As the title says, one of my friends wants to go on a backpacking trip with me. Usually I like to be very spontaneous and sorta “rough it”, which would definitely not be good for the guy. I planned out a nice flat-ish 30 km route for us where we can watch the sunrise and the sunset from an overlook. What are some things that I should do in order to make his first trip a little better?
If he isn’t used to walking that far, 30km is going to be a bad time.
Take some painkillers.
Some people enjoy mangling themselves, so if the person loves suffering it could work. But unless you are CERTAIN that being super sore is a bonus, then I’d throttle back on the distance.
Beginners generally have heavy gear, and burn more energy covering the same ground because they don’t move efficiently and don’t have the stabilizer muscle development that comes with regular hiking. Go softly.
I definitely am one of these masochists. If it doesn’t hurt at the end then it doesn’t feel like a completed hike or workout. Ill take note of this and put the lighter stuff into his bag. Thanks for the suggestions!
You’re probably right lol. I’m gonna ask him how he feels about the distance, and maybe take him on 2 15 km hikes over 2 days just to make sure he can handle it.
Yeah I would definitely go for the 2 15km hikes, someone might say they’re ready for a 30k but then get into it and realize that they’re in over their head. A 15k at least gives him an idea of what to expect
I used to hike in the rockies once in a while, and I still walk at least 5km per day. But if you took me out and said we will hike 15km today I would pitch my tent and let you know that I will be here when you get back.
This is a bit tongue in cheek, but my point stands. 15k even on flattish ground will probably break your friend.
Might also be good to do a short dry run - a local day hike wearing the kit and weight you’re planning to take on the overnighter.