Type of hiking | Columbia Sportswear®

There are many types of hiking, each one providing a unique way to explore and experience the great outdoors. Whether you're new to the trails, an experienced trekker, a casual walker or prefer faster trails, there's an outdoor activity for everyone. Whether exploring nature at a local park or tackling rocky terrain near mountains, adventurers worldwide enjoy the benefits of hiking. With carefully chosen gear and good planning, every trail can be enjoyed to the fullest. Miles of scenic routes await regardless of your level of skill and experience. Make sure you’re ready for wherever your adventures take you. The best part is that skills and experience are not required. All that successful hiking trips need is plenty of energy, a map and good-quality gear.

Whatever outdoor adventure you're planning, we have everything you need, from waterproof all-terrain shoes to hiking clothes for women and men. So, don some hiking socks, lace up your hiking shoes, pack up your gear and prepare for an exciting adventure.

What are the different types of hiking?

There are many types of hiking styles and terrain, depending on your experience, ability and taste for adventure. Here are some things to consider when planning your outdoor explorations and our tips for choosing the right hiking boot:

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Day hiking

These are perfect for beginners or just want to get out and enjoy a few hours in the great outdoors. They are a great way for beginners to start. They vary from short local trails to more challenging, full-day adventures. But both can offer plenty of fresh air and beautiful scenery. With these types of hikes, you can choose to go alone or have guides lead the way. For a day hike, you need a pair of men’s or women’s hiking boots, a backpack, water, snacks and a hiking jacket.

Backpacking

This is more of an immersive experience that involves wilderness camping, allowing you to hike for longer. It's ideal for the more experienced trekker. A successful backpacking trip requires good planning and the right gear, as you'll spend one or more nights under the stars. The gear you need for backpacking includes a backpack, tent, sleeping bag, water, food and camping stove. You’ll also need a good pair of leather hiking boots or comfortable hiking shoes for the terrain.

Thru-hiking

Not for the faint-hearted, this is the ultimate test for hikers looking to step up their game. It involves months of walking long-distance trails. This type of hiking requires plenty of stamina as it challenges your mental and physical limits. However, navigating different terrains and conditions provides a fantastic meditative experience. It requires similar gear to backpacking but with more durable and lightweight gear, such as light hiking shoes.

Winter hiking

A winter hike transforms trails into snowy and icy wonderlands. But the colder temperatures and more hazardous terrains make them more challenging and unpredictable. You'll need gear designed to navigate icy and slippery paths and keep you warm. Look for insulated snow boots and winter men’s and women’s hiking shoes with superior grip and Omni-Heat™ warmth technologies to keep your toes toasty. Remember to pack extra base layers for the extreme cold. If you’re aiming for a snowy summit, make sure you have additional safety gear to hand.

Fast hiking

This type of hiking is faster than the standard walking pace but slower than trail running. It's great for your fitness and gives you a taste of trail running. However, the quicker pace can put increased stress on your feet. The ideal footwear for speed walking is a low hiking shoe. This offers the same durability and protection as walking shoes but are as lightweight as a trail runner. The rest of your gear should be light, as a faster pace makes it more challenging to carry a backpack.

Columbia Sportswear® has shoes in a multitude of colours for every type of adventure. From mens walking sandals to mountain shoes, you can be sure of finding exactly what you need.

Can I hike in the rain?

Hiking in the rain is undeniably more challenging, but it's more than possible with the right hiking gear. While waiting for dry weather before a trek is always a good idea, it's easy to get caught out by a sudden shower. Making sure you're weather-ready before you set out on your hike ensures that it doesn't spoil your adventures, even if there's an unexpected downpour. Look for a waterproof hiking jacket and footwear with waterproofing technologies that keep your feet dry, even stomping through puddles.

Waterproof shoes for men and women from Columbia Sportswear® feature OutDry™, OmniTech™ Omni-Shield™ waterproofing technologies. These stop water from penetrating the shoe while allowing sweat to escape. Meanwhile, our exceptionally grippy Omni-Grip™ outsole ensures you won't slip and slide, even on wet surfaces.

Browse our entire range of mountain hiking shoes and mens walking sandals for your perfect trail partner.