This is How to Choose a Hiking Trip That Challenges You… Not Breaks You
No matter your fitness levels, Exodus has a hiking adventure to challenge you.
Whether you do it for charity, personal glory, or you’re working up to something bigger, picking an adventure that pushes you – but doesn’t break you – will show you just how much you can really achieve!
Here, Walking & Trekking Programme Expert, Danny Bell, answers the key questions you need to consider when choosing your next hiking adventure.
What makes a hiking trail challenging?
Steep elevation gain, technical terrain, high altitudes, extreme weather, and longer distances will test most people. But the truth is: challenges are personal. So, what makes a hiking trail actually challenging is your own fitness levels and abilities. Some find a flat coastal walk tricky, others can scale a mountain with no problems.
How can I safely push myself on a hiking trip?
It’s good to get out of your comfort zone but it’s also important to know your limits. Therefore, training hikes before the trip are key. They provide an unpressured environment to test your fitness levels and abilities. Once you get to your hiking trip, you’ll know exactly how to safely push yourself.
What should I consider before choosing a hike?
Ask yourself: Will I be comfortable trekking these distances and ascents, day after day? If not, are you confident you can train yourself up to the required level in time for the trip? Sometimes, booking an adventure well in advance is a good idea, as it gives you sufficient time to prepare.
How do I choose the right hike for my fitness level?
Most small-group adventure operators like Exodus will provide an overall difficulty level of the trip (in our case the Activity Level), so you should have a good understanding of the fitness levels needed. Also make sure you carefully read the daily distances, ascents, and descents for your chosen hike and are confident you can complete these.
How do I know if a hike is too difficult for me?
It can be hard to perfectly replicate a hike’s conditions when you live in a different environment. So that’s why, wherever possible, you should test yourself against similar distances and elevations. That at least gives you an indication of whether you’re up to the challenge.
How can I enjoy a challenging hike without burning out?
Fuel and hydration are key, so make sure you have high-energy snacks, plus energy gels if needed. Also consider your water intake. Do you need to carry enough water for the whole hike or will there be places to fill up along the way?
Should I attempt ‘bucket list’ hikes as a beginner?
Some of the traditional ‘bucket list’ hikes, such as the hike to Everest Base Camp, can be more demanding, so it is important you train correctly for these. Build up the miles in your legs and get comfortable over longer distances. The more comfortable you are, the more fun you will have.
How can I progress to more challenging hikes?
Get training! It’s all about getting your body fit enough for more demanding challenges. I love training when I have a goal, so I recommend targeting an adventure you can’t currently manage. Then, build up your fitness until you can get there.
