Hiking: Questions to Ask Yourself

Setting off on a multi-day hiking holiday isn't a decision to make on a whim. Many "amateur" hikers have bitterly regretted preparing badly, or not enough.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself (or your "fellow hikers") before setting off on the adventure.

1. Your physical abilities

• What's your hiking experience?
• How many kilometres have you already covered? Under what conditions?
• How much endurance do you have?
• Can you cope with heat, cold, prolonged exertion?
• Is your back capable of carrying a heavy backpack for several hours/days?

Tip: If you're planning a long hike, we recommend preparing physically by walking around twenty kilometres a day for several consecutive days with a weighted backpack.

2. Your state of health

• Are you following medical treatment that prevents you from making major physical efforts (e.g. diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular problems, …)?
• Do you have any allergies, for example to insect bites?
• Are you prone to altitude sickness?
• In some countries, vaccination is recommended or required. Find out in good time!

3. Your motivation

• A multi-day hike is a fantastic experience for pushing past your limits and getting closer to nature, but it can also be daunting and gruelling for some participants who overestimate their strength.
• A group of hikers must always stick together, even when the trip runs into difficulties. The goal is for everyone to keep their spirits up throughout the hike. Every participant, and the group's "leader" first and foremost, must contribute to this.
• Define everyone's roles before setting off (who will be the "leader" or person in charge of the group, who buys the shared equipment and supplies, who will carry what, who is able to give first aid, …?). If these decisions are made too late, they can create tension within the group. A good group leader will always take each member's specifics, motivations and expectations into account before making a decision in a difficult situation.

4. Hiking solo

• It's not recommended! If you set off alone, keep in mind that you'll be entirely on your own, with no one to help you directly, no one to call for rescue if you're no longer able to, and no one to stay with you while you wait for help if you're injured.

Final tips

• If you're planning to hike in wild, remote landscapes, we recommend going with an experienced guide who knows the area and its dangers.
• Above all, don't set off without good travel assistance cover.

Also read:
"Have you heard of backpacking?"
["The route of a good hiker"](/en/blog/the-well-prepared-hikers-route)["How to choose the right backpack?"](/en/blog/choosing-the-right-backpack)["Long-distance trails, the stuff hiking dreams are made of"](/en/blog/gr-trails-dream-paths-for-your-hikes)"Food on an adventure trip"