Summer is here and everybody is busy making plans for their seasonal activities. For many, the great weather provides a chance to go outdoors and explore the wilderness. The country has a lot of beautiful regions that draw tens of thousands each year. Hiking vacations in Canada are among the most popular things to do during this time. It’s a great idea for solo adventures, family trips, and friends who simply want to have fun. Just be aware that it does pose many challenges. You will have to take it seriously and prepare. Failure to do so might result in problems along the way.
Get as Fit as You Can
While you don’t have to get bulked up with muscles, it does pay to be as fit as possible when you’re on the trails. Remember that you will have to cover many miles on foot for several hours. Your legs will have to climb hundreds or even thousands of meters in elevation as you try to go to the summit of mountains. Your knees will have to bear the impact of your weight as you go back down. Your shoulders will need to carry your enormous backpack containing food, clothes, water, and camping gear. You’ll have an easier and more enjoyable time if you are physically prepared for these tasks.
Gather the Essentials
You don’t have to buy every gear in an outdoor specialty store. If you have friends who already have the things you need, then just borrow the items for the meantime. You can buy certain pieces as you become more heavily involved in hiking. The first thing that you will need is a backpack that has enough volume to accommodate all of the things you plan to carry. Sometimes going small is better as you are forced to put more thought into packing. You’ll have to leave out what’s non-essential such as excessive clothing, heavy objects, and other things that actually have better alternatives. You’ll end up with a lighter load as well.
Dress for Success
Clothing is crucial on a hike. Your clothes are your primarily shield against the elements out in the wilderness. It is best to get covered up from head to toe, including your extremeties, while keeping cool and flexible. You can do this by using sports apparel with textile that is stretches in every direction and wicks away sweat from your skin. You will stay relatively cool even when covered completely under the sun compared to regular cotton. Put a hat on with a brim to shield your face. Shaded glasses are also a good idea. Most importantly, use a nice pair of hiking boots if you are prone to sprains. Otherwise, put on trail running shoes for grip and lightness.
