So you have decided to go trekking with a couple of friends and most of them are true pros compared to you. If you have never been in the great outdoors and experienced how trekking feels, you might be wondering what it’s all about and why some people simply can’t get enough of it.
If you’re a true amateur and first-time trekker, you need to know a lot of information beforehand. This is far from a simple walk in nature and hike on an already marked track. It’s a challenging physical activity that requires you to activate nearly every muscle in your body.
In this article, we’re sharing some tips to help you act and feel like a pro the next time you go trekking. We will tell you everything about preparing yourself adequately before meeting up with your friends on the agreed waiting spot. Continue reading so you can find out everything you need to know.
1. Know What to Pack and What to Leave Home
It’s essential to start preparing with time. You can’t leave everything for the morning before heading out because most trekkers begin early, and you’ll not be ready. Instead, go shopping for the stuff you need at least a week before the big event.
Get yourself a backpack that will fit your body. Look for a lightweight option that will be big enough to fit everything you need.
You need enough water supply, some energy bars, and other accessories that may come in handy during the trip. Think about a small knife, another pair of the clothes you’re wearing in case you get sweaty, and a flashlight.
Don’t wear a thermos, camera, phone charger, speakers, tablets, and other heavy but not essential items that should be left home. Take only essentials, and let nature entertain you.
2. Dress Adequately
Another thing to leave at home is your jeans. Jeans are overweight and impractical; you need something else. You must dress adequately when going into nature, especially when undertaking a serious physical activity like hiking through mountains or trekking.
There’s a whole industry dedicated to outdoor clothing. You can find nearly everything for trekking in outdoor clothing stores. If it’s winter, you’ll need way more serious preparations and shopping, but if it’s the summer, you need some men’s hiking shorts or female leggings, and you’re good to go.
The main point to focus on when thinking about dressing for hiking is to feel comfortable while being physically active and wear clothes specifically made for this. Clothing with fabric that won’t make you sweat provide the skin air circulation and other benefits.
3. Always Have 100% Battery on Your Smartphone Before Going Out
Although we said to leave most of your technology at home, you still shouldn’t forget your smartphone. Make sure to not forget to charge it the night before. In nature, there’s no electricity so bringing your plug in charger is pointless, so you might need to rely on your battery the whole time unless you have a wireless charger ready to go.
Your smartphone has many features that will help you get your way through nature. GPS can always tell you where you are and where you need to go. Simultaneously, dedicated apps will count your feet, measure calorie spending, and do many other things.
4. Set Reasonable Goals, Especially if You Lack Physical Preparedness
If you don’t feel ready to climb to the top of the mountain, don’t push yourself to the limits only to find out the worst way you’re not ready for it. Explain to your friends that you can only last so much, and save your strength for going back.
If you don’t like being the one that cancels and ruins the adventure, it would be best if you exercise and train for the event at least a month before the big day. Go short distances at the beginning, and don’t forget to carry the backpack with you to get the feeling of the real experience.
5. Always Carry the Walking Poles With You
The walking poles can be beneficial for both beginners and experts. If you’re in top form, the poles might not be essential, but as a beginner, they can get you through parts that are not easy to overcome.
Pick walking poles that are perfect for your height. They need to be up to your chest and make you feel relaxed when you lean your hands on them. If they are too high, they’ll cause fatigue, and if they are too low, you won’t feel like you’re controlling them.
Conclusion
These are the five points you must know to get through nature on your first trekking adventure. Surprise your friends with how well prepared you are and have the time of your life even if you’ve never done it before. Use the points above and become a pro trekker in no time.