Training for Backpackers
Posted: Wednesday, September 30, 2009
by Amanda Kiefer
http://www.moosejaw.com/
Contemplating of hiking through the Pacific Crest? How about the Appalachian trail? Well you might want to get ready. Backpacking requires a large amount of endurance and strength. It might seem easy to carry your pack for a few steps, but when you start racking up the miles, it gets pretty difficult. Trust me, I have hiked over 50 miles per day before, did a 44 mile race on 3 technical peaks over 12,000 feet, and did 100 miles in 4 days. I have hiked all over the country in every condition from 14,000 foot mountains to the horse trails in my backyard. Rest assured that this information is all you'll need to be the best backpacker possible. If you follow my simple steps, you'll be able to reach your goal no matter how big it is. So here is what you need to do:
Be prepared. Taking some mock up backpacking trips will help you know whether or not you will need things like tissues, or sun screen. A mock up will also tell you if you can leave them at home to conserve some weight. It will help you realize just how much an extra pound or two can feel, but the consequences aren't as high when you are just training.
Bring something extra. To enhance your training, fill a few extra Nalgenes and add them in your pack. Each filled bottle is about two pounds, so you are adding moreweight. However, if halfway through your work out, you decide the weight is too much, you can just dump it out. When I was preparing for my 44 mile race, I used to hike with a
35 pound pack for 6-8 hours at a time, even though I knew on the day of the race I'd only be carrying about 9 pounds. Doing this gave me the confidence and strength to go longer and feel better through the whole race.
Ensure you have the right backpack. The difference between a properly fit backpack and one that is not quite fitting becomes insurmountably important when you get out on a trail and start racking up the miles. When you are training, you can find out just how good your backpack feels on your back. This will help you know if you have the right type and fit of pack. Even more, you should make sure your pack is the perfect size, you don't want to use a
90 liter pack for 2 days, but you do not want to carry a 20 liter bag for 10 days either. Packing up your items, and actually using them will help you know what size of backpack you need, or what you need to leave at home.
Learn to do things while you hike. Practicing can be time consuming. While I would never suggest talking on the phone or taking friends along to chat while you are actually in the back country, it might be a good idea to make training hikes a little more productive. Making your practicing social helps it be enjoyable and helps your friends want to come with you on an actual expedition some time in the future also.
Write down your workouts. Believe it or not, this is an ancient tradition. Even ancient Greek Olympians wrote down their training. Being able to see your progress and keeping track of your accomplishments will keep you focused on your goal. Besides, it is always exciting to be able to figure out that you have traveled 70 miles per week for the last 2 years and brag to your friends.
Start with something small. I wouldn't advise taking on some major adventure race as your first time carrying a pack. That just does not make much sense and it is a given to not be fun. You want your hike to feel like you can accomplish it, and like you're having fun doing it. You do not want to feel like you're just barely surviving. It is okay to just backpack for a few miles in order to make certain you are starting at your level. After that, you can increase your miles.
Find your style. I love traveling alone, but my friends can't stand it. You need to know what you like, so it continues to be interesting. If you don't enjoy what you're doing, you won't keep doing it.
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