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With the growing awareness of fitness and outdoor adventure, many people have joined the ranks of hiking enthusiasts. So, what do we need to prepare before a hike? What should we pay attention to while hiking? Let’s take a look at some outdoor hiking experiences together.
Be Sure to Attend the Pre-Trip Meeting
The pre-trip meeting is an opportunity for the team to assign tasks and communicate before departure. During the meeting, the team leader will delegate responsibilities, explain the itinerary and possible situations that may arise, as well as physical requirements, etc. Team members must also raise any potential difficulties they may have in order to take preventive measures in advance. Therefore, it is essential to attend the pre-trip meeting — not only to understand the situation but also to get familiar with your teammates and build rapport.
Engage in Regular Physical Training
Physical fitness is required to ensure you have the basic ability to save yourself and others in case of emergencies. It is recommended to engage in physical exercise before the trip, such as swimming or going to the gym. Taking the stairs or riding a bicycle are also good options. The best physical training, however, is still hiking uphill with a backpack.
Ways to Conserve Energy
Avoid staying up late before the hike; don’t lose sleep because you’re too excited. Avoid stopping and starting frequently. Gauge your own stamina and don’t overburden yourself by carrying too much. Go to bed early at night and ensure you get high-quality sleep.
Pack the Essentials Properly
Before setting off, make sure to prepare the following: familiarize yourself with the map and itinerary details; stock up on enough food supplies; remember what you’ve brought; pack your backpack with usage order in mind, securely stow rope ends, maintain a balanced center of gravity, and ask someone with experience to help adjust the shoulder straps.
Move Steadily When Going Uphill and Downhill
When going uphill, don’t stop to catch your breath after just a few steps. It’s best to maintain a steady, moderate pace without frequent breaks, as stopping often will consume more energy. In principle, don’t rest so long that your body cools down — most recommendations suggest a 10-minute break every hour. Otherwise, you may catch a chill, become exhausted, or even cramp up, especially in winter. While resting, face the direction you came from, memorize the surrounding landscape, and review the map to confirm you’re on the planned route. This can also help you find your way back if you get lost. When going downhill, move slowly and steadily — avoid jumping or hopping, as this can damage the cartilage in your knees and lead to permanent sports injuries. Additionally, try to keep a visible distance between each person during the hike to handle emergencies and prevent individuals from getting lost.
Don’t Rest in Windy Areas
Whether you’re taking a break during the hike or after reaching the campsite, keeping warm is the top priority. Dry clothes will be your indispensable helper. Always choose a sheltered spot to rest, and the same goes for choosing a campsite — avoid windy areas.