Backpacking 101: How to Walk

Yep, you read it right. For our first lesson on backpacking we will be talking about walking. I know you’re thinking “why do we need to learn about it? We all know how to walk!” Yes, I agree, you don’t need a manual which tells you how you should point your feet, or bend you knees. While everyone is an expert walker, not everyone is aware of the attitude you need in order to walk properly. Backpacking can lead to frustration, especially if you look back on how far you’ve traveled. In a fast moving society like ours today, backpacking helps free us from the enslavement of machine. Expert backpackers call it “the freedom of the trails”, but the truth is, it doesn’t come easy. You need to realize that in order to enjoy this sport, you need to change your attitude, and that’s what we are going to discuss here.

How fast should you go?

If you read manuals on backpacking, you will see the standard is set at 2 to 3 miles per hour. For newbies, however, the aim of backpacking is not self flagellation. We shouldn’t look at the records set by others, especially when we are comparing ourselves with expert backpackers.

The legs, lungs and the heart the best instruments for setting your pace. When you feel your legs leaden - slow down. If you feel like your lungs is going to explode - slow down. When the pitter patter of your heart is too much you feel like its going to drop out of your ribs - slow down. When the beauty of your surroundings dispels your consciousness of your heart, legs or lungs, then you know that your pace is just right. Backpacking is a great excuse for loitering! 

Your pace will automatically quicken during your “second wind”, when your system has gotten it all together.

How long a walk?

If you are trying this sport for the first time, then its best you learn what your potentials are and adjust your ambition according to your ability. You can cover 20 miles a day or perhaps struggle at 5 miles or 2 miles - it’s okay. There’s no one to compete with, what’s important is that you know your limit. This way, you can plan your future trips depending on your personal abilities. Remember: the more one walks, the farther and faster one can walk. Practice is the key to everything. Don’t rush - everything will be easier when your body has gotten used to distant walking and hiking.

A related question is “how many hours a day”? well, it depends on the individual. A city desk person may have trouble walking more than an hour a day. A veteran backpacker might be able to traverse trails for hours. How long you should walk depends on your mood. 

Walking Uphill

If you have tried travel to philippines, and have visited Cordillera before, then you know that walking here can be pretty difficult due to the terrain. The key to walking uphill is adjusting your pace so you maintain a comfortable energy output. Listen to your heart, legs and lungs and stop when they tell you to. Rest stops consists of the following motions:

1. one foot advances
2. motion halts momentarily and the forward leg rests, knees bent, knee of the rear leg is locked as it supports the body
3. the rear foot advances to rest.

Pretty easy, right? Breathe more and use the rest step. Each pause, should allow you to one or two deep breaths. In an upward, desperation seeps in as you feel fatigue. It is intensified by boredom. In this case, it is best to retreat into an inner debate about world politics, the problem of good vs. evil. 

The travel downhill

We all know that travel downhill is simpler because the muscles can relax and the young backpacker can break into a semi-run. But keep in mind that it is on the downhill travel that blisters develop so before you start down, make sure your boots are laced tight, or perhaps an extra pair of sock are worn. Hot spots on the soles or toes means that you need to get it repaired.