By Jessica Brody
Preparing for a major hiking or climbing trip can be a lot of work, but those experienced with the great outdoors know all the work is well worth it. The key is to be organized and to come prepared for any contingency, from changes in the weather to getting off track in an unfamiliar area. Whether you’re going to be hiking alone or with a group, it’s important to make safety a priority and to make sure you have all the tools you need for a great trip.
Remember that there are considerations other than what to pack, such as making sure your body is ready for a major hike or climb and taking care of your home and business while you’re gone, especially if you’ll be away for more than a week. Fortunately there are several things you can do to ensure everything is ready so you won’t have to deal with anxiety or stress during your getaway.
Colorful Clearwater presents more tips that can help make your trip fun, exciting, and safe!
Workout daily
You may be in great shape, but preparing for a major hike or mountain climbing expedition necessitates some work. Start by walking everyday, adding more and more time leading up to your trip. Wear a backpack so you can get used to the weight of it, and wear your hiking boots if possible, especially if you haven’t worn them much before; you will want to break them in. Vary your terrain rather than walking a flat track at the local park or the sidewalks in your neighborhood, as you’ll need to try and recreate the conditions you will be hiking in.
Aside from walking, you should also start a workout routine that involves your core and endurance as well as your ankles, calves, and hips. Strengthening those areas will help prevent injury and allow you to keep up a steady pace on your trip.
Get your house and business ready
It may seem odd to think about preparing your home so that you can leave, but if you’ll be gone for longer than a couple of days, it’s wise to make sure everything is safe and accounted for. Let your neighbors know where you’re going and when you’ll be back so that they can be on the lookout for any suspicious activity. Install motion-sensor lights around the perimeter of your home; you can find fairly inexpensive versions here.
It might also be a good idea to invest in a surveillance camera, so you can watch anything going on in or near your home while you’re gone with a smartphone or tablet. If you know you won’t have service where you’re going, ask a friend to keep an eye on things on their own device.
If you’re a business owner, you should also put a vacation strategy in place. Let clients know you’ll be away and provide them with contact information for the employee who will be taking over while you’re gone. You should also make sure your employees are aware of who’s in charge while you’re out. It’s also a good idea to give them the autonomy to handle any emergencies that pop up so that they aren’t constantly calling or emailing you while you’re trying to enjoy your time off.
Pack smart
Look up the weather forecast in the area that you’ll be traveling to so you can be prepared for anything, but don’t overpack; remember, you’ll be carrying everything you bring on your back. Bring several items of light-colored, cotton clothing that can be layered if necessary, as well as a hat and a few extra pairs of clean socks. Think of the essentials, especially if you’re hiking alone; a first-aid kit, matches, a flashlight, flares, and lots of protein-packed snacks are a good start.
It’s also a good idea to bring a poncho, extra water, and a fire-retardant tent and sleeping bag. Maps, a compass, and a good sharp knife are also essentials when you’re spending any amount of time outdoors.
Protecting your valuables when you’re on a hike is important, and this is especially true when you’re traveling abroad. For example, trekking through the trails and mountains of Nepal will require you to take extra precaution, especially if you take the more strenuous route. If you’re concerned about what might happen if you lose your belongings — including your money — during your hike, give yourself peace of mind by signing up for a money transfer service. This way, if you encounter any hiccups during your adventure, you can have friends or loved ones transfer money quickly and affordably.
Hiking, camping, and climbing are all great ways to reduce stress and anxiety after a particularly long stretch at work, so being prepared and organized prior to your trip can help you fully relax instead of worrying about what you might have forgotten. Make packing lists and check them more than once to ensure you don’t miss anything.
Jessica Brody of ourbestfriends.pet
Feature photo by Pexels on Pixabay
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