Basic tips you should know if you are new to long-distance hiking
How to start doing long-distance hiking? Maybe you have asked yourself this question many times when after your daily walk you always want something more, to look for another level, another experience. You start dreaming of walking along a beautiful trail, of discovering landscapes, great mountain ranges, deserts or unimaginable areas for days, weeks or, why not, months.
If this is what you want, the following basic tips may help you to know how to get started on long journeys.
What do you need to know if you are starting out in long-distance hiking?
Short or long route, what's the difference?
Some experts say that a trail becomes "long" when they reach distances of more than 50 km. (Fedme's definition of a long-distance trail), although some experienced hikers consider this distance to be a short walk. Others think that covering hundreds of kilometres over several months of walking is ideal.
The important thing is that whether the route is short or long, you feel good, strong and satisfied with achieving the goal you set out to achieve and it benefits your mental and physical health.
Do you have to be an experienced athlete to take up long-distance walking?
Not at all. Ideally, before you start hiking, you should already be a regular walker. However, the most important thing to practice this activity is that you have a strong and open mind, a strong will and a flexible nature.
Very often you see middle-aged or retired hikers, even older adults. They often find themselves at a crossroads in life, in search of a better way of life. new challenges, new answers, eager for change and new experiences.. Hikers who, for example, complete a hike of more than 600 km have one thing in common: they really wanted to do it.
So if you have this motivation, go ahead and start now!
Be prepared to be away from home for some time.
If you have made the decision and your mind is set on this objective, you can look for classic trailsand very well known. Find someone in the same situation as you, with the same goal, people who will accompany and encourage you along the way. Some routes can last several months, others will be shorter, it all depends on your goals and desires.
Gran Recorrido trails offer unforgettable experiences, challenges and new places to explore. They can change your life.
Plan your route before you leave home
- Do it carefully. You may actually spend more time planning than you do en route. You should start researching and planning your tour perhaps a year in advance so that no detail is overlooked.
- Check the permits you need to collect (depending on the area or country you choose) and save enough money to cover all your needs.
- Look for maps, information and details of the trail you want to hike. Most of the long trails popular with hikers are well-marked and well-travelled, so you'll be able to find the information easily.
- If you wish, you can carry a compass or GPS and has printed trail guides and maps.
Make a packing list for your adventure. But in general, don't forget to include:
- A comfortable and spacious backpack (hopefully you have already tried it).
- Sleeping bag light and warm.
- Clothing trekking.
- Food to keep you from going hungry and to nourish you properly.
- Tent Lightresistant and waterproof.
- Enough hydrationwater is ideal.
- Evaluates very well the weight you want and can carry. Many hikers use lightweight or ultralight equipment; they carry only essentials and sleep in tarpaulins or hammocks rather than tents.
- If you have any doubts, you can consult information and blogs on the Internet where they will give you a lot of details of the items that are a must in your backpack.
Is it better to do long-distance hiking alone, with a friend or in a group?
Those who seemingly walk alone on the long, popular trails are usually not. A wonderful social scene develops on these trails; a subculture if you will. The experience of meeting new and interesting people, creating friendships, bonds of solidarity and companionship while experiencing moments of adversity and joy, will be very common on these routes. So if you go "alone", you will never really be alone.
Now if you are thinking of hiking with friends, relatives or your spouse, think very carefully. Be very conscious and realistic about whether your relationship with this person or your group of friends is strong enough to withstand the trials and minor discomforts that are bound to arise over several weeks or even several months on the trail.
If you decide to be accompaniedThe long journey will be a reason for success or also a reason for distancing. It will be a space to really get to know each other and to see all the reactions to unexpected challenges, long days of walking and long nights in unknown places.
Will you have any disadvantages when hiking long distance?
It all depends on how you look at it and on the planning you have done. It also depends on your willingness to brave the weather, your level of endurance, the equipment you carry and your attitude.
With these considerations in mind, many long trails pass through towns with medical services and all the other comforts of civilisation. There you can always take a break and stay a few nights in a hotel. In addition, on some trails there is a network of "trail angels", people who can give you help, advice, cover any of your needs and even offer you "goodies" to help you regain your energy.
How should you prepare before you go?
During the year prior to the walk (simultaneously with the planning of the walk), you can practice a training programme consistent to keep up the pace. It should be well targeted, disciplined and with clear walking goals that can be met on a daily basis so that you get used to it. Try to do these workouts with the backpacker on your back to measure your endurance and the weight you can carry on the trail.
Never stop eating healthy and properly.
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