7 Tips to Help You Prepare before the Trek

You can conquer the mountains they say, but what they often forget to talk about is all the hard work that will go into it. Road trips have their own fun and trekking its own. This weekend, opt for trekking over a weekend getaway. You know how we say that we will get stars and the moon when in love? It sounds fancy, but it is a little hard to achieve.

But, what can be achieved is your quest of the mountain and all you’ll need to do is put some efforts. Wonder how? Just prepare for the trek and do it with the kind of diligence you’d prepare for an exam. Not many give enough importance to the preparation that goes into trekking, but it is the most important, and the result it bears is something that you will cherish for a lifetime. After all, safety and prep first, always!

You put in not just your time but all that sweat and often, blood too while you prepare for the trek. While many think that trekking isn’t for the weak, did you ever think that the weak can turn into the strong? Well, trekking up to the Everest Base camp or Kilimanjaro for that matter isn’t a biggie unless you make it one. All you have to do is prepare for the trek and work up on your skills and you will be good to go.

Tips to prepare for the trek:

So, here are some of the tips that will help you prepare for the trek you have been wanting to go on:

1. Walk regularly – It is never enough

If you are one of those people who is too lazy to walk and takes the cab even for a 10-minute walk, then you might be in trouble. First thing when you prepare for the trek is buck up your stamina. Having said that, the most basic among all the ways is to walk as much as you can and whenever you can.  You must start from somewhere, and it could be as short a distance as just walking to the bus stop every day. Eventually, increase the distance, and cover a distance equivalent to that of the trek. As you prepare for the trek, start with the walk every alternate day, and once you feel it is working well, you can turn it into an everyday rigorous walk.

2. Ace the walk – Yes, you could be doing it wrong

You must make sure that you are walking right. Who thought one could go wrong with it?  Make sure that you put your heel first and then roll over to the toe, look straight and shoulder at a level. As you prepare for the trek, it is the little things that will eventually make it easy. Hence, ensure that all that prep is well designed and suited for your body.

3. The weather and terrains – Mix it up while you train

As you prepare for the trek, remember that it is no cakewalk. As you trek your way up, you will have to deal with bad weather. And if that’s not enough, there is rough terrain to deal with too. Hence, while you prepare for the trek, you must make sure that the walk isn’t very comfortable. Depending on your trek, train on a path that isn’t very plain and straight. The basic idea behind the mix is to be prepared for all the pressure that will be exerted on your body. And hence, the mix will enable you to prepare for the trek efficiently.

4. Walking poles – your best friends during the trek

While you will take time to get used to the walking poles, they are a saviour once you get used to them. As you prepare for the trek, incorporate them into your walks. Eventually, you will understand why they are important. During the walk up, they will take off some weight, and while you walk down, they will put off some of the pressure. With the gravels and everything that might come in the way, the walking poles will help you trace your path during the trek. Once you start using them as you prepare for the trek, you will get accustomed to them.

5. The backpack – Walk with it while you train

As a part of your preparation for the trek, you need to make sure that you carry your backpack during the training. A few days into training, you can start carrying the backpack too. As you prepare for the trek, the backpack must be filled with clothes, snacks, water, etc, and the straps must be all well adjusted. Keep in mind that you will have to walk your way up and down with the backpack and hence choosing a comfortable one is of utmost importance. While you train with the backpack, you will know if they are the right ones for the trek or not. While you prepare for the trek, see if you can make your backpack heavier than what it will actually weigh. This will make it easier for you during the actual trek and you can thank us later.

6. The prep before the trek – Clothes, shoes, and more

It is important that apart from the training, you prepare for the things you will need as well. The first and foremost of all the things is the right pair of shoes.  If your feet aren’t comfortable, your trek can turn into a disaster. While you prepare for the trek, wear these shoes to every possible place you can. Over the period of your prep, your feet will get comfortable with the shoes. Once the feet are comfortable, there is a lesser chance of any injury or blisters. Get quality and water-resistant hiking boots, and a nice pair of socks to go with them. While ankle length boots are the way to go, wool or nylon socks are preferable. Clothes are as much an important aspect because comfort first, always.

7. Be prepared – mentally as well as physically

It is important that you don’t bring yourself down, and as you prepare for the trek, never underestimate yourself. While you are training, you are putting an effort. Just remember that it is the same effort that will guide you through. While you need to be prepared for the unexpected, be kicked about what is on its way. It is important to keep up with your diet and train rigorously. And, it is also important to have a sane mind and not get worked up.

Let ‘koshish karne walo ki kabhi haar nahi hoti‘ be your mantra as you prepare for the trek. So remember your anthem, and you will be good to go!

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