Hiking is an activity enjoyed by people all over the world, but did you know that the activity of “hiking” is described differently in English speaking countries?
I first heard the term bushwalking from a New Zealander friend of mine, who once told me that he did not grow up hiking, but rather “bushwalking”. Having never heard the word before, I was curious to know what it was, and he just laughed and told me it means hiking, or at least the “hiking” as defined in the American vocabulary.
Because I have now met many people from around the world who all share my love of the outdoors, I decided to share this simple guide to hiking terms around the world.
America
Hiking: In America, hiking refers to walking along a trail, typically something that is more intense than going for a walk.
Day hike: A hike that is completed in one day.
Backpacking: Multi-day hikes where the hiker carries her tent, food, and other provisions are considered backpacking trips.
Cross-country hiking: A hike where a considerable portion is off-trail, so the hiker is “route-finding” and is not following an established trail.
Thru-hiking: Used to describe hiking the entire length of a trail. A thru-hike is typically done in one continuous backpacking trip, but can also be done in sections, which is called “section-hiking”. Popular North American trails for thru-hikes are the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail , and the Continental Divide Trail.
United Kingdom
Hillwalking/Walking: These are the terms used to describe “hiking” as it referred to in the U.S.
Rambling: Another word to describe hillwalking and walking.
Australia
Bushwalking: In the land down under, bushwalking is used to describe hiking and cross-country hiking. I guess Australians are more adventurous and expect that most hikes will take them on both on-trail and off-trail routes!
New Zealand
Bushwalking: Same usage as in Australia.
Tramping: Used primarily to describe backpacking trips. Walking: Another way of discussing bushwalking.
Around the world
Trekking: This term is used to describe multi-day backpacking trips. It is frequently used when talking about the Himalayas
Happy trails! Time for me to take a hike, or hillwalk, trek, ramble, or bushwalk 🙂