What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word trekking? For some, it may be really exciting and adventurous, whereas, for some, it might be something that requires physical strength and can be an exhausting and tedious thing to do. While everybody has different opinions and views regarding trekking, but there are a majority of people who enjoy trekking and take it as an easy way to spend your day with your loved ones as a family. Trekking may not be something easy and simple, it does require physical strength and efforts, but once you get the hang of it, everything becomes easier, and you naturally become a pro at trekking. With time, trekking is becoming increasingly popular, and many people have started showing their interest in taking this as a challenge. The after-effects of trekking vary from person to person as well as some other factors, including distance, ascent, descent, altitude, etc. Just like you have to prepare for your exams beforehand so that you can get through it easily, trekking also works in a similar way. One needs to be well prepared before they dive themselves into something that they haven’t experienced before.
To make sure you don’t end up with sore legs and blisters the day after trekking, perusing some preparation tips would be your safest bet. We have made a list of some tips that every trekker must know about for a safe and comfortable experience.
Pack lightly
The first and foremost thing to make sure is you pack lightly. Your number one priority should be to keep your backpack as light as possible, as it will ensure easy and smooth trekking. Only carry those things that are actually required, like your clothes, food, medicine, and other necessary stuff. Carrying unwanted items is only going to overload your bag, and carrying a heavy backpack while trekking is not something we would suggest. Trekking through steep mountains while carrying a heavy backpack is only going to pull you down through the entire trek, making you feel more exhausted and restless.
Train and prepare your body for the trek
Whether it’s a 1-day trek or a week-long trek, your body is the first thing that should be worked upon for its fitness and physical strength because these are the two factors that will help in making sure that your entire trek goes smoothly without any hassle. Start working on your legs to build strength and prepare them for a long journey on the trek. You can either rely on the gym following a proper workout or you can start taking long walks or walking up and down the stairs to strengthen the legs and build stamina. Some other activities, like cycling and running, can also help you with your stamina.
Get a weather check
Getting a weather check is another important thing to consider because you wouldn’t want to go on a trek when it’s supposed to rain. This is why always keep weather updates and make sure whether there will be heavy downpour or not. It’s not safe to do trekking in such conditions as the chances of landslide increases 10x more. After making sure that the climate is stable, you can continue with your trekking plans.
Keep small eatables and drinking bottles in your backpack.
Just like an engine needs fuel to start, your body also works in a similar way. It requires all the nutrients and vital elements for its proper functioning, which is why carrying along small eatables like snacks and even meals for that matter is one of the trekking essentials you cannot miss out on carrying. Keep your meals small but frequent to maintain energy levels. And try to avoid having snacks; instead, go for healthy options like fruits, which is not only easy to eat while moving but also boosts energy level. And don’t forget to keep a water bottle always in your bag which you can refill from the waterfall or villages on the way.
Carry walking poles
Once you get used to the idea of carrying walking poles to your treks, they will become your ultimate savior. They literally make a big difference to your trek by acting as two extra legs, helping you on climbing steep treks. These poles take some weight off your body and ease the load on your knees and thighs on descents.