Who doesn’t love going for a good hiking session while camping? We love it, and, to be honest, it is one of our main reasons – being in touch with nature and breathing fresh air.
More recently, I’ve been inquired by a friend – “Is hiking a sport?” and for me, obviously it was. However, some people think differently!
Technically speaking, the classification of hiking as a sport or not will rely on the definition of the term “sport”.
For example, the Cambridge dictionary defines sport as:
“A game, competition, or activity needing physical effort and skill that is played or done according to rules, for enjoyment and/or as a job”
Oxford Dictionary refers to the sport as
“An activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or a team competes against another or others for entertainment”
So, is hiking a sport?
Short answer – No, hiking is not a sport! To be classified as a sport, hiking would need to be competitive and with a complete set of rules, which is not the case.
Even though it involves physical activity, hiking is not a game to be played, but a leisure activity to enjoy nature. Therefore, no, hiking is not a sport.
Let’s have a look in detail into the arguments pro and against hiking as a sport below.
The arguments against hiking as a sport
To expand the arguments against hiking as a sport, let’s first review the hiking definition: “the activity of going for long walks in the countryside” (Cambridge dictionary).
Therefore, we can see some gaps to match the sports definition requirements, such as:
- Lack of competition
- Lack of Rules
- Lack of Entertaintment
Argument 1 - Lack of competition
As previously discussed, hiking is more inclined to personal pleasure and recreational activities rather than a competition. It usually involves long walks with no clock timing or pressure.
However, many argument that this is not true, given there are a few hiking competitions around the world.
On the other hand, sports are widely known for its competitive nature and desire for win, which introduces a set of rules and regulations to manage its practice, as detailed below.
Argument 2 - Lack of Rules
There are no real rules or regulations to dictate hiking practice.
You only need proper hiking gear, a pair of comfortable hiking boots, a bunch of friends, and that is it – you are ready to go!
Sports are governed by a well-defined suite of rules, which sometimes even includes tribunals for investigation and judgement of players.
Argument 3 - Lack of Rules
Hiking is not really an entertainment activity – you cannot find live TV broadcasting of an outdoors session.
Even though some TV programs and youtube channels are exclusively made for hiking, they do not draw as much attention as soccer competitions, Formula 1 Grand Prix, and basketball matches, for example.
The arguments in favor of hiking as a sport
Some hiking lovers have different options and strongly believe that hiking must be classified as a sport. Their arguments are based on the following points:
- The Need to be skilful
- Physical Exertion
- Hiking Challenges
Argument 1 - The Need to be skilful
As with all sports, there is no doubt hiking demands skills and abilities, such as:
- Ability to plan routes and to read maps
- Ability to read different terrain conditions and adapt the hiking approach
- First-aid skill (essential in case of an accident)
- If required, the ability to cross water flows
- Experience to deal with different weather conditions
- Leadership
- Many others
Argument 2 - Physical Exertion
Hiking requires a lot of physical effort! You need to be fit and prepare your cardiovascular system to attack hilly terrain and handle long walks at high altitudes. Your legs might be broken after a long session, even if you are a gym rat.
From this perspective, I dare to say that there is no real difference between hiking and sports. Both require commitment, discipline, and physical efforts if you want to step up and evolve as a practitioner.
Argument 3 - Hiking Challenges
Even though competitions are rare, there are several hiking challenges worldwide.
Snowandrock.com has prepared a list of the five most challenging hiking trails in the world, which includes:
- Pacific Crest Trail (US) – This trail spans more than 4000km from the very southern areas of California (Border with Mexico) up until the Canadian-US border.
- Welsh 3000s (Wales) – It comprises a 42 km trail, and on ordinary people, it takes 24 hours to complete. Located in Wales, it includes 15 mountains with heights over 900m.
- Overland Track (Australia) – Located down under, the Tasmanian 65 km trail goes through different national parks and have peaks above 5,300 feet.
FAQ
Are there hiking competitions?
We have already seen multiple hiking challenges but no real competitions. If you are after a sport with similarities, we recommend practising trail running.
Bottomline
Regardless of being a sport, hiking is a great and fun alternative to being in touch with nature, keeping fit, and socialising. We love the recreational opportunities provided by hiking, and we will always practice it, independent of its status!
