I don’t know about you but I have always been the type of person that couldn’t just do the bare minimum. I always have to find out what is the extreme…the maximum… and try to strive to reach that goal.
I’m sure I am not alone….
In that case, let’s discuss how to train for long, hard treks on the hiking trails. I use the word “train” because that is exactly what you have to do. Hiking can be a nice walk in the woods on a Sunday afternoon or it can be something that you live and breathe for.
That is the reason why there are websites set up for hikers. For those of you who just can’t get enough. For those of you who once you finish a long hike you begin to plan the next one straight away.
The first thing that you should do is start constructing a personal exercise plan. It
should include exercising at least three times a week. You should keep a daily diary and set out your goals for backpacking excursions you would like to complete in the coming months.
Plan and participate in three different treks consisting of at least 3 days and 2 nights with distances of more than 15 miles each. This will give you the experience and confidence you will need for a longer more rigorous hike in the future.
It is often beneficial to be part of or to lead a backpacking trek with at least five other people. This could be a regular backpacking group or a Boy Scout group.
While you are doing your training, you should start to learn everything you will need to know about a long hike and what to bring.
The first thing you should do is to familiarize yourself with all of the equipment and
supplies that you will need when backpacking. It is not as easy as pulling out your old school backpack from a dusty box in the attic.
Go to your nearest hiking store and try on the backpacks. Learn to choose the proper size and shape that is good for you. Find out which kind you would use on which kind of trek (ie: soft pack, internal frame, external frame pack etc…)
Figure out the uses of the different parts of the backpack. Learn the proper way to lift and wear your backpack. Practice how to load your pack and how to minimize the content with out jeopardizing your safety.
Pack as though you were packing for one other person. This will ensure that you have enough supplies. After you have completed packing what you think is a well-loaded backpack…..go to an experienced hiker….unload all the contents you just meticulously put into the pack and ask for his/her advice. Then re-pack and have him critique on how you did.
Ok, now you definitely (or most probably) remembered to pack the portable stove just for the plain fact that you know there are no Burger King’s along the trail, So if you want something hot….you have to bring the stove. But…do you know how to cook on one….or do you know how to cook at all? Make sure you know how to change the fuel and have a menu that will be the most easy but still tasty.
Due to the fact that you are going to be hiking in trails that will be bringing you closer to nature….respect your surroundings. Take on the “leave no trace” principal. That means exactly what it sounds like: disposing of everything that you use in a way that will leave no waste behind. You wouldn’t want the garbage of the hikers before you to ruin your hike…. so don’t do that for those who follow you!!
Another consideration is to make sure you know how to deal with trail health situations. The most typical are hypothermia, dehydration, blisters, stings and bites, altitude sickness, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. You will find a first aid kit and a survival kit in every good hikers’ pack.
So by now you would have finished your “trek training” and completed the suggested smaller hikes (to condition you for the real demands of hard trail hiking) That means you are ready to get going!
You have officially joined the ranks of the extreme hiker. The hiker that won’t give up no matter what, the hiker that goes prepared and comes back inspired. Inspired to enjoy the hike that was and the hike that lies ahead!
Enjoy!
