Far too often, backpackers plan a wilderness trip with just the equipment and
destination in mind. They fail to consider one of the most important aspects of an enjoyable outing: physical condition. Ask yourself, can you hold up physically to the demands you may encounter? How do you plan a trip around your level of fitness?
First, don't try too much too soon. Tackling a high-impact, strenuous trail as a novice backpacker will quickly tire the body and soul and sour the whole experience right off the bat. Beginners should start out on short day trips carrying a light pack and staying on easy terrain. Don't plan to hike a lot of miles initially; work your way
up to longer hikes with a heavier pack.
There also are exercises you can do around the house to prepare for a more strenuous outing. Do some stair climbing or bicycling daily to strengthen calf and thigh muscles. These also benefit the cardiovascular system. Do a short hike around the block or the house with a loaded pack to get used to the weight.
If you are planning a backpacking trip in rugged terrain, consider a base camp
approach. By setting up a base camp, the hiker doesn't have to carry a loaded pack
except one day to hike in and one day to hike out. Hiking from the base camp only requires carrying a small rucksack for water, a snack, and some lightweight accessories like a rain jacket and compass.
It is essential to check the terrain in the area you plan to hike. Rough trails or steep
inclines will increase the exertion level and can make the trip an exercise in exhaustion. Consult a topo map first and plan a trip across terrain that you can
reasonably handle, at a reasonable pace. If you're not used to hiking and don't
exercise regularly, plan on five or less miles the first couple of days.
For tougher trips don't plan on doing everything at once. Cover less miles the first few days to allow yourself to get in shape as you go, and rest frequently. Remember, backpacking gives us the option of accessing terrain that can only be found on foot. For the most enjoyment, let your level of fitness as well as your interests dictate your trip.
Comments
Winter exercise
Monday January 21st 2008I tend to do a variety of excercises throughout the year with an emphasis on cardiovascular. Now during the winter I spend a lot of time on X-country skies. Though the snow has been poor on central MN trails, the lakes are still okay for skiing. With paddling in mind I tend to put more effort in pulling on the ski poles as it uses much the same set of muscles as pulling a paddle through the water. As my trip gets closer I start carrying the canoe around the yard and then around the neighborhood. If my neighbors look out their window in the evening they are likely to see me walking by with my 60 lb. hat.
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