With summer just around the corner, a lot of folks are planning their vacations and many of these involve the great outdoors. You can join a trip organized by Adventure Retreats Canada experts for guaranteed fun. Just remember to prepare well for this type of activity as it can be quite challenging, especially for novices. Consider the following:
Clothing
The kind of activity that you will engage in will determine the right clothing for you to bring. If you are going to hike in the mountains, then you will be exposed to the sun all day. It will be worthwhile to bring a long-sleeved shirt to save your skin from the sun’s rays. This will also protect you from bugs that want to bite. You may also want to wear hiking pants that protect the length of your leg, as well as a hat with a brim for your head and face. Your footwear will be crucial. The traditional choice is hiking boots that protect your ankles from sprains. You may also try trail running shoes if you want something lighter and more comfortable while still having great grip underneath.
Gear
Next, you should bring the right gear for the trip. Start with the backpack which should have enough space to accommodate your clothes, food and equipment. For short day hikes, consider using a hydration vest instead. For multi-day hikes, find a model with lumbar support to ease the weigh off your back. Bring trekking poles so that your upper body can help your lower body during the climbs and descents. Assemble the right sleeping gear for a restful sleep. You will need a tent, a sleeping mat, and a sleeping bag at the very least. Bring an emergency blanket in case it gets cold.
Fitness
It’s not all about the acquisition of clothes and gear. You will have to work on yourself to make sure that you have what it takes to complete the journey. Hiking can be conducted at a leisurely pace but the ascents and descents will still take its toll on your body. Build up your resistance to fatigue so that you can enjoy the adventure even more. Start embarking on a fitness program several months before the scheduled date.
Skills
Brush up on your outdoor skills like map reading, knot tying, cooking, and so on. Learn everything you can about the region that you are going to explore. Read up on the route and what you should expect to find there. Find out about the water sources where you can refill your bottles so that you can plan accordingly.