Hiking is one of those activities you can enjoy all your round, you just need to be prepared for the trails! The more you plan for your hiking trip, the better it will be.

We’ve compiled a list of things that can ruin your long-distance hikes so you can avoid them and make the most of your trip.

1. Blisters

No matter how captivating the landscape, how great the weather is or how fun the hiking group is, blisters on your feet will ruin your trip. Each step will be agonizing; the pain will begin creeping up your leg and soon the fact that you’re slowing everyone down will start taking its toll on you mentally.

Luckily, there are ways to prevent blisters from ruining your trip. Depending on where you’re hiking, wearing hiking boots can keep your feet dry and will prevent you from developing blisters; just make sure they fit comfortably and you can walk long distances in them without any trouble.

Take a box of blister bandages with you in case you do develop blisters on the trail.

2. Sore Muscles

If you think you can go on a 6-hour or longer hike without preparing your body for it in advance, you’re fooling yourself! Hiking is a physically demanding activity and if you’re not in good shape, you’re in for a world of pain.

Although it may seem pretty simple, hiking engages every single muscle in the body. Those who aren’t in shape are in for a rude awakening on the trail.

Before you go on a hike, begin preparing 2-3 weeks in advance. Do cardio and strength-training exercises to loosen up your muscles. You don’t want to be in the middle of the trail before you realize your muscles can’t take anymore!

3. Choosing the Wrong Tour

So your hiker friends have chosen a trail and you’ve decided to tag along? Each hiking trail is different and offers varying levels of difficulty. A trail that may feel like no trouble for seasoned hikers can prove to be very painful for inexperienced trekkers.

Walking uphill on rough terrain in the scorching heat with limited water isn’t for everyone. Respect the trails; do your research before making plans and make sure the tour is right for you.

4. Getting too Hungry

You don’t want to be bloated on your hike and you don’t want to be starving either. You’re going to need energy on the trail, and to get that you must carry food with you. Pack a small bag full of energy bars and sports drinks to take with you so you can replenish your body.

5. The Wrong Backpack

Hiking newbies will pick up any old bag they find in their closets. Seasoned hikers can tell you all about the importance of having the right backpack on a hike.

Specialized hiking backpacks are functional. They have lots of pockets for your essentials and they are sturdy. They can carry large loads without putting pressure on your back and joints allowing you to walk long distances without any difficulty.

Light Hiking Gear offers a Lightest Backpack for trekking. We also have accessories that make our backpacks easier to carry around. Check them out and place your order online. There’s free shipping for customers in the US!