What is the difference between mountaineering, trekking, backpacking and day hiking?
The terms describe the type of hiking, with each type of hiking needs specific functional features from a boot. Mountaineering: Ascending a mountain-rock, ice and/or snow. These boots must be stiff and crampon compatible. Less emphasis on quick horizontal travel. Trekking: Mountain hiking, with the emphasis on travel, rather than reaching peaks. Boots are built with rocker— boot assists the foot in moving forward by building more spring as each step is taken. Generally stiff boots, since difficult, rocky terrain may be traversed. Backpacking: Hiking with a backpack load. Shorter distances may be covered, but heavy loads on the back require a stiff, supportive boot. Day Hiking: Hiking for the day or with a light load. More emphasis on comfort over stiffness. Some support, but less than the other hiking categories.
The difference is in the preparation on the technical side, they are different types of hikes. But the things you need to take with you are almost the same. Here is the whole list of bug out bag items that you need to take with you to feel comfortable on a hike.
