Backpacking With Sleeping Bags
If you are the type of person that loves staring at the
beautiful wilderness with no one else nearby to bother you, then hiking
might be to your liking. If you like
a little adrenaline pumping through your veins while in the midst of nature,
then it’s definitely right up your alley. Hiking
can be as simple as going down to the nearest park and walking around for a
few hours. It can also be as extreme
as bringing camping gear for a few days and making your own trail in the
mountains. Whatever level you want
to attain, it is good to be prepared.
You should begin by improving your stamina and fitness.
One cannot just go on a 2 day hike
without the strength to survive it. It
is best to start on short distances with a light load.
Go on 2 mile hikes on an easy trail
every few days and gauge your abilities. Increase
the distance every week and the weight of your pack.
It is good to bring things that you
would need on a regular day hike like food and water, and maybe a rain coat.
On your off days, workout at the gym or go biking. Rowing and Pilates are
also good cross training exercises for hiking.
Strong thighs, shoulders, back
muscles, and abdominals are necessary for very long hikes.
Even an experienced hiker will train
for specific hikes, taking into account the load of their pack and the
trail.
Even if you are in shape, however, without the right
planning a hiking trip could end in a disaster.
Theory has no bearing in the wild,
only practical knowledge counts. It
is good to know what kind of a hike one is preparing for.
Will it just be a regular day hike
or will it last several days which needs more planning?
What will the weather be like?
You need to bring all the necessary
clothing and gear to protect against the changing climate.
You’ll be surprised how important
bringing the right sleeping bag is when the wind picks up in the middle of
the night. There are bags for all
seasons, so inquire about what you will need.
It is also important to break into a
good durable pair of hiking boots or shoes.
Speaking of gear, one cannot carry everything,
especially if your hike will last for longer than a day.
Again, all one would need for a day
hike is easily prepared food, water, extra clothes and sun protection.
On a multiday hike however, extra
gear other than sleeping bags such as tents, cook ware, and first aid will
be needed. This is when being in a
group has its advantages. Gear and
responsibility can be designated to other people.
This also makes it possible to be as
light as possible. Actually, one
trick for keeping light is buying a light sleeping bag.
This is the one piece of gear that
you will have to carry yourself, but luckily, there are many models
available that are 3 pounds or less.
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