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Adventure Travel Home > About Us > Newsletter Archive > April 2006 - Hit the Hiking Trail with Austin-Lehman Adventures
Hiking Tips & Tidbits
“Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time.”
Steven Wright
Preparing for a Hiking Trip
Most likely you’ll be hiking across varied terrain, so you will want to vary your pre-trip workouts accordingly. For an indoor program, the StairMaster machine is ideal (i.e., six to ten miles with elevation gains of 800 to 1000 feet per mile). If you prefer walking outside, choose routes and trails that offer flat and hilly sections. We recommend carrying your daypack and wearing hiking shoes during some workouts to get used to them.
Your Feet
The healthier and more comfortable your feet, the happier your trip will be. To avoid blisters, keep your feet and socks dry and clean. As soon as you feel a hot spot (rubbing), stop, and apply moleskin to the effected area. If a blister develops, keep the area dry and clean, and protect it from further pressure. You may want to carry the following foot care items with you in your daypack.
- moleskin
- mole foam
- spenco gel
- second skin
- tincture of benzene
- athletic tape
- small scissors
Footwear
Choosing the right footwear is one of the most important decisions you will make. For hiking, a tried-and-true, lightweight walking shoe or boot is the best. We recommend a "hybrid" walking boot or "approach" shoe that combines the lightweight, ventilated features of a shoe with the support and durability of a boot. If you buy new footwear for your trip, be sure to break them in beforehand.
Socks
Bring at least one pair for each day of your trip, plus extras for the evening. We highly recommend specialized hiking socks such as Thorlo or SmartWool. These are designed with extra cushion to absorb shock and help prevent blisters. If you have had trouble with blisters in the past, try a sock liner, a thin layer worn under your hiking sock to reduce friction and wick moisture.
Daypack
On an adventure vacation, your daypack will take on a multitude of uses. It will store extra clothes, water and snacks, raingear and first-aid supplies as well as act as a pillow for that welcomed rest break. Choose a pack that can carry everything you’ll need plus a camera and bag lunch. Be sure that it has a comfortable hip belt so you carry the weight on your hips, not on your shoulders.
Hydration
Drink plenty of water before and during your hike. By keeping hydrated, you replace water lost from perspiration. Water intake reduces the chance of nausea and headaches, as well as cramping and sore muscles. If you find water a little dull, ask your guides for a slice of lemon.
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