Help me become a hiker!

[FlamesAllTheWay]

When you walk uphill, lock your knee with each step. Helps save energy as your frame takes on all the weight. And take good care of your feet (I can't help but think of Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump right now, but it's true!)

[firebug]

Originally Posted by MickMcGeough

Yes, a couple buddies are taking the Inca Trail which is apparently quite easy but my girlfriend and I are doing the Salkantay Trek which is a bit longer, much less crowded, and supposedly more difficult. We're also going to be cutting it close with acclimatization so I don't want to add being out of hiking shape to that!

Thanks for all the great responses so far everyone! Keep em coming, I'd love to do about a dozen this year if I've got the time.

I've got a pair of Merrell hiking shoes from the "day hike" section of MEC. I'll be getting a set of proper hiking boots before heading down south; any recommendations?

I did the Inca trail last month, I would hardly call it easy (certainly do-able). Any hike that takes you over 4,200 m, including 1,200 vertical metres in 5 hours isn't easy. Needless to say, you and your friends will have a terrific time.

As per the topic at hand, grab a book called Where Locals Hike in the Canadian Rockies by Kathy and Craig Copeland. It will get you started as it focuses on the Calgary (Kananaskis area).

Best regards,

~Firebug

[Incogneto]

Originally Posted by firebug

I did the Inca trail last month, I would hardly call it easy (certainly do-able). Any hike that takes you over 4,200 m, including 1,200 vertical metres in 5 hours isn't easy. Needless to say, you and your friends will have a terrific time.

Yes we will!

[enthused]

You said you bought a pair of day hiking boots from MEC, but plan to buy a new pair of boots before heading down south. I'd recommend getting your new boots sooner rather than later, and start breaking them in ASAP. You'll definitely want to get a few hikes in around here while wearing them before taking them on your trip. I can't even emphasize enough how important it is to break your boots in REALLY well. A few years ago I did a ten day hike and a bunch of people I was with were wearing brand new boots, and ended up with awful blisters and incredibly sore feet.

Also when looking for boots, don't worry so much about buying the top of the line or most expensive models, just go for what feels best and what you think you'll be the most comfortable in. Try on lots of pairs!

[troutman]

I wouldn't say the Inca Trail is easy. A couple of passes are over 4000 m. You have to stop every few steps to catch your breath, if you have a big back-pack on. The difficulty is doubled if you happen to be suffering Atahaulpa's Revenge.

I lost 30 lbs.

[Aeneas]

[quote=troutman;1348368]I wouldn't say the Inca Trail is easy. A couple of passes are over 4000 m. You have to stop every few steps to catch your breath, if you have a big back-pack on. The difficulty is doubled if you happen to be suffering Atahaulpa's Revenge.

I lost 30 lbs.[/quote]
I found them. Let me know if you want them back.

[MickMcGeough]

Just wanted to bump this to thank those who provided something useful. We did Rawson Lake (highly recommended) and a few others I can't remember right now. Didn't break in the boots (and paid for it) but it wasn't too bad. The poles was a great tip, didn't think it would matter much but they made life much easier on the long trek.

The altitude was no joke; I can't speak for Inca Trail but anyone who does Salkantay: take some altitude pills. They're cheap and if you aren't one of the lucky ones who aren't affected by hiking/sleeping at 4200m; it's going to be rough. We camped at 4200m and I got no sleep until I'd taken one.

The whole trek and Machu Picchu in particular was incredible! Apparently the Peruvian government is pretty concerned about the wear & tear on it since being named one of the seven new wonders, so get on it if you're planning to see it! Make sure to get there in time to climb Huayna Picchu; it's unbelievable.

Thanks everyone!

[4X4]

Any word on when they're planning this shut down? My insatiable appetite for Rome is going to take the bulk of next year's travel budget. Peru was tentatively scheduled for fall of '10.

[Superfraggle]

Make sure any more hikes you're planning on doing are done with somebody experienced, particularly if they're off the beaten path at all. I'm not that big on bear spray personally but, if you do take it, make sure it's handy. If a bear is sufficiently disturbed to attack, it probably isn't going to wait around while you take your pack off and root around in it to find your spray. Numbers and noise are much more effective as preventative measures, whereas bear spray is really just last ditch.

I get the impression you've already gotten new boots, but I recommend Raichles to anyone looking for serious hiking boots. Heading into a big hiking summer a couple years ago, four of us went hiking boot shopping seperately and all came out with the same pair. The big thing, though, is just making sure they fit comfortably, and aren't going to rub going up/down hills. Try them on with the socks you're planning on hiking in. Different companies all tend to make pretty decent shoes, but they fit different peoples' feet better, so go with what's right for you.

[Superfraggle]

Originally Posted by FlamesAllTheWay

When you walk uphill, lock your knee with each step. Helps save energy as your frame takes on all the weight. And take good care of your feet (I can't help but think of Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump right now, but it's true!)

This is called the "rest step", and works great. It is kind of hard on your joints, though, so if you have knee problems, you may want to avoid it.

[V]

I just climbed Yam yesterday. What a beautiful day. I can't believe it's basically November and I can climb a mountain with basically no snow at all. Awesome.

[OilersBaby]

Originally Posted by MickMcGeough

Yes, a couple buddies are taking the Inca Trail which is apparently quite easy but my girlfriend and I are doing the Salkantay Trek which is a bit longer, much less crowded, and supposedly more difficult. We're also going to be cutting it close with acclimatization so I don't want to add being out of hiking shape to that!

Thanks for all the great responses so far everyone! Keep em coming, I'd love to do about a dozen this year if I've got the time.

I've got a pair of Merrell hiking shoes from the "day hike" section of MEC. I'll be getting a set of proper hiking boots before heading down south; any recommendations?

Two of my best friends did the Inca Trail at the end of August...the guy was okay but the girl had big time problems with altitude sickness despite drinking the coca tea that the locals swear by. She said she was so sick she ended up using a pony most of the time. She's in pretty good shape too......but know they do have little ponies and donkeys for people not used to the area.

[4X4]

Originally Posted by OilersBaby

but know they do have little ponies and donkeys for people not used to the area.

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by Aeneas

[
I lost 30 lbs.[/quote]
I found them. Let me know if you want them back.

That was randomly funny

LOL