A First-timer’s guide in preparing for multi-day hikes

Hiking around Australia is a great adventure. It is also a great way to discover a place; you get to trek to scenery that is not typically crowded by tourists, pristine and lush forests, and views that seem like those straight out of a postcard. However enjoyable, hiking also involves great physical strength and endurance. It is a hobby and a task that you should highly prepare for.

Here’s a guide for you to follow to prepare for your multi-day hike:

1. Prepare Your Gear

Hiking involves more than your brain and your physical strength, so a lot of preparation should be made. A multi-day hike is going to go on for days without heading back so you have to make sure you bring everything important with you. Expert hikers recommend for you to prepare the following:

• Several great tents for the team and other sleeping gear;
• Clothing that is enough to keep you clean and warm, depending on the temperature of the area you are trekking;
  • Clothing needed for warm climate includes shirts and pants in light colors, loose-fitting clothing and clothing made of nylon and polyester.
  • Clothing needed for cold climate includes insulated/thermal clothing, jackets lined with fleece or wool and hard shell pants that are windproof and waterproof.
• Good quality shoes;

This is very important, as you are going to do a lot of walking. Here’s how to know if your shoes are good quality:

• It should feel snug, warm and comfortable
  • However snug, your shoes should have enough room for you to wiggle your toes
  • Give your shoes a test hike or run before the big multi-day hike
• Hiking and outdoor gear like poles, torch and a first aid kit.

2. Choose a Suitable Location

Australia has a lot trekking and hiking sites that you can choose for your outdoor adventures. From mountains to lakes, to places by the beach, its natural views are fantastic. But because it is still your first time, it is best for you to stay on the safe side and consider first what it is you can and cannot do for now. From this first time trip, you can slowly go further and choose better and more exciting locations.

Do your research very well and make sure that you know the place, what to prepare, what to do in case you get lost, how to call for help. Here are tips on determining a suitable location:

• Choose an area that is closer to where you are so that you can start your hike while there is still daylight
• Choose a location that only entails a few kilometres back and forth, and only with a low elevation, too
• Because it is your first time, it is better for you to hike on a well-established camp or nature park rather than be adventurous with a more challenging and less-trekked location

3. Do a Thorough Meal Preparation

Count the number of days that you will be out in the wild, and think of the meals that will help keep your energy going, but are also easy to prepare. Quick and instant meals are meals that you can make by adding water. Be sure you have at least a day’s worth of extra meals just in case any untoward accident might happen, and you might end up spending more days than you expected.

4. Consult Your Doctor

Going on a multi-day hike is very different from going on an hour’s worth of trail, or a day trek as a multi-day hike entails more physical strength. Also, it doesn’t mean that because you have been going on day treks regularly before, you can smoothly go through a multi-day hike without consulting your doctor first. It is best for you to make sure that your health is in good condition.

Consult your doctor first and have a routine checkup before you embark on your multi-day hike. Also ask your doctor to help you manage any accidents that might happen such as a sprained ankle or a twisted arm, as these would still need medical attention while on your hike; take note too of any pre-existing health issues that you have such as any heart problem, or asthma.

Remember that a multi-day hike is a risky activity, one that can even pose a danger to your life.

5. Start Exercising

A multi-day hike is a strenuous physical activity. Remember, you have to bring at least 15 to 25 kilos of gear on your back; This is as heavy as it can get, especially if you are going to be carrying the weight for multiple days. Here are ways for you to challenge yourself while working out:

• Remember to do cardio exercises
• Keep adding up heavy loads each day
• Ask your gym instructor for exercises that can strengthen your arms, legs and your core

6. Seek the Advice of More Experienced Hikers

As a first-timer, the best advice that you can have is that coming from a more experienced one.  You can read on books, blogs and other resources, but the best tips you can have about the place, what to expect on a multi-day hike, and other concerns is by seeking the advice of Australian hikers who have been doing multi-day treks for longer times than you have; they can always give you the most real and honest tips that you will be needing.

Here are tips on how you can seek the advice of more experienced hikers:

• Check out your local hiking group and join them
• Search for hiking forums in the internet
• Ask friends who may have friends who are hikers

Conclusion

Remember, just as in any travel adventure, planning and preparation is always important to ensure that you enjoy your multi-day hike around Australia and that you stay safe, too. As it can be a risky adventure, having this guide in mind will help you make your first multi-day hike an enjoyable one that will excite you and keep you looking forward to your next trek.