HIKING: HISTORY, FEATURES AND BENEFITS - ARTE - 2024

The hiking is an activity which involves making paths by natural means where no marked paths. It is a physical activity that began for recreational purposes, but is currently very popular as a sports activity. Specifically it enters the area of ​​extreme sports or adventure.

The word excursionismo comes from Latin and arises from the union of the prefix ex (which means outward), from currere (which means to run) and the suffix zión (which means action). It is also popularly known for trekking, a word from English.

Source: И.Жданов, via Wikimedia Commons.

It is necessary to comply or take into account certain elementary rules that have to do with safety, care for the environment or the absence of motorized means of transport.

There are many ways to go hiking. It all depends on the conditions in which the hike takes place, the length of it and the terrain in which the activity takes place, although the most common form of hiking is mountaineering.

Basically all the variants are summarized in the act of walking. At more advanced levels it is important to have other knowledge about survival, be in good physical condition and work on your mental state to face any obstacle.

History

It can be said that hiking, being an activity that is practiced outdoors, dates back to the time of the Stone Age. It was then that humans learned to stand up and take their first steps.

Hiking then served to explore new sites for the survival of the species and to hunt. Currently the function mutated towards recreation, but it is very difficult to witness when or how evolution occurred.

There are some historical milestones, such as the ascent of some mountains, which helped to establish important moments in the history of the activity.

One of the first treks that was reported in history worldwide has to do with the journey that the Roman emperor Hadrian traveled to the Etna volcano in 125 AD There is also archaeological evidence that shows how during the Inca Empire, many communities were they moved to the Andes for religious reasons.

Many scholars claim that outdoor walking became popular in the 18th century. The romantic movement during the time made people have a new vision towards nature and everything around them.

Important excursions

From the 19th century, the ascents to imposing mountains around the world began to be more popular, although one of the first excursions of great importance occurred in 1744 with the ascent to the Titlis mountain, located in Switzerland.

In 1874 a group of hikers reached the top of Mount Elbrus, the highest mountain in Europe. In 1882 the same thing happened in the southern part of the Southern Alps in New Zealand. By 1897 the highest point of the Andes was reached. Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world, had to wait until 1953 to be climbed.

Techniques

Experienced hikers whose trails require more preparation plan their activities carefully.

Many times the time of the excursion is planned and for this the elevation, the number of kilometers to be covered and the level of the hiker are taken into account. It is important to bear in mind that excursions in mountains, hills or on roads with steep slopes are more difficult to walk.

The pace of walking is different from climbing (or mountain climbing). Breaks should also be taken into account in planning, as well as stretches, which are important before, during and after excursions. It can help prevent injuries and muscle aches.

The terrain of the excursions is chosen based on the level of experience and physical condition. Normally, at higher altitude the pace varies as the steps are shorter, the speed is slower and the pace should be more stable.

characteristics

The equipment needed for hiking depends on many factors. It is specifically determined by the duration of the activity, the existing ecosystems, the terrain and the level of difficulty.

Hikers generally carry at least water (or other liquid hydrators), food, a map, and rainproof gear or clothing. Footwear must be suitable for the type of terrain to be covered. Other important tools are compass, sunglasses, sunscreen, flashlights, knife, and first aid supplies.

Keep in mind that the longer the excursion lasts, the greater the amount of items needed and the preparation. This can increase levels of fatigue and weight difficulty.

Hikers usually travel on roads that present some difficulty, which often may lack signs or directions to complete the route. There is no specific duration for hiking. The activity can last one or several days.

Hiking can be of different types. Although hiking for sporting purposes is very popular today, it is possible to carry it out as a cultural, religious activity or as ecological tourism.

Possible health benefits

All physical and sports activity brings with it some benefits. They can occur on a psychological, spiritual, or physical level.

In the specific area of ​​health, hiking represents an exercise with a great impact on the human body at the cardiovascular level, as it helps to reduce heart problems and improve blood pressure.

It is an activity that largely develops the lower body. The glutes and legs are strengthened and bone density improves.

Some studies have also shown that outdoor activity helps to improve people's spirits. Positive effects have been shown in those with anxiety or stress problems.

Health risks

Any sporting activity can represent some kind of danger for those who practice it. Hiking can pose a threat to physical integrity, as the terrain can be dangerous, bad weather can occur and any unexpected problems can occur.

A very common illness among hikers (even among long-distance runners such as marathons) is diarrhea. Other risks may include dehydration, hypothermia, heat stroke, or sprains.

Being an outdoor activity, animal attacks can happen unexpectedly. Mammals, insects or reptiles can be a threat to hikers on their way.

Differences from hiking

Hiking should not be confused with hiking, although they are physical activities with many similarities and in the end they are related to each other.

Hiking is done on paths with previously established signs or indications. The fact that hiking does not always respect the existing trails gives it a higher level of difficulty.

References

1. Coppin, S. (2000). Hiking. New York: Rosen Pub. Group.
2. Ferranti, P., Leyva, C., & Goodkin, J. (1997). Hiking! Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall / Hunt Pub. Co.
3. Goldenberg, M., & Martin, B. (2008). Hiking and backpacking. Champaign: Human Kinetics.
4. Marais, J. (2009). Hiking. London: New Holland.
5. Thoennes Keller, K. (2008). Hiking. Mankato, Minn.: Capstone Press.