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We all literally know the definition of "trekking" but what does it really mean? Do you like to go on adventures over the hills and far away for days or even weeks carrying only your backpack? The autonomy to manage your day as well as your night amidst nature?
If yes, then you're already a Trekker!
A lot of times, we associate Trekking with Hiking but it's a little different. The word "trek" is an ancient Afrikaans word which means "migration." Today its usage is to describe the activity of hiking, walking in varied environments ranging from mountains to deserts to urban places.Trekking really means to leave your home for several days with your trekking essentials and equipments on your back and sleep in a tent for shelter. You might wonder, why would someone do that? What is the point of struggling to get all the way to the top of the mountain, carrying a heavy load?
We can share multiple testimonies and experiences of other people but you'll understand why only when you experience the freedom and feeling yourself. People trek to get away from the constraints of everyday life to find the rhythm of nature. But to make the most of your expedition, you have to prepare it! Trekking several days or weeks with all things needed for trekking on the back is not something that can be improvised.
Trekking is a physical activity with thousand virtues regardless of the duration of your trek, your location or even your physical level.
Trekking is beneficial for your health:
- It develop your bones
- Reduce the risk of osteoporosis
- Increase your cardiovascular and respiratory capacities
- Strengthen your immune system
- Improve your muscular capacity
Your trekking essentials depends a lot on your level but also on the environment you choose, the weather conditions etc. You will need to adapt your equipment for your trek. Before going into the specifics, we'll tell you about the one common requirement of every trekker which is the durability of the equipment. Wherever you are, your equipment should never let go. Here are some of the basic things needed for trekking-
Primarily, it is important to ask questions and adapt the the trekking bags selection and its preparation to the envisaged activity.
Ask yourself:
“How much time will I spend trekking?”
“What type of terrain will I be crossing? Are there any height differences?”
“Do I need to carry the equipment of other trekkers (for example, children)?”
“Will I be trekking independently or will I be stopping at hotels/teahouses and making stops?”
Once you have answered these questions, you can combine your requirements to make your choice of trekking bags
Your choice of trekking boots will depend on 4 criteria: the terrain on which they will be used, the duration of the outing, the weather forecast and the support.
TYPE OF TREK
Suggestion - The Forclaz 500 mens high waterproof hiking shoes
Also carry an extra pair of sandals in case of weather changes.
Suggestion - Forclaz 700-trekking-shoes
WEATHER CONDITIONS
A shoe too warm when walking will make sure you sweat and have sticky feet, do not opt for a shoe too warm for a high altitude walk as you will be cold once you have stopped.
And if you have good trekking shoes but they are not waterproof, you can use gaiters. They will cover and protect you from moisture from above (rain).
There are 3 criteria that determine your choice of sleeping bag: the temperature of your sleeping environment, ease of transport & sleeping comfort.
WARMTH
Warmth corresponds to the external ambient temperature during the night.
Today, there are 3 main temperature categories :
- Warm, which is above 20°
- Mild, which is between 10 and 20°
- Cold, which is between 10 and 0°
EASE OF TRANSPORT
Ease of transport is determined by weight and compactness.
For hiking, the sleeping bag will be more comfortable so heavier and more compact.
For trekking, favour a lighter and less compact sleeping bag in order to reduce the fatigue while carrying it and for it to take less space in your trekking bags during your trip.
COMFORT
Comfort will always take precedence when it comes to camping.
When trekking, your mattress will be thinner so it's easier to carry.
After trekking bags, Poles are not only for people with reduced physical abilities or balance problems. On the contrary, their use not only allows you to walk longer and with a better position but they will also bring you other things!
They increase the strain on all the muscles of the upper back, shoulders, arms, and forearms. Thus, you tone or even build muscles (depending on the physical level of your trek) on all the upper parts by making sure that your back is always straight whether you're on a slope or a climb.
These poles allow you to have a more balanced workout for the whole body, continuously soliciting the arms, simultaneously with the movements of your legs. This also helps to avoid wrong movements which are later reflected through back pain especially because you have a big back on your back.
Learn more about the triple-layer technique here to make sure you stay dry and warm while trekking.
Here is the list of essential food items to pack for travelling:
Note - This Infographic is downloadable
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