A multi-day hike can be one of the most exciting and challenging experiences of your life, so it is important to be fully prepared. Here is everything you need to know before you take your first step on the trail.
Research the Route
The first thing you need to do is thoroughly research your route. You need to know the type of terrain you will encounter, where you will set up camp, any dangers you may face, etc. You need to be aware of all the natural elements you may encounter so you can pack accordingly.
If it’s an arid area and you smoke, for example, take a pod vape instead of cigarettes. If it is wet and gets a lot of rain, remember to pack extra socks, dry layers, etc.
Invest in the Right Gear
Always invest in the best and proper gear. For a multi-day hike, your hiking boots need to be one of the best pairs on the market, as your feet will take a battering. Another item to invest in is a warm jacket, especially when hiking in the Winter.
These are only two examples, but it is essential to ask experienced hikers or those who know the route what to prioritize, as in some cases, the right choices can be life-saving.
Pack Correctly
Always check and then double-check everything you are packing. While there is no one correct list of what to pack, you must ensure that you have everything for your specific needs, trail, environment, etc.
Packing as light as possible without sacrificing too much, if anything, is also important. Multi-day hikes can destroy your back and shoulders if you have a super-heavy pack; therefore, pack only what is needed.
Have Backups
Is it vital to have redundancy in mind, especially if your trek is taking you far away from civilization. In hiking terms, redundancy is simply having backups for certain crucial pieces of equipment or gear, such as multiple lighters, water filters, or extra navigation tools.
A simple rule of thumb is to bring extra items that can run out of battery, break easily, or become useless due to overuse (such as water filters).
Pack/Eat Simple Foods
Besides injury, sickness is another danger that could derail a hiking trip. Keep your food or MREs when choosing and packing as simple as possible. While something like oatmeal and PB&J sandwiches may seem tedious, they will fuel you and stop you from getting an upset stomach.
Besides staples like that, fruit and raw vegetables are also a great choice, with fish being another if it is caught fresh on your route. Unless dried, most meat should be avoided as it is more likely to cause sickness if it becomes old or rotten.
Prepare Physically
It is best to start your physical prep a few months before your trip. An effective and simple practice is to include hiking-style activities in your workouts. These include activities like hill and stair climbing, walking lunges, and using a weighted vest or your pack during cardio sessions.
Do Practice Runs
Another step you should take is to do practice runs with all your gear on. This will give you the best idea of how well your body can handle the hike, while not being in a situation where you have to succeed.
Fill your pack with everything you will be taking, pick up your walking poles, and head to an open field or something similar and test out your abilities. This will also help you see where you are struggling, whether it be with overall strength or cardiovascular ability.
Find a Mentor
As mentioned previously, consulting with a hiking expert or someone experienced on the trail you are taking can be a game-changer, especially if you are an inexperienced hiker or you don’t know the area you will be traveling to.
The are plenty of websites and forums (such as Quora or Reddit) you can visit, too, all of which will be packed with first-hand experience and information that you may not be able to find out any other way.
Medical Kit
Never underestimate the power of packing a well-stocked medical kit. Hikes can be dangerous, and injuries are almost unavoidable in some circumstances, and you need to be prepared to deal with them.
Your kit should also be stocks with medicine for diarrhea, headaches, etc, as well as any lotions or creams for bug bites or plant stings. Small issues can become much larger problems when you are in the wild and unable to receive proper medical treatment for several days.
Have an Emergency Plan
Finally, don’t step foot on the trail until you have a solid emergency plan in place. There are multiple aspects that can be part of this, but on a basic level, there are a few things that can’t be left out of it.
Firstly, you need to have multiple contacts who know where you are and have a copy of your route and hiking timetable. This should also include checkpoints where you make contact every day, or multiple times a day. If possible, being able to stick to a strict schedule can also help, as in an emergency, a contact knowing if you are a few hours late can be life-saving.
You also need to have a satellite phone with a backup battery or charger that has all the emergency services contact details in it, and if possible, informing relevant authorities (such as park rangers) of your journey will help them find you quicker in an emergency.
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