Summer hiking not only provides fresh air and relaxation, but also improves physical fitness and endurance. However, how to improve your summer hiking performance is a concern for many people.
In this article, we will make scientific planning from the aspects of hiking site selection, hiking equipment, route planning, physical training and teamwork, etc. to help you walk more easily and safely.
Choosing the right location
Choosing the right location is crucial for summer hiking. If you are new to hiking, it is advisable to choose shaded woodlands, river valleys and creek-surrounded routes to avoid high altitudes and steep terrain. If you have some hiking experience, high altitude areas with spectacular scenery and challenging terrain are sure to make it worth your while. Of course, the top trekking routes are desert and Gobi terrains, which are extreme challenges to the human body and require close planning of routes and supplies, and are suitable for challenging trekkers with extensive experience and specialized equipment.
Everyone has different physical abilities and preferences, and the trekking location needs to be decided by combining the above factors.
Being well prepared
The better prepared you are for a summer hike, the better your comfort and experience will be. Here's what you need to be prepared for a hike:
Gear
Choose a lightweight and functional hiking backpack with quick-drying clothing centered on lightweight, sun protection and quick-drying, a light windproof jacket and a sun hat. In addition, you need to consider grip, breathability and protection when choosing hiking shoes. Finally, choosing the right socks is the key factor of comfort, anti-odor and wear-resistant, we recommend choosing alpaca hiking socks, which are naturally anti-bacterial and anti-odor, with strong moisture absorption and perspiration, and can naturally regulate the temperature.
In addition, there are some hiking aids that are equally indispensable, such as hiking poles, sunscreen, sunglasses, headlamp, bug spray, emergency blanket, convenient rescue kit, multi-functional knife and GPS.
Food
The principles of food for summer hiking are high energy density, lightweight and storage resistant, easy to consume, low salt, low oil, non-greasy, and hydration and mineral supplementation. It is recommended to eat whole wheat bread and energy bars as the main food, choose high quality protein (chicken breast and beef jerky), with fresh fruits such as bananas, apples, small tomatoes, or dried mangoes and raisins, plus pure water (more than 2L) and low-sugar sports drinks.
In the hot summer months, a sensible food preparation plan not only improves physical fitness and endurance, but also greatly enhances the hiking experience and safety.
Tips
Download offline maps or print out paper maps before hiking, get the latest road conditions through AllTrails, social platforms or local hiking groups, try to leave early to avoid the midday heat and make sure you complete the whole trip in the daytime, and it is recommended to inform your friends and relatives about the route and timetable in advance in case of emergencies.
Exercise in advance
Summer hiking tests endurance, if you want to perform well, advance training should not be ignored. It is recommended to stick to aerobic training on weekdays, which can be appropriately paired with strength training. Exercising in advance will help you distribute your physical strength better during summer hiking.
Teamwork
Traveling in a group enhances safety and overall performance on hot summer days. You can assist each other in case of accidents, encourage each other when you are tired, and share the materials of the team to reduce the burden of individuals. Of course, it is recommended to choose partners with similar physical strength to avoid disorganization of the hiking rhythm.
Summary
Every hike is an experience and a growth. By planning your hikes scientifically, you can greatly improve your summer hiking performance.
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