Backpacking is the outdoor recreation of carrying gear on one's back while hiking for more than a day. It is often an extended journey and may involve camping outdoors. In North America, tenting is common, where simple shelters and mountain huts, widely found in Europe, are rare. In New Zealand, hiking is called tramping, and tents are used alongside a nationwide network of huts. Hill walking is equivalent in Britain, though backpackers make use of a variety of accommodation, in addition to camping. Backpackers use simple huts in South Africa. Trekking and bushwalking are other words used to describe such multi-day trips.
Backpacking in the Beskid Niski mountains, in the Polish part of the Carpathian Mountains
Backpacking in the Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Trekking route 14 in Zerfenti (Ethiopia)
The Pocosin cabin along the Appalachian trail in Shenandoah National Park
Hiking is a long, vigorous walk, usually on trails or footpaths in the countryside. Walking for pleasure developed in Europe during the eighteenth century. Religious pilgrimages have existed much longer but they involve walking long distances for a spiritual purpose associated with specific religions.
Hiking in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado
A hiker enjoying the view of the Alps
The Karhunkierros ("Bear's Round"), an 80 km (50 mi) long hiking trail through the Oulanka National Park in Kuusamo, Finland
Hiking fashion, 11 July 1932