Welcome to Articles section of Technical Backpacks. Here you can find tips in
some of the best articles, websites, and resources available on the internet.
We manually approve all the articles we add to this directory one-at-time for
quality control. Our featured articles have the most complete information about
their contained subject matter.
Training for Backpacking
The
end of the season might seem like an odd time of the year for an article about
getting in shape for backpacking. It isnt though, for those of us that are
passionate about backpacking.
I decided this year that since it takes so long to get in top backpacking
shape, and I feel so strong in midsummer after a few backpack trips, why not try
to stay in shape throughout the year? Why not try to maintain that strong
feeling as long as possible.
So I have been carrying an old backpack full of dumbbell weights on my before
dawn walks this fall. Doing this every morning right on through the winter will
put you in great shape and you'll be stronger for the next season.
It is amazing how gradually your body gets accustomed to the added weight,
until eventually you hardly notice it. When I first started my legs would be
sore after a long walk. Now the weight feels like it belongs there, and I walk
just as fast as I do without it. My legs never get sore.
Always make sure to carry ID in anticipation of being stopped by the police
who figure you're coming from a camp down by the river.
Prolonged training really helps. I went up some extremely steep slopes with
ease my first hike of the season. I hiked all day long exploring from my
basecamp. I came back ready for a nap, and hungry, but not exhausted or sore.
A strong body is the means to experience those mysterious and renewing
mountain days and nights. I figure whatever I have to do to enable me to have
more of those times, as long as possible, is worth it..
Submitted by James E Ratzloff
