Hiking vs Trekking vs Climbing: What's the Difference?
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Hiking vs Trekking vs Climbing: What's the Difference?

Peaksy Team5 min read

Why the Confusion?

People use "hiking," "trekking," and "climbing" interchangeably all the time. And honestly, there's a lot of overlap between them. But they do mean different things, and knowing the difference helps you pick the right adventure for your skill level.

Here in the Philippines, you'll hear all three terms thrown around in hiking groups and trail conversations. Let's clear things up.

Hiking

Hiking is walking on a trail, usually in a natural setting like a mountain, forest, or national park. Most hikes follow established paths and can be completed in a single day.

Key characteristics:

  • Follows a marked or established trail
  • Usually a day activity (though overnight hikes exist)
  • Doesn't require technical skills or specialized equipment
  • Terrain ranges from easy paths to moderate inclines

Philippine examples:

  • Mt. Gulugod Baboy (easy, 1.5 to 2 hours)
  • Mt. Batulao (easy to moderate, 3 to 4 hours)
  • Mt. Maculot (moderate, 3 to 4 hours)

Hiking is the most accessible of the three. If you can walk, you can hike. You just need decent shoes and some water.

Trekking

Trekking is like hiking's more intense cousin. It involves longer, multi-day journeys through more remote or challenging terrain. Trekking routes may not always have well-defined paths, and the distances are generally much longer.

Key characteristics:

  • Multi-day journeys (2+ days)
  • Often in remote or rugged areas
  • Requires camping gear and more preparation
  • Higher physical demands than day hiking
  • May involve varied terrain (forests, rivers, ridgelines)

Philippine examples:

  • Mt. Pulag via the Akiki Trail (2 to 3 days)
  • Mt. Apo (2 to 3 days)
  • Traverse routes like the Mt. Halcon trek (3 to 5 days)

The line between hiking and trekking can get blurry. A good rule of thumb: if it involves sleeping on the trail and covering long distances through remote areas, it's a trek.

Climbing

Climbing is where things get technical. In the outdoor world, climbing generally refers to activities that require you to use your hands (not just your feet) to move upward. This includes rock climbing, mountaineering, and bouldering.

Key characteristics:

  • Requires use of hands for upward movement
  • Often involves technical gear (ropes, harnesses, carabiners)
  • Needs specialized training and skills
  • Higher risk than hiking or trekking
  • May involve rock faces, cliffs, or ice

Philippine examples:

  • Rock climbing at Cantabaco, Cebu
  • The rock scramble sections of Mt. Palay-Palay
  • Technical routes on Mt. Halcon and Mt. Guiting-Guiting

In the Philippines, "climbing" is sometimes used casually to mean any mountain ascent ("We climbed Mt. Pulag last weekend"). That's fine in conversation, but technically, climbing involves vertical terrain that requires hands-on movement.

Quick Comparison

| | Hiking | Trekking | Climbing | |---|---|---|---| | Duration | Hours to a full day | Multiple days | Varies (hours to days) | | Terrain | Trails, paths | Remote, varied | Vertical, technical | | Gear needed | Basic (shoes, water, pack) | Camping gear, more supplies | Technical gear (ropes, harness) | | Fitness level | Beginner to moderate | Moderate to advanced | Advanced | | Training needed | Minimal | Some experience helpful | Required | | Risk level | Low to moderate | Moderate | High |

The Three Types of Hiking

Within hiking itself, there are different styles worth knowing about:

Day Hiking

The most common type. You start and finish on the same day. Pack light, hit the trail, enjoy the views, and head home. Most Philippine mountain hikes fall into this category.

Backpacking

Multi-day hikes where you carry everything you need on your back: tent, food, sleeping bag, the works. This overlaps heavily with trekking. In the Philippines, overnight hikes to mountains like Mt. Pulag and Mt. Apo are essentially backpacking trips.

Thru-Hiking

Long-distance hiking that covers an entire trail from end to end, usually over weeks or months. Think of the Appalachian Trail in the US or the Camino de Santiago in Spain. The Philippines doesn't have formal thru-hiking trails yet, but some adventurous hikers have created multi-day traverse routes in the Cordillera and Sierra Madre ranges.

What About "Mountaineering"?

You'll also hear the term "mountaineering" in Filipino hiking circles. Mountaineering is a broad term that can include hiking, trekking, and climbing. It generally refers to the sport of ascending mountains, regardless of the method.

In the Philippines, "mountaineering" is often used as a catch-all term for any mountain-related outdoor activity. Hiking groups are frequently called "mountaineering clubs" even if most of their activities are day hikes.

Which One Should You Try?

If you're a complete beginner: Start with day hiking. Pick an easy trail, go with a group, and build your confidence from there.

If you've done a few hikes and want more: Try an overnight trek. Mt. Pulag via the Ambangeg Trail is a great first multi-day experience.

If you're experienced and want a challenge: Look into technical routes or rock climbing. Get proper training first and always go with experienced partners.

The beauty of these activities is that they naturally progress. Most climbers started as hikers. You don't have to rush it.

Find Your Next Adventure

Whether you're looking for an easy day hike or planning a multi-day trek, the Peaksy community helps you find the right adventure for your level. Browse upcoming events, connect with experienced hikers, and work your way up at your own pace.