Backpacking 101: The Need for Rest

Walking is composed of two very important actions - moving and not moving. These components are equally important, especially if you wand to reach your goal in good shape.

Backpacking is tiring, that we have to accept. We can’t keep walking for hours with no end, it is inevitable that we take some rest. Rest stops may not help you get to your destination but they surely are integral in your long travel. And besides backpacking, it’s all about enjoying your journey, not just reaching your destination, Without rest stops, the journey is half the fun, since you miss out on the smaller details.

According to many backpacking guides, an expert backpacker needs to stop every 40 minutes of continuous walking. The rest stop should last atleast two minutes, and hikers are not allowed to sit down. Well, you can follow this system, but I personally prefer to walk in a less organized fashion. Sometimes I stop every few steps just to gaze at the butterfly flittering about the grass.

In most cases, a rest stop is used for relacing the boots and shedding the extra layer of clothes. You can also use it to adjust your packing straps or if you’re like me, to take a few minutes to enjoy the beauty of your surroundings, 

There is no real formula for the frequency of rests, or how long each stop should be. If your time is plentiful, you can stop at each waterfall or any geographic feature you may find. Afterall, that’s what hiking is all about. If you on a tight schedule (I wonder why?), then you’ll need to limit your rest stops.

If you are going to take a long rest, make sure you go gently a bit to give time for your musclesto re-loosen as your heart works back up to speed.