A multi-day trek is always fun to take on, be it a high mountain top, national park, or spending a long weekend through a trail. You get to experience the beauty of mother nature, breathe the fresh air, and generally, have a peaceful time. If you’re looking for some solace and quiet from the noisy city life, you should go for a multi-day trek.
However, you will need to prepare yourself both mentally and physically for such a trip. Also, there are multiple things to consider while embarking on this journey. To make it simple for you, we have come up with a list of things to do while preparing for a multi-day trek.
Tips For A Multi-Day Trek
- Research About The Location
- Get Ready Physically
- Invest Time In Packing Essentials
- Take Extra Special Care Of Your Feet
- Carry The Updated Trail Map
- Decide On A Proper Hydration And Nutrition Plan
- Have A Proper Backup Plan In Case Of Injury Or Illness
- Prepare Yourself Mentally To Take On This Trek
1. Research About The Location
Before embarking on a multi-day trek, you will need to familiarize yourself with the trekking area. Remember to stay updated with the latest information, rules, and regulations imposed on that location. Additionally, you should also know the ongoing climatic conditions, trail closures, necessities to carry, etc.
Start researching by skimming through the official information sources. They are the most reliable as you get the rules from the horse’s mouth. You can also look through experiences described by people online, travel guides, community forums, discussion platforms, and social media. All these constitute unofficial sources, useful in giving you a glimpse into that area’s reality. But, if it’s sugar-coated, you will know!
2. Get Ready Physically
On this multi-day trek, you will have to carry your gear weighing between 30 to 50 pounds. However, this is unavoidable because without a travel gear, this hike could become very difficult to carry on. But carrying such a huge load for one day, undoubtedly, is tough. How can you deal with this problem? By acclimating your body to the weight.
Get out of your comfort zone and practice carrying your heavy gear every day. Try to get some workouts done at the gym, especially on the stair climber. Ask a trainer to recommend and help with exercises that can strengthen your core and your legs while building your endurance.
3. Invest Time In Packing Essentials
On a trek in unknown terrain, you cannot go empty-handed. You will need the proper gear which is prepared for any kind of medical and weather emergency. Some of the most important equipment to carry for your multi-day trek include:
- Hiking boots with ankle support
- Convertible pants
- Multiple and good-quality pairs of hiking socks
- Waterproof jacket
- Breathable layers of clothing
- A beanie to keep your ears warm and cozy
Of course, the kind of clothing you carry depends on the consistent weather conditions in that area. With all this research, you are better prepared to carry the right essentials.
4. Take Extra Special Care Of Your Feet
During a multi-day trek, your feet are one of the most important aspects that need to be looked after at all times. Otherwise, you’re in for a rough trek filled with discomfort and blisters all over. So, invest in a good pair of hiking boots, preferably with ankle support.
Buy multiple pairs of hiking socks as they provide the required amount of cushioning, breathability, and warmth while wicking away all the moisture. Also, try to snag a foot massage before going to bed, especially in the toe and ankle regions.
5. Carry The Updated Trail Map
Another rule of thumb before going on a multi-day trek is to carry a trail map at all times. This is unknown territory and so, losing your way through the trail becomes all the more simple. Moreover, in case the battery of your digital map dies out, this map will save the day.
However, to carry this trail map, you’ll need to invest in and carry a waterproof carrying case. While it may cost you more than expected, it’s worth it. It’s more important to invest in such a case rather than a GPS or mobile application. These durable maps can help you navigate through any corners of the country. So, if you are indeed a true explorer, a trail map should be there in your backpack.
6. Decide On A Proper Hydration And Nutrition Plan
You need to create a structured plan to stay hydrated and have adequate energy to go through the hike without experiencing fatigue. And no, we don’t mean a few water bottles, you’ll need a hydration belly or vest. It’s a hydration pack built as a backpack or a waistpack and lets you drink water handsfree.
While conducting your research, mark the places where drinking water is available to refill. In case you don’t find any, you need to invest in purification tablets or filtration straws.
To follow a proper meal plan, the basic rule to follow is to always prioritize fresh food over any other kind. If you’re carrying any perishable items, ensure that those are consumed first. This way, you get adequate nutrition without letting any food go to waste. Also, try to invest in frozen or dried food packs which are easily available in camping supply markets.
7. Carry First-Aid Without Fail
Most camper and professional hikers will agree that a proper first-aid kit is a must-have. You can never go on a multi-day trek without first-aid. This aspect must be planned out more extensively in case of a multi-day trek compared to just a day’s hike.
At an unknown or unfamiliar location, you never know what may hurt you. So, you need to prepare yourself for any common illness usually experienced by hikers in that area. This again, becomes a part of your research before you embark on this exciting journey.
8. Prepare Yourself Mentally To Take On This Trek
By training beforehand at the gym, consuming adequate water and meals, you can easily prepare yourself physically for the multi-day trek. But preparing yourself mentally is a whole other task to accomplish.
Here reassurance comes into the picture, especially if this is your first multi-day trek. Try to watch YouTube videos, and read articles from experts to get around the idea of a long trek. Plan your journey as much as possible to gain more confidence and be prepared, irrespective of the circumstance. Of course, being 100% ready is not possible. But, a closer figure is all that you need to make this trip memorable and special.
Summing Up
Preparing for a multi-day trek is all about planning, endurance, and mindset. With the right gear, training, and essentials, you can navigate challenges with ease. Go back to these 8 best tips and keep them handy during your prep!
FAQs
What Do I Need For A Multi-Day Hike?
For a multi-day hike, you would need a long list of things such as a trip plan or itinerary, map, compass, flashlight or headlamp, spare batteries, lighter or firestarter, first aid kit, matches in a waterproof container, and sunscreen.
Should You Eat Before Or After A Hike?
Yes, you must eat and your meal should include carbohydrates so you are energized on your hike. To recover from a long and tiring hike, you should replenish yourself with a lot of food, including a combination of complex carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins.
What Is Best To Drink While Hiking?
Both plain water and a sports drink are equally important while trekking. So, during your hike, you should juggle between the two drinks.
What Should You Wear On A Hike?
When going on a trek, you should wear shoes and clothes of breathable material (avoid cotton).
What Is The Difference Between Trekking And Hiking?
The difference between trekking and hiking is not much. Hiking is walking in the natural environment like hiking trails and footpaths and it is mostly for a day or two. Trekking is similar to hiking but it is mostly in a wild environment.
What Precautions Should Be Taken While Trekking?
There are a few things to be kept in mind when on a trek like avoiding going alone, drinking plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and be well-informed about the points you go to during trekking.
How Safe Is Trekking?
Trekking spots are always ensured with security and have a 0% chance of putting someone at risk so in a way, trekking is considered to be safe.
