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Get Ready for Trekking and Backpacking Trips
Degree of Difficulty and Luxury Level
By Karl Samson
How Hard Should It Be?
Classic trekking lodge sleeping quarters
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The first thing to consider (after deciding how much money you have to spend) is how strenuous a trip you want to take. Be realistic. Any trek or backpacking trip is going to include plenty of walking, and if taking the dog through the park is the extent of your personal fitness program, you don't want to opt for a trip to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, a three-week stomp through the Himalayas, or a rim-to-rim backpack outing through the Grand Canyon. However, a short trek in the Himalayan foothills is entirely possible as long as you're reasonably fit.
Most adventure travel companies have a grading system for their trips, so be sure to check the difficulty of any trip you're considering. If you aren't in top shape, a trip graded"rigorous" or "challenging" might not be right for you. Conversely, if you are in top shape, you may want something more than an "easy" trek.
Trip descriptions will also usually give you an idea of how many miles or hours you'll be walking each day. Also pay attention to the altitude. The majority of Americans live near sea level, which means hikes at altitude are going to be considerably more difficult than lower-elevation trips.
Properly Pampered
On most treks, you stay in a tent. That is about as much roughing-it as you get. On the more luxurious treks, you may end up sleeping on a cot, eating on camp stools at a folding table, and even using a latrine tent. You may also be provided with a pan of hot washing water before meals and at the end of the day. The food may not be what you're used to, but it will usually be varied and filling, with valiant attempts at international cuisines. The more you spend on a trek, the better your food is likely to be and the more imported products you will be served.
Backpacking trips are, of necessity, going to involve quite a bit less comfort, since you will be carrying all your own gear yourself. However, rest assured that the camping menu will be calculated both to satisfy your culinary cravings and to fire you up with enough calories to get you through each day's hike.
Introduction |
The Right Tour for You
Degree of Difficulty and Luxury Level
Other Considerations | Meeting Expectations
Gear | The Inside Scoop
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