Top 10 Preparation Trips for first time Trekkers
- LMG Treks & Expeditions
- Jun 24
- 4 min read
It's totally natural to be a bit nervous ahead of your first expedition, but as we know, a little preparation can go a long way! In this blog, I'll let you know my top 10 preparation tips, all designed to ensure you have the most enjoyable and stress free trip.
1) Break in your shoes, but don't break them!
The footwear you decide to take on your expedition NEED to be comfortable. If you've decided to get some new boots or shoes for the trek then allow yourself multiple walks to get them properly broken in. One token walk in them ahead of the expedition is a dangerous game to play. Consider what socks you'll be wearing with them too, and do the training conditions replicate what will happen in country? (i.e will the trek be much hotter, causing your feet to sweat more?)
Critically, you may decide to go with the 'old faithful' boots as they feel like slippers - but do ask yourself if they're still up to the task. Are they already coming apart anywhere? Do they have enough grip and cushioning still? A shoe breaking on your really could be bad news whilst on your expedition!
2) Practice with your kit
Understanding your kit before the expedition can save a lot of brainpower whilst you're on the go. How do you fill up your water bladder? Does your rucksack have to be packed a particular way? Can you lock your headtorch to save it coming on when not in use? The list goes on.
3) Understand the culture
I'm a big fan of not over-researching locations I'm going to first time as I enjoy learning on the spot, but culture is one of those things where it's handy to understand some key basics, which may make those initial days in country that little bit easier to absorb.
4) Open-mindedness
This is a critical skill of any expeditioner, and is something that is very much learnt with the more expeditions you go on. There are many things on expedition which you aren't in control of, and being understanding of the fact things may not go smoothly really will enhance how you deal with any situation that arises. Read our short blog on 'The Circles of Influence' for a super visual on this.
5) Appraise the skills needed and learn them
Take the pressure off yourself whilst on expedition and gain some experience with the required skills before you go away. A glaring example is walking in crampons. On the whole, this skill can be learnt pretty quickly, but we do find people worry more about how hard it's going to be to do, than how hard it actually ends up being. Remove this stress from the expedition by lining up the opportunity to walk in them on a winter skills course before you depart.
6) Go with merino products
Merino products are the GOAT of expedition clothing. Read this blog to understand their full benefits, but it really is worth the investment!
7) Sun protection needs to be a priority
I cannot emphasise enough how damaging the UV can be at altitude. Make you you have good quality sunglasses (preferably Cat.4) which limit light access through to the eye. Further to this, get quality high SPF suncream such as that provided by Lifesystems
8) Build a small pharmacy for all eventualities
If you're poorly at home, you likely have a box of all sorts to hand, and if not, a quick trip to the shops will likely get what you need fairly easily. If you're several days into a trip, getting access to medicines you've not carried in can be tricky. It sounds tough, but you need to think about having stuff that can cover all eventualities (within reason of course!) This blog breaks down this subject in more detail
9) Get as fit as you can
I'll say it time and time again, but 'When has being too fit ever been a problem?'. Don't let fitness be the reason why you may fail at your chosen objective, as that is one of the few things that is within your influence when it comes to expeditioning. Read this blog to find out more about when you should consider starting to train.
10) Think about Fuelling
You'll be asking a lot of your body whilst on expedition, whether it be from the demands of the trek, or acclimatising. You'll no doubt have some great local food, but it's always good to have the option to supplement this with some quick to eat, easy to transport, nutritious options.
Particularly with our Nepal expeditions, where the diet is predominantly vegetarian and carbohydrate heavy, I recommend people bring something to supplement their protein. Protein is critical at repairing muscles and will speed up recovery. My favourite choices are Lake District Biltong and Real Meal replacement bars.
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