When you first get into the thrill of traveling and trekking, it can be a lot to take on. Between learning the right gear to buy, where to go, and all of the other do’s and don’ts that come along with the hobby it can be a lot to take on. Even if you think that you’re doing a great job soaking up all of the information, you can always learn more.
It’s important to stay humble and realize that everyone goes through the beginning stages of learning the ropes of trekking. The most important thing is to learn from your mistakes and get better as a result. When it comes to the most common mistakes that newbie trekkers make, here are the most common.
Not Training Enough
A lot of people think that after a few youTube instruction videos and reading a few blogs they’re ready to trek in Nepal. However, it’s not that simple to take on such a serious trek without proper training.
Seasoned trekking pros will tell you that they trained for months before taking on something which has challenging terrains and weather conditions. Make sure that you put in the time to learn exactly what you’re doing before diving straight in and assuming you know what you’re doing.
Failing to Eat and Drink Enough
It’s important to see your body as a vehicle which needs to be filled with fuel in order to function correctly. A lot of beginners make the mistake of taking on a dangerous hike and finding that they lose their energy early on. A big reason for this is because they haven’t given their bodies the proper nutrition and hydration.
When you’re using so much physical energy to make it to the top of a mountain, you should make sure that your body as all the fuel it needs. Eat plenty of complex carbohydrates and lean proteins. Your body will use your reserve food to keep its energy up as it starts to run low on power.
Overpacking
Even though you want to make sure that you have everything you need during your ascent, packing too much will make the experience much more grueling. Pack the minimum possible to increase your speed and reduce your overall fatigue.
Overdressing
As you move, you will start to sweat even in cold conditions. Wearing something which has breathable material and will not cause you to overheat is ideal.
Usually, most people find that cotton will cling and hold onto moisture longer than a lighter material like acrylic or polyester which dries quickly.
Littering
The rule for going in natural environments is that you leave it as you left it. A lot of new hikers make the mistake of disrespecting nature and leaving garbage and signs that they were there.
Make sure that you leave absolutely no traces behind wherever you climbed.
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