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How to succesfully prepare for a thru-hike this autumn

How to succesfully prepare for a thru-hike this autumn

If you're considering going backpacking but you are a beginner, we have a guide for you. Because hiking is a great method of fleeing the hustle and bustle of the city. A fine thru-hike lets you to explore nature and get away from the city masses. And what better time to fully engage in nature? That's right, autum with it's mad colors is just the right moment. Not too hot, not too cold. And backpacking is super rewarding if you're prepared to do it. However, a first getaway can be and mostly is intimidating. Not to worry, if you've got some training and good planning, the hike will definitely go as smoothly as you want it to be. So keep reading, because we've got tips and tricks to get you started with this new thing: thru-hiking.

Choosing the hike

First, you need to choose your hike and consider your experience: have you been backpacking before? If not, risking to venture on the Pacific Crest Trail on your first time hiking is probably not a very good idea. But you can still set yourself up for victory if you look for trips suited for beginners around your area or nearby. One good resource for this research is Wildland Trekking. It will give you plenty of info on guided trips, if you don’t want to go independently. For your first trip, select a hike with minimal height increase and keep your walk in a range of one - three days.

Planning the itinerary

Ok, now you know which hike you're doing. So it's time to get specific about it and plan your itinerary. This means picking the places you will sleep, eat, etc. For example, a lot of thru-hikes have established camps along the route, and some trails even have a lot of these stops. How do you make your trail plan? First, consider the length you want to walk each day. Start with a short trip if this is your first experience of its kind: it could be a 15-20 km hike in total, broken into several days. Then look for camps along the trail. Don't forget about the water stops, as you will need at least one liter of water for 2 hours of walking. So, make sure to check beforehand if there are streams along the way to make your refill.

Packing your equipment

One of the most crucial preparations for your upcoming hike is indeed packing, especially if you're about to go on a thru-hike. Why? Well, if you happen to omit something, you might be out of luck, as there aren’t any shops around in nature to just buy any forgotten things along the way. So, your essential objects must include a rucksack, a sleeping sack, sleeping pad, a tent, the necessary food, water, clothes, hiking shoes, and a first aid kit. Make sure you don't miss anything important!

Createing your training program

Sure, if you are super fit, you can skip this part easily. But if you're like most people, you might want to do some kind of training before taking on your new adveture. It's ok to offer yourself a ton of time. Start training 8 to 12 weeks before your hike. To make a schedule of this training, think how far you intend on trekking every day and how much weight you will be carrying in your backpack. To nail that weight, just load your rucksack with everything you intend on getting with you on the trip and just weigh it. Unfortunately - or luckily - there is no one-size-fits-all workout program. The best rule of thumb is to engage in cardio and strength exercises and attempt to do them for 3 days a week. The major muscle groups used during backpacking are your legs and your core, so you will want to concentrate on creating muscles and endurance. Cardio exercises can be running, biking, basically anything that gets your heart pumping. For strength workout, there are exercises that build muscle in legs and core: jump squats, lunges, calf raises, hip rolls, and planks. Don't forget to also rest.

Every week you can hike a little further and build your endurance, but make sure you do it slowly as to prevent injury. If possible, try to go on a hike each week. Begin with lower mileage and height and gradually work your way up: Your goal is to be comfortable doing day hikes that are a similar distance and elevation as the planned daily routes of your thru-hike. Moreover, try bringing a backpack with you so you will get used to the added weight.

This is super important, as if there are any problems with your equipment, you will know beforehand and you will be able to fix them at home, and not in the wilderness. So, do your workout treks in the shoes you plan on wearing for your thru-hike! This will alow you to break them in and decide if they’re comfy enough to wear for a long walking trip. It’s also crucial to do at some hikes wearing the backpack your plan to utilize for your journey to see if you need to make any changes.

If you plan on hiking at altitude, make additional planning and ensure you stay safe and healthy in the mountains. If your trek is at a higher altitude, it’s a suitable idea to get to your hike height at least three days ahead of time, to let your body to adjust. So make sure you get plenty of hills in your hikes. Now the time has come to start your thru-hike. Climb gradually and don't increase your pace. It's ok to be slower when going up. Stay hydrated, don't ignore the sunscreen and dress comfortably and warm! You're set for success.

Entertainment
4075 reads
September 26, 2022
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