Hiking v Walking

I have been talking a fair bit about walking, but then I stumbled upon the question.  What is the difference between Walking and Hiking? Does it really matter?  Are there purists out there who would be mad at being called walkers and vice versa.  What's in a name anyway?  At the end of the day, whatever the activity it is you choose to do and whatever name you call it by so long as it gets you out and about, makes you feel better about yourself and helps keep you fit then it has to be good. Enjoy what you do and carry on creating great memories through your activities.

Hiking vs. Walking

There are many elements that people use to judge whether they are hiking or simply walking.

• Hikers hike on natural trails, while walkers walk on any surface—concrete, asphalt, gravel, or sand.
• Hikers seek natural environments—forests, mountains, parks. Walkers walk anywhere.
• Hikers like to dress the part in natural fibers, sturdy hiking boots, and a hiking stick or trekking poles. Walkers may look like anybody else out strolling down the street.
• Hikers take the 10 essentials along to deal with any emergency. These include ways to make fire and navigate with a compass. Walkers take their house key (when they remember), cell phone, and maybe id/money/credit card and a water bottle.
• Hiking is rated as burning more calories per mile than walking at the same speed, due to hills and uneven surfaces.
  

Hikers vs. Walkers

Most walkers are willing to cross over to the wild side to spice up their walking. If they live near a natural area, they are likely to enjoy walking there at least once in awhile. Some walkers do not want to walk uphill or on trails where there are rocks and roots. They would need to gear up properly for a hike.
However, many hikers turn up their noses over the idea of going for a nice 6-mile walk that isn't in the woods. They don't want to walk in urban area, suburbs, city parks or even along country roads. They want a completely natural setting.
In general, people who walk for fitness walk two or more days a week. But many hikers only hike occasionally, and only in season. Is this quality over quantity? Researchers have found mental health and stress relief benefits for walking in a park or other natural setting. The hiker whose usual exercise is done in a gym or on the treadmill may want to think about enjoying at least short walks in local parks between bouts of true hiking.
A hiker would have to change up their gear for walking on sidewalks and paved paths. Flexible athletic walking or running shoes are best for paved surfaces. Sweat-wicking clothing works better than natural fibers to keep a walker dry and cool. And they can leave the trekking poles at home or use fitness walking poles instead for an extra workout. 
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