Trails4Hiking It always happens, especially if you are a first-time sailor: scheduling a trip is never as simple as we expect. You have to search for tours, opening times of the places you want to visit, studying the surroundings and much more. Now, when does this happen with a hiking or a trail, how do you do it? So you may think that there is not so much to research, but it is not true.
Priorities change. Instead of searching for tours, you’ll need to search guides. Instead of looking at times of the places you want to visit, you need to know about the functioning of the parks. The care is the same, even the travel style being different.
And if you came here just because you do not know how to plan all this, we’ll explain! In the end, you’ll see that although it’s full of detail, it’s good to plan your adventure. Look.
Do a topographic survey
Where do you go, what is the temperature of the place, if the weather is humid or dry, among other issues. They will tell you a lot about your stamina. You’ll know exactly what to pack, what kind of tent to buy, whether you need a heater or some sort of portable fan, food, and more.
The topographic survey will also show you the best time to go. You will know when the destination is most coveted by trilheiros, if there is some kind of endemic crisis, etc. It’s time you put geography lessons into practice! Studying map, relief and climate is your first activity!
Test your equipment
Do this especially if it is new. Put the socks on and take a few steps with them – if they are very thin socks, the friction is greater and if they are too thick they can result in bubbles -; See if the boots are not too big or too small for your feet – take into account the size of your trail, because the more kilometers, the more comfortable the boots need to be -; Arm your tent; See the clothes if they are resistant to steeper climbs and descents; Test each of your items and most importantly see if your backpack will not cause you any pain while traveling.
Notice the weight that this will all give in the end. The bigger the walk, the less baggage is the more indicated. Otherwise, you will make more unnecessary stops, feel more tired and in pain, and run the risk of developing a spinal problem during the ride. Have the essentials.
Plan your route
Once you have analyzed the area where you will make your trail, the time has come that you will probably ask for more time and attention from you and your group – in case you have company. Note if at the time of your trip the routes you want to do will be open. This is especially true when they include private property and park pathways. At certain times of the year they may be closed for some administrative reason. Imagine if you do not perform this search and can not complete your trail? This can never happen!
Also, check if there is a fee, how much it costs, if you need a guide and other issues involving payment. This information can be easily acquired in trilogy and travelers forums. A quick search on Google finds you some very popular ones.
Plan the time for each destination. How many days will your trail last, how much time you can spend at each stop, and what rides near your route that can be visited if you have that extra time – if you arrive earlier, for example -.
Perhaps the most important point in planning your route is at the points of support. Have a complete map of the path with points where you can get drinking water, food, sleeping – should something happen with your tent – and other supports for your basic needs.
Prepare your body
This item could be the first on our list. The reason? Since when you decide to do the trail, you need to prepare your body. This should happen especially if this is your first experience and / or if it is a longer route.
Give greater attention to your food, to water intake, juices, if you have any food intolerance, etc. All this will make a very considerable difference during the course. If you find yourself even safer and want more complete follow-up, you can still see a doctor for some tests.
Check-List of your next hiking / trail
And so, do you think it’s easier to schedule your next hiking / trail? Following each of the above tips your planning will surely work out very well. Still, to make sure you have not missed anything, check it out on Check-List!
Make a topographic survey of the region. Study the geography and climate to determine the best time of your trip;
Test your equipment. See if all items are working right and if they are sturdy as they need to be;
Analyze the weight of your backpack. Arrange it a little in advance to see if you can get it all the way without pain and risk;
Find out if all the routes you will make on your trail will be open. Some roads may be closed, especially if they are part of ecological parks;
Search for park entrance fees, guide fees, tours, and other required fees. Aside from helping with your budget, you will know if you are not charging beyond the ordinary;
Plan the duration of each trip. Find out how many days you will spend at a waterfall or a city you encountered along the way;
Search for interesting destinations in the vicinity of your trail. You may not put them in the official script, but leave them in case you have time for extra visits;
Find out what are all the points of support from your departure to arrival;
Take care of your health!
With the above actions, you will have a complete and trouble-free journey. An extra tip is also researching on local laws. Having legal problems outside the country is quite complicated. With everything in order, just pack your backpack and go!
