How to Prepare for a Big Hike Abroad

Hiking can be a great way for you to increase your current level of fitness. It is also a fantastic way for you to really get out there and see the world up close and personal. Of course, if you have never been hiking, or you have never had to prepare for doing it abroad, then you can find out whatever you need to know right here.

Always Prepare

The first thing that you need to do is prepare yourself. It is so important that you understand where you are going, and to also talk about an agreed time to check back in as well. You also need to plan for a number of different scenarios. This can include heat, injury, rain, and hunger. Your kit needs to have carry-on items that will help you solve all of these problems because if you don’t then you may not be able to help yourself if something does happen. Dehydration is the main issue that people face when they are out hiking, so think about using a filtration kit. When you have one of these, you can easily keep yourself hydrated when you are on the go and this can be a real problem. It’s also a good idea to have the number for a jet ambulance service so that you can always get the help you need when you need it.

Rain

Sure, the forecast may state that there is absolutely no rain; it may also state that it is going to be blazing sunshine. All in all, it doesn’t matter what the weather forecast says because you do need to make sure that you prepare for absolutely everything. Rain gear is super light and you can even take some plastic storage zipper bags with you. Ponchos don’t take up any room and if possible, you should also take a spare set of clothes with you. If you don’t then you run the risk of exposing yourself to hypothermia and this can be life-threatening.

Cut Your Gear

If you are out on the hike and you see that you just have too much gear to carry with you then don’t exhaust yourself over it. Instead, leave some of that gear behind. You may be able to come back for it later and if you don’t then it is not worth risking your health over. Try and make sure that you leave your replaceable items behind, such as food boxes, wet clothing items and more. When you do this, your bag will be lighter, you will be able to go for longer and you will feel much better for it as well. If you are worried about some of your clothing getting wet then consider using a waterproof spray. When you do this, you can easily keep your items dry and you can also stop any moisture from getting in as well. This doesn’t cost much at all but it can save you a lot of effort and stress.

Layer Up

While you don’t want to overwhelm your gear or your backpack, you need to be wearing warm clothes when you are on a hike. Not just warm clothes, but waterproof outerwear, too. The thing is, your bag is almost full, so what do you do? Well, the answer here is layering. Wearing more than one t-shirt, a couple of long-sleeved tops and a hat will lighten the load in your bag. As you get warmer, you can strip layers down and store them at the top of your bag, or in the side pockets. It’s much easier to store clothing like t-shirts as they can compress down and fold small!

Layering is a smart idea when you are hiking, anyway, as you will encounter all kinds of conditions – especially when you are in a new country. You cannot always guarantee the weather, so when you are considering what to pay, remember that the more layers you have the better. You can always take them off to cool down. If you don’t bring enough clothing and spare socks, you could find yourself in some trouble. Preparation is key!