Whether you are planning a difficult hike or you have an exciting backpacking trip on the horizon, you want to take the time to prepare yourself during the weeks and months leading up to your big hike. Under-preparing can make what should be an enjoyable experience a miserable one. Training doesn’t have to be strenuous and can be fun and on a budget. Here is a guide on how to train for backpacking or hiking trips.

Why You Should Train

Training will not only help you enjoy your time on the trails more, but it will allow you to focus on fun and enjoying the beauty of nature. Instead of being tired and miserable throughout your hike, you won’t overexert yourself and will savor your time outdoors. Preparing your body for a long journey can help you carry more things, and you won’t need as much time to recover after the trip.

In addition to avoiding overexertion, you’ll also avoid many injuries, muscle fatigue, and blisters that come with training. Becoming more flexible and building strength can help you stay flexible on your hike and toughen up your skin while breaking in your footwear.

Where Should You Start

Write down your goals

The first step in your training is to figure out why you want to do this in the first place. Be specific about the goals you want to achieve. This could be how many miles you want to hike daily and how much weight you want to carry in your backpack. These will help you grasp what you’re working toward and make training easier.

Start moving

Once you know what you’re working toward, it’s important to start moving. Try to get up and get your blood flowing for at least 30 minutes daily. This could be through vigorous spring cleaning or a walk around your neighborhood. Find something enjoyable and easily accessible when you’re first starting out. This will start working out your heart and lung muscles which will do most of the heavy lifting on your hike. As you increase your activity, incorporate some of the gear that you'll have on you during your excursion. You will want to make sure your clothes, packs, shoes, socks, and undergarments like a great sports bra are all up-to-snuff before heading out. This will give you enough time to acclimate to the gear, and to make changes before you get to the big excursion. 

Make walking part of your routine

Start walking as soon as you know when your hike or backpacking trip will be. Start with a few easy walks each week, then work up to more intense ones. You can even do longer hikes on the weekend to prepare for your big hike or backpacking trip. Start logging data from your practice, such as your time, how many miles you could go, and how you feel after each one.

How long does it take to train for backpacking?

The amount of time will vary for each person, and also how strenuous your planned activity is. Depending on your expertise, training for longer hiking adventures could take at least 2-3 months of walking, preparing, and getting in shape. Give yourself time to move and to get your body used to the high level of activity.

Strength training for backpacking is a great way to help your body get in shape as well. Moving your body, lifting light weights, and walking on different types of terrain (safely) can all be a big help!

For most of us, hiking is an ideal pastime to take in nature’s landscapes. Whether you’re a veteran or a new hiker, training is an essential part of your hiking preparation. This will help you be more prepared and ready to enjoy hikes in some of the most challenging and beautiful places.

If you need a supportive sports bra for your hike, the ENELL LITE is a low-to-medium impact bra that is ultra-comfortable, has no wires, and closes in the front. For extra support, there are also the medium impact racerback bra - ENELL RACER - and the ENELL SPORT - the highest impact sports bra on the market. 

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