When you're new to hiking, trekking or adventuring, start with the basics!
Plan
This seems very elementary, but make a plan. Start with the basics. You would be surprised how many people decide they’re going to “just wing it.” If you are an experienced hiker, trekking or traveler, this may work out okay. However, for the average, recreational adventurer this is a big gamble. There are endless incredible resources online for you to plan your next adventure. If you don’t like doing this or are overwhelmed because there are so many options, consider supporting an adventure planning company. Once you are comfortable that the basics are covered, make sure you have what you need to be successful (more to come on this topic!). When deciding what to bring on a trip, consider the weight of the item, usability and uniqueness. Try this! Lay EVERYTHING out you want to take on your trop and then decrease it by 25-50%. If the thought of doing this makes you nervous or feel ill-prepared, go back to your plan. Do you have time to wash out clothing and have it dry overnight? Is there a local store you can purchase snacks from instead of carrying them? Do you really need a hair brush and a hair comb? It can be helpful to make sure your items are as simple as possible. If an item does break, would it still be useful or able to be fixed quickly and with items available where you’ll be staying? If not, it may be worth leaving this speciality item at home in favor of something more simple but still effective.
Be Realistic
Often when we go on holiday or plan a special trip our mind can wander, which is part of the magic. While it is completely fine to daydream before and during, having a realistic picture of yourself, your abilities and your general level of activity is crucial. Everyone is different and there is no one right answer, that’s the beauty of humans and adventuring. If you don’t like sweating, getting your heart rate up or peeing in the wilderness, that’s okay! There are plenty of very active options still at your fingertips. Trekking can be a great time to challenge yourself; however, there is a fine line between reality and ending up having to cut your trek short because you bit off more than you can chew. But don’t be discouraged! A healthy level of fear and respect should motivate you to prepare well. Even now, you’re doing the right thing but studying up on the basic tips and tricks to be successful.
Consider Rest Days
If you’re like me, you always want to go go go, especially while on a trip. Specifically on multi-day hiking, consider taking a rest day, or two! Unless you are an avid hiker and very active normally, it is unlikely, even with the best of training, that you are used to hiking 4-10 consecutive, long days. Rest and recovery are essential to let the body recharge and ultimately avoid injury. Did you know sleeping is one of the only times when your body is able to decrease blood flow to the brain and reroute it to the body? When you’re sleeping, your body takes the protein you have eaten and uses these building blocks to repair and rebuild muscle. So eat well and rest up, your body will thank you!
Know Your Options
It is an understatement to say there will be many options on your trip. Once you have a basic plan, iIt can be helpful to know some of the available options and have backup plans in mind. For example, you can often hire luggage transfer companies if you’re completing a multi-day hike so you can lighten your load and only take a day bag. There are also typically public or private transportation options available depending on your desired level of activity. One of the happiest hikers I met in Iceland decided to hire a Jeep company to assist her to the beginning of the Laugavegur Trail so she did not have to figure out how she would retrieve her rental car (this is a point-to-point trail). Of course, there are some trails and treks where transportation is very scarce, if at all available, so that should be something you consider. There may not be an easily accessible backup plan, which can be okay if it is something that doesn’t catch you by surprise.
If you are completing a point-to-point hike or a loop hike there will likely be pros and cons to completing the trip in one direction vs. the other. Understand what those differences are and what you prefer. Research weather and the implications that may have on the timing of your trip and necessary equipment.
Don’t Be Afraid to Do Your Own Thing
This is your trip. Don’t be afraid to do what makes you the most happy. What do you enjoy doing? What pace do you move at? What amenities do you prefer? What are your non-negotiables? How much risk do you like assuming? How much time do you like spending in different places? Everyone moves at their own pace and enjoys different experiences, so don’t be afraid to do your own thing. Not sure what that is yet? That’s okay too! Prepare. Learn. Do! And if you’re lucky, repeat that again and again.
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