The mountain can give us an unimaginable feeling of freedom and a multitude of opportunities to relax, recharge our batteries and last but not least to get moving. As long as we learn about him, we respect him, he will respect us and he will teach us back; ten.
In addition to the balance we try to have every day (sleeping 8 hours, eating balanced, exercising at home, at the gym or even in the comfort of our home) it is important to really escape in nature and try activities such as hiking , Trekking or Mountaineering.
You may have tried them or you may think you have tried them, but this is confusing; No problem, in the next article we set out to share with you what the differences are between these activities.
Some people use the words hiking, trekking, or mountaineering as synonyms, but they are not. While there are all the outdoor activities on the mountain that make your blood pump, help you discover things and make you enjoy nature, there are some differences between them. We hope that after reading this article, you will clearly understand the difference between Hiking, Trekking or Mountaineering (mountaineering), what you need when you participate in any of them and finally, discover the advantages and disadvantages of each of them. We've tried to summarize the information as much as possible, but we still recommend that you take a closer look when you decide to try one of the three activities for the first time.
HIKING OR HIKING
Hiking is by far the most leisurely activity of the three. Start here if you've never been to the mountains and start gradually with easy trails, choose a pair of comfortable boots created especially for the mountain, equip yourself with a pair of tights with UV protection and high breathability, a technical t-shirt from the last run you went to and last but not least, invite your 2-3 best friends! Hiking involves walking on trails marked by mild or moderate difficulty. Hiking can usually take up to half an hour, half a day, or even a day. Some of the most popular hiking spots in Romania include the Fagaras area, Piatra Craiului and Apuseni which is as amazing from a visual point of view as it is varied on the ground. Instagrammable!
Although hiking is more accessible than mountaineering and trekking, it can still be challenging for some people. Usually, the hikes start and end in the same place. But some have different starting and ending points. In most cases, a hike can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, so it's important to plan ahead.
Clothing and equipment required:
Beyond the practical aspect, clothes communicate something about us, about group membership, social status and hobbies. It's understandable if you want your equipment to be part of the mountain gang, but it doesn't have to be an end in itself.
The equipment has two functions: comfort and protection. Once you understand these two concepts and go with them in mind, any other factors such as the novelty of the collection that includes the coat, color or cool accessories second place and become an option only if your budget allows.
Adequate footwear - As a beginner, ideally, you will first approach slower paths and gradually increase the duration and difficulty of the routes.At the same time, you still don't know what your real needs are on the route, what you like, what your body needs, so you need to focus on parts as general as possible to use and not some dedicated to certain conditions and sectors
The best example I can give you is shoes. Three-season mountain boots , summer, winter, trail boots, trekking, approach boots, flexible sole, semi-rigid or rigid, short or high mountain boots, there are a multitude of models of shoes with which you can approach a route and it is possible to get lost among the shelves and boxes. The perfect pair of boots is like Făt-Frumos, you keep looking for it but it doesn't exist. There is only the right boot for a certain activity in which you feel comfortable.
Socks - are very important and can make all the difference in one turn. Choose a thin pair with high breathability (not cotton!) For summer or a thick one, possibly a ski model for rides in low weather weather.
Technical t-shirt - 2 pieces are enough. For variety you can get one with long sleeves, good for colder weather and sun protection and one with short sleeves for when the temperature is high. Our recommendation is to always choose a T-shirt that allows the skin to breathe, dries easily and has UV protection. All THE WOMEN'S LOCKER t-shirts are made from a technical material with a fiber structure that offers high protection against UV 50+ radiation and thanks to NILIT BREEZE technology will give you a feeling of cooling of the skin by up to 1 degree Celsius.
Sport tights - If you plan to do the route in the summer, a pair of tights is enough. Always choose comfortable tights that will give you great freedom of movement, high breathability and the right compression. the end. In winter you can opt for pants made of softshell that is resistant to rain, wind and abrasion, but at the same time breathable and elastic. It is the ideal pants for activities that involve a lot of movement.
Busitera sport - Physical activity, even hiking, makes the breasts move up, down and even in a figure of eight. Continuous and repetitive movements can lead to pain, soreness and pressure. THE WOMEN’S LOCKER sports bustiers are made to reduce this movement. The breasts do not have muscles, and without proper support you will have discomfort throughout the route. Choose a bustier with technical properties such as THE WOMEN'S LOCKER QUICK DRY, BREATH, UV SHILED, COMPRESS , which will allow your skin to breathe, stay dry, protect it from UV rays and give you compression appropriate.
Fleece jacket with front zipper, medium thickness. Only to be worn over a T-shirt when it gets cold or under a raincoat in winter or in the rain.
Raincoat, in the first phase do not invest in any super technical jacket, a simple plastic knee-length cape will do its job perfectly. The time has come to invest in a waterproof jacket.
Mountain backpack - if you are convinced that you will not do laps longer than a day then a backpack up to 20 liters will be enough. For longer rounds you can opt for a larger model that can be tightened with straps on the side. It is important to be as compartmentalized as possible so that you can keep your things grouped into categories.
Compass / GPS and a map - these will help you find campsites and tell you where you are in relation to your destination, emergency exit routes or water Tip-
Water - not only will it keep you hydrated but it will also protect you from altitude sickness or dehydration. To avoid dehydration or hyperhydration, drink a few mouthfuls of water every 15 or 20 minutes or depending on how much you sweat.
Food - The snacks you carry will help you maintain a high energy level. The recommendation is not to reach the threshold where you will be hungry. Eat constantly in small amounts during breaks. Streamline food so you don't run out until the last part of the route.
Safety items - you need matches and a lighter for fire, a whistle, sunscreen, sunglasses, external battery, a disinfectant, a bandage, wet wipes, a knife and a flashlight. These are great for longer hikes, but it's a good idea to wear them all the time.
Garbage bag - to store garbage. With regard to any household waste (packaging, etc.), it is obvious that we must not leave anything behind. Our recommendation is not to leave even banana peels or apple peels, no matter how biodegradable they may be.
Required fitness level
Hiking is not so strict, but even then, you have to be prepared for it. Taking a walk twice or three times a week will not be enough to prepare you for a day trip to the mountains. Start with light running for a few miles at least twice a week, including other favorite activities such as Pilates, yoga or even HIT.
The benefits of hiking
- Helps reduce the risk of heart attack and heart disease.
- Reduces blood pressure.
- Reduces the risk of some types of cancer.
- Burns calories and helps with weight loss.
- It relaxes you and helps you settle down.
- Discover new places you never imagined existed.
Disadvantages of hiking
- You may be injured if you are not properly equipped.
- Hiking can cause muscle aches for days after travel
- The weather can change drastically.
- It can cause bruising and even nails if you are not wearing proper shoes.
Popular hiking trails
You can go hiking anywhere in the world, but there are some areas that are popular for this type of hiking. In Romania, the Carpathian Mountains offer excellent possibilities for day trips or even a few hours. Here are some popular hiking trails in Romania:
Hiking trails in Romania:
- Sinaia - Poiana Stânii
- Gura Diham - Cabana Diham
- Logs - Howling Waterfall
- Izvorul Muntelui - Cabna Dochia
- Poiana Pelegii - Gura Apei
- Glacier Village - Scărișoara Cave
- Babele - Cabana Caraiman - Crucea Caraiman
- Cabana Ciucaș - Tigăile Mari - Vârful Ciucaș
- Trei Brazi Chalet - Secuilor Chalet - Postavaru Massif
TREKKING OR HIKING
Trekking is exactly between climbing and hiking in terms of difficulty. However, it is more like hiking than mountaineering. The difference between trekking and hiking is that trekking tends to be longer than hiking, as it can take a few more days.
As such, you will need to camp or make plans to stay in mountain huts or small huts along the trekking route. hundreds of miles.
The name trekking originates from the Afrikaans word "trekken" which means "to shoot", "to travel". In the middle of the 19th century, this word was taken over in English and acquired the meaning of a long and difficult journey, usually on foot.
The purpose of a trekking experience is not necessarily the destination, but the journey itself. Hikers or hikers, people who practice this sport, travel at a leisurely pace, while admiring the landscapes and nature. Basically, trekking is an activity that tests your physical and mental limits and is a challenge for adventurers. In addition to the intensity of the trip, it is an opportunity to explore different regions and connect with nature.
Clothing or equipment required
When you need a trekking trip, you should limit the weight of your backpack to 33 kilograms. Your travel checklist includes everything you'll need for a trip (mentioned above), as well as a few other things, including:
- A sleeping bag
- Camping mattress
- Toiletries
- Waterproof gloves depending on the season
- Choose clothing made of synthetic materials such as polypropylene or polar-tek and natural fibers such as merino wool, which is extremely suitable for hiking equipment because it retains heat even when wet and can be worn for several days without it catches unpleasant odors. They are light, comfortable, allow you to eliminate perspiration and keep you warm. But avoid cotton, which dries hard and retains moisture, being unsuitable for sports equipment of any kind.
- Trekking boots with spare laces
- Warm hiking socks
- Shoes to wear around the camp.
- Telescopic trekking poles.
Required fitness level
Although you may feel ready for a trip before traveling, it is recommended that you exercise to keep fit, especially if you plan to go on a long route that requires a lot of preparation. physics. You can take short walks in some familiar areas, with the backpack in the back, and gradually increase the distance traveled and the weight of the backpack. Don't start with long hikes if it's your first time on a mountain hike. Choose your hiking trails based on your physical condition;
Training should begin a few months before hiking and focus on strengthening strength as well as endurance given by aerobic training.
The benefits of trekking
These advantages are in addition to what the hiking offers.
- You will enjoy the fresh air of the hills and hiking trails
- Improve cardiovascular circulation
- Creating new friends on routes
- Enjoy amazing views (depending on the trekking route)
- Experience sleeping in nature
- You will catch the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets
Disadvantages of trekking
- The backpack will be heavier.
- More risky, mainly due to wildlife
- If you walk alone, you may not be assisted in the event of injury. It's too good an activity not to share it with someone dear.
- Risk of weeds
Popular trekking routes
You can go trekking anywhere in the world, but there are some areas that are popular for this type of hiking. In Romania, the Carpathian mountains offer excellent possibilities for long hikes from 2 to 7 days or even more. Here are some popular trekking routes in Romania.
Trekking routes in Romania:
- The ridge of the Fagaras Mountains
- Rodna mountain ridge
- Maramures mountain ridge
- Crossing the Vrancea mountains
- The ridge of the Cerna and Godeanu mountains
- Crossing the Curvature Carpathians, from Penteleu to Piatra Mare
- Negru Voda crossing, Leaotei and Bucegi ridges
- Southern Carpathian ridge
- Eastern Carpathian ridge
MOUNTAINEERING
Mountaineering is by far the most difficult and challenging of the three activities, as it is more technical and is done at higher altitudes. You will usually climb mountains over 5,000 meters.
The mountaineering trip takes several days to complete and requires a great deal of technical and physical training. You also need a lot more support equipment than when you go hiking or trekking.
Before climbing, you need to learn how to use the equipment before traveling. For example, you will need to know how to use an ice ax or climb ice with spikes or how to anchor yourself in ascent. Plus, you'll be learning how to walk on glaciers, how to survive snowstorms, and how to save yourself from slipping.
Although a bit challenging, mountaineering is exciting and a lot of fun.
Clothing or equipment required
In addition to your clothing and trekking equipment checklist, you'll need a few additional items, depending on the type of trip you choose, including:
- Harness and ropes
- Ice corners
- Ice axes
- Plastic studs and boots
- Mountaineering mile
- An ice ax
- An ascending sling
- Climbing helmet
- Telescopic ski bars
- Prussian curls
- Cordeline
- If the list goes on
Required fitness level
As well as the other 2 activities presented. mountaineering is intense and challenging but mountaineering should be treated with the utmost attention to detail and tried only in groups where experienced people are present. Before embarking on this outdoor activity, make sure you can climb or hike for 5-6 hours with a 30-kilogram backpack.
To be prepared for this, you should exercise for an hour, four times a week. On days off, you should take long walks (10-12 hours).
The benefits of mountaineering
- It's funny
- Climbing increases confidence
- You learn to appreciate nature
- Increases adrenaline levels.
- You will feel fulfilling feelings that are hard to describe in words.
- These are in addition to the benefits of hiking and trekking.
Disadvantages of mountaineering
- You may develop altitude sickness
- It takes a long time to train and be fit for a trip
- It is dangerous to do it yourself