This is the third and final in a series of articles that will help you prepare for your first long hike as an older hiker.
In the first two articles we reviewed what will be needed to physically and mentally prepare and what type of planning should be done. In this article will cover the final two points: shakedown hikes and a support system.
Shakedown Hikes
You should take your gear out on the trail for at least one multi-day hike before you head out on your big hike. This shakedown hike should replicate as close as possible what you will experience on your big hike in terms of trail conditions, elevation, average daily distance, weather conditions, etc.
Sometimes hikers will travel to places that better replicate the location of their big hike. Others will just do their best in the current location. Either is fine.
The point is to test your gear, your routines, and your physical and mental conditioning. You should bring along food that you will be eating. You should practice setting up and taking down camp. If you’re lucky enough to have a rainy day when doing this, you’ll also be able to test your rain gear and how you manage in cold and wet conditions.
The whole idea behind shakedown hikes is to make sure you and your gear are ready. Take notes on these shakedown hikes about your routines and make gear adjustments when you get back home.
If you can do multiple shakedown hikes – even better.
Support System
The final thing I’ll mention in this series is your support system. This involves a couple things: emotional support and logistical support.
Emotional support.
Having people cheering you on and encouraging you makes a huge difference. Tell everyone around you. Get them excited and allow them to become cheer leaders for you. If you do this, your trip becomes a team event. And the more excited they are for you, the more they will be willing to help if needed.
Logistical support.
You may need a ride at some point, or you may need someone to ship out your resupply boxes or to take care of your dog while you’re away. When I was hiking the Colorado Trail I had support with resupply boxes. One person even arranged me to zero in Leadville at his bosses vacation home for free. I had trail angel support along the way.
These seemingly small favors are HUGE on trail. It gives you renewed faith in humanity, which is really encouraging and it pushes you on to get more of that.
And when you do finish, have a party and invite everyone who helped – or somehow show your appreciation. It’s worth celebrating as a team.
Conclusion
There you have it. If you ready your mind and body; if you do a good amount of planning; if you do at least one shakedown hike; and if you line up a positive support team you will be well on your way to doing this long hike. And it may become one of the most memorable times in your life.
And now, you are ready to go live like you want it!
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