UKC

I know this has been asked a number of times before. Normally, the answer is that whenever you have to use the special equipment like ropes etc, it is called mountaineering/alpinism.
The problem is that if you look at the description of hiking/trekking such as the one given by SAC, you may notice that the highest level of trekking is described as: Pathless, not marked, very exposed and difficult terrain. Climbing passages up to UIAA degree II. Tricky, steep rocky terrain, glacier with a higher danger of sliding.

This sounds no less than a description of F-F+ mountaineering route. So is tough trekking the same as light mountaineering or is there any substantial difference?

In reply to IvanLi:

Does it really matter what it’s called, if you’re enjoying it?

In reply to IvanLi:

Hiking: Going for a long walk.

Trekking: Multi day long walks.

Mountaineering: Going up mountains.

Can you hike up a mountain? Yes.
Can you trek to a mountain? Yes.
Can you trek up a mountain? Yes.
Can you go for a hike on a mountain without mountaineering? Yes.
Can you go for a hike whilst also on a trek? Yes.
Does any of this really matter? No.

In reply to IvanLi:

Are you related to Mountain Spirit?

In reply to IvanLi:

Why is this a problem?

In reply to IvanLi:

Hey man its easy to get caught up in grade systems and the like but all of the things you are describing here are kind of the same. Equip yourself with the dangers of the route in mind and with experience you will know what you can safely negotiate with or without protection.

In reply to IvanLi:


Scrambling?

In reply to IvanLi:

Beards.

 

In reply to IvanLi:

Real Ale

In reply to IvanLi:

hydroponics

In reply to martinturner:

It might from an insurance perspective.....

In reply to IvanLi:

I tell my wife I'm going hiking so she doesn't worry.  I tell my colleagues I'm going mountaineering so they know how awesome I am.