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Understanding Five Different Types of Hiking
When it comes to hiking, most people don’t always have the most ambitious plans. They imagine hiking as a tame sport in which you’re simply crossing up a trail on a slow hill, using a hiking stick to keep your balance. But when you really get into the great outdoors and meet other people who are passionate about outdoor sports, you realize that there’s more to the terrain “out there” than you originally thought.
In fact, there are different disciplines of hiking that may appeal to your adventurous side. Here are five different types of hiking that you may not have considered hiking.
1. Mountaineering. Mountaineering is exactly what it sounds like – climbing, scaling, and hiking up mountains. Essentially, “mountaineering” refers to “hiking on mountains,” but the truth is a little more complicated than that. If you enjoy climbing up large hills in your free time and wanted to up the ante, you may consider doing a little mountaineering – just make sure to be cautious and safe and seek some professional advice.
2. Dog hiking. No, this type of hiking doesn’t refer to climbing up a dog. Instead, you simply add your “best friend” to your hiking experience to make it a totally different adventure for the day. Dogs love coming on adventure trips with their owners, especially if you own a retriever.3. Snow hiking. You guessed it – this means hiking in the snow. Some people who live in cold-weather states like Wisconsin or Minnesota realize that it’s not always easy to go hiking, at least for around six months of the year. The cold gets to you. But if you take it easy, snow hiking can be a great way to get out even in the cold.
4. Canyoneering. Like “mountaineering,” this one isn’t too difficult to figure out. If you’ve ever wanted to hike along the Grand Canyon, you may have the personality of a canyoneer. It doesn’t take much experience canyoneering to realize that this can make for some great views.
5. Desert Hiking. Have you ever wanted to have an adventure like they do in the movies? Desert hiking may be up your alley. Of course, this requires a lot of fortitude and plenty of preparation and experience, but the great views and sense of exploration can be worth it.
Photo Credits: Alex E. Proimos
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Five Reasons to Make Hiking Your Next Hobby
When someone asks you what you like to do in your free time, are you sick of having nothing to say? “Well, I watch a lot of TV” isn’t exactly a great conversation starter. If you’ve been feeling like a couch potato lately and want to spice up your life, guess what? I have a suggestion for you. Take up hiking! Hiking is a great hobby that means exercise, fresh air, and, of course, a little something to talk about. Here are five reasons to make hiking your next hobby.
Reason #1: Regular exercise. It seems like a strange thing – suggesting “exercise” as a reason to go out and, well, exercise, but hiking is a great form of exercise that includes challenge, variety, and great views. Many people dislike exercise because of the monotony it can mean. Hiking isn’t exactly logging miles on the treadmill. Hiking is about going out and experiencing the world and the variety it has to offer. You’ll feel like a million bucks after a good hike.
Reason #2: Having a life. When someone asks you what you did with your weekend, do you always wish you had something more to say than “Well, nothing”? If so, give hiking a try – at least once – and see how much better you feel about your life. As with many things worthwhile, it will take a little bit of discipline to get yourself out there, but once you are, you’ll be glad you did. Sometimes it pays to avoid the easy comforts.Reason #3: Challenge. Why does hiking feel more fulfilling than walking on the treadmill for 30 minutes? Because the treadmill can often be flat, dull, and boring. Hiking is a hobby with challenge. You’ll often be walking on an incline, which means more exercise, and you’ll encounter different terrain and views along the trail.
Reason #4: Pride. Staying at home and lounging around feels good in the moment, but you have to ask yourself at the end of every day if you’re glad about what you did that day. Many times, we look back on the times we’ve had and regret the days we spent seeking comfort rather than enjoying life to its fullest. You’ll feel proud of yourself when you finally get out of the house.
Reason #5: Meeting new people. When you go out hiking, it’s hard to miss other hikers out there – with a shared hobby, you’ll have something to break the ice!
Photo Credits: brewbooks
