners.

Trekking: immersion and autonomy

Trekking is a more committed activity. It is defined as an: "Adventure activity in a natural environment, self-sufficient for survival, which includes one or more overnight stays and is more arduous than hiking."

Trekking in brief

✓ Self-sufficiency for survival: The trekker must carry all their equipment (tent, food, safety gear) for several days, as they will be cut off from any assistance.
✓ Duration: It extends over several days, or even several weeks, with overnight stays in bivouacs, wild camping, or isolated shelters.
✓ Increased difficulty: The terrain is often more varied, rough, less marked, and may involve more demanding climate and altitude conditions.
✓ Audience: Reserved for regular athletes and experienced walkers.

Levels of difficulty: measuring the effort (ISO Standard)

The assessment of difficulty is essential for safety and relies on a combination of factors:
 

Factor	Impact on difficulty
Physical effort	Length, elevation gain, and load to carry. The more sustained and long the effort, the higher the difficulty.
Required technical ability	Skills needed to progress (easy climbing, river crossing, etc.). Trails requiring specific skills significantly increase the difficulty.
Terrain	Type of surface (off-trail, scree, glacier, etc.). Unstable or poorly marked terrain demands more concentration and energy (psychological effort).
Altitude and climate	The effect of altitude on the body (mountain sickness) and extreme weather conditions (cold, heat, wind, rain). These factors increase risks and effort.