We’ve had a love affair with Zuke’s since before they had any idea who we were and we are proud to have them as one of our long-term sponsors. Their continued support helps to make sure we have the treats we need to fuel our adventures and that I can continue to share our stories and tips.
I was sure I knew the definition of hiking. I was also sure I knew the meaning of adventure. During the first year of this blog I realized that adventure means different things to different people. Hiking can mean different things to different people too (and and differ by areas of the country).
This year I made a resolution to hike 250 miles with Chester and Gretel. Before we can start counting the miles, I want to be sure that the definition of hiking is clear. I need to know what we can count towards our goal and what we can’t.
So what IS the the definition of hiking? The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines hiking as “to walk a long distance especially for pleasure or exercise”. Another definition I found elaborated that it is walking for long distances “across country or in the woods.”. Wikipedia defines it as “a form of walking, undertaken with the specific purpose of exploring and enjoying the scenery. It usually takes place on trails in rural or wilderness areas.” It is clear that hiking involves walking “long distances” and nature but my gut tells me that it is more complicated than that.
What is considered “long distance” anyway and is it necessary for something to be a hike? One of our favorite go-to hikes, Rattlesnake Ledge, is 4 miles round trip. I definitely don’t consider that long distance but absolutely consider it a hike. The trail does climb significantly through the woods though.
What about walking for an hour through an urban park? We call that “urban hiking” but, although it cures our hiking itch a little, I honestly don’t consider that real hiking. The trails are relatively flat and we typically walk those trails at a slower pace than we do when we are hiking.
Does hiking and “walking for exercise” ‘imply that there must be a certain amount of elevation gain? Not necessarily. I can think of at least one 8-mile hike that follows a river and doesn’t gain more than 200 feet of elevation. I definitely consider that a hike.
There are many attempts at defining hiking but they just draw a muddy line at best. It might be one of those things that is really up to the perception of the person. This is what our definition of hiking is:
- Is in nature and on a dirt of gravel surface
- Elevates my heart rate, and implies more work, that simple walking (ie. not easy to carry on a full conversation when walking uphill)
- Requires the use of hiking boots and wicking, quick-dry clothing (because it probably involves some sweat)
- Has a natural feature as a destination – waterfall, lake, peak, abandoned mining camp, etc.
- If I need a forest service pass to park there, it is definitely considered a hike
- It has an elevation gain/loss of at least 200 feet per mile and/or is a “long distance” hike of over 4 miles
This is what I think our definition of hiking is anyway. I am going to keep an journal of all of our hikes this year with trail notes, including what defined it as a hike in my mind. I will revisit this list at the end of the year and see if I need to tweak my definition.
What is your definition of hiking?
Roxy the traveling dog says
January 8, 2014 at 7:09 AMI would say all those qualify as hikes. For me, if it involves taking water for everyone because we will be gone a long time, that counts. And lunch LOL
Jessica Rhae says
January 8, 2014 at 9:00 AMYes, that does count 🙂 Even though I bring a lot of water, I forget to drink as much as I should. I am better about making sure Chester and Gretel get theirs….and my hubby because he gets grumpy if not 🙂
Jen K says
January 8, 2014 at 7:34 AMI agree with your definition!
Generally I’d consider hiking anything that’s not on a paved path, not in an urban centre, and that either (a) involves elevation gain; (b) is longer or more strenuous than your average walk; or (c) is both.
But I think I like the thought you’ve put into it better!
Jessica Rhae says
January 8, 2014 at 9:01 AMMy definition is very much the same of yours with a little extra thrown in 🙂
houndstooth says
January 8, 2014 at 2:47 PMUm, well, you’ve thought about this a lot more than I have…
Rebekah says
January 8, 2014 at 4:02 PMI think your definition is perfect. We also love to hike.
YourSpecialDog says
January 8, 2014 at 4:47 PMThe definition is very good 🙂
Jenna,Mark “HuskyCrazed” Drady says
January 9, 2014 at 8:02 AMI love hiking, although nowadays I am not able to do it as much as I would like. But one of my fondest memories as a child was hiking through the woods with our parents? And we had loads of fun!!!
((Husky hugz))
“Love is being owned by a husky”
Jessica Rhae says
January 9, 2014 at 3:19 PMI can’t hike as much as I used to either. Being an “adult” means more things I have to get done and less freedom but I also struggle with lower back pain. I have to be really careful to stretch after but even then I sometimes can’t hike two days in a row. We do what we can right?
emma says
January 9, 2014 at 8:31 AMWe loosely say we went for a hike meaning a longer walk, but our true feeling is that a hike is in the wilderness, mountain, prairie, or somewhere off road with trails that are rugged. Going up a mountain is a definite hike, but here in MN, we don’t have any of those, so for us, it is hiking trails through the woods often with inclines, some water, just out in nature. Hiking boots may not be necessary, but no flip flops or “girly” shoes, you need good shoes for the rugged terrain. It should also be at least an hour hike and you should sweat and feel like you did something when you are done. We like this post as Mom often wonders why some people call their walks hikes.
Jessica Rhae says
January 9, 2014 at 3:17 PMI’ve hiked plenty of trails that didn’t go up a mountain but was very undulating with A LOT of elevation gain and loss over the length (even though the absolute elevation gain was not that much). If I had to pick ONE differentiation for me, it would be the sweating that you mention 🙂 I’be sometimes sweatted on a walk but never NOT sweatted on a “real” hike.
Dolly the Doxie says
January 9, 2014 at 3:16 PMI pretty much agree with you! Like I said its nothing for us to do 5 miles a day but its not a hike. Probably even our walks in the forest preserve aren’t but we are looking forward to living vicariously through yours! Love Dolly
Jessica Rhae says
January 9, 2014 at 3:20 PMWe’ll we’re happy to have you “vicariously” along for the adventure 🙂
Genevieve says
January 9, 2014 at 3:48 PMWhat a super fun idea. Good luck with meeting your goal. Hiking for us is wandering around the neighborhood. That’s just how we roll. Before Mom’s knee surgery, hiking was anything that involved getting off the couch. Now that her knee is new, we’re off the couch for good!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Jen says
January 12, 2014 at 8:39 AMMy definition of hiking definitely requires it to be more strenuous than a “normal” walk. Elevation, to be sure, and a certain rugged quality of wilderness.
Healing Paws says
March 17, 2014 at 3:53 PMHmm… I think the most important factors for what we consider “hiking” are the first two you mentioned: a true nature trail that is somewhat challenging in nature, and not too short, either. The destination is a bonus!
Alynn says
July 14, 2014 at 10:39 AMI’m searching for a great hiking backpack that will hold my dog and gear for a day trip. What do you have? Your pack in the picture looks pretty sweet!
Jessica Rhae says
July 16, 2014 at 8:19 AMHi Alynn. I don’t use a pack to carry my dogs on a regular basis. I do carry a little, flimsy one to use in the case of emergencies (we’ve only used it twice in 10 years). It’s not super comfortable or the dog. In face. I would advise against using it regularly for a Doxie because of their fragile backs. Perhaps that is the photo you saw…the one of me carrying Chester in a front pack?
I get a lot of questions about backpacks to carry dogs…especially Dachshunds. Chester is 12 now and slowing down. There will come a day when he can no longer keep up with our hikes. I have been on the lookout for a backpack to carry him so we are prepared when that day comes. I haven’t found anything yet.
I have seen a couple that would work for other types of small dogs. What kind of dog do you have?