Thru hikers attempting the Pacific Crest Trail in one season must be efficient.
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Why I Don’t Use Trekking Poles – But You Should
Like JupiterHikes, I don’t use trekking poles.
IF I hiked longer than 3 weeks, I would add them to my kit. But the longest I’ve done — so far — is 17 nights.
My knees and ankles are still good. No pain at all.
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Walk 9,000 steps / day to LIVE LONGER
… getting 9,000 to 10,000 steps per day lowered the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by 21% and the odds of dying early by 39%, according to the study published Tuesday in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. …
The authors used data from more than 72,000 people who’d participated in the UK Biobank study, which has followed the health outcomes of more than half a million people between ages 40 and 69 in the United Kingdom for at least 10 years. …
A daily step goal may cut disease and death risk in even otherwise sedentary people, study finds
Top 10 Hiking Destinations ➙ Central Andes
Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia
Hiking holidays in Peru are hot right now. More popular than ever. Political stability since the leader of the Shining Path terrorist group was captured in 1992 resulted in a booming tourist industry.
The second highest mountain range on Earth is fantastic. Broad valleys and endless vistas. You are always above the tree line. Arid desert to the west, Amazon jungle to the east.
Our contributors have hiked most of the major treks in Peru. The peaks, glaciers and canyons are outrageous. Everyone is thrilled with the Andes.
Unfortunately, management of treks is atrocious, the Peruvian government seemingly bent on ruining their fantastic tourist draw. Do your homework before booking a flight to Lima. Or sign on with a trekking company with which you have had a strong, recent recommendation.
The weather in the Andes can be deadly, of course, but sometimes you get weeks of sunny blue skies, especially in the Cordillera Blanca out of Huaraz, Peru. The best weather for the high peaks out of Huaraz (the best jumping off point for hikers in the Central Andes) is the drier “Andean summer”: May-Sept.
In fact, there are good hikes somewhere in this region year round.
More information on our new Central Andes information page.
Our favourite hike in the Central Andes is the Ausangate Circuit in Peru, our #4 best hike in the world. Quite a few trekkers have decided on Ausangate (instead of the over-hyped Inca Trail) based on our recommendation. And all have been happy with that decision.
See our Ausangate Circuit Information page.
The best guidebook for the Central Andes, by far, is (the now discontinued) Lonely Planet:
Note that Bolivia is not nearly as popular as it should be due to lack of infrastructure for tourism, security concerns and political instability.
Honestly, unless you know the language and culture well, it’s better to hike Peru. Or much neglected Ecuador.
Sh*t Aussies Say While Hiking New Zealand
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Toilet System on Indiahikes Trips
One of the BEST reasons for signing on with a Guiding Company is how they take care of your toilet needs.
When toilets are available, they plan stops. When tenting away from civilization, they provide excellent and sheltered toilets.
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Learn to LOVE Hiking in the Rain 😀
Hiking in the rain can be miserable.
AND hiking in the rain can be wonderful.
You can hike the Pacific N.W. every day of the year. BUT many of those days will have a threat of rain.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube. The joys and challenges of … wet weather.
TIPS:
- the RIGHT clothing (layers)
- long brim cap under long brim hood
- the RIGHT footwear
- the RIGHT backpack
- gear protected in dry bags
- electronics protected from water
- the RIGHT attitude
Having tried many systems over the years, I’m happiest now with …
- Helly Hansen LIFALOFT™ Hooded Insulator Jacket (washable)
- Columbia OutDry rain jacket
- Neoprene socks inside trail runners
No blisters. The shoes dry quickly. )My feet do get wrinkled after a couple of hours, however.)
If the rain really starts coming down, I’ll add an inexpensive Frogg Toggs waterproof jacket on top.
Since I bought a Hyperlite 3400 Windrider backpack, I’ve not used a pack cover. It’s quite rain resistant. Everything inside is protected from wet and water.
Check this REI post – How to Go Hiking in the Rain
Of course if lightning and thunder threaten, take shelter immediately.
Camping in the rain is definitely more challenging.
related – Miranda has some thoughts on Frogg Toggs. 😀
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
Tenting HACKS 😀
Running Stairs for Fitness
For me the best physical preparation for multi-day hiking is … hiking. 😀
On arrival at the trailhead, start with shorter, easier days. Work up to your normal pace. Progressively.
Off-season I cycle and run.
BEST of all for me, however, is running stairs. I have done sets of 10 with a day pack in the past, as well.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
In Calgary, I often ran the stairs at nearby Glenmore Park.
Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.
TOP 10 ➙ Overland Track, Tasmania
The Overland Track in Tasmania is one of our top 10 hikes in the world.
Click PLAY or watch a 1 minute introduction on YouTube.
Overland Track
The best & most famous walk in Australia.
AT A GLANCE
- surreal, unique Tasmanian vistas
- pretty lakes, tarns and waterfalls
- exiting by ferry it’s minimum 62km (38.5mi) carrying a pack plus many possible sidetrips without a pack.
- Elevation Gain: +4,793 ft / 1,461 m
Elevation Loss: -5,160 ft / 1,573 m
- Elevation Gain: +4,793 ft / 1,461 m
- 8000-9000 walkers / year in the past
- 60 walkers start / day 2018 in high season
- Oct 1 – May 31 Overland Track Pass reservations online
- access by public transportation
- easy-moderate hiking IF the weather cooperates
- add challenging sidetrip peak scrambles if the weather is good
- Nov – early May best months
- possible to hike year round (snow travel during the winter)
- 7-nights recommended. Start Ronny Creek. Finish Cynthia Bay.
Read more on our Overland Information page.
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