Blog Post
How to pack your backpack for a day hike
So, instead of carrying bottles of water and spending extra money, you could always invest in a hydration bladder. It will save you cost for the longest time
What is a hydration bladder or hydration bag?
It is a drinking bag that can come in a backpack and contains a reservoir made of rubber that contains a mouth piece.
They come in 2 liters or 3 liters. You can decide how much is good for you. They can come in a small bag or alone.
If it is in a bag, you can use that as a carrying backpack for all your essentials (But I find it very small to be able to carry all the things that I need)
Therefore, you can get a 40 liter hiking back pack that allows a hydration bladder pack to be placed inside. Normally, you’ll find a hole on top already designed for the pipe to go through.
You have the water situation sorted. No need to be caring a lot of bottles taking up your space.
It is also best to get a backpack that doesn’t hurt your shoulders. The hiking bags usually have this extra cushion cloth to help with comfort and absorb sweat.
So what should be in your backpack Hydration bladder for water (BY THE WAY, place it in the refrigerator the night before, you’ll thank me the next day…..especially in summer)
Energy snacks(snack bars, dried fruits, crackers, fresh fruits in small portions) Not a whole tub of grapes hahahaha. It adds extra weight on your bag
First aid kit. anything can happen while you’re out there. diarrhea, headache, insects bites, muscle cramps and so on. Carry a little first aid kit and include sanitary towels. Be ready for anything.
In summer, you must prep for rain. A rain coat or wind breaker. nothing heavy. just roll it and place it in your bag
A towel or face cloth. Anything you can use for excessive sweating.
A plastic bag. When it rains, you can place all your belongings and tie it up nicely, place inside the backpack and keep walking and your phone and items will be protected. Or you could buy a rain cover for the bag. They are cheap if you are not chasing brands.
And a hiking journal of course!
Seriously, the list above can make your hiking experience much more enjoyable and you will be prepared for anything.
What you wear to have a very nice hike Hiking shoes (Invest, I know they are pricey, but shop around, cape union is not the only shop)
Hat (make sure it can breath) TIP: Leave a hat in a car, one day you might just forget your main hat and the sun will deal with you. Not very nice.
Sunscreen (wear it everywhere, not just your face)
Nylon or Polyester fabric clothing
Thick socks (those thin socks after a long walk start getting really uncomfortable)
Buff (for sweat, for Covid-19) and a mask
Sunglasses for the sun (Especially in trails where tree are rare like Suikersbosrand )
Gaiters, for protection.
All this does not have to be an expensive exercise every time you go hiking.
Also, buying snacks is not necessary when there’s fruits and vegetables in the house. You can save you a great deal.
I hope this information helps you to always be prepared for your hiking adventures
How to recover quicker from a hike
The ladies and gents who trekked Hennops with us this past weekend (Or you that trekked any other trail this weekend) you might wanna read this if you are struggling from sore muscles and all
So here is the secret:
to recover quicker from the hike, you have to start preparing for that before a hike!
Seriously, you have to stretch and warm up your body before the hike. It is VERY important.
If you are not a regular exercising person, a week before the set date of the day hike, start walking around 3km to 5km. Start stretching and do a little cardio for your lungs.
AND
Wear proper gear: proper hiking shoes with good socks
Now tips on what to do after a hectic hike (Because even the fittest guy can get sore after this)
Things that work for me.
1. After the last kilometer, do some stretches’ and cool down and later on go for a swim, go cycling, take a walk. The point is to get the blood circulating.
2. Soak in a bath tub with some recovery bath salts. Get the ones that work. I was introduced to a particular one that works really well (If interested to know, email me back)
3. Get someone to give you a nice massage or foot rub. If there’s nobody; well then do it yourself. Using muscle recovery ointments. (Again if interested on the brand that I use, reply to this mail)
4. Rehydrate, rehydrate, rehydrate. On Saturday, I drank another 2 liters of water when I got home and I felt so much better. Hence I was able to plant three trees later that afternoon.
5. Someone told be about “Compression socks” and that they work really well for him. The socks help you with blood circulation.
6. Recovery food! Guy called @hi_king_mule made me aware of this late last year. If you eat food that helped with muscle recovery, you are not going to have any BIG problems. Food must be rich in protein and carbohydrates such as eggs, nuts, banana, sweet potatoes, salmon, watermelon, spinach (I blend it) and drink some good green tea. I am sure the list goes on and on.
Try these tips and let me know how you recover next time.
Let us know how you recover from a hectic hike.