Hiking Tips and Tricks

• Hydration/Water Bladder Tips and Tricks

• Keep your feet happy

• Avoid aches and pains

• Get out and go - quick!

Hydration

How much should I drink to stay hydrated?

Everyone is different, and is also depends on the temperature and level of exertion… but a general guideline is 4 to 6 ounces every 20 minutes or so. Better to sip a little frequently than a lot every few hours (this is where a hydration bladder comes in handy) [Source: Backpacker Magazine, June 2005]

Water Bladder Tips and Tricks

• Camelback makes a CamelBak Cleaning Kit that includes two brushes and a drying rack to keep your water bladder funk-free.

• Store your clean, dry, water bladder in the freezer to prevent mold and funk. Fold it in half, and keep the cap open.

• Fill your water bladder halfway (or more) with ice cubes to keep the water cool. Can fill the night before and chill as well.

• Slightly blow back into your tube when done drinking – keeps that first sip or two from getting warm in the tube.

• Try electrolyte tablets like Nuun or CamelBak Elixir they add a little flavor, vitamins and minerals… and getting enough electrolytes can reduce your chance of hyponatremia (our fave flavors: Nuun Tri-Berry and Kona Kola)

Keep your feet happy

Never underestimate the importance of foot comfort.

• Channel your inner Mr. Rogers – swap out shoes at the start and end of your hike. Drive to the trail head in something comfy like Merrell's Mocs or sandals, change into boots, then at the end of the hike change back into the comfy shoes. Put on a fresh pair of socks as well.

• Rejuvenate your feet by removing boots at a lunch or snack break; let them cool down a bit. A few seconds of foot massage also works wonders.

• Elevate your feet/legs up when you take a break. Prop on a rock or log, or cross one ankle over the other knee when laying on your back... anything to get the feet/lower leg up a bit.

• On long hikes, try soaking your feet in a clean stream or lake for a few minutes to reduce heat and swelling.

Avoid aches and pains

• Stretch your muscles: do some light stretching after a few minutes of hiking, at your breaks, and when you are done. Improves your hike AND your recovery the next day.

• Add dried blueberries or tart cherries to your trail mix. They both reduce inflammation, which is a major cause of joint pain. They're tasty and your knees will thank you.

• Consider using trekking poles to reduce the impact on your knees.

• Consider taking an ibuprofen (like Advil) about halfway through a long hike if your knees tend to get cranky. Ibuprofen reduces inflammation.

Get out and go - quick!

Time is short, the weekend is coming... don't waste time scrambling to get ready.

• Keep a backpack packed with the essentials: First aid kit, compass, tissues/TP, hand sanitizer, and possibly headlamp/flashlight, pocketknife and fire starter.

• Keep boots, trekking poles, hats/gloves, bug spray, suntan lotion etc in an old duffel bag, along with the pre-packed backpack ready to grab and toss in the car.

• Pick a trail the night before. Gather up trail maps and directions and add to the duffel.

• Charge your camera/GPS batteries the night before. Toss in the pack the next morning.

• Fill water bottles/bladders in the morning (or chill in the fridge overnight).

• Toss some energy bars into the backpack, grab your duffel and go!