What is Hiking?
[[Image:Tour to the Quebrada de las Conchas.jpg|thumb|220px|Hiking in [[Argentina]].]] [[Image:Hiking at Mt. Four Girls.jpg|thumb|220px|Hiking in [[China]].]] '''Hiking''' is a general word for [[travel|trave]]ling on foot in [[wilderness]] or [[countryside]]. Day hikers return before nightfall. Other hikers may go out for many days. Sometimes large groups hike together. Hiking is a kind of physical activity as well as a [[leisure]] activity (a way of spending free time). Hikers (the people who do hiking) enjoy fresh air and the beauty of nature, and learn about the place. Many hikers enjoy challenging their physical and mental strength. Hiking with friends gives them the chance to become stronger. == Preparation == '''Planning''' starts with a hiker deciding what he wants from the hike. A traveler should examine the information on landscape, climate, weather, plants, animals, type of ground, and so on. Based on that information, a hiker decides what [[:wikt:equipment|equipment]] (tools) he needs. Writing everything on paper is strongly suggested to not forget anything. A hiker should choose the itinerary (the way of the hike). '''Equipping''' means getting specialized clothing and equipment. Overnight hiking requires carrying more supplies, usually in a [[backpack]], though many use a backpack even for a day hike. Suggestions for equipment can be found in any hiking [[book]]. A hiker is suggested to learn more than one source and work. Equipping sometimes needs getting skills in using the apparatus. Basic [[skill]]<nowiki/>s–different ways of orientation (the ability to find the way, for example)–must be developed before hiking. == Safety == Hiking can quickly become a fight for life. Hikers can get lost or suffer from injury, sickness, bad weather, or other dangers. For this reason everything in hiking is very important. Nobody should hike alone, no matter what the situation, without a great deal of experience to develop his hiking abilities. Every hiker should keep in mind that [[theory]] is import