hiker

Other forms: hikers

If you frequently take long walks along trails through the forest or up the gentle slopes of mountains, you're a hiker. Pass the trail mix.

As opposed to someone who's taking a brief stroll or a long walk in the city, hikers tend to take vigorous, deliberate walks in the countryside. Day hikers may hike empty-handed, wearing sturdy walking shoes, while longer hikes require hikers to carry packs with water, food, a compass, and possibly even camping supplies. Hiker comes from the verb hike, a 19th century word that was originally spelled hyke.