A Hiker’s Guide: Helpful Tips On How To Prepare For A Long Hike?
A long hike requires preparation, including building stamina for extended walks, having reliable hiking boots, checking the weather, and packing wisely with essentials like water, snacks, and a first aid kit. To ensure a trek trip without stress, you must know how you prepare before going.
Has someone said hiking? Let’s begin but our hikes have to be in the UK, such as Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons or the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Yes, my excitement level is like this when someone asks about a hiking trip. For me I have tried hiking in different places. This blog aims to prepare the trekkers for some of the challenges and requirements for such hiking trips. Whether you are going for a one-day trek or a weekend, the tips below are tried and tested and will be useful for trekkers.
Advice for Physical and Mental Preparation for Hiking
The things that I learned during my trekking trip are listed in this guide. Make sure to know these tips before going.
1. Get Physical Training
Your physical condition is what is directly related to the long treks. During my experience, a woman of almost 38 years was not able to complete even a one-day trip. She had to go back because she had never experienced even a long walk. Therefore, these long hikes demand physical endurance. Although these treks are demanding but the result of it is worth it. Because I was always a traveller, it didn’t feel difficult to me. Therefore, it is better to train yourself and build stamina before going. Tips to improve physical condition for hiking.
- Start daily walks and experience one-day hikes.
- Gradually increase your speed and hiking distance.
- Start strength exercises like Lunges, Squats, and more.
- Keep a loaded backpack behind while practicing hiking.
- Add cardio workouts in your routine, like running and cycling.
These are some strength training tips that I suggest to fellow hikers. These exercises are part of my life that help in these treks.
2. Soften & Mold New Boot Material
Here, I prefer comfort over fashion. Don’t be a fool and wear the new hiking boots. Otherwise, it will result in blisters on the foot. So, don’t let your feet pay; break in the new shoes. Soften and mold it by wearing it during the practice training. It is my tested advice that you should wear cushioned socks to protect yourself from blisters.
Before your route, it is better to check all the essentials, like a backpack or a hydrating system, to reduce the last-minute chaos. Besides this, sharing my personal experience here. Although I had my comfy boots in my backpack but I was happy to try my new boots because of which made me really uncomfortable. Therefore, I wore my comfy break-in boots for the long hike.
3. Research The Trail & Know The Terrain
Knowing the place where you are going is the most important step. You should know the trail difficulty and surface type. I always check the trail where I am going, which includes the trail surface, the surrounding area, wildlife, hazards, weather, and other important measures. Besides this, you must have tech gadgets that might help in emergencies, like a GPS map.
Keep a compass in the bag that will help in case technology fails. I have experienced the long-distance trek challenges that for one day or 24 hr. One of the most challenging and worthy hikes that I will never forget is the Welsh 3000. It was, although a tiring experience, but I know the feeling that came into my heart and the sparkle in my eyes.
4. Essential Packing Checklist
The next tip in my series on how to prepare for a long hike is essential packing. It is advised to pack the items that are lightweight and helpful. Smart packing will keep you away from worries. The items that are must-haves for the long treks include:
- Water bottles to stay hydrated and continue the walk.
- You should have a multi-tool or a knife in your luggage.
- Keep nutrient-rich snacks and meals to stay full for a longer time.
- For navigating at nighttime, keep a flashlight or headlamp close by.
- Pack the navigation tools within the luggage, like a GPS, maps, or a compass.
- Keep the first-aid kit within the backpack for emergencies.
- Obtain a sleeping bag, windbreaker jacket, and clothing that are layered for the cold.
- Make sure to add the emergency blanket to your packing checklist.
- Ensure that your luggage contains insect repellent and sunscreen.
While packing everything else, ensure that these items are checked for.
5. Stay Mentally & Physically Flexible
It is advised to stay flexible both mentally and physically. If you are a little chubby or overweight or feel unfit for hiking, then focus on your goal. Keep a clear goal to reduce some extra kgs to try atleast a day hike. Make your day productive, start with a little walk, and gradually increase the miles. Make sure to do exercise five days a week and try strength training, too. Keep yourself fit and adopt healthy activities to lose some weight.
It will help in staying active all day. Not only this, you will also find different routes to reach your destination. So, stay mentally active and smart to achieve the goal. For a more guided weight loss journey, consult a gym and take an instructor’s help to prepare yourself before the actual day.
6. Hydrate & Fuel Your Body
Dehydration and feeling tired are some of the common issues hikers face. Ensure you have sufficient water while hiking. Know the water refill spots and stay hydrated. I knew the dehydration issue, therefore the snacks that were in my luggage were salty along with electrolyte tablets.
I also kept a hydration bladder in my luggage that helped me stay hydrated. Besides this, filling your body with the right fuel is also advised. It is no doubt that hiking burns a lot of energy, so keep your tummy filled with lightweight and healthy food. Pack the food like:
- Trail mix, nuts, and dried fruits
- Protein or granola bars
- Peanut butter sachets
- Whole grain sandwiches or wraps
- Jerky or energy chews
7. Clothing Guide For Hikes
Layered clothing is recommended because here at such places, weather is unpredictable. Therefore, you should go with layered clothing. During my visit for such trips, I always kept an extra layer of warm clothing. It really helps in such places.
- It is better to wear the breathable base layer.
- The mid layer that you wear must be insulating.
- Outer layer must be waterproof or windproof.
- Pack sunglasses, gloves, hat, and extra socks in the bag.
Best Places For A Hiking Experience
There are different hiking spots where you can go and make an adventurous day. My most favourites in the list are Wales, UK hiking places. It includes Snowdonia National Park, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Brecon Beacons National Park, and many other places. Not only this, there is Welsh 3000s hiking which include 15 peaks. If you are a challenge lover and like to experience these strict hikes, then visit Wales.
During my stay here, I enjoyed different hikes like for one day, three days, and others. I enjoyed alot, although some of the trek resulted in serious blisters but I learned from them and here sharing my experience. So, try the different spots in Chepstow Wales for trekking and if you know some other do share them.
Get Ready & Go For The Trek!
As part of my personal experience, I have shared everything about the long hikes and its preparation. This might clarify how to get ready for a long treks. Do proper planning before going on the hike. Ensure you pack all the essentials, keep your self flexible physically and mentally train your body, and layered clothing is best option. Check the weather before going to the hiking spots. Try such outdoor adventures and share your experience.
FAQ'S
Get ready for your long-distance hike by building stamina through training, taking longer practice walks, and packing smart with lightweight essentials.
Before the actual hike day, it is better to know your trail, go with hiking tours, get the perfect packing, and wear layered clothing.
Get your feet prepared for the long hikes. Before the actual day treat blisters if you have any and wear the break in shoes.
Ella Harrison
Hi, I am a traveling enthusiast. I have explored more than 18 countries. I have been curious about exploring the world since I was a kid. My search for hidden gems helped me immerse myself in the new cultures. Now, my current motive is to share stories about places that can inspire people to experience an adventurous journey. Throughout my exploration, the thing I enjoyed most was hiking in the UK’s places like Chepstow, Wales. I have experienced the vibrant cities and local flavors of different places. Join me and experience unforgettable adventures.
