ESSENTIAL TIPS ON HOW TO PREPARE FOR A HIKE

Knowing how to prepare for a hiking or trekking excursion might be the difference between a pleasant journey and one that will be remembered. Preparing for a hiking trip ahead of time, whether it's a day or multi-day excursion, will help you prevent physical pain and overpacking.

While we offer a variety of day walks and multi-day treks, the majority of our hiking preparation recommendations are geared toward multi-day excursions. If you're planning a day trip, though, this article also includes helpful hints on how to prepare for short hikes.

PICK YOUR TRAIL

Before you start planning what to bring on a hiking excursion, you need to figure out where you're going. The finest piece of advice for first-time hikers who aren't sure where to begin is to take your time choosing the perfect path for you.

Knowing your path will provide you with crucial information about your future trek, such as the difficulty, duration, and distance. Consider the following important aspects while choosing the perfect trail for you.

TRAVEL TIME

How much time do you have available for your trekking excursion? The amount of time you have will help you determine whether you should choose an easy, hour-long trail or a more challenging, long-distance path.

TRAIL DISTANCE

How far can you hike in kilometers (or miles)? The length of your path will influence its difficulty level. When choosing a distance, we recommend thinking about your general fitness level as well as the trail's physical characteristics (elevation, surface).

Don't forget to account for the distance between the trailhead and your home!

TRAIL ELEVATION

Do you want to know how to prepare for a high-altitude hike? Then consider what kind of terrain you're physically capable of hiking in. Keep in mind that the climb becomes more challenging as the height rises.

When estimating the difficulty and duration of your trek, add one hour to the total time for every 305 m (1000 ft) of elevation gain. It's also deemed steep if the trail's elevation changes by 400 meters (1312 feet) in one kilometer (0.62 miles).

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

The logistics necessary to get to the trail are a modest but crucial factor to consider while choosing a path. Certain treks, for example, begin and conclude at various locations, necessitating the coordination of transportation between them.

GET IN SHAPE FOR YOUR HIKE

Nothing is more frustrating than waking up with painful, achy joints or, even worse, an injury while on a multi-day hike. That's why, whether you're a novice or a seasoned hiker, physical training is a vital element of your hiking preparation. The best thing you can do for your body in the days leading up to your journey is to prepare it for many days of walking.

• Give yourself a month to think about it. At least 3-4 times a week, go for walks and short treks to stay in condition.
• Make sure your hiking boots are comfortable. Start with wearing your boots around the home (particularly if they're new! ), then progress to short walks.
• Make use of your backpack. Put on a backpack and go on walks until you're carrying the same amount of weight as you'll be carrying during your trip.
• Work out using weights. Building muscle is an excellent technique to strengthen your body. Start light for beginners and gradually raise the weight once you're ready.
• Go for a swim. Low-impact aquatic exercise soothes aching muscles and increases endurance.

START A HIKING WORKOUT

We propose that you prepare physically for challenging walks by arranging a little hiking program to improve your fitness level. Check out our list of the finest workouts for trekking preparation.

• Crunches are a great method to strengthen your core body so you can stay stable on uneven surfaces.
• Lunges and squats are another workout that strengthens your core while also strengthening your legs.
• Push-ups: Keeping your upper body, particularly your back, strong when wearing a large backpack will help you stay fit.
• Increase your aerobic endurance by walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling. This will help you trek longer distances.
• Dynamic stretches, such as leg swings and trunk twists, are an excellent technique to warm up your joints and muscles before engaging in any cardiovascular exercise.
• Steps: preparing your body for multi-day walks by going up and down steps while wearing a heavy backpack is an excellent approach to do so.

PACK YOUR HIKING ESSENTIALS

When it comes to preparing for a hiking vacation, choosing the correct backpack is crucial. As a carry-on, most excursions require you to have a compact 25-40 liter backpack. Always remember to keep your luggage as light as possible while still carrying the necessary.

In your day bag, you'll usually include a water bottle, food, rain gear, and a few extra items like sunglasses and extra layers. Don't forget to bring your water shoes if your hike includes a river crossing.

HIKING ESSENTIALS

If you're going on a lengthier multi-day hike, make sure you bring enough clothing and supplies to last you between 2 and 9 days. Keep in mind that baggage storage is restricted.

It is extremely appreciated if you pack as light as possible and use a soft bag rather than a suitcase. Your luggage will either stay in a hut, be transported by vehicle, or be carried by you, depending on the trip.

A waterproof duffel bag is the best method to keep your personal goods dry on travels that include river crossings. When it comes to the size of your primary baggage, a 70-80 L bag be enough.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

A pair of shorts might be useful on hot days. If you prefer shorts to hiking pants, gaiters are a must-have for protection against snowy and muddy situations.

Professionally fitted orthotics are a fantastic supplementary item to take if you're worried about putting a lot of stress on your feet and lower legs.

PACK LIGHT

Packing light is one of the finest hiking gear advice you can give someone planning a multi-day walk. Only taking the essential gear can save you money in the long term, since dealing with heavy gear may rapidly fatigue you on lengthy hikes!

SLEEPING BAG

A lightweight and warm sleeping bag is required for our hiking and trekking programs. It is advised that you choose a high-quality synthetic or down sleeping bag. Most camping trips will require bags that are rated at least 30°F / 0°C.

A precise temperature rating is not required for hiking and trekking programs with heated hut lodging. Just make sure you have something warm, properly covered, and comfy to sleep in.

TREKKING POLES

For muddy, slippery, or rough terrain, trekking poles can be a useful hiking equipment. Poles can help reduce the weight on your legs, especially on downhill and steep slopes, if you desire good knee and back support.

Trekking poles come in a variety of styles and sizes, from collapsible to shock-absorbing. If you can't compress your poles into a bundle in your vacation luggage, make sure you can attach and fasten them to your luggage.

WATER

When it comes to staying hydrated on your journey, water is crucial. Even in cooler weather, drinking plenty of water throughout the day is essential. We recommend taking at least a 1 liter water bottle.

CLOTHES

Packing clothes for hiking can be tricky business. To be prepared for unpredictable climates, make sure your clothes do the following:

1. Insulate the body from cold
2. Water and wind resistant
3. Insulates when wet
4. Durable and resilient 
5. Breathable to allow body moisture to escape
6. Light and flexible
7. Packable / compressible 

PACK CLOTHES FROM HEAD TO TOE

Now that you've learned everything there is to know about the 3-layer technique, here are some ideas on how to dress for a hike from head to toe.

HEAD

A wool or synthetic hat is recommended to keep your head warm. For bright days, light sun hats are great. A decent pair of sunglasses will keep you safe from water and glare, especially if you're trekking in the snow.

BODY OF THE UPPER

It's all about the 3-layer technique when it comes to dressing your upper body. Select a sweat-wicking undershirt or sports bra for your journey that keeps you dry while moving perspiration away from your body (see Transfer Layer section above).

Please refer to the Insulating Layer section above while selecting sweaters and down coats. In the Outer Layer section, you'll find information on wind and rain coats.

LIGHT GLOVES ARE SUFFICIENT IN WARM TEMPERATURES. 

On chilly summer evenings or when damp, wool and fleece gloves will keep your hands reasonably warm. In snowy or damp areas, waterproof mittens are preferable than gloves. It's always a good idea to double up!

BODY IN THE MIDDLE

Layering your lower body is just as important as layering your upper body. Choose underwear and long underwear that wicks sweat away from your skin while keeping you dry.

Please refer to the Insulation Layer section while selecting the finest hiking pants for your trip. In the Outer Layer section, you'll find information about wind and rain trousers.

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR FEET FOR HIKING

It's critical to wear the appropriate footwear for your hike. Your hike will be significantly hampered if your feet are cold, damp, or hurting. Hiking boots made of leather or synthetic materials that are mid-weight, waterproof, and have a medium stiffness are appropriate.

Before embarking on a lengthy hike, make careful to break in your shoes. It will aid in the prevention of blisters and other unpleasant foot ailments. Remember to waterproof your footwear as well, as rain is very guaranteed to fall at some point throughout your trip.

Socks

Merino wool is the greatest option for keeping your feet dry in rainy and steamy circumstances when it comes to socks. While merino wool is pricey, it is a worthwhile investment.

Always pack at least two pairs of hiking socks in case one pair becomes wet. A thin pair of hiking socks can be worn below your primary hiking socks for further protection.

Shoes

Crossing rivers in harsh, slick, and frigid weather is part of several of our trips. It is critical to have a pair of shoes designed particularly for river crossings in order to cross a river safely.

Trail sneakers that are light and breathable, strapped sandals, and high-quality synthetic shoes are all suitable choices.

PREPARE A PACKING LIST

• Day backpack (25-40 L)
• Main travel luggage (70-80 L max.)
• Thermal underwear 
• Wool/fleece thermal mid layer and hat
• Hiking pants 
• Waterproof and breathable pants & jacket
• One pair of gloves (wool or synthetic)
• 2-3 pairs of thick socks (wool or synthetic)
• Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support
• Sleeping bag and travel pillow
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• River crossing shoes 
• 1-2 liter water bottle
• Travel towel
• Swim gear (for some tours)
• Health supplies and prescription medicine
• Personal medical kit 
• Personal toiletries