Table of Contents:
Get Serious Get Fit Backpack Training
Video taken from the channel: Hoyt Archery
The Top Three Exercises Every Hiker Should Know
Video taken from the channel: Fitness For Freedom
How To Train To Carry A Heavy Pack
Video taken from the channel: Summit Strength
How to get fit️♂️ for hiking/backpacking the Grand Canyon
Video taken from the channel: Kurt Papke
A Bodyweight Workout for Hikers | Follow Along
Video taken from the channel: Chase Mountains
How to Train for Backpacking || REI
Video taken from the channel: REI
Training for Hiking 1 Exercise to Build Strength & Balance
Video taken from the channel: Chase Mountains
Weight Training Workouts for Hiking and Backpacking Key Muscle Groups That Support a Pack. Overall, carrying a heavy pack on the back brings many muscles into play, Aerobic Fitness. Now that you’ve got the body to support that pack you need the fitness to be able to haul it long Practic.Step-ups: Before a backpacking trip, weight your pack (use 20 lbs. to start) and step up onto a park bench 16 to 18 inches high. Add 5 pounds a week until your pack is as heavy as it will be on your hike.
To prepare for an extended, multi-day hike, do this exercise three times a week until you can do 700 steps in less than 30 minutes.Rear Lunges. From a standing position with shoulders back, chest lifted, and spine straight, step backward with the right leg.
Both knees should be bent at 90 degrees at the end of the movement, and your front knee should align with your ankle and 2nd or 3rd toe.Start with the goal distance and elevation gain on week 10, the week of the actual goal hike, and work backward, subtracting roughly 10 percent each week for 10 weeks. As you train, try to hike with the pack weight you plan on hiking with on your goal hike.Training Exercises for Backpacking Jump Squats. Squats are a staple of many exercise routines because they provide an excellent all-around workout for all Hip Roll Exercise.
Most of your backpack weight rides on your hips. This exercise works the glutes and other muscles Step Up Exercise.Ali Alami. Here’s a rough 6 week training plan to get in shape for hiking/mountaineering.
This will is a good plan for getting in shape to climb Mt. St. Helens, Mt.
Hood, Kilimanjaro, Half Dome (make sure you check this resource if climbing Half Dome), or a 2 day back pack trip with less than 4500ft of elevation gain.Some things to remember when following this pla.Quads/glutes: sumo squats. Stand with feet three to four feet apart and toes pointing out at a 45 degree angle.
Bend your knees until your thighs are parallel with the floor, making sure not to let your knees extend past your toes. 3 sets of 20 reps. 1 / 16.
Heft a pack, hit uneven terrain, and the balance and strength gains pile up. Studies have shown that even inactive centenarians can triple their strength after 10 weeks of weight and cardiovascular training. Jump-start your fitness with our workout at the end of this article, then head out on the nearest trail.It is essentially training your body over 8-12 weeks* to hike the daily distance you intend to hike, over the terrain you will hike in, carrying the weight of your backpack.
Our training consists of just two conditioning hikes per week; one evening hike after work and a longer weekend hike that still has us back before 2:00 pm allowing ½ of a precious weekend day to do other things.Two weeks before your trip: Change your cardio days to long day hikes (60+ minutes each) with a pack that’s close to the weight you’ll be carrying on your trip. Also add a fourth day-hike training session to one of your strength-training days. One or two days prior to your trip: Ease up on all training.Load your pack with up to 30 pounds, find a gradual slope, and lunge downhill for 50 yards.
Do 3 sets, 3 times a week. HamstringsCarrying a heavy load while walking on a soft surface often causes your heels to sink in. That creates tension in the hamstrings, which in turn pull on your lower back.
How To Weight A Backpack For Training Purposes Today I wanted to take a look at how best to weight a backpack for training for a bigger trek or hiking trip. As I have alluded to several times over the last month or two on here, I am planning to undertake my biggest hiking challenge, to date, this year in June.Thru-Hiker’s Workout. The following sample workout is specifically designed to help the thru-hiker prepare for the trail.
Frequency: The workout can be done before shorter hikes or as a complete workout on certain days. Begin performing this workout two times per week, with at least 48 hours between resistance-training workouts.Training for Hiking, Trekking and Backpacking is usually going to involve a combination of training for specific fitness qualities, doing sport specific outings and practicing sport required skill elements. There are five major fitness qualities your general training should.
In addition to any strength training that you do for hiking, it’s important to also do a moderately intense activity 3-4 times per week for at least 30 minutes. This will help to build up your stamina. You could go swimming, biking, running, as well as hiking.
Variety will help you to.
List of related literature:
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from Climbing the Seven Summits: A Comprehensive Guide to the Continents’ Highest Peaks | |
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from Trail Tested: A Thru-Hiker’s Guide to Ultralight Hiking and Backpacking | |
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from Boundless: Upgrade Your Brain, Optimize Your Body & Defy Aging | |
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from Physical Education for Lifelong Fitness: The Physical Best Teacher’s Guide | |
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from Methods of Group Exercise Instruction | |
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from The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding: The Bible of Bodybuilding, Fully Updated and Revis | |
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from Backpacking in Michigan | |
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from Extreme Alpinism: Climbing Light, Fast, & High | |
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from Essentials of Exercise & Sport Nutrition: Science to Practice | |
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from 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: St. Louis: Including Sullivan, Potosi, and Farmington |
119 comments
Hi, love your videos, I was just a 27 years old lazy person who works from 9-6 all day on a computer watching your videos motivates me because I am crazy about mountains. From last week I have started running and trying to do some core exercises learnt from your videos. I have weak upper body, Do mountains demand a strong upper body as well? Like biceps and shoulders
Does building leg strength take longer time for ectomorphs? I’m an exercise and hiking beginner and also an ectomorph, so it’s really hard for me to build muscle.
I also love to do flank but I have a problem of back pain. It’s is better to do for me.
Hello,
How often would you do this? As many as you can in 5 minutes is noted on the side. How many times a day and how many days a week would you do this?
Thank you
This is a very well made, informative video. I’m over 40 years your minor, and yet I you’re in much better shape than me. I’ve hiked the North Rim and had some trouble, but I intend on hiking rim to rim later this summer and this will help. One question, do you know of any long-duration backpacking trails on the Lemmon? Thanks.
I am hiking to phantom ranch in the middle of October 2020, how many times a week should I be doing the leg exercises? Thank you.
Thanks for showing the easier methods. Good way to start without getting discouraged.
This is an awesome video,:D Im definatly subbing, i will try to visit your channel regularly from now on:D if you can do visit my channel! That would be awesome!!:D Until next time and keep up the great videos! Peace
Helouuuuu every one.
I’m from Panamá and we have here volcán baru, the hardest part for hiking, and is great for a hike, and it is 3475 Mts hight. And this kind of video is very good for me. Thanks for that
Hi bro. A friend from India. Such an amazing content for aspiring trekkers. But i wonder why your channels are not getting more subscribers while lot of unproductive youtube channels are getting million subscribers and views and upvotes. I am suggesting you to seek some professional advice to improve view counts and subscribers.
I’m going backpacking in two weeks this will really help thanks
Get ready for the next video. How to drink water when hiking. I kid, I kid. Thanks REI.
I love the concept wluld like it elaborated more. [ over logs, under trees around bushes, ect ]
Yeya! Like this a lot (: Going to be using this as inspiration for my own videos ay. Keep up the good work!
I can not tell you how much this has changed my physical well being, amazing job man!!!!!!
Thank you, it did. I’m planning to climb mount fuji 2017 and looks like there is a long way ahead of me.
I’m doing rim to rim next year. (North kaibab down bright angel up)I’m definitely going to try these exercises
This is great content, you gave me a few ideas to add to my training routine, thanks.
Just did my first round of reps. Thanks for the inspirational video and the hand-out!
absolutely love this video. such a pleasant narration style and the moves look really useful for what you described, you’ve got a new subscriber!
AWESOME!!! the path to stayin youthful is wide open… Great information. Crucial to prepare. Good on You…Check out the wild gang of Ol’ Painters who go a jammin’ through the Ribbon falls… Plateau point.. Devils corkscrew and more..every year..”Prolific Painter goes Rim to Rim” on the u tube… Cheers.
It is probably a good idea to do a few simple stretch exercises half-way through the hike (lunch break).
Kurt, thanks for posting. I am 50 yr dad training for Philmont. Stumbled upon this channel looking for recipes (also a great video). putting some timestamps, notes for my reference.
2:08 Practice hiking and backpacking
2:58 Sprints: All out. Minimum of 8 sets x 20 seconds. Rest bw the sprints
3:08 Step downs. Just barely touch the ground. 100 each leg is really good. Consider adding weight. Sets of ten or 20
3:40 Lunges. Forward and/or backward, 100 reps, add Dumbbells
4:13 Belgian split squats
4:41 Kettle Bell Swings, 53 lbs, kurt uses. Glutes, hips and hams worked
5:13 KB Snatch, 44 lbs.
5:27 Barbell squats
5:48 Training Priorities, Good table and summary
6:45 Table filled out.
63 is the new 20!! Rock on! Great video, as always.
I’m 53, and my 17yr old daughter and I are currently training to run north rim to south rim, mid-August 2017. This will be our 3rd run across the canyon, as we celebrate our birthdays, (one day apart) and I celebrate 3 years out of chemo for testicular cancer.
Can’t speak highly enough of drinking Cytomax (cool citrus flavor) as the electrolyte drink of choice, and adding MRM branch chain amino acid recovery drink powder to the mix. Makes a HUGE difference. We also do a few evenly spaced GU packets that contain caffeine, sodium, and amino acid. Be sure and supplement sodium while in the canyon. If you want to crash-and-burn hard, DON’T supplement sodium!! It’s a big deal.
Keep up the great training, and the great videos, and thumbs up for continuing to promote minimalist footwear!! We’ll be running the 24mi in our Vibram FiveFingers again.
Stumbled across your channel today and I like your style. Stuck around for the bodyweight exercise session. Loved it. Keep up the good work!
This is probably the best workout I’ve done so far during the SARS-CoV-2 lockdown. I come from a bodyweight background too (calisthenics) but I don’t have a bar at home. Doing both workouts in a row felt pretty good. The beauty of bodyweight is the range of challenge you can have in each type of exercise
I came across this vid while looking for exercises for a Himalayas trip next year. Great exercise routines and detailed in a clear concise manner. Great job on the vid and subbed thumbsUp
Hey Kurt, nice work on the video! I live in Phoenix and will be taking the plunge next year. I’m looking forward to it and will be starting to train soon!
I’ve found my new favorite strengthening video…I can’t do any of the moves… but I’m enjoying the watching
Loving the content you’ve been putting up lately. Keep it up definitely doing this on my next workout session. Mahalo
Not the typical kind of comment so far but I’m curious what brand and model those pants are?
Getting ready to do the exercise once dinner settles.
Solid gold. Using this in preparation for my PCT hike next month. Thank you!
You look in good shape for 62, my age, too. Regarding the Belgian split squats, I wonder if you could place your forward foot a little bit more forward as you descend would help in your stability for the movement? Going to the Inca Trail and wish my legs were as toned as you on the date your filmed this video.
new subscriberI appreciate this workout. Planning to retire way early so I can escape the US, training for some long ass hikesand needed this type of workout to round out my backpacking and cycling workouts. Keep them coming!
woke up yesterday with stiff neck doing the table rocks somehow eased the pain and stiffness:).. 50 years old and can do these great stuff thanks will keep doing this workout with my usual exercises hiking lands end to john o groats in march
Outstanding video. Thank you for all the great information.
Very helpful video! Please visit the Philippines, we have a lot of mountains for you to explore
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Hello Kurt!
I would like to thank you for this video! It has helped me a lot with my “indoor” trainning!
Unfortunately I won’t be doing any tracks at the Gran Canyon soon, but we have a lot of fun places here in Brazil. Thanks for all your wise tips!
I will try this training for my first backpacking trip. Thanks for the tips.
Great video, thanks Chase! I’m doing the Annapurna Base Camp trek next month and this will definitely be part of my training routine.
Thanks for this. By the way those trousers look great, and flexible enough for this. What brand are they? Did they work well on this trip?
Great routine! I’m a hiker since birth (practically grew up in the mountains) and I was looking for some new ways to get back in shape after my state examination and the lack of movement during study times. Thanks so much!
Good grief. I could barely pick up a 44 lb kettle ball, much less swing it and toss it up. That’s the difference between someone as large and muscled a man as you and a petite 76 yr old 5′ tall woman. Some of the other exercises particularly the step down and just plain hiking is great.I would suggest step ups as well to be prepared for lifting you and your pack up steps. Jacob’s Ladder is a brute going up hill, as is the North Rim ascent. Before I did 80miles in the canyon 28 years ago I climbed a canyon trail in local mountains that matched the gradient and length and elevation change of the Kaibab trail. I did it until I had done the cumulative equivalent of climbing Mt Everest from base to summit twice over a 2 month period.I went up it every morning before work. I was about the only person without the Kaibab shuffle in the canyon.. Currently I am training (on the same trail) for a summer hike on the John Muir Trail and a climb up Mt Whitney. back then I was the oldest civilian woman to hike the canyon rim to rim (and back + a wilderness trail) in 15 years. It’s no novelty now. So many hikers now.
Hey man, gotta tell you. I was suffering from fatigue related pain on both knees. I followed some of the moves and now it’s gone! My knees feel stronger even. I believe it’s mostly the lunges. Thanks! Also, I admire your body stability!
That’s a highly motivating mountain in the background. Where was this filmed?
I’m an out of shape desk worker about to do a 3 day hike with some friends. I just did this workout (beginner moves only) and I feel like I’m on my way to tackling the trail!
I’m super excited to find this. I’m recovering from a herniated disc in my low back and trying to get back some strength for my first 4 day backpacking trip since the injury. I will definitely be incorporating this into my workouts. None of these moves hurt my back, the slow deliberate motions wake up all the right muscles. Also, the view is a welcome change to the common Youtube workout video. Well done.
Really well done video. THANKYOU. I backpack and bikepack and work in the service industry. My hips have been killing me! I enjoyed the scenic backgrounds as you showed off your exercises! Great job.
I was in the United States Marine Corps where we hump (hike) out for 8 to 12 miles. I think the type of training you do would greatly minimize injuries as opposed to how the USMC does it. The biggest problem in military hikes is foot problems and shine splints. And its because of the boots we wear.
Great video another good exercise for hiking is the stair climber I am 63 and with extensive weight training and using the bike alone with the stair climber I can climb and enjoy the hike. Looking forward to hiking rim to rim
Thanks at 72 will do Canyon in 30 days. Have been hiking in Sedona and doing squats and lunges with yoga. Nees to add step dows. Wish I had seen this video last month… Never too late!
Awesome, here’s a quick fact… The GCNP draws over 5MM visitors per year, BUT fewer than 1% actually go down to the river. Be a 1%’er, don’t just go the rim for an incredible view. Take a trip down to the bottom for one of the greatest hikes on the planet. Book a reservation and a couple of meals at the Phantom Ranch, stay a couple of days and then hike out. Descend on the South Kaibab (no water on this trail) and Ascend the Bright Angel. (the BA has couple of water stops and streams when flowing, always filter the stream water)
Thank you! That’s why I training for I’m going hiking the Pacific Crest Trail soon.
Never heard so much nonsense. Destroying your quads. Lol.
Great training for any backpacking trip. Thanks for sharing.
Are squats just as good as your suggested lunges for hiking training? Thanks
I don’t mean to sound rude or anything like that but some of the exercises, particularly the barbell squats were done with quite poor form. If you watch your back it rounds really badly which puts a lot of stress on it. Normally if your back is round it is because your core is weak or fatigue to the point where it cant support you and you tip forward. I would suggest doing air squats with just your body weight until you nail the form and then add just the bar and nail that.
As I say I don’t mean to be rude but sometimes people dont say anything and there is nothing worse than trained bad habits. I would even suggest getting a professional trainer and going through these exercises with them to ensure they are done right. The last thing you want is to really injure yourself because then you wont be hiking at all!
I am a 55 year old woman and can do all of these exercises. Nice and slow, really good! I feel my balance has improved a lot. I love hiking and have just started to wild camp so need to carry more in my back pack I will keep doing the exercises to keep myself safe. Thanks very much!
Cheers man, loving it! Recently been getting more and more into bodyweight exercise so this is gold. Love from Sweden!
thanks for this training video really handy information!! I have looked several times whenever I forgot!
hi, i live in maine. it is cold and the mountains close by are covered with ice. not too many hills around here either on the downeast coast. i am going to hike the c2c in england in end of april and am getting nervous that i cannot train like i should. any ideas? i will do some of these exercizes but i can’t hike really except on the road and on on trails that are flat. i do snowshoe. can that be a good training method? also any other answers would be much appreciated. i am 62 also!
Great video, I will start this, ready for an up coming trip to the hills…although may start with a lower step height
Great tips, i just started hiking with weight in my pack, 60lbs was a hell of a load to start with, tomorrow i will lighten it up a bit, i went 4 miles without stopping, it was a good hike on my 48th birthday, im really having fun with it all. Geting in shape sucks so stay in good shape when you are young and you wont suffer later, eat right, no sugar no carbs and less problems..
Really nice workout. I’m a decently fit guy, and some of the stuff was a bit challenging. Will definitely do each week! Cheers!
How many calories do you burn (per unit of weight) walking with a backpack? I’m wondering how much food will be needed to replace what was lost.
Thanks Dude, I’m 63 resuming where I left off 40 years ago. I agree do training hikes. I’ve been on a bike everyday for 15 years, it’s not the same as putting on a back pack, treking poles and HIking and scrambling around. Still optional but may get a wild hair and do trans catalina trail in about 2 weeks, Some consider it harder than Mt. Whitney hike, I tend to agree I have done Whitney several times.
This is amazing! the knee pushup is by far my favorite! Thank you so much for this, i am nailing this tomorrow morning when im hitting the forest! I’ll let you know how it went!
Great video Thank you. I’m 63 resuming where I left off 40 years ago. I have been on a bike at least 5-10 miles every day for 15 years, it is no substitute for practice hikes with a back pack and treking poles. My recovery times have improved I was so surprised. I recently had to do some scrambling to get on a trail wow! easy does it. I was a class 4 climber in my youth! I don’t care for the artificial gym environment, just get out and do it and stretch!
Yikes. This is so very challenging but CLEARLY building strength with each repetition. Great workout. I don’t really have a favorite, I dislike them all equally. I have my eye on the Pacific Crest Trail in the next 1-3 years (depending on how the Covid craziness pans out) and I’m so glad I found you. Greetings from the Pacific Northwest, USA. ♀️⛰
Kurt. Good tips. I am a 63 year old, recently retired geologist living on the Colorado front range. I do a lot of solo hiking backpacking, and photography in Colorado, Utah, and Nevada mostly. Fitness is a big part of being able to do this. I have a lower back issue that benefits from stretching, hiking and backpacking for some reason, however, I have low grade ache in lower back and right hip most of the time. Golf is a problem. I noticed the kettlebell swing in your video, thinking that this will not work for me. But I tried it and this really helped my lower back and hip ache. Verdict is still out on it, but it looks positive. One Question. Where is your dog? Not in any video.
Great tips….I’m planning on hiking N rim to S rim next June 2017, I’ll be 50 next year and this is my mission. I had lumbar back fusion surgery 5 years ago and after having foot surgery 4 months ago am building my strength and endurance up for hiking and backpacking this summer. I’m planning on being in the best condition of my life at 50 and for my rim2rim. Thanks again for the great advice
Bare chest, rucksack on back, packed with fresh kill, carrying his bow… What a Chad.
You keep putting out such great content. Great work and thanks for sharing. ✌️
Great video. Last move killed me, but might have just been from the lead up. Definitely doing more of these.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9bKlZdNWnSc training in Florida for Appalachian Trail
This is awesome! Thank you for making this video. One could use this routine for preparation for any long hiking trips. I live only a couple of hours from the Rockies and there are some extremely challenging trails there.
Thanks great tips and I’m 57 going on a long hike soon so will up my walking
What a great video Kurt! You have inspired me to start training right away so I don’t get left behind when my husband, Kevin and I start our hiking trips.
Okay, 4th. & final! I knew something wasn’t right about the bandages, but couldn’t think of what it was. It’s not Band-Aids, but rather the Dr. Scholl’s pads (forget what they’re called). Band-Aids fall off from the hiking. But, these little rascals are pads which can be trimmed to fit around an existing blister, and stick in place. Amazingly effective!!!
Excellent exercises…using these to prep for my AT thru-hike. Thanks Kurt!
What they jokingly call delayed onset muscle soreness is the Kaibab Shuffle. How much you enjoy it depends solely on how well you’re prepared. If you aren’t, you never want to see the canyon again as long as you live. However, if you are ready, you can’t wait to return.
This is one of my favorite workouts. I do this again and again
Kurt, got your message. Yes, carbon fiber poles are good, but if a person ends up not liking their first backpacking experience, they find themselves having invested in a pair of poles they’ll never use again. Years ago my mom bought a full set of golf clubs, tried it once and didn’t like it, never played again, and had all that money invested. Try it first, then invest, is my viewpoint. Not right or wrong, just an opinion.
I’m from Illinois, where the highest spot is a little over 1000 feet. So, I prepared by putting on my backpack, fully loaded, plus everything else needed (canteen w/water, trail mix, etc.), and hiking it as fast as I could possibly do it. By about a mo. before leaving, I was able to hike a 6 mile trail on hilly city sidewalks 3 times in 1 pop. Then a few weeks before leaving, I went up into Wisconsin, where I hiked a 25+ mile trail around the shore path at a place called Lake Geneva. Ir worked very well. As mentioned below, no Kaibab Shuffle.
Completing this the second time, combined with your, sample training schedule is already showing results. Should be ready to complete Kili trek next year!
Oh an avid hiker who’s gotten a bit out of shape since covid, I fully appreciate this. (Hello from Canada! )
loved your video. also the fact that you have shot it outside your studio, out in the wilderness..
You’ve just inspired me in a way that I truly needed but didn’t know I needed! Thank you so much! My dream is to become a health coach but I have such a love for hiking and the outdoors, I wasn’t sure how to combine the two, but now I do, thanks to you! Thank you so much
New subscriber and you provide great information and training!
You usa people speak with so much conviction, yet it’s all crap.
Your spine is the most important part of you. Loading weights onto a spine without the core strength to support it is a recipe for back problems later in life.
Consider rephrasing your statements to be more suggestions. Perhaps you’ve found them useful for your own hikes.
Usa people have a reputation for arrogance. You don’t help the situation.
excellent vid. I have been lazy for around 20 years after teen… suddenly have felt urge to live a life like u…. good suggestions.. I have started walking around 10 km in 2 periods in a day but my arms are quite weak… the two arms exercise will suffice for me or should I go for more arms exercise?
Anyone following along? Let me know your favourite new move from this workout!
Might be a silly question, but how many of each exercise should be done (ideally and for beginners)? Thanks for the video!
If you’re not sure you want to sink the money in trekking poles for your first, and maybe only, backpacking trip, a straight branch about the same length and maybe the diameter of a golf ball or a little bigger works just as well, and they can potentially be found near you for free.
Great routine, there’s so few videos for functional fitness specifically for climbers and hillwalkers. Scenery looks great too.
Regards from Scotland
I am 61 years old and hiked down to Phantom Ranch and back again to the north rim and took me 4 days to fully recover. I did a lot of cardio (indoor cycling) to train for it but for next year I will use this video as a guide for more effective training. Thanks
Best workout I’ve did was lung training. Training your lungs pushes farther.
Really enjoyed this video Kurt, I am super out of shape with permanent injuries, but have always wanted to hike down and back, this has provided some inspiration to better train, thank you.
Last caution. If your muscles are prepared, but your feet aren’t, you’re still in trouble. That’s why I took along a foot repair kit (band-aids, gauze/scissors, several changes of wool socks. When your foot starts to feel a bit warm, assume it’s a blister forming, and doctor it right now!! If you train well enough beforehand, your feet will be tough before you ever leave. Nevertheless, still take the kit along. Oh, something I just remembered. A staff member at Phantom Ranch shared this at breakfast. Bring an extra 2 or 3 T-shirts and some ziploc bags. When it starts getting hot, hopefully a few hours after you started, because you started well before dawn, pull out the first shirt from your bag, and exchange your sweaty one for this. Honestly, it’s like A/C. Also, to avoid the tops of your ears getting burned, tuck a bandana under your cap to look like a Bedouin. You got the T-shirts and the bandanas wet before starting up at the rim, and again in the fountain at Phantom Ranch before leaving. Lastly, stop at every water stop and fill your canteen. I also brought some powdered gatorade-type stuff to replace the electrolytes you sweat out. After drinking a gallon or more of straight water starts to taste pretty sickening, but this stuff tasting like Kool-Aid makes you want to drink as much as you should. A gallon milk jug will work before sunup, but drinking water becomes like bath water shortly after that. Lastly, drink before starting out until you have to turn around and go visit Johnny. Then you know you’re well hydrated right at the start. I think that covers all the bases. Prepare well so you have the most wonderful experience in nature you’ve ever had. It’s well worth it.
I’m planning to hike the Pacific crest trail but I didn’t know what type of exercises for a really long hiking distance.
Some more great advice is to read the book Over the EdgeDeath in the Grand Canyon, never go in July or alone, research water requirements and take a satellite phone.
Thanks for the tips. I am in training for a hike next year.:)
Great advise. Kettle bells are awesome. Like Nike says, Just do it.
Great video… I’m currently training for a 300-mile thru-hike in April in the Appalachian Mountains with many elevation gains up to 3000+ feet, and I couldn’t find anything about fitness training for long thru-hikes (probably because many figure they’ll get their training on the trail, which won’t apply to me b/c I’m doing it in three weeks.) So what I did was to modify what I used to do to train for marathons… One of things I’m doing is to work with weights twice weekly -I’m going to add some of your exercises to the mix. Thanks!
I use my walking stick to do squats and leg raises usually at lunch break….
Thanks for this video! I’m hoping I to do some Grand Canyon hiking this September…this should really help!
My backpacking Grand Canyon trip kicked my but. People don’t understand how important it is to prepare for your hiking trips. I find that Hemp Freeze cream helps me manage my muscle pain. Your subscribers should try some to see if helps them. https://bit.ly/ehsshop
Kudos to you guys for all the wonderful content you’ve been uploading. I was wondering if you could give out the name of the wooden step used in this video. The name is just a little too fuzzy when pausing the video to read it. I think it would be the perfect height for me. Thanks in advance for the reply and keep up the great work.
Great workout and definitely wins the gold for best background to any exercise video!
How much progress would you expect a person to make training with these methods?
Here’s a couple ways to use workout machines at home for any that might have them: On a treadmill start with an empty pack and slowly add weight to the pack till you get to the weight that you will actually be carrying. Also slowly increase the incline till you get to max incline angle. If you want to make the backpacking trip as easy on yourself as possible, then on the treadmill add even more weight than what you will actually be carrying. Don’t forget to account for all the water you will be taking. Also increase the time on the treadmill to longer periods than what you will actually be hiking between breaks. And for anyone that has an elliptical machine, try leaning as far forward as you can, and even go up on your toes. Try both the regular bouncing up and down method but also try to keep the body level. Leaning back and down into almost a sitting position will also “kill” the quads. Thanks for the video and all the great tips. I would love to make this trip someday!
From Australia here. Thanks so much for the videos. I loved this work out. Being almost 41 my body isn’t as flexible as yours but I still managed pretty well. Thank you. It’s great to have advice from real hikers who are training for what they love. Cheers!
My wife and I are going to the Grand Canyon and Zion next year, I definitely need to start doing these to get ready! Thanks for the video
Damn, really good video. I’m probably a 3rd your age and I’m so impressed by you. Can’t wait to try all this
Great video! I hope I’ll be as fit as you are when I’m you’re age!!:)
These are some great tips for hunting or hiking. I like to use ModGear’s Water Weight to add weight to my backpack. The flexible water weight bag doesn’t puncture or damage the inside of my pack like rocks or bricks. I can also adjust my weight while training by dumping out some water.
Very well done Kurt. been doing tons of squats and stairs and cardio. Hiking monday thanks for your well done video
This was actually more useful and informative than I expected. Good video.