Hiking vs Orienteering
Hiking vs Orienteering compared: differences, similarities, advantages, skills, equipment and a decision guide — all from the knowledge graph.
An accessible outdoor sport of walking natural trails and hills at your own pace, solo or in a group.
A navigation sport that combines running or walking with map-reading to find a series of checkpoints.
Here is how Hiking and Orienteering compare across the things that actually help you choose.
Side by side
Hiking
An accessible outdoor sport of walking natural trails and hills at your own pace, solo or in a group.
Strengths
- Easy to pick up as a beginner.
- Needs little equipment to get started.
- A strong social side — easy to play with others.
Things to weigh
- Depends on suitable outdoor space and weather.
Equipment
Sturdy walking shoes or boots · Weather-appropriate layers · Water and a snack
Hiking overview →Orienteering
A navigation sport that combines running or walking with map-reading to find a series of checkpoints.
Strengths
- Easy to pick up as a beginner.
- Needs little equipment to get started.
- A strong social side — easy to play with others.
Things to weigh
- Depends on suitable outdoor space and weather.
Equipment
A course map · Comfortable trail or running shoes with good grip · Weather-appropriate clothing
Orienteering overview →Key differences
- Getting started: Hiking is “very beginner friendly”, Orienteering is “beginner friendly”.
What they share
- Both are outdoor sports.
- Both can be played outdoor.
- Both have a strong social side.
- Both build fitness, coordination and skill that carry over to other sports.
At a glance
How Hiking and Orienteering compare on key attributes
- Intensity
- Adjustable intensityAdjustable intensity
- Beginner-friendliness
- Very beginner friendlyBeginner friendly
- Essential equipment
- 3 items3 items
Movement & body
Which should you choose?
Choose Hiking if…
- you want the easier place to start.
- you’re drawn to Hiking’s style and community.
Choose Orienteering if…
- you’re drawn to Orienteering’s style and community.