http://www.scenic.com|Before going on a long-distance hike, you need to prepare yourself physically and mentally by knowing the limits of your endurance and how to handle your gear. Here are our top hiking tips for going the distance.

2. Hiking is a fun, rewarding,
and healthy pastime, but
doing it right takes
preparation. Before you
head out on a long hike,
here are some important
things you should always
remember.

3. If you’re not already used to
walking long distances, a
long-distance, multi-day hike
isn’t something you should
just jump into. Before you
get ready to head up the
trail, get yourself in shape by
walking every day until
you’re comfortable walking
long distances over a variety
of terrains.

4. Long-distance hiking is a true
test of endurance. If you
don’t want to find yourself
unprepared to continue
when you’re miles away from
civilization, you need to get
into shape. Too much or too
little body weight can be a
real hindrance, or even a
health hazard, when doing
long-distance hiking.

5. You never want to go on a
long-distance hike using gear
you’re not comfortable with or
that you don’t know can
handle the rigors of the trail.
Take your gear on “shakedown
hikes,” which are small hikes
you take just to test out and
break in your hiking gear to
make sure you’re prepared for
a bigger hike.

6. Another reason to test your
gear is to see how light you
can make your pack while
still carrying everything you
need. When you’re hiking,
extra weight is your enemy.
Know the minimum amount
of gear you can get by with,
and then leave everything
else at home.

7. A long-distance hike is not
the time to just wander off
and see where nature takes
you. Have your path planned
out before you leave, and
find out as much about the
trail as you can so that
you’re prepared for anything
you might encounter once
you get out there.

8. Hiking can burn up a lot of energy, which means you’ll have to
pack meals that allow you to stock up on the calories and
nutrients that keep the body going over days of strenuous
exercise. Don’t just bring food that’s easy to prepare – bring
food that also gives you a balanced, nutrient-filled meal.

9. Hiking alone can be dangerous,
but hiking with someone who’s
unreliable or doesn’t have
your back can be even worse.
Never go on a long-distance
hike with someone you
haven’t hiked with before,
unless you want to discover
you can’t rely on them in the
middle of the wilderness.

10. Scenic Airlines takes travelers from around the
world on scenic tours of the beautiful Grand
Canyon. Learn more about our tour options or
book a trip today by visiting www.scenic.com.