No Pain, No Maine? Long-distance hiking or thru-hiking is challenging both mentally and physically. Whether hiking the Appalachian Trail or another long-distance trail, the continuous step-by-step motion from dusk to dawn, repeated day after day, requires considerable effort and determination. This routine can feel monotonous, and it may involve pain and discomfort. Thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail (AT) understand that the 2,168-mile journey from Georgia to Maine will not be free of aches and pains. This is reflected in the common exchange among AT backpackers: “No Pain, No Maine.” However, this doesn’t mean that a thru-hike is a painful or […]
Fatigue
8 posts
No one ever wants to be sick, especially during a backpacking trip. With a myriad of viruses out there, here are a few tips for keeping your immune system going strong so you are less likely to fall ill while on the trail. Keep a Healthy DietThe overall function of the immune system is to prevent or reduce infection. Modern medicine can battle disease directly, but true health can only be attained by maintaining a healthy and properly functioning immune system. Your digestive tract is closely tied to your immune system. A healthy immune system is dependent on consistent nourishment. […]
Reducing pack weight starts with minimizing gear and replacing heavier gear with lighter materials. Ultralight backpackers know all the different methods to reduce excess weight to achieve a lighter pack. But backpackers often narrow their focus to reducing only carrying weight, and what you carry on your torso is not the only thing that matters. The weight of your feet, particularly your shoes, significantly impacts your energy expenditure and sense of load. The U.S. Army has research to support this fact: The weight on the feet is disproportionately more exhausting than the weight carried on the torso.[1] The rule of thumb […]
Do your trail foods include iron? Iron plays a vital role in your hiking performance. Foremost, it is necessary to deliver oxygen to your muscles. Getting enough iron in your trail diet will also keep your immune system strong and prevent fatigue. Here we discuss strategies you can use to boost your iron levels. Iron is, by mass, the most common element on Earth. It is formed via fusion in stars, comprising almost all of the earth’s core and the planets in the Solar System. It is an essential mineral for both animals and plants. In plants, it plays a […]
We’re bombarded with information telling us what to do to live a long and healthy life — often from companies trying to sell a product. Here’s a small set of habits that we’ve been doing for years and cost little to nothing to implement. Try one out and see what a difference it makes in your energy and outlook. 1. Transport Yourself by Human Power In North America, most people consider cycling, walking, and running as only for recreation or professional sport. Ironically, we drive to the gym to pedal a stationary bike or drive to a park to go […]