These tips will get you better prepared for your hike and could make your day a whole lot easier, more enjoyable and ultimately safer.
Tip 1: trainingTrain, train and train. If you have not been hiking for a while it is a good idea to start training a month before you go on holiday. Some sports that will help you to prepare are walking on different surfaces, running, cycling and swimming. You can also do some simple exercises/drills such as repetitively walking up your stairs with a weighted rucksack; doing lunges, doing squats and side lunges.
Tip 3: cleaningMake sure all of your kit is clean and works properly a week or so before you set off if you do not use it often. This will give you time to purchase new kit if your old kit is broken or not working properly.
Tip 5: tellingA day or so before you leave tell someone you know where you are going, when, what time you are starting and what time you think you will be back. If you are on holiday you could tell the owner of the accommodation or put a notice in your car.
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Tip 2: preparingGood preparation is they key to a great day on the mountains. So make sure that around a week before your hike you are looking on the internet for walk directions on sites such as Walking Britain and following the routes you find on your map. This will minimize mistakes on the hill.
Tip 4: shoppingA few days before pop down to your local shop to pick up some of your favorite energy bars and general food supplies for your hike such as Kendal Mint Cake. This will mean that you haven't got to go to the shop before you set out on the day.
tip 6: eating and drinkingBefore you head out on your hike be sure to have a proper breakfast that does not consist mainly of sugars. A few suggestions include a cooked breakfast or porridge as they both give you energy that will last for a long time.
Try to drink less diuretic drinks such as tea, coffee, coca cola, alcohol and some sports drinks (pretty much anything that is alcoholic or has caffeine in). As these will make you want to go for a pee not long after drinking them: not the best situation if you are in the middle of nowhere. |