7 tips for planning the perfect hiking trip

Do you know what to do when planning your trek ? It all starts with proper preparation in comfort of your home. Read this article before you get surprised.

In comfort of our home  

When you are already walking in the nature, then it is too late to start planning for your hiking trip. Even experienced hiker will not dare to go on hiking trip without proper planning and preparation.

Although it sounds paradoxically, keep the focus of most of the problems at home, when you can think about situations that may occur during the expedition. Your trip will be then much better, because you will already know some solutions. The result is much better enjoyment without any worries.

There are several things we should think of and find the answer before every trip.

Define your criteria 

Think about your criterias. It is not as complicated. 

Start with these questions:

• where - where I am going 

• when - time frame (if possible)

• what - is it hiking or camping...?

Be more specific:

• know your route - campsites, landmarks, etc.

• know your limits

• is it a solo trip or are there more of us ? 

Logistics is usually neglected. Therefore think about: 

• way there and way back 

• is camping (bivouacking) permitted on the places I intend to visit ?

The conditions 

This is especially important for trips abroad, but most of the points are applicable anywhere

The main points are: 

• climate 

• day light  

• vegetation 

• navigation equipment 

• power of the Sun 

• water availability 

• wild animals and insect 

• remoteness 

• natural hazards  

It may happen that you will find contradictory information during your research. Therefore search only on proven websites. Also try to find the informations from experienced travelers. They are always helpful. 

An appropriate gear 

Whether you are beginner or experienced hiker, ou will never make it without adequate equipment. You can opt for higher price tag or find cheaper stuff, either way, try to adapt your equipment to the environment in which you will be at. We all know that we won´t be taking a tent somewhere where bivouacking is prohibited. But if you have read carefully previous points of this article, you already know about planning ahead and therefore you can save some time (as well as space in your backpack).

If you are looking for the right equipment or accessories, do not hesitate to visit our e-shop, where you can find everything you need.

Prepare your food 

Food is perhaps the most important thing not only on your travels so even when packing for your trip, try to have balanced diet as well. 

Meals can be: 

• spicy 

• salty 

• sweet 

• sour 

Of course your needs depends on specific trip, but on average you will need to consume at least 2 300 - 2 800 kcal per day. It really is rough estimate, everyone´s needs are different.

Navigation equipment 

If you are going somewhere where you don´t know it, do not underestimate navigation equipment. There is nothing worse than purposeless wandering. Not many people feel comfortable in such situations, not mentioning wasting of precious time. 

Do not rely only on GPS in your cell phone. This will be confirmed by many travelers who run out of navigation or smartphone (dead battery, etc.) at the moment when they were most needed.

What do we suggest 

• large scale tourist map 

• small scale tourist map 

• compass 

We have already mentioned to know your landmarks, etc. This will make navigation easier. It's still true that being prepared is the essence of carefree travel.

Get in shape 

Proper fitness is part of the preparation. It is irresponsible to go on trips if you are not sure that you are physicall fit. Walking with backpack is recommended. We would also recommend running as it is one of the ways how to get back in shape.

Swimming is also excellent as all of your muscles are involved. Swimming 1,000 meters is about as demanding as running 7 kilometers, so if swimming is your thing, go for it. The added bonus can be ice bathing/cold therapy. 

Final checking 

Now you know everything you need. Let´s do a little recap and do not forget primarily:  

• to pack all necessary equipment inc. compass, maps, sleeping bag, tent,...and eventual tourist permits 

• food. Pay specific attention to perishable foods

• check the weather forecast and possibly reorganize your equipment according to it

• emergency contact numbers