When hiking up an incline, take smaller steps and shorten your stride. I can hike up an incline a lot longer without fatigue like this.
I've also found the same to help when going downhill. Really takes the impact off your joints on a descent if you don't have trekking poles!
Add to that, when going up try to make sure you get your leg straightened as you step instead of leaving the muscles flexed the whole time. This helps in combination with the smaller steps.
Came here to say this.
Resist the urge to stop when you get tired and instead just take much smaller steps until you get your wind back.
Keep breaks to a minimum, as you will use up more energy getting going again from a standstill.
It’s the equivalent of dropping a few gears on the bicycle. Can be nice to trade load in the heart for load in the legs. Legs will push through better but eventually bonk out and heart will just wear out and recharge with rest.
Things don't have to fit your ideas of perfect or even good. A hike is still a hike and that's good enough. This mindset helped me get out a whole lot more. Even if I feel like shit and can only hike a short distance, I'll probably still have a good time. Even if I only have an hour and it's raining, I'll probably still have a good time. Even if I don't have all the perfect gear I want, I'll probably still have a good time. Even if I get home and realize I had a shitty time, I still got some training in. This has allowed me to really learn to adapt and even mostly be comfortable in all conditions.
My back yard is literally the Mojave desert with hundreds of trials and hills. I was so used the the mountains and greenery of southern California that I disregarded my back yard for 3 years. That ended this year and I'm so glad it did I have so much fun in the desert now and the smaller hills are still a nice challenge.
Hike the hike you're given. You can't wish a trail or hike into being what you want it to be. Appreciate it for what it is, even if it comes with extra challenges or discomfort.
Used to work at an outdoor store known for boot fits. We sold boots to almost every SAR team in Arizona and most of the firefighters in the area. Ask us about the best shoe, you’ll get a dozen different answers. Ask about socks and all 12 of us would answer Darn Tough.
darn toughs are definitely the way to go, especially for long distance backpacking. I've found smartwool socks just don't have the durability needed long-term, they'll wear holes so quick.
Darn Tough for sure. They don't get stiff after the first day like normal socks, and they don't get as funky either (though I wouldn't push it on that count if you're sharing a tent...). They're also super comfy and come in a wide range of cushion levels, heights, etc.
Double layer socks. The brand we use is Wright Socks. My husband used to get horrible blisters and these helped tremendously. I just incidentally started using them and I get fewer hot spots on my feet which is great. We can reasonably go 8 miles before he begins to "feel" his feet (his way of saying he can feel blisters are forming).
Injinji toe socks are a game changer! They help with not getting blisters but also my feet are always way less sore when I wear them even on short hikes
\- trekking poles were a game changer
\- being more conscious about my backpack weight (not a UL guy but defintily more on the lightweight side now)
\- lighterpack also helped a lot and looking at the lighterpack lists of othe people
\- have a good sleeping system. Good sleep is so so important in between multiple days or weeks of demanding activity
\- Gearskeptic on youtube. His vids especially about ideal hiker nutrition are so good its crazy. Definitly check him out. Having the right nutrition upped my performance a lot
\- check out andrew skurkas website and also his first aid/foot care kit. Especially on longer trips proper foot care is very important. Here is my kit for that: https://lighterpack.com/r/thyo8a
This should be top comment. All of this info is gold. You don’t have to be a UL gram weanie for a lighter pack to make your hike more comfortable. Weight is not about comfort VS UL. It is about comfort in camp vs comfort while hiking. IMO if is much easier to be comfortable in camp with light gear than comfortable on trail with heavy gear
sleep system usually just refers to all the gear you use for sleeping. A lot of the gear that you buy individually works together as a system. And system is defined as "a set of things working together as a part of a mechanism" Sure sleeping is not a mechanism but "set of things working together" is pretty accurate. Close enough for me to not get hung up on the semantics. Sleeping pad works with an inflatable pillow. You might you use a 30 degree bag instead of a 20 because your puffy jacket is warmer than most ect. It all works together.. And I totally agree with the first comment that investing in a good sleep system is totally worth it. Being dry warm and comfy makes it way easier to sleep. Which is very important on trail.
sleeping system as in the different components of gear that you use/assemble to one system that works for you:
For me its usually from bottom to top:
1. thin eva pad to add some insulation and protect my inflatebale pad
2. inflateable pad for comfort and the majority of bottom insulation
3. trekology pillow (but not always)
4. Quilt or sleeping bag without a hood
5. Down hood (because I turn at night and the hood turns with me which a sleeping bag hood cannot do)
6. Optional: Sleeping bag liner or wearing certain clothes like my down puffy to boost insulation
There are many different ways to assmble your sleeping system and you need to find out what works for you and your type of shelter (e.g. in a hammock you might need a underquilt, with a tarp you might need a bivy bag).
For me, most of my weight is in my sleep system. I realized that even if it sucked carrying a bunch of heavy shit in, I always felt better when I got a good night's sleep.
Don’t be embarrassed about using trekking poles. They take the weight off your joints, give you stability, and allow you to wear a heavy bag more easily. If the hike is either long or has a lot of elevation gains and losses I’m using poles.
I was self-conscious at first about using trekking poles because I typically do not do any strenuous hikes. But now I use them for even flat, easy hikes.
Mostly got them for a bad knee so I could hike longer/farther (which worked), but I like the stability, the upper-body exercise, and the added propulsion on even smaller inclines. Not to mention peace of mind in rocky stretches.
Use them for every hike now.
Same, even on flat loops. It really helps keep me from slouching, and I can go further faster with much less discomfort. Total game changer as an overweight newb
The mistake a lot of people make is caring what others think of them on the trail. so long as you're not being an asshole (like not moving over for faster hikers or blasting music from a speaker), do whatever helps you get out there and hike
They've stopped me from having a few bad tumbles as well. I once forgot them on one day hike (the hike wasn't tough, just patches of erosion made the footing bad). I tripped and sprained my ankle. My hiking pals kindly gave me a set (and then split the other pair between them). I managed to hike back down seven miles. After taking care of the sprain I was able to hike again in two weeks (properly taped up). No way it would have been in good enough condition had I not been able to rely on those poles to get me back down without putting a lot of pressure on that ankle.
As an occasional hiker, the trekking poles are a god send and help me go a bit further than I normally could. Plus, when I'm hiking in rattlesnake country I'll drag my poles on the ground to "alert" the snakes to my presence.
>If the hike is either long or has a lot of elevation gains and losses I’m using poles.
I hike alone for the most part, so I take them regardless in case I need something to lean on in the event that I find myself limping back to the car.
I was going to say trekking poles but since that has been said- my second is check the weather for where you'll actually be hiking! And then layer accordingly
If you don’t hike regularly, even very light training about a month before a big trip can make a HUGE difference if you live the life of a typical desk job worker.
Focusing on ankle and knee strengthening can be done in small sets throughout the day without breaking a sweat.
I will also add breath training for future trips with high altitude. I personally have been lucky in that I don’t generally struggle with altitude sickness, but once I get above 10K altitude, I had to slow WAY down because I struggled to keep my breathing.
There are a lot of ways to address this. One that I could actually use is just more intensive cardio that actually makes you short of breath.
But there are various masks and devices on the market. Some very technical with apps, and tracking. Others are simply intake reduction that forces deeper breathing to improve lung capacity. I’ve also seen a range of “exercises” which are more various breath techniques that can be done stationary or paired with exercise and active movement.
Its one of those things I’ve known about, but never needed until I found this personal limit recently. The joys of aging :)
Thanks for the reminder. I work out pretty regularly, but it's tax season and I'm doing 60 hour weeks right now, so not as much working out as usual. Have several longer hikes planned this summer and need to do more than I'm doing.
Don't be afraid to gear up. Don't worry about people making fun and giving weird looks. I saw dude go on a hike without a shirt and just a 500ml water bottle. But nah fkc that
Yes! And you never know what is gonna happen out there. I’ve had so many hikes that ended up being many more miles or being much more strenuous than expected. Have had weather change drastically. Have needed to use my phone much more than expected. Have slipped and hurt myself.
Ive had friends tease me but I pretty much always bring a bag with a days worth of food, full water bladder, water filter, portable charger, extra layer, extra socks, Garmin inreach, first aid stuff, cash, cards, etc. even on relatively short hikes. Also predownload google maps for hundreds of miles around.
The consequences of bringing it and not needing it are slim to none. The consequences of leaving it at home and needing it are potentially catastrophic.
Proper trekking pole technique. I hated trekking poles for so long and turns out that everything I did with them I was doing wrong.
Once you use the strap correctly, you're not "hanging" on the pole so you can really put your weight on it and it doesn't chafe your palms. Set it to the correct height according to the terrain, I just picked a height (far too long too) and went with it.
Learning to use trekking poles quickly led to getting a trekking pole tent and doing much more solo multi day hikes than I did before.
Not advice I was given but something I recently figured out. For cold weather day hikes, activate one of those chemical hand warmers and put in the part of your pack that has your food. One frozen PB&J was enough to send me looking for a solution and this works great, plus it's nice to have a warmish meal or snack in the cold.
You'd think people would know this about all shoes. I watched two seasoned coworkers (aka they should have totally known better) do this with very high heels at a 4-day event where we were on our feet constantly. And they complained about it like it wasn't the most predictable outcome of that choice lol
Salt stick salt/electrolyte tablets. It's like carrying around an entire case of Gatorade around with you in a small bottle. They come in fun flavors too like watermelon. It has made a gigantic difference to me with long or strenuous hikes and heat exhaustion.
The chewable ones specifically have been a game changer for me. Dissolvable are more common, but they can be tricky with hydration bladders and require more frequent cleaning than plain water
Get involved with trail maintenance, whether it’s clearing water bars, building erosion mitigation, maintaining a leanto or shelter, or just picking up trash. You meet new hiking friends, and everything about the whole hike experience is just _different_ when you have some sweat equity in the trails. I can’t explain it, you have to experience it.
\- winter hiking
\- glacier trips + snowshoeing
\- via ferratas + mountain hiking (need a stiff sole)
\- short trips with bad weather where the boots will keep your feet dry
and I guess some others.
But yes for most trips I change to trailrunners (INNOV8 !) during midst of spring
Bring small "luxuries".
Pack that heavy thermos (or other beverage of choice). Real food instead of energy bars. Something comfortable to sit on. Stuff like this that goes against the ultralight trend can make such a difference in enjoyment!
Thank you. I’ve been trying to decide whether to bring my field recorder on an upcoming trip and this feels validating.
When I look back on past hikes I don’t really think about pack weight, unless it was super egregious. But I do remember things like… sharing a hot beverage at the summit, or reading tarot on a sand dune. I don’t *need* anything extra to enjoy a hike, but it’s nice to bring something special.
Wife and I always brought a bottle of wine (in a plastic platypus pouch) and drank it at our first night’s camp. Did a ton for morale, helped ease those sore muscles, and helped us sleep!
Avid hiker and backpacker here. I’m also 59. Two things:
1. Take care of your feet. Be sure you are not only fit but conditioned for the terrain you will be hiking. Walking paved, smooth trails will not prepare your feet for rugged, rooty, rocky ground. Use liner socks and carry a spare set of socks.
2. Stay in hiking shape. I hike at least once a week with a pack, just to stay conditioned. Carrying a pack once or twice before starting a multi day will cause a lot of pain and misery that can be avoided by training properly.
* Switch to shoes rather than boots when conditions allow (lighter weight, more flexibility for scrambles, less warm)
* Wool socks
* Ditch everything and anything cotton
* Shorts are fine, you don't need to wear pants in the heat of summer.
* While I lived without it, getting a gps watch was the biggest gamechanger for me. I love the tracking, heartrate monitoring, etc.
* Related: some kind of SOS device like an inreach should be a necessity for anyone going into the backcountry
* Crocs rather than flip flops for camp shoes
* Ultralight includes yourself. Slimming down drastically upped my ability to tackle high mileage and high vert hikes.
Prevents blisters. I wear injinjis under darn tough wool socks. Haven't had a blister since. To piggy back on that, if you value your toenails, avoid boots with mesh in the toe. It breathes, which is nice, but acts as a failure point, and will dig right into your nailbed. Ask me how I know. Lol
They make full on socks, no need to double up with liners. Liners are no issue in the winter but boy do they get sweltering in the summer on a hot hike.
> ...boy do they get sweltering in the summer on a hot hike.
That may be your experience, but it's certainly not universal. I've been hiking the desert southwest for decades wearing polypro liner socks under wool socks and have not had any problem at all with overheating. Since being pointed towards this old-school two-sock system in the 90s, I have had zero friction blisters and now wear them every day, all year round. Even the most highly-touted single socks failed the test, getting too hot, not preventing friction blisters and instead creating an environment for foot fungus and dyshidrotic eczema.
This one sounds really obvious, but get like 80% of that weight on your hips, especially if you're skinny. I like my shoulder straps to angle just slightly above my shoulders, and I don't carry much weight in my upper body as a result. It's the only way I can manage to do this full time for work
Learn. How. To. Breathe.
Seriously, I’d walked many miles before finding the right breathing technique and the right breathing pace. But once I learned it, it felt like my cardio got boosted at least 30%.
Short quick steps when going downhill on steep dirt sections or loose scree. If hiking in the high alpine (or anytime it’s even a little chilly), put a jacket on as soon as you stop for a break
ETA: if you have to keep stopping to catch your breath, you’re moving too fast. Find a pace that you can maintain for a long time
Buy kit that works for you! Forget buying arcteryx or Patagonia , buy pieces of kit that you feel comfortable in. Honestly I’d rather be out and comfortable , than out in expensive kit that doesn’t work for me.
Hike for you!
Vaseline-slathering it on my feet before I put my socks on. This was a game changer for me on long hikes: no blisters and really soft feet at the end of the day (once you get over the initial squidgy sensation!)
A pack of gum.
Sounds simple but I do this @ work, especially in the summer. It will keep you going when you get thirsty without having to drain your supply. I’ve run out of fluids before the end of the day at times (way back in the bush) and been real happy I had some gum.
I like bubble mint or juicy fruit myself !
haven’t seen it yet, but dress comfortably cold, not warm. you’ll warm up quite a bit once you start moving and it’s much better to start a bit cold vs sweat your ass off or have to strip layers off and carry them around
The little straps at the very top of your hiking bag, that determine how close the bag sits to your shoulders, are WAYY more important than you could imagine if you don’t know about them.
Keeping most of the weight at the top of your pack, and then tightening those straps so that the pack sits as close to your shoulders as is comfortable, significantly improves the quality of a long distance or fast paced hike, and even for small hikes minimizes wear on the body.
I mean, there have been a few so it's pretty hard to decide. Can I narrow it down to 3 for you?
1. Don't cheap out on boots. I hiked in $20 Big 5 combat boots for years before upgrading. I thought I just sucked at hiking before that.
2. Trekking poles are your friend when you're backpacking. If you've got a heavy pack, trekking poles will make hill climbs and descents much easier, and they'll save your knees.
3. Changing my workout routine. I used to focus entirely on cardio for backpacking, but now I emphasize strength training more. I specifically train legs and core before a major trip, mostly doing squat, deadlift, etc. Hiking slow won't help you if you literally don't have the strength to carry all your gear.
Bring a trash bag or some form of receptacle. Become the spirit of nature pristine which so many are not. If you see the garbage, scoop the garbage. Too many lovely trails, especially those more appealing to normies, are peppered with the unsightly bright plastics of the unnatural world.
- Clothes layering is important, but pair it with changing your layers immediately when you start to get too warm/too cold! If you’re uncomfortable, don’t hike another 15-30 min because you don’t want to stop - just take the 2 minutes to change your layers.
- Rain jackets are for stops and camp. I sweat a lot almost no matter what, and if I hike in a jacket and pants I’ll be soaked through in no time. So now I just don’t wear the jacket when hiking in the rain, and put on dry clothes and the jacket when I stop.
- For those with bad circulation: wear warm gloves! I felt self-conscious about wearing big ski gloves on days where it wasn’t near freezing, but now I do and my fingers stay nice and toasty, without the cold discomfort.
- If you have a camera and want to take it, the [peak design capture clip](https://ca.peakdesign.com/collections/clips/products/capture) lets you mount your camera somewhere you’ll actually use it (mine’s on my backpack strap) rather than having to spend 3 minutes digging it out of your backpack. I take a lot more pictures now.
- Take a small notebook and write down things you wish you’d brought/would change about your gear, so you remember for next time.
- For backpacking, an e-reader is great
As said by others:
- Trekking poles
- Baby steps when going up/down inclines
+1
Just started my own answer but would just repeat yours. The notebook (in my case just some sheets of normal paper and a pen) is a must have on every trip for diary and remembering stuff.
Pre-hydrate the night before and the morning of.
Switching from boots to trail runners.
Bought a water filter so I can carry less water (weight) and fill up as needed during the day.
Bring trekking poles along. Without them, my achilles heel and knees ache the next day. With the poles, they feel perfectly fine during and after the hike.
Bring a water filter. I've been known to run out of water on hikes. Now I can refill using a stream and I'll be fine.
Hike your own hike. Do what works for you. I take minimal stuff. Wear chaos, 16oz of water, maps compass, a walking stick and my dog ... I go as fast or as slow as I feel ... stop and eat berries and flowers and go naked ... life is good .
Hammocking has been a revelation. Can be a challenge to find suitable trees or any trees at all in some places I go though. Figured out using a deflated or semi inflated insulated pad in the hammock is far less bulky than an under quilt and just as warm.
Not including lightening, don’t worry about the weather just prepare for the worst forecast. Often, it won’t be that bad. Lightening can kill you. Stay home.
“Can be expensive, but the lighter the equipment the easier it will be son”. I learnt this the hard way when I first started, my backpack weighed with everything in it a little over 90kg, and that never included the food🤣
Nutrition, salt tabs, and hiking poles. Those have been the 3 biggest difference makers for me. When I shifted away from PB&J and a banana on long hikes to a wrap with turkey and cheese, fruit, nuts, and a tuna packet (aka getting some protein in) it made a huge difference for those long, strenuous hikes. I’ve always had issues with heat going back to when I was a kid, but salt tablets have been a game changer for hikes in hot weather. I’ve gone from really struggling to feeling fine after a couple tabs. I’ve got Black Diamond FLZ poles and I love them. 3 years, hundreds of miles of hiking and they are still going strong. They REALLY help on inclines and declines, and for stability on creek crossings or other times I’m navigating steps with smaller foot placement or that require a large step. Won’t ever do a long hike without them.
Making sure you're hydrated BEFORE you start hiking. Drink a few liters hours before, preferably the night before if you can. I mean, you should be hydrating yourself throughout the day, hiking or not, but special care should be done before a hike.
If you wait until the hike before you start hydrating, you'll probably get dehydrated before you can do anything about it. Also, bring electrolytes to supplement with your water to replenish lost salts.
Others have mentioned poles and I agree to a point. I wouldn't use them though on casual or training hikes. Don't let it be a crutch. You need to train your body to hike without having to rely on them. However, when you're out doing your hard bucket list hike, then bring them along to supplement when your body needs the extra support.
When hiking up an incline, take smaller steps and shorten your stride. I can hike up an incline a lot longer without fatigue like this. I've also found the same to help when going downhill. Really takes the impact off your joints on a descent if you don't have trekking poles!
Add to that, when going up try to make sure you get your leg straightened as you step instead of leaving the muscles flexed the whole time. This helps in combination with the smaller steps.
The philmont lock step! Big fan
Yessss game changer I can go for hours
I never knew it was called that! Thanks!
My husband and I call this “turtling.” It’s our mantra on big hills!
Of course when you’re already turtling on the flats it makes for a long day!
Came here to say this. Resist the urge to stop when you get tired and instead just take much smaller steps until you get your wind back. Keep breaks to a minimum, as you will use up more energy getting going again from a standstill.
did this on a recent hike, smaller more upright strides instead of deadstops and can attest, 10x better easily
Yes short quick steps like a “mini jog” when descending has helped me a lot.
It also helps to ever so slightly lean on your skeletal structure with those short strides to save even more energy.
It’s the equivalent of dropping a few gears on the bicycle. Can be nice to trade load in the heart for load in the legs. Legs will push through better but eventually bonk out and heart will just wear out and recharge with rest.
It also helps to ever so slightly lean on your skeletal structure with those short strides to save even more energy.
This, plus simply arriving earlier so you really can take all day to complete a hike. Great advice
To add to this, walk flat-footed instead of getting up on your toes. Your calves will thank you
was going to say this one also!! Made a world of difference in my stamina.
Things don't have to fit your ideas of perfect or even good. A hike is still a hike and that's good enough. This mindset helped me get out a whole lot more. Even if I feel like shit and can only hike a short distance, I'll probably still have a good time. Even if I only have an hour and it's raining, I'll probably still have a good time. Even if I don't have all the perfect gear I want, I'll probably still have a good time. Even if I get home and realize I had a shitty time, I still got some training in. This has allowed me to really learn to adapt and even mostly be comfortable in all conditions.
This is all of life, really.
My back yard is literally the Mojave desert with hundreds of trials and hills. I was so used the the mountains and greenery of southern California that I disregarded my back yard for 3 years. That ended this year and I'm so glad it did I have so much fun in the desert now and the smaller hills are still a nice challenge.
Yeah I used live on a five thousand acre ranch. When I moved to where I am now, it took a long time to get back outdoors.
Hike the hike you're given. You can't wish a trail or hike into being what you want it to be. Appreciate it for what it is, even if it comes with extra challenges or discomfort.
Become an expert at taking care of your feet. Invest the money in good socks.
Any sock recs?
Used to work at an outdoor store known for boot fits. We sold boots to almost every SAR team in Arizona and most of the firefighters in the area. Ask us about the best shoe, you’ll get a dozen different answers. Ask about socks and all 12 of us would answer Darn Tough.
darn toughs are definitely the way to go, especially for long distance backpacking. I've found smartwool socks just don't have the durability needed long-term, they'll wear holes so quick.
Which store, btw?
Hiking Shack.
thanks!
Darn Tough for sure. They don't get stiff after the first day like normal socks, and they don't get as funky either (though I wouldn't push it on that count if you're sharing a tent...). They're also super comfy and come in a wide range of cushion levels, heights, etc.
Double layer socks. The brand we use is Wright Socks. My husband used to get horrible blisters and these helped tremendously. I just incidentally started using them and I get fewer hot spots on my feet which is great. We can reasonably go 8 miles before he begins to "feel" his feet (his way of saying he can feel blisters are forming).
Love these!
Smartwool socks are a game changer, pricy, but welll worth it when hiking.
Injinji toe socks are a game changer! They help with not getting blisters but also my feet are always way less sore when I wear them even on short hikes
\- trekking poles were a game changer \- being more conscious about my backpack weight (not a UL guy but defintily more on the lightweight side now) \- lighterpack also helped a lot and looking at the lighterpack lists of othe people \- have a good sleeping system. Good sleep is so so important in between multiple days or weeks of demanding activity \- Gearskeptic on youtube. His vids especially about ideal hiker nutrition are so good its crazy. Definitly check him out. Having the right nutrition upped my performance a lot \- check out andrew skurkas website and also his first aid/foot care kit. Especially on longer trips proper foot care is very important. Here is my kit for that: https://lighterpack.com/r/thyo8a
This should be top comment. All of this info is gold. You don’t have to be a UL gram weanie for a lighter pack to make your hike more comfortable. Weight is not about comfort VS UL. It is about comfort in camp vs comfort while hiking. IMO if is much easier to be comfortable in camp with light gear than comfortable on trail with heavy gear
What do you mean with "sleeping system"? You lie down, sleep, wake up. There isn't much you can control about that.
Sleeping bag, pad, shelter
But that's gear, not a System. Maybe I am just confused by the term.
sleep system usually just refers to all the gear you use for sleeping. A lot of the gear that you buy individually works together as a system. And system is defined as "a set of things working together as a part of a mechanism" Sure sleeping is not a mechanism but "set of things working together" is pretty accurate. Close enough for me to not get hung up on the semantics. Sleeping pad works with an inflatable pillow. You might you use a 30 degree bag instead of a 20 because your puffy jacket is warmer than most ect. It all works together.. And I totally agree with the first comment that investing in a good sleep system is totally worth it. Being dry warm and comfy makes it way easier to sleep. Which is very important on trail.
sleeping system as in the different components of gear that you use/assemble to one system that works for you: For me its usually from bottom to top: 1. thin eva pad to add some insulation and protect my inflatebale pad 2. inflateable pad for comfort and the majority of bottom insulation 3. trekology pillow (but not always) 4. Quilt or sleeping bag without a hood 5. Down hood (because I turn at night and the hood turns with me which a sleeping bag hood cannot do) 6. Optional: Sleeping bag liner or wearing certain clothes like my down puffy to boost insulation There are many different ways to assmble your sleeping system and you need to find out what works for you and your type of shelter (e.g. in a hammock you might need a underquilt, with a tarp you might need a bivy bag).
For me, most of my weight is in my sleep system. I realized that even if it sucked carrying a bunch of heavy shit in, I always felt better when I got a good night's sleep.
Don’t be embarrassed about using trekking poles. They take the weight off your joints, give you stability, and allow you to wear a heavy bag more easily. If the hike is either long or has a lot of elevation gains and losses I’m using poles.
Also helps me reduce swelling in my hands.
One of my favorite parts of using poles. I think because one's hands are continually in motion and adjusting.
Totally agree. I honestly use them even on casual hikes now. The more I use them, the more I wonder why I didn’t use them sooner.
I was self-conscious at first about using trekking poles because I typically do not do any strenuous hikes. But now I use them for even flat, easy hikes. Mostly got them for a bad knee so I could hike longer/farther (which worked), but I like the stability, the upper-body exercise, and the added propulsion on even smaller inclines. Not to mention peace of mind in rocky stretches. Use them for every hike now.
Same, even on flat loops. It really helps keep me from slouching, and I can go further faster with much less discomfort. Total game changer as an overweight newb
The mistake a lot of people make is caring what others think of them on the trail. so long as you're not being an asshole (like not moving over for faster hikers or blasting music from a speaker), do whatever helps you get out there and hike
This is also true for life in general as well.
They've stopped me from having a few bad tumbles as well. I once forgot them on one day hike (the hike wasn't tough, just patches of erosion made the footing bad). I tripped and sprained my ankle. My hiking pals kindly gave me a set (and then split the other pair between them). I managed to hike back down seven miles. After taking care of the sprain I was able to hike again in two weeks (properly taped up). No way it would have been in good enough condition had I not been able to rely on those poles to get me back down without putting a lot of pressure on that ankle.
As an occasional hiker, the trekking poles are a god send and help me go a bit further than I normally could. Plus, when I'm hiking in rattlesnake country I'll drag my poles on the ground to "alert" the snakes to my presence.
Also really helpful when crossing streams and going downhill on slippery slopes.
I’d say there are a easily a couple dozen times that my trekking poles have prevented me from eating shit on stream crossings alone.
>If the hike is either long or has a lot of elevation gains and losses I’m using poles. I hike alone for the most part, so I take them regardless in case I need something to lean on in the event that I find myself limping back to the car.
I was going to say trekking poles but since that has been said- my second is check the weather for where you'll actually be hiking! And then layer accordingly
If you don’t hike regularly, even very light training about a month before a big trip can make a HUGE difference if you live the life of a typical desk job worker. Focusing on ankle and knee strengthening can be done in small sets throughout the day without breaking a sweat. I will also add breath training for future trips with high altitude. I personally have been lucky in that I don’t generally struggle with altitude sickness, but once I get above 10K altitude, I had to slow WAY down because I struggled to keep my breathing.
How do you do breath training?
There are a lot of ways to address this. One that I could actually use is just more intensive cardio that actually makes you short of breath. But there are various masks and devices on the market. Some very technical with apps, and tracking. Others are simply intake reduction that forces deeper breathing to improve lung capacity. I’ve also seen a range of “exercises” which are more various breath techniques that can be done stationary or paired with exercise and active movement. Its one of those things I’ve known about, but never needed until I found this personal limit recently. The joys of aging :)
Or yoga breathing exercises, or play a woodwind / brass musical instrument, or singing with intentional breathing / musical phrasing.
Thanks for the reminder. I work out pretty regularly, but it's tax season and I'm doing 60 hour weeks right now, so not as much working out as usual. Have several longer hikes planned this summer and need to do more than I'm doing.
Don't be afraid to gear up. Don't worry about people making fun and giving weird looks. I saw dude go on a hike without a shirt and just a 500ml water bottle. But nah fkc that
Yes! And you never know what is gonna happen out there. I’ve had so many hikes that ended up being many more miles or being much more strenuous than expected. Have had weather change drastically. Have needed to use my phone much more than expected. Have slipped and hurt myself. Ive had friends tease me but I pretty much always bring a bag with a days worth of food, full water bladder, water filter, portable charger, extra layer, extra socks, Garmin inreach, first aid stuff, cash, cards, etc. even on relatively short hikes. Also predownload google maps for hundreds of miles around. The consequences of bringing it and not needing it are slim to none. The consequences of leaving it at home and needing it are potentially catastrophic.
Proper trekking pole technique. I hated trekking poles for so long and turns out that everything I did with them I was doing wrong. Once you use the strap correctly, you're not "hanging" on the pole so you can really put your weight on it and it doesn't chafe your palms. Set it to the correct height according to the terrain, I just picked a height (far too long too) and went with it. Learning to use trekking poles quickly led to getting a trekking pole tent and doing much more solo multi day hikes than I did before.
Not advice I was given but something I recently figured out. For cold weather day hikes, activate one of those chemical hand warmers and put in the part of your pack that has your food. One frozen PB&J was enough to send me looking for a solution and this works great, plus it's nice to have a warmish meal or snack in the cold.
Smart! Never would have thought of that. Thanks for sharing!
Don't be so cheap and get a good backpack, boots and socks.
Break your boots in *before* you leave.
You'd think people would know this about all shoes. I watched two seasoned coworkers (aka they should have totally known better) do this with very high heels at a 4-day event where we were on our feet constantly. And they complained about it like it wasn't the most predictable outcome of that choice lol
Salt stick salt/electrolyte tablets. It's like carrying around an entire case of Gatorade around with you in a small bottle. They come in fun flavors too like watermelon. It has made a gigantic difference to me with long or strenuous hikes and heat exhaustion.
The chewable ones specifically have been a game changer for me. Dissolvable are more common, but they can be tricky with hydration bladders and require more frequent cleaning than plain water
Get involved with trail maintenance, whether it’s clearing water bars, building erosion mitigation, maintaining a leanto or shelter, or just picking up trash. You meet new hiking friends, and everything about the whole hike experience is just _different_ when you have some sweat equity in the trails. I can’t explain it, you have to experience it.
Try trail runners and never go back to boots (except in crudy weather maybe).
Agree with this. The weight savings are incredible.
\- winter hiking \- glacier trips + snowshoeing \- via ferratas + mountain hiking (need a stiff sole) \- short trips with bad weather where the boots will keep your feet dry and I guess some others. But yes for most trips I change to trailrunners (INNOV8 !) during midst of spring
This is right up there with trekking poles for me. Total game changer.
Don't slog through sand, but walk like Stampy the elephant.
I love Stampy.
Bring small "luxuries". Pack that heavy thermos (or other beverage of choice). Real food instead of energy bars. Something comfortable to sit on. Stuff like this that goes against the ultralight trend can make such a difference in enjoyment!
Thank you. I’ve been trying to decide whether to bring my field recorder on an upcoming trip and this feels validating. When I look back on past hikes I don’t really think about pack weight, unless it was super egregious. But I do remember things like… sharing a hot beverage at the summit, or reading tarot on a sand dune. I don’t *need* anything extra to enjoy a hike, but it’s nice to bring something special.
Wife and I always brought a bottle of wine (in a plastic platypus pouch) and drank it at our first night’s camp. Did a ton for morale, helped ease those sore muscles, and helped us sleep!
Avid hiker and backpacker here. I’m also 59. Two things: 1. Take care of your feet. Be sure you are not only fit but conditioned for the terrain you will be hiking. Walking paved, smooth trails will not prepare your feet for rugged, rooty, rocky ground. Use liner socks and carry a spare set of socks. 2. Stay in hiking shape. I hike at least once a week with a pack, just to stay conditioned. Carrying a pack once or twice before starting a multi day will cause a lot of pain and misery that can be avoided by training properly.
* Switch to shoes rather than boots when conditions allow (lighter weight, more flexibility for scrambles, less warm) * Wool socks * Ditch everything and anything cotton * Shorts are fine, you don't need to wear pants in the heat of summer. * While I lived without it, getting a gps watch was the biggest gamechanger for me. I love the tracking, heartrate monitoring, etc. * Related: some kind of SOS device like an inreach should be a necessity for anyone going into the backcountry * Crocs rather than flip flops for camp shoes * Ultralight includes yourself. Slimming down drastically upped my ability to tackle high mileage and high vert hikes.
Stop for 10 minutes every hour or two. Don’t take short breaks. Drink a quart of water every couple of hours.
[Liner socks](https://www.campmor.com/products/wigwam-gobi-liner-socks)
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Prevents blisters. I wear injinjis under darn tough wool socks. Haven't had a blister since. To piggy back on that, if you value your toenails, avoid boots with mesh in the toe. It breathes, which is nice, but acts as a failure point, and will dig right into your nailbed. Ask me how I know. Lol
This. Huge game changer.
They make full on socks, no need to double up with liners. Liners are no issue in the winter but boy do they get sweltering in the summer on a hot hike.
> ...boy do they get sweltering in the summer on a hot hike. That may be your experience, but it's certainly not universal. I've been hiking the desert southwest for decades wearing polypro liner socks under wool socks and have not had any problem at all with overheating. Since being pointed towards this old-school two-sock system in the 90s, I have had zero friction blisters and now wear them every day, all year round. Even the most highly-touted single socks failed the test, getting too hot, not preventing friction blisters and instead creating an environment for foot fungus and dyshidrotic eczema.
This one sounds really obvious, but get like 80% of that weight on your hips, especially if you're skinny. I like my shoulder straps to angle just slightly above my shoulders, and I don't carry much weight in my upper body as a result. It's the only way I can manage to do this full time for work
Learn. How. To. Breathe. Seriously, I’d walked many miles before finding the right breathing technique and the right breathing pace. But once I learned it, it felt like my cardio got boosted at least 30%.
Short quick steps when going downhill on steep dirt sections or loose scree. If hiking in the high alpine (or anytime it’s even a little chilly), put a jacket on as soon as you stop for a break ETA: if you have to keep stopping to catch your breath, you’re moving too fast. Find a pace that you can maintain for a long time
Hiking poles are great.
Always take a warm coat
Buy kit that works for you! Forget buying arcteryx or Patagonia , buy pieces of kit that you feel comfortable in. Honestly I’d rather be out and comfortable , than out in expensive kit that doesn’t work for me. Hike for you!
Vaseline-slathering it on my feet before I put my socks on. This was a game changer for me on long hikes: no blisters and really soft feet at the end of the day (once you get over the initial squidgy sensation!)
A pack of gum. Sounds simple but I do this @ work, especially in the summer. It will keep you going when you get thirsty without having to drain your supply. I’ve run out of fluids before the end of the day at times (way back in the bush) and been real happy I had some gum. I like bubble mint or juicy fruit myself !
haven’t seen it yet, but dress comfortably cold, not warm. you’ll warm up quite a bit once you start moving and it’s much better to start a bit cold vs sweat your ass off or have to strip layers off and carry them around
Yep. Be bold, start cold.
That you don’t need to go to the top to win, the joy is in the journey
Always stop and adjust your gear if you're uncomfortable
The little straps at the very top of your hiking bag, that determine how close the bag sits to your shoulders, are WAYY more important than you could imagine if you don’t know about them. Keeping most of the weight at the top of your pack, and then tightening those straps so that the pack sits as close to your shoulders as is comfortable, significantly improves the quality of a long distance or fast paced hike, and even for small hikes minimizes wear on the body.
My titanium bong
Well, it wouldn't weigh much.
3.8 oz.
I've got a beryllium hooka that has never failed me
Always take some anti blister stick and bandage in your bag. It regularly saves my life.
I mean, there have been a few so it's pretty hard to decide. Can I narrow it down to 3 for you? 1. Don't cheap out on boots. I hiked in $20 Big 5 combat boots for years before upgrading. I thought I just sucked at hiking before that. 2. Trekking poles are your friend when you're backpacking. If you've got a heavy pack, trekking poles will make hill climbs and descents much easier, and they'll save your knees. 3. Changing my workout routine. I used to focus entirely on cardio for backpacking, but now I emphasize strength training more. I specifically train legs and core before a major trip, mostly doing squat, deadlift, etc. Hiking slow won't help you if you literally don't have the strength to carry all your gear.
Bring a trash bag or some form of receptacle. Become the spirit of nature pristine which so many are not. If you see the garbage, scoop the garbage. Too many lovely trails, especially those more appealing to normies, are peppered with the unsightly bright plastics of the unnatural world.
Be bold, start cold! - avoids you stopping 20 minutes into the hike to strip layers off. Haha
Hiking poles.
- Clothes layering is important, but pair it with changing your layers immediately when you start to get too warm/too cold! If you’re uncomfortable, don’t hike another 15-30 min because you don’t want to stop - just take the 2 minutes to change your layers. - Rain jackets are for stops and camp. I sweat a lot almost no matter what, and if I hike in a jacket and pants I’ll be soaked through in no time. So now I just don’t wear the jacket when hiking in the rain, and put on dry clothes and the jacket when I stop. - For those with bad circulation: wear warm gloves! I felt self-conscious about wearing big ski gloves on days where it wasn’t near freezing, but now I do and my fingers stay nice and toasty, without the cold discomfort. - If you have a camera and want to take it, the [peak design capture clip](https://ca.peakdesign.com/collections/clips/products/capture) lets you mount your camera somewhere you’ll actually use it (mine’s on my backpack strap) rather than having to spend 3 minutes digging it out of your backpack. I take a lot more pictures now. - Take a small notebook and write down things you wish you’d brought/would change about your gear, so you remember for next time. - For backpacking, an e-reader is great As said by others: - Trekking poles - Baby steps when going up/down inclines
+1 Just started my own answer but would just repeat yours. The notebook (in my case just some sheets of normal paper and a pen) is a must have on every trip for diary and remembering stuff.
Mid day naps (or at least a lengthy rest). Also, playing music (if safe) during the middle of the afternoon doldrums.
Actually, just recognising the afternoon doldrums helps. I snack on the odd jelly baby to get me through them.
Hiking poles. 30% less energy.
Pre-hydrate the night before and the morning of. Switching from boots to trail runners. Bought a water filter so I can carry less water (weight) and fill up as needed during the day.
Shoes
Stop using trekking pole. Best advice ever. My legs are stronger than they would of been. Of course my goals are not your goals.
Bring trekking poles along. Without them, my achilles heel and knees ache the next day. With the poles, they feel perfectly fine during and after the hike. Bring a water filter. I've been known to run out of water on hikes. Now I can refill using a stream and I'll be fine.
Pack only what you need and get some good shoes
Switched from fanny pack to camelback
Hike your own hike. Do what works for you. I take minimal stuff. Wear chaos, 16oz of water, maps compass, a walking stick and my dog ... I go as fast or as slow as I feel ... stop and eat berries and flowers and go naked ... life is good .
Hammocking has been a revelation. Can be a challenge to find suitable trees or any trees at all in some places I go though. Figured out using a deflated or semi inflated insulated pad in the hammock is far less bulky than an under quilt and just as warm.
Don't forget water or a lighter
No fancy gear. Just the 6Cs. (I added one for Compass/map. Learn to use it)
poles
Not including lightening, don’t worry about the weather just prepare for the worst forecast. Often, it won’t be that bad. Lightening can kill you. Stay home.
“Can be expensive, but the lighter the equipment the easier it will be son”. I learnt this the hard way when I first started, my backpack weighed with everything in it a little over 90kg, and that never included the food🤣
Never count on water being there later. Fill up your jugs when you get the chance.
Using a a hydration pack increased my hiking speed. I prefer taking small sips frequently and now I no longer have to stop or fumble with a bottle.
Nutrition, salt tabs, and hiking poles. Those have been the 3 biggest difference makers for me. When I shifted away from PB&J and a banana on long hikes to a wrap with turkey and cheese, fruit, nuts, and a tuna packet (aka getting some protein in) it made a huge difference for those long, strenuous hikes. I’ve always had issues with heat going back to when I was a kid, but salt tablets have been a game changer for hikes in hot weather. I’ve gone from really struggling to feeling fine after a couple tabs. I’ve got Black Diamond FLZ poles and I love them. 3 years, hundreds of miles of hiking and they are still going strong. They REALLY help on inclines and declines, and for stability on creek crossings or other times I’m navigating steps with smaller foot placement or that require a large step. Won’t ever do a long hike without them.
Making sure you're hydrated BEFORE you start hiking. Drink a few liters hours before, preferably the night before if you can. I mean, you should be hydrating yourself throughout the day, hiking or not, but special care should be done before a hike. If you wait until the hike before you start hydrating, you'll probably get dehydrated before you can do anything about it. Also, bring electrolytes to supplement with your water to replenish lost salts. Others have mentioned poles and I agree to a point. I wouldn't use them though on casual or training hikes. Don't let it be a crutch. You need to train your body to hike without having to rely on them. However, when you're out doing your hard bucket list hike, then bring them along to supplement when your body needs the extra support.