What & Why Hiking?

What is Hiking?

Encyclopædia Britannica from Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service:

"Walking as a recreational activity and sport. Especially among those with sedentary occupations, hiking is a natural exercise that promotes physical fitness, is economical and convenient, and requires no special equipment. Because the hiker can walk as far as he wants, there is no physical strain unless he walks among hills or mountains."

In its most basic definition, Hiking is simply Walking for recreational purposes. A good summary is: “In Hiking, the Journey is more important than the Destination”. Hiking could be your average Sunday walk through the park or it could be a three-week expedition through the Andes mountain range. There are many words often used for Hiking depending on the Hiking conditions, hike length and terrain. Trekking, Backpacking, Bushwalking, Trailing and Mountaineering are just few of the terms that could be seen as Hiking Disciplines or Variations. In their most basic forms, these activities all boil down to walking. If you are able to put one foot in front of the other then you are able to walk and hike. At a more advanced level, Hiking could be seen as a starting point for learning Survival Skills, Camping, Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, Navigation Skills, and a variation of other outdoor techniques. A well-rounded and experienced hiker is an outdoor expert with the physical fitness level, knowledge, and mindset needed to deal with anything nature can throw on his/her trail. 

When people think about Hiking, they mostly think of nature, the great outdoors, a backpack, and a tent. For most people, Hiking is an escape back to nature and a great way to get a good workout while forgetting all about the day to day hassles of city life. On this website, we will look at Hiking in the broadest sense of the word and look at all the different variations of Hiking, the Hiking skills and techniques and Gear and Equipment. 

Hiking Mount Kinabalu is like Hiking + Altitude (Highest Mountain in South-East Asia)

Why We Hiking

Hiking is a recreational activity where we walk because we want to, not because we have to. The journey is more important than the destination. The reason we make this journey varies from person to person and from occasion to occasion. Most people like Hiking for one or more of the following reasons:

• Hiking is a great body exercise which will greatly improve your overall physical condition. The natural walking motion provides you with a relatively low impact but effective workout. Furthermore, you are able to set the exact pace and length of your workout. Many people use walking as part of their Fitness routine.
• Hiking is a great way to explore nature. Most people enjoy Hiking as it brings them back to nature. It can bring you to the most beautiful places on earth and into contact with amazing plants and wildlife. Beaches, deserts, woods, jungle forests, hills, and mountains all facilitate in different Hiking conditions, each with their own unique appeal.
• Hiking is easy to start and it does not require high tech equipment. A solid pair of Hiking Boots, some basic (outdoor) clothing, and a small Hiking Backpack will be enough to get you started on basic day-hikes. The Walking Technique is something you possess from childhood and for basic Hiking, there is nothing else you need to learn.
• Hiking is an activity that allows you to grow in your knowledge and skills as you progress. In its easiest form, Hiking is a very safe walk using clearly defined trails. In its extremer form, it would require Mountaineering, survival, hunting, and Navigation Skills. 
• Hiking is the starting point of a whole range of other outdoor activities that require hiking. It is often a part of Rock Climbing, Mountaineering, Camping, Para Gliding, and a lot of other outdoor/mountainous activities. 
• Hiking is a year round activity. In fact, being able to hike in different conditions is one of the activity’s most appealing and challenging factors. 
• Hiking is a great way to get away from things and forget about the everyday stress in your life. It could be an experience you share with others or something that you do all alone. Many people take a walk to clear their heads or to think about issues. Hiking could be a way of relaxing or something that can test your own capabilities.

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