Self Help Guides

Preparing for an Overnight Bushwalk

One of the hardest things about an overnight bushwalk is pulling yourself from the standard 9 to 5 lifestyle and asking your body to exercise more than it has for a long time - since your last overnight walk in fact!!

Here are a few simple tips to get you "walkfit" and to stop your next weekend away becoming an epic.

  1. You can walk everyday! Walking is an activity that than be undertaken just about anywhere, at any time of day, regardless of the weather. Walk across town to the fruit shop to buy your lunch (we know that you eat well!!). Use the stairs rather than the elevator. Walk the long way to the train station or car on your way to and from work.
  2. Walk in the rain. You've bought that waterproof jacket so make use of it. You shouldn't miss out on your afternoon walk just because it is raining. Walking in the rain during "Training" will give you greater resolve on the trail.
  3. Walk with your rucksack. Load up the same gear that you take for an overnight walk in your big pack and hit the streets to get your body used to the extra load and the way the pack sits on your body.
  4. Walk twice as far. If you get out for an hour long walk in the evenings or before work, try to extend it to at least two hours twice a week. This period of increased resistance will extend your body out of its regular training cycle and improve you capacity.
  5. Stretch. Before, during, and after walking. Every break you have your muscles contract and lactic acid builds up. stretching will help you stay supple and buoyant.
  6. Drink, drink, then have another drink. You don't need fancy drinks or food supplements. Water has all the rehydration that you need. ensure that you begin major hydrating 24 hours before major exercise and avoid alcohol and salty foods.
  7. Do something else. If you can't be bothered going walking do something else. Work in the garden, go cycling, practise yoga, go for a swim. Don't burn yourself out before you hit the trail. But continue to do something physical so that your body maintains the physical level that you've worked hard to get it to.

Be sure to check this guide regularly as we update with our 8 week trekking preparation program!