Nov, Sun, 2016

Trail Tweaks: How to Trek Like a Pro?

I love the outdoors. I love trekking and traveling to places. The fresh air, the rejuvenating feeling, the great workout and the amazing sights that goes with it. I love to go outdoors to have a good balance between the corporate and personal life. Adventure travels which includes communing with nature is definitely a must for me once in a while. Such activities like trekking, caving, chasing waterfalls or simply visiting a resort or an Eco-tourism site will do the trick. The fulfillment of spending time trekking with the great outdoors is unfathomable.

I am not a pro hiker/trekker, but I’ve learned a couple of things along the way and I’m happy to share it with you. As a hiker, there’s a lot to think about when you’re are going to hit the trail. The thought of what to put in the backpack or how to avoid the woes that might be encountered along the journey. But despite all the odds, if you have the adrenaline junkie spirit in you, nothing’s going to stop you from doing so. You will do it against all odds.

So if you’ve been very hesitant because you don’t consider yourself an outdoorsy type or a hiker / trekker or you’ve never tried it yet, don’t fret coz there aren’t many rules to follow. These tips might be of help to get you started and trek like a pro in no time.

How to trek like a pro?

Get the most out of it

Hiking has many benefits and like walking it is a pretty simple activity. But despite it being simple, it requires preparation too. We need to prepare to have an enjoyable, safe and comfortable hike else we end up having a cumbersome experience. The golden rule here to make the most out of our trekking experience is to “trek comfortably and safely”. After all, we do these activities for enjoyment.

Dress appropriately

For starters, never hike wearing flip-flops. It’s ridiculous! So, how to trek like a pro? You can, by dressing smart. Ask for help with your trekking friends for the right outfit. Here’s few tips about outfit.

Starting with the feet, you need a professional gear as a hiker even though you’re just starting out. If the trail is mild and no treacherous terrain, a good sneaker shoes should be okay or you can wear shoes resembling those of the running shoes but have extra traction. However, for any serious trails, rocky trails and long distance treks, a real hiking boots or shoes is really needed or you’ll want a boot with hefty soles that will protect your feet from “stone bruises” as these shoes provide enough support and stability to keep you from twisting an ankle.

Of course you can trek with anything you want, like with jeans or shorts, a T-shirt and a pair of slippers or athletic shoes. Basically it’s possible but we’re talking about how to trek like a pro here.

Trek Like a Pro As for the clothing, wear layers. This way you’ll be prepared for a range of temperatures in the mountains. Your clothing should be comfortable, temperature-appropriate and provide you with protection from sunburn, bugs and poisonous vegetation. Clothing made from quick-drying technical fabrics will be more comfortable. Sample layers would be: a shirt made of a lightweight synthetic or quick-drying (dri-fit) fabric as an inner layer, mid-layer is a warm top fleece, and an outer layer of a lightweight rain shell.

Carry enough water

It is a common mistake for beginners to set out on a trek without enough water. You need water, no question with that. But how much of it are you willing to carry? Yes, water is heavy. So when hitting the trail keep in mind that a little extra weight due to extra water doesn’t hurt compared to the lack of it. Anyway, those extra weight will gradually gets lighter as you trekked, theres Plan to carry at least one liter of liquid per person for every 2 hours of hiking.

Never drink directly from the streams even if it looks pristine. It will likely a breeding place for other organisms or filled will bacteria that can make you very sick. Prevention is better than cure after all.

Don’t leave your research to Siri

Your phone might not work in some remote areas so don’t rely on it all the time. Do your research beforehand, there are a lot of references that you can refer to. Do yourself a favor by having a well research information about your destination, what to expect, the weather conditions, secure maps, etc or a guidebook. And oh! don’t forget to tell at least one of your good friends when will you be going home. In that way, at least there is someone who will be checking on your whereabouts when you fail to return on the said date. Just a safety precaution but if you don’t feel like doing it, that’s totally fine.

Pace yourself

Trek Like a Pro Pacing is a crucial thing in trekking. If you’re hiking with a group, let the least fit or the slowest person set the pace even if it’s a child. It is not a race in the first place. Remember, you don’t just have to reach the panorama the trail leads to but you also have to get back. Most importantly, converse while you trek. It does not only signify that you are having the right pacing but it could help lessen the feeling of tiredness.

Try trekking without any talking and try to have a similar one with all the usual conversation with occasional jokes and laughter while you converse and see the difference on your exhaustion level.

Always check the weather

It sounds like a no-brainier but weather plays an important role most of the time especially when trekking. The weather can be much more severe as you gain altitude or elevation. This can affect the itinerary and the course of action that needs to be taken when certain weather related circumstances will be encountered along the way. When in the midst of adventure with a really bad weather, don’t be afraid to call the shot to withdraw. Trust your instinct. If it doesn’t feel and sound good, then it must not be good.

Practice good trail etiquette

This is the common mistake for some. It seems that they owned the trail and will never give way to locals even if they were hauling heavy products. When we hit the trail let us be more considerate to our fellow mountaineers especially to the locals. When someone approaches may it be a local or not, we should step aside and let them pass. If you’re in the large group and a small group of hikers or a solo hiker is approaching, step aside and let them pass.

Also, we must always abide by the “leave no trace” principles, which include respecting wildlife, staying on durable paths rather than tramping on vulnerable land and or vegetation, and the most obvious: putting garbage where it belongs, even if that means you have to carry it for kilometers for proper disposal.

Have a hiking/trekking buddy

No man is an island. Even the most seasoned mountaineer could not assure that he/she don’t need anybody on the trail. The trail can be treacherous at its worse especially on bad weather conditions. Although following through wild terrain might leave us introspective and thoughtful, it’s not something that we should do by ourselves. The journey itself can be dangerous for many reasons, so finding strength and safety in numbers is highly encouraged. So go out there and pair up with at least one good and dependable buddy.

These rules/tips might not be applicable to other adventures but this might be of help in some way. Once we’ve mastered these rules on how to trek like a pro, we might be hooked by the activity itself. We should always keep in mind and take into consideration our own safety and we should never take chances that might involve risks in person’s life. There are only a few activities that are both more enjoyable and beneficial to health and that includes hiking/trekking. Thus trekking/hiking is a skill you may want to master quickly, like a Pro!!!

I came up with this list based on my experiences and learning. If you find anything that may be relevant to add in the list, just let me know by leaving a comment below.

Are these tips helpful? Do you think these can help you Trek like a pro? Let me know your thoughts.

Wandering Soul Scamper

Trail Tweaks: How to Trek Like a Pro?

I love the outdoors. I love trekking and traveling to places. The fresh air, the rejuvenating feeling, the great workout and the amazing sights that goes with it. I love to go outdoors to have a good balance between the corporate and personal life. Adventure travels which includes communing with nature is definitely a must for me once in a while. Such activities like trekking, caving, chasing waterfalls or simply visiting a resort or an Eco-tourism site will do the trick. The fulfillment of spending time trekking with the great outdoors is unfathomable.

I am not a pro hiker/trekker, but I’ve learned a couple of things along the way and I’m happy to share it with you. As a hiker, there’s a lot to think about when you’re are going to hit the trail. The thought of what to put in the backpack or how to avoid the woes that might be encountered along the journey. But despite all the odds, if you have the adrenaline junkie spirit in you, nothing’s going to stop you from doing so. You will do it against all odds.

So if you’ve been very hesitant because you don’t consider yourself an outdoorsy type or a hiker / trekker or you’ve never tried it yet, don’t fret coz there aren’t many rules to follow. These tips might be of help to get you started and trek like a pro in no time.

How to trek like a pro?

Get the most out of it

Hiking has many benefits and like walking it is a pretty simple activity. But despite it being simple, it requires preparation too. We need to prepare to have an enjoyable, safe and comfortable hike else we end up having a cumbersome experience. The golden rule here to make the most out of our trekking experience is to “trek comfortably and safely”. After all, we do these activities for enjoyment.

Dress appropriately

For starters, never hike wearing flip-flops. It’s ridiculous! So, how to trek like a pro? You can, by dressing smart. Ask for help with your trekking friends for the right outfit. Here’s few tips about outfit.

Starting with the feet, you need a professional gear as a hiker even though you’re just starting out. If the trail is mild and no treacherous terrain, a good sneaker shoes should be okay or you can wear shoes resembling those of the running shoes but have extra traction. However, for any serious trails, rocky trails and long distance treks, a real hiking boots or shoes is really needed or you’ll want a boot with hefty soles that will protect your feet from “stone bruises” as these shoes provide enough support and stability to keep you from twisting an ankle.

Of course you can trek with anything you want, like with jeans or shorts, a T-shirt and a pair of slippers or athletic shoes. Basically it’s possible but we’re talking about how to trek like a pro here.

Trek Like a Pro As for the clothing, wear layers. This way you’ll be prepared for a range of temperatures in the mountains. Your clothing should be comfortable, temperature-appropriate and provide you with protection from sunburn, bugs and poisonous vegetation. Clothing made from quick-drying technical fabrics will be more comfortable. Sample layers would be: a shirt made of a lightweight synthetic or quick-drying (dri-fit) fabric as an inner layer, mid-layer is a warm top fleece, and an outer layer of a lightweight rain shell.

Carry enough water

It is a common mistake for beginners to set out on a trek without enough water. You need water, no question with that. But how much of it are you willing to carry? Yes, water is heavy. So when hitting the trail keep in mind that a little extra weight due to extra water doesn’t hurt compared to the lack of it. Anyway, those extra weight will gradually gets lighter as you trekked, theres Plan to carry at least one liter of liquid per person for every 2 hours of hiking.

Never drink directly from the streams even if it looks pristine. It will likely a breeding place for other organisms or filled will bacteria that can make you very sick. Prevention is better than cure after all.

Don’t leave your research to Siri

Your phone might not work in some remote areas so don’t rely on it all the time. Do your research beforehand, there are a lot of references that you can refer to. Do yourself a favor by having a well research information about your destination, what to expect, the weather conditions, secure maps, etc or a guidebook. And oh! don’t forget to tell at least one of your good friends when will you be going home. In that way, at least there is someone who will be checking on your whereabouts when you fail to return on the said date. Just a safety precaution but if you don’t feel like doing it, that’s totally fine.

Pace yourself

Trek Like a Pro Pacing is a crucial thing in trekking. If you’re hiking with a group, let the least fit or the slowest person set the pace even if it’s a child. It is not a race in the first place. Remember, you don’t just have to reach the panorama the trail leads to but you also have to get back. Most importantly, converse while you trek. It does not only signify that you are having the right pacing but it could help lessen the feeling of tiredness.

Try trekking without any talking and try to have a similar one with all the usual conversation with occasional jokes and laughter while you converse and see the difference on your exhaustion level.

Always check the weather

It sounds like a no-brainier but weather plays an important role most of the time especially when trekking. The weather can be much more severe as you gain altitude or elevation. This can affect the itinerary and the course of action that needs to be taken when certain weather related circumstances will be encountered along the way. When in the midst of adventure with a really bad weather, don’t be afraid to call the shot to withdraw. Trust your instinct. If it doesn’t feel and sound good, then it must not be good.

Practice good trail etiquette

This is the common mistake for some. It seems that they owned the trail and will never give way to locals even if they were hauling heavy products. When we hit the trail let us be more considerate to our fellow mountaineers especially to the locals. When someone approaches may it be a local or not, we should step aside and let them pass. If you’re in the large group and a small group of hikers or a solo hiker is approaching, step aside and let them pass.

Also, we must always abide by the “leave no trace” principles, which include respecting wildlife, staying on durable paths rather than tramping on vulnerable land and or vegetation, and the most obvious: putting garbage where it belongs, even if that means you have to carry it for kilometers for proper disposal.

Have a hiking/trekking buddy

No man is an island. Even the most seasoned mountaineer could not assure that he/she don’t need anybody on the trail. The trail can be treacherous at its worse especially on bad weather conditions. Although following through wild terrain might leave us introspective and thoughtful, it’s not something that we should do by ourselves. The journey itself can be dangerous for many reasons, so finding strength and safety in numbers is highly encouraged. So go out there and pair up with at least one good and dependable buddy.

These rules/tips might not be applicable to other adventures but this might be of help in some way. Once we’ve mastered these rules on how to trek like a pro, we might be hooked by the activity itself. We should always keep in mind and take into consideration our own safety and we should never take chances that might involve risks in person’s life. There are only a few activities that are both more enjoyable and beneficial to health and that includes hiking/trekking. Thus trekking/hiking is a skill you may want to master quickly, like a Pro!!!

I came up with this list based on my experiences and learning. If you find anything that may be relevant to add in the list, just let me know by leaving a comment below.

Are these tips helpful? Do you think these can help you Trek like a pro? Let me know your thoughts.

Nov, Sat, 2016

Trail Tweaks: How to make your Camping Experience more comfortable?

Waking up outside, in the midst of the forest, near the riverbanks, in an open field surrounded by trees, is always memorable. For some, the camping experience gets even better when you have a good night sleep. Of course good night sleep comes with a comfortable camping bed.

Most common complaint from campers for not having a good camping experience is due to weather, camping site, and improper equipment. Furthermore, most complaints for not having a good night sleep is due to an uncomfortable camping bed, heavy rains and loud noise. Here are few tips to make your camping experience more comfortable.

1. Choose the right tent

Choosing a tent when camping, backpacking or going to the beach is really important. You should consider the conditions you’re likely to encounter, the number of people you need to accommodate and the weight and bulk you are willing to carry after all we are still talking about how to make camping experience more comfortable

Camp site location

If you are going to camp in the beach, do not use you’re trekking/backpacking tent as the poles are mostly aluminum. Saltwater can cause the poles to be brittle. Use beach tents instead when camping at the beach.
Seasons and Conditions

There are 4-season, 3 – season and 2-season tent. Since we only have dry and wet seasons here, we can just use the 2-season or 3-season tent. Also, when camping during stormy seasons, better use low laying tent like the tadpole or the sniper type to prevent it from being broken.

2. Check the weather forecast

Always check the weather forecast as this can help you prepare ahead what to expect and what are the necessary things to bring. For rainy forecast, you can read a beginners guide for rainy treks by Foureyedlaagan.

Beginner’s Guide for Trekking on a Rainy Season

3. Bring Equipment/gears for comfort

Tent sharing is advisable especially for major climbs to optimize the load distribution of each participant. Just imagine you are having a multi-day trek and each will bring an individual tent say having an average weight of 1.5kgs per tent. 1.5 kgs in an 8-hour trek can really make a difference. Another purpose of tent sharing is to have extra person and space for the equipment for comfort listed below

Warmers – heat tech, spare jackets, fleece hats, scarf, neck warmer
Sleeping bag – preferably few degrees below the expected temperature.
Sleeping pad – this can be used as an insulator between you and the ground at the same time, a big help when camping on rough or rocky site. Samples are: Closed – cell foam, air filled pads and self-inflating pads.
Inflatable Pillows – to add comfort on your sleep you can bring inflatable pillows.

4. Stay warm and sleep warm

It’s really hard to stay happy, move around and feel comfortable when you’re too cold, too hot or too wet right? Outdoor fun, after all, is meant to be fun. Thus, choosing the right outdoor clothing can keep you comfortable and protect against potential dangers such as hypothermia.

Stay dry as much as possible as water conducts more heat better than air. Wet clothing can steal your heat faster because your body heat will be transferred away to your clothing at the same time as the water evaporate in your clothing, it will provide a cooling effect to your body thus stealing more of your body warmth.

Wear some windbreaker too, to block the wind from carrying your heat away on currents of cool air. Apply clothes layering to Trap heat.

Tips to Stay Warm:

To supplement the clothing layering technique, wear a fleece or wool hat.
Wear a scarf. Lots of our total heat loss occurs through our head and neck.
Wear mittens instead of gloves if possible as mitts are warmer than gloves because your fingers share their heat inside.
Ensure your shoes, boots, socks, gloves are not too tight because you need a good blood circulation that is essential to keeping your feet and hands warm.
For extremely cold campsites and or trails, when your fingers feel like blocks of ice already, just swing your arms in wide circle as fast as you can to push enough blood into the fingertips, thus keeping it warm.
Last but most important is you have to eat regularly and keep yourself hydrated.

Tips to Sleep Warm:

Have a sleeping bag preferably rated few degrees colder than your expected temperature to encounter where you’re camping
Empty your bladder before going to bed. Having a full bladder while sleeping can result a disturbance in between your sleep and your body will expend much energy keeping the extra liquid warm.
For extra cold campsites, wear your hat to bed, better if you have that fleece hat.
Wear your neck warmer if you have. Use your spare gears like jackets to add extra insulation if you do not have thick ground pads.
Before you get into your sleeping bag, have a quick exercise to warm up.
If you still feel cold, use warm water bottle. If you don’t have any, body heat is the best next thing to prevent potential dangers of hypothermia. Ask your tent mate kindly to keep closer to get some heat. When it comes to worse, tell your tent mates you really feel cold and maybe an additional insulation could fix it. If you’re both comfortable, a hug will do.

5. Select the proper tent site to make camping experience more comfortable

To have a great night’s sleep, selecting a tent site is crucial. You need to scope out the surroundings before pitching your tent. May you want to set up your tent in an area where you will catch the evening breeze to drive bugs away, or somewhere that you can catch directly the morning sun’s heat so you will be up early, these are some tips before pitching your tent.

Do not pitch tent on:

The middle of the trail
Near water basins that breeds bugs
Fragile grounds
Under the trees that might drop branches anytime
Low areas that do not drain rainwater

Pitch tent on the following site:

Smooth and leveled grounds. (You can try how flat it is by trying to lie down on the spot)
Behind a good wind block
Close to clean water source (if any)
When camping near bodies of water, camp above the high tide mark or flood zone of a river

After pitching the tent, you can setup the additional comfort equipment/gears you had brought. Please live by the Leave No Trace Principle.

Camping Experience more comfortable

Have you been camping under different weather conditions? How was your experience? Leave your stories on the comments box below.

Wandering Soul Scamper

Tips , Trekking

Trail Tweaks: How to make your Camping Experience more comfortable?

Waking up outside, in the midst of the forest, near the riverbanks, in an open field surrounded by trees, is always memorable. For some, the camping experience gets even better when you have a good night sleep. Of course good night sleep comes with a comfortable camping bed.

Most common complaint from campers for not having a good camping experience is due to weather, camping site, and improper equipment. Furthermore, most complaints for not having a good night sleep is due to an uncomfortable camping bed, heavy rains and loud noise. Here are few tips to make your camping experience more comfortable.

1. Choose the right tent

Choosing a tent when camping, backpacking or going to the beach is really important. You should consider the conditions you’re likely to encounter, the number of people you need to accommodate and the weight and bulk you are willing to carry after all we are still talking about how to make camping experience more comfortable

Camp site location

If you are going to camp in the beach, do not use you’re trekking/backpacking tent as the poles are mostly aluminum. Saltwater can cause the poles to be brittle. Use beach tents instead when camping at the beach.
Seasons and Conditions

There are 4-season, 3 – season and 2-season tent. Since we only have dry and wet seasons here, we can just use the 2-season or 3-season tent. Also, when camping during stormy seasons, better use low laying tent like the tadpole or the sniper type to prevent it from being broken.

2. Check the weather forecast

Always check the weather forecast as this can help you prepare ahead what to expect and what are the necessary things to bring. For rainy forecast, you can read a beginners guide for rainy treks by Foureyedlaagan.

Beginner’s Guide for Trekking on a Rainy Season

3. Bring Equipment/gears for comfort

Tent sharing is advisable especially for major climbs to optimize the load distribution of each participant. Just imagine you are having a multi-day trek and each will bring an individual tent say having an average weight of 1.5kgs per tent. 1.5 kgs in an 8-hour trek can really make a difference. Another purpose of tent sharing is to have extra person and space for the equipment for comfort listed below

Warmers – heat tech, spare jackets, fleece hats, scarf, neck warmer
Sleeping bag – preferably few degrees below the expected temperature.
Sleeping pad – this can be used as an insulator between you and the ground at the same time, a big help when camping on rough or rocky site. Samples are: Closed – cell foam, air filled pads and self-inflating pads.
Inflatable Pillows – to add comfort on your sleep you can bring inflatable pillows.

4. Stay warm and sleep warm

It’s really hard to stay happy, move around and feel comfortable when you’re too cold, too hot or too wet right? Outdoor fun, after all, is meant to be fun. Thus, choosing the right outdoor clothing can keep you comfortable and protect against potential dangers such as hypothermia.

Stay dry as much as possible as water conducts more heat better than air. Wet clothing can steal your heat faster because your body heat will be transferred away to your clothing at the same time as the water evaporate in your clothing, it will provide a cooling effect to your body thus stealing more of your body warmth.

Wear some windbreaker too, to block the wind from carrying your heat away on currents of cool air. Apply clothes layering to Trap heat.

Tips to Stay Warm:

To supplement the clothing layering technique, wear a fleece or wool hat.
Wear a scarf. Lots of our total heat loss occurs through our head and neck.
Wear mittens instead of gloves if possible as mitts are warmer than gloves because your fingers share their heat inside.
Ensure your shoes, boots, socks, gloves are not too tight because you need a good blood circulation that is essential to keeping your feet and hands warm.
For extremely cold campsites and or trails, when your fingers feel like blocks of ice already, just swing your arms in wide circle as fast as you can to push enough blood into the fingertips, thus keeping it warm.
Last but most important is you have to eat regularly and keep yourself hydrated.

Tips to Sleep Warm:

Have a sleeping bag preferably rated few degrees colder than your expected temperature to encounter where you’re camping
Empty your bladder before going to bed. Having a full bladder while sleeping can result a disturbance in between your sleep and your body will expend much energy keeping the extra liquid warm.
For extra cold campsites, wear your hat to bed, better if you have that fleece hat.
Wear your neck warmer if you have. Use your spare gears like jackets to add extra insulation if you do not have thick ground pads.
Before you get into your sleeping bag, have a quick exercise to warm up.
If you still feel cold, use warm water bottle. If you don’t have any, body heat is the best next thing to prevent potential dangers of hypothermia. Ask your tent mate kindly to keep closer to get some heat. When it comes to worse, tell your tent mates you really feel cold and maybe an additional insulation could fix it. If you’re both comfortable, a hug will do.

5. Select the proper tent site to make camping experience more comfortable

To have a great night’s sleep, selecting a tent site is crucial. You need to scope out the surroundings before pitching your tent. May you want to set up your tent in an area where you will catch the evening breeze to drive bugs away, or somewhere that you can catch directly the morning sun’s heat so you will be up early, these are some tips before pitching your tent.

Do not pitch tent on:

The middle of the trail
Near water basins that breeds bugs
Fragile grounds
Under the trees that might drop branches anytime
Low areas that do not drain rainwater

Pitch tent on the following site:

Smooth and leveled grounds. (You can try how flat it is by trying to lie down on the spot)
Behind a good wind block
Close to clean water source (if any)
When camping near bodies of water, camp above the high tide mark or flood zone of a river

After pitching the tent, you can setup the additional comfort equipment/gears you had brought. Please live by the Leave No Trace Principle.

Camping Experience more comfortable

Have you been camping under different weather conditions? How was your experience? Leave your stories on the comments box below.

Oct, Sat, 2016

Trail Tweaks: How to stay clean and fresh on multiple day trekking?

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” – Jim Rohn

Taking a shower during treks is out of the question. Then how do you maintain hygiene standards? What about your greasy hair and the general filthy feeling? And won’t everyone stink by day 3? How can you stay clean and fresh on multiple day trekking?

Trekking and scaling mountains or camping out on a campground for a few days always sounds like a great idea for outdoor junkies – enjoying nature, disconnecting from technology, communing with our roots, enjoying quality time with loved ones, and sitting around the campsite grounds having fun. But the thought of going multiple days without a shower is really daunting.

Usually while trekking, showers are not available at most campsites. Most have no water sources even. Water supply has been one of the challenges for trekkers, need not say hygiene.

For some trekking destinations, there are abundant water sources. You may get an opportunity to take a bath in a stream or a lake but do it only without the application of soap or shampoo as you do not want to contaminate the water. People drink the same water. In fact, when you’re trekking, even you drink the same water.

I am no expert about trekking and hygiene stuffs but with my experiences during multiple instances of me staying in the mountains, I came up with this basic tips to stay clean and fresh.

You can follow some basic tweaks to stay clean and fresh when on multiple day trekking:

1. What’s the best replacement to taking a bath when in campsites with no water supply?

Wet wipes or biodegradable soap will ensure body cleanliness. You can wipe yourselves with a damp tissue, especially the sweaty areas such as the underarms/armpits, etc. before changing into fresh clothes. But take note that wet wipes are not biodegradable. So if you can’t dispose it properly, it is better to use the usual scent-free tissue papers or a soft handkerchief.

If there is a lake or stream along your trail or near your campsite, take a bath in nature. Just rinsing off in fresh water will remove excess dirt and oils. When coming across a cold and clear creek, strip down to undergarments and lie in the water to cool off the body and clean out closed areas such as the underarms. Wetting your hair will dispose of the grease that forms from the scalp.

2. Allow your feet to breathe

Remove shoes and socks at least once a day to allow your feet to breathe. Keeping your shoes on could cause a foot fungus known as “athlete’s foot” to blaze. This could occur due to feet being in a warm and moist area for a long period of time. Changing your socks every day or as necessary is also a way to avoid this.

3. Bring enough clothes

How many fresh clothes will you need? Pack at least two sets of outfits to alternate in days. By having two outfits, you can wash one with extra water (or water from a nearby source) and hang it up to dry at night. Even if you don’t have access to water, you should hang it up to air out through the night.

4. Choose the right clothes

Wear synthetic-material clothing that wicks moisture. Remember that bacteria thrive in moist conditions. Avoid cotton clothes as much as possible that may soak up the sweat and opt for wicking clothes instead. Dri-fit clothes can be used. And also, bringing enough clean underwear and feminine wipes for women will decrease the possibility of private infections.

5. Is bad breath the greatest enemy to overall travel freshness?

Maintaining dental hygiene while camping/trekking is comforting and healthful. Bring a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss, also remember to avoid brushing teeth and bathing within 200 feet of a water source or your campsite. You may be a welcome guest, but it is ultimately nature’s home, and it’d be terribly rude to contaminate it. Also, in the absence of these materials mention above, using mouthwash will kill bacteria that is grown in the mouth when not brushing for long periods of time.

6. Observe proper hand sanitation

Use hand sanitizer after every bathroom breaks, before grabbing a handful of trail mix; as well as before cooking and eating. One important way to protect yourself is by keeping your hands clean. Make a point to carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your pocket and use it frequently. This practice slashes down on the prospects of ingesting bacteria that can make you sick which is doubly unpleasant experience when on the trail.

7. Carry a small bottle of isopropyl alcohol and some cotton balls.

Soak the cotton with the alcohol and give yourself a rub down at night under the arms, feet and groin area. You’ll be amazed at how dirty the cotton becomes – yes, that all came off you – and how much better you feel afterwards. A light weight to carry with big benefits.

8. Relieve yourself in a clean way

Use biodegradable toilet paper when nature calls. Using leaves and other natural materials could cause serious infections or diseases. Using biodegradable toilet paper is best. To keep odor away, the biodegradable toilet paper needs to be buried after use. Remember to pack out, what you packed in. Leaving toilet paper at the campsite is totally unacceptable.

9. If greasy hair bums you out, try using an unscented dry shampoo (you should use the unscented one to avoid those bugs), or work some baby powder into your hair roots to expurgate the grease.

10. Always carry a small container of body lotion or muscle rub and use it on your feet at night after cleaning.

Try to sleep with fresh clothes other than what you hiked in, and hang those hiking clothes to air when possible. If your campsite is near water sources, rinse them out when you can. Please note that washing should be done away from water sources.

What you can do most easily on a trek whether just a day trek or multiple days, is maintain basic hygiene. Brush your hair, wash your face, answer nature’s call and clean up. There might be water available at all campsites to brush and wash up. As for your toothpaste and soap, try your best to take toiletries without chemicals in them as organic products will decompose more easily. Refrain also from using deodorant, perfume, hairspray, shampoo, and any other scented and environmentally-unfriendly materials. Cosmetics and perfumes attract animals like bears and bugs – so leave those things at home.

Have you been to multiple day treks? Or you’re on a trek that you once feel unhygienic? What have you done to work around with it? Or you just let it be? Leave your thoughts on the comment box below.

Wandering Soul Scamper

Tips , Trekking , Uncategorized

Trail Tweaks: How to stay clean and fresh on multiple day trekking?

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” – Jim Rohn

Taking a shower during treks is out of the question. Then how do you maintain hygiene standards? What about your greasy hair and the general filthy feeling? And won’t everyone stink by day 3? How can you stay clean and fresh on multiple day trekking?

Trekking and scaling mountains or camping out on a campground for a few days always sounds like a great idea for outdoor junkies – enjoying nature, disconnecting from technology, communing with our roots, enjoying quality time with loved ones, and sitting around the campsite grounds having fun. But the thought of going multiple days without a shower is really daunting.

Usually while trekking, showers are not available at most campsites. Most have no water sources even. Water supply has been one of the challenges for trekkers, need not say hygiene.

For some trekking destinations, there are abundant water sources. You may get an opportunity to take a bath in a stream or a lake but do it only without the application of soap or shampoo as you do not want to contaminate the water. People drink the same water. In fact, when you’re trekking, even you drink the same water.

I am no expert about trekking and hygiene stuffs but with my experiences during multiple instances of me staying in the mountains, I came up with this basic tips to stay clean and fresh.

You can follow some basic tweaks to stay clean and fresh when on multiple day trekking:

1. What’s the best replacement to taking a bath when in campsites with no water supply?

Wet wipes or biodegradable soap will ensure body cleanliness. You can wipe yourselves with a damp tissue, especially the sweaty areas such as the underarms/armpits, etc. before changing into fresh clothes. But take note that wet wipes are not biodegradable. So if you can’t dispose it properly, it is better to use the usual scent-free tissue papers or a soft handkerchief.

If there is a lake or stream along your trail or near your campsite, take a bath in nature. Just rinsing off in fresh water will remove excess dirt and oils. When coming across a cold and clear creek, strip down to undergarments and lie in the water to cool off the body and clean out closed areas such as the underarms. Wetting your hair will dispose of the grease that forms from the scalp.

2. Allow your feet to breathe

Remove shoes and socks at least once a day to allow your feet to breathe. Keeping your shoes on could cause a foot fungus known as “athlete’s foot” to blaze. This could occur due to feet being in a warm and moist area for a long period of time. Changing your socks every day or as necessary is also a way to avoid this.

3. Bring enough clothes

How many fresh clothes will you need? Pack at least two sets of outfits to alternate in days. By having two outfits, you can wash one with extra water (or water from a nearby source) and hang it up to dry at night. Even if you don’t have access to water, you should hang it up to air out through the night.

4. Choose the right clothes

Wear synthetic-material clothing that wicks moisture. Remember that bacteria thrive in moist conditions. Avoid cotton clothes as much as possible that may soak up the sweat and opt for wicking clothes instead. Dri-fit clothes can be used. And also, bringing enough clean underwear and feminine wipes for women will decrease the possibility of private infections.

5. Is bad breath the greatest enemy to overall travel freshness?

Maintaining dental hygiene while camping/trekking is comforting and healthful. Bring a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss, also remember to avoid brushing teeth and bathing within 200 feet of a water source or your campsite. You may be a welcome guest, but it is ultimately nature’s home, and it’d be terribly rude to contaminate it. Also, in the absence of these materials mention above, using mouthwash will kill bacteria that is grown in the mouth when not brushing for long periods of time.

6. Observe proper hand sanitation

Use hand sanitizer after every bathroom breaks, before grabbing a handful of trail mix; as well as before cooking and eating. One important way to protect yourself is by keeping your hands clean. Make a point to carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your pocket and use it frequently. This practice slashes down on the prospects of ingesting bacteria that can make you sick which is doubly unpleasant experience when on the trail.

7. Carry a small bottle of isopropyl alcohol and some cotton balls.

Soak the cotton with the alcohol and give yourself a rub down at night under the arms, feet and groin area. You’ll be amazed at how dirty the cotton becomes – yes, that all came off you – and how much better you feel afterwards. A light weight to carry with big benefits.

8. Relieve yourself in a clean way

Use biodegradable toilet paper when nature calls. Using leaves and other natural materials could cause serious infections or diseases. Using biodegradable toilet paper is best. To keep odor away, the biodegradable toilet paper needs to be buried after use. Remember to pack out, what you packed in. Leaving toilet paper at the campsite is totally unacceptable.

9. If greasy hair bums you out, try using an unscented dry shampoo (you should use the unscented one to avoid those bugs), or work some baby powder into your hair roots to expurgate the grease.

10. Always carry a small container of body lotion or muscle rub and use it on your feet at night after cleaning.

Try to sleep with fresh clothes other than what you hiked in, and hang those hiking clothes to air when possible. If your campsite is near water sources, rinse them out when you can. Please note that washing should be done away from water sources.

What you can do most easily on a trek whether just a day trek or multiple days, is maintain basic hygiene. Brush your hair, wash your face, answer nature’s call and clean up. There might be water available at all campsites to brush and wash up. As for your toothpaste and soap, try your best to take toiletries without chemicals in them as organic products will decompose more easily. Refrain also from using deodorant, perfume, hairspray, shampoo, and any other scented and environmentally-unfriendly materials. Cosmetics and perfumes attract animals like bears and bugs – so leave those things at home.

Have you been to multiple day treks? Or you’re on a trek that you once feel unhygienic? What have you done to work around with it? Or you just let it be? Leave your thoughts on the comment box below.

Oct, Sat, 2016

Trail Tweaks: How to make Trekking a lot Easier

make Trekking a lot Easier

Trekking is a combination of hiking and walking activity. It simply means a journey on foot particularly to mountainous and remote areas with a close encounter to people wherein their culture and lifestyle might still unchanged for many generations now and an opportunity of being one with the grandiose sierra on the country side. Trekking can be risky and adventurous depending on the terrain and can really be grueling and hard.

When I started trekking as my sweet escape to the chaotic city life, I simply flung myself with all of my energy and cluelessness in every trek, not appallingly anxious about anything. I didn’t mind how long and how far I was hiking, how difficult the trail I was taking, how heavy the pack I was carrying with me, how many of my companions were more than willing to laugh at my bad jokes thrown in between breaks, and how many were enthusiastic to join me whatever crazy stuffs I was dragging them into. Simply put, I was that reckless free spirit who doesn’t care much how my poor body ached after the long journey as long as I had fun and enjoyed the scenery along lovely mountain villages.

It’s normal to contemplate that walking is walking and when you know how to walk, then you know how to hike and there are no secrets on how to do it better!

After several treks, the mountains had taught me lessons that I didn’t even thought I would learn. It may be true that there are no secrets on how to make walking easier as we were walking most of our life since we were just toddlers, but like any sports, specifically endurance sports, there are always several ways how to trek more efficiently. These ways include but not limited to conserving energy and plummeting the physical toll brought by fatigue from these strenuous activity.

Because of these learnings, I am exuberant to introduce to you all the “Trail Tweaks” series. This series will showcase my personal views, trek experiences, and how did I manage to improve such haphazard strategies. For the first installment, I would like to share how to make trekking a lot easier.

Here are few points that worked for me:

Be physically and mentally fit – is top on the list to make trekking a lot Easier

This is the most obvious and the often taken for granted point for some. Stay fit when you are planning to have trekking activity. The only way to prepare for a coming trek is another trek or a short hike. If you are planning for your first trek then at least maintain a regular exercise program so that when you are going to hit the trail, you will be at your optimum physical condition. It is really hard to find ourselves falling off the track and struggling too much even on the easy terrain trek. Mental fitness however plays an equal role too. We should ensure that our minds are in tip-top shape and attitudes are flowing into the right direction. Luck favors the prepared!

Be Kind to yourself

Do not exceed what is your normal level of physical activity. Do not push beyond your limits. Hike at certain pace that you can maintain for hours especially trekking uphill. Remember hiking is an endurance sport, not a race. Aim to finish the day hiking at the same speed at which you started rather than on your upper limits that would really fatigue your muscles much faster. Think rhythm and flow. Tortoise rather than hare. If you can talk while you are hiking, then you are hiking the perfect speed.

Go light

Keep your pack as light as possible. An overly heavy pack will extract its biggest toll on your body during steep and/or long downhill sections of the trail. Do weight management of your packs and refer to efficient backpacking tips. Do not bring the whole house with you or your whole closet. Just keep in mind that even if your pack is just 8kgs, it can be enervating to carry such load for an 8-hour trek.

Read foureyedlaagan’s post about backpacking tips.

Make Switchbacks / zigzagging

To decrease the gradient on very steep ascents, consider zigzagging rather than going straight uphill or downhill. Walking straight up or down on a steep slope puts the greatest pressure on your feet not to mention the fatigue the leg muscles and soft joint tissues can get. I personally like this technique as it can lessen the pressure impact. You may try this on your next trek and see if it makes any difference.

Choose the right footing

Do not step on lose soils. Step on a stable one or on rocky flat surfaces especially when striding downhill. It can serve as the natural breaking mechanisms to reduce the risk of slipping and falling.

Take shorter steps (baby steps)

When the gradient is steep, taking smaller steps or baby steps will help in keeping your center of gravity over your legs, thus promoting greater balance and control. Keep your downhill leg slightly bent on impact. This will help minimize stress on the knees, as the muscles rather than the joints take the brunt of the strain. Imagine which is harder, walking up or down in a stairway one step at a time? Or two? Bending your knees deeply while taking big long steps can make your muscles work harder.

Stay hydrated

Stay hydrated when on the trail. Bring water and Gatorade/koolaid or any sports drinks and have a sip every 30 mins or so to stay hydrated and or replenish your electrolytes (salts). If you replace the water, but not the electrolytes that you have sweat out of your body, then you can develop a serious and dangerous medical condition known as hyponatremia (water intoxication) which, if left untreated, can lead to seizures. Liquids help combat muscle soreness and help in preventing cramps.

Eat well and Bring Trail foods

No food, no fuel, no fun! Hiking takes a very large amount energy. You need to make sure that you eat more than you normally do. When on the trail, trail foods can do the trick. Eat small amounts of complex carbohydrates like breads, fruits, crackers, grains, non-fat energy bars frequently throughout the day. Remember that hunger is a delayed signal, it arrives only after your body’s energy reserves have become depleted.

If you notice companions slowing down, getting quiet or grumpy, or with a faraway look in their eyes, that’s usually a sign they need some food. Eating can be one of the most effective defense against exhaustion and water intoxication (when it’s too hot) and hypothermia (when it’s cold). Eating well helps you hike well!

Use walking sticks / trekking poles

Walking sticks are really helpful in trekking. Most trekkers if not all use trekking poles to significantly reduce the impact and cumulative fatigue on leg muscles and joints. When planted and used correctly, it can reduce the weight on the legs and back of at least on average of 5kg. Effectively using two trekking poles reduces fatigue, increases speed, provides excellent stability on trails, and reduces accumulated stress on the feet, legs, knees and back.

But trekking poles are useless when not used properly. When hiking uphill or flat terrain, adjust the pole height so that your elbows are bent at 90 degrees. Plant the pole in the opposite hand beside your trailing foot so that you can push off slightly with every stride forward. Do not plant your pole in front as it is deemed useless.

When hiking downhill, adjust the height of the pole around 15 cm or so depending on the steepness of the trail and plant each pole out in front of you (right-hand pole when stepping left foot forward and vice versa). This way, the poles take some of your body weight when striding down and prevent you from slipping and falling.

Take a break regularly

Breaks in between treks are really important. But try keeping them short and regular rather than long and occasional. This keeps your heartbeat relatively constant rather than subjecting it to dramatic fluctuations, you will expend less energy and cover more distance. Keep most of the long breaks for eating, bathroom, etc. for around 15-20 minutes but not long enough to let your muscles cool down completely. This allows less time for the muscles to stiffen up, thus making it easier to get going again.

Another good alibi to have a quick break in between is when you have your camera and take pictures on the trail. If your body needs that 30 secs break, then find your subject then shoot.

Tip: Every .5 to 1 hour, take a seven to nine-minute break.

Did you find these tweaks helpful? Are you practicing these already? I hope this list can help you make trekking a lot easier. Let us know your thoughts.

Wandering Soul Scamper

Tips , Trekking , Uncategorized

Trail Tweaks: How to make Trekking a lot Easier

make Trekking a lot Easier

Trekking is a combination of hiking and walking activity. It simply means a journey on foot particularly to mountainous and remote areas with a close encounter to people wherein their culture and lifestyle might still unchanged for many generations now and an opportunity of being one with the grandiose sierra on the country side. Trekking can be risky and adventurous depending on the terrain and can really be grueling and hard.

When I started trekking as my sweet escape to the chaotic city life, I simply flung myself with all of my energy and cluelessness in every trek, not appallingly anxious about anything. I didn’t mind how long and how far I was hiking, how difficult the trail I was taking, how heavy the pack I was carrying with me, how many of my companions were more than willing to laugh at my bad jokes thrown in between breaks, and how many were enthusiastic to join me whatever crazy stuffs I was dragging them into. Simply put, I was that reckless free spirit who doesn’t care much how my poor body ached after the long journey as long as I had fun and enjoyed the scenery along lovely mountain villages.

It’s normal to contemplate that walking is walking and when you know how to walk, then you know how to hike and there are no secrets on how to do it better!

After several treks, the mountains had taught me lessons that I didn’t even thought I would learn. It may be true that there are no secrets on how to make walking easier as we were walking most of our life since we were just toddlers, but like any sports, specifically endurance sports, there are always several ways how to trek more efficiently. These ways include but not limited to conserving energy and plummeting the physical toll brought by fatigue from these strenuous activity.

Because of these learnings, I am exuberant to introduce to you all the “Trail Tweaks” series. This series will showcase my personal views, trek experiences, and how did I manage to improve such haphazard strategies. For the first installment, I would like to share how to make trekking a lot easier.

Here are few points that worked for me:

Be physically and mentally fit – is top on the list to make trekking a lot Easier

This is the most obvious and the often taken for granted point for some. Stay fit when you are planning to have trekking activity. The only way to prepare for a coming trek is another trek or a short hike. If you are planning for your first trek then at least maintain a regular exercise program so that when you are going to hit the trail, you will be at your optimum physical condition. It is really hard to find ourselves falling off the track and struggling too much even on the easy terrain trek. Mental fitness however plays an equal role too. We should ensure that our minds are in tip-top shape and attitudes are flowing into the right direction. Luck favors the prepared!

Be Kind to yourself

Do not exceed what is your normal level of physical activity. Do not push beyond your limits. Hike at certain pace that you can maintain for hours especially trekking uphill. Remember hiking is an endurance sport, not a race. Aim to finish the day hiking at the same speed at which you started rather than on your upper limits that would really fatigue your muscles much faster. Think rhythm and flow. Tortoise rather than hare. If you can talk while you are hiking, then you are hiking the perfect speed.

Go light

Keep your pack as light as possible. An overly heavy pack will extract its biggest toll on your body during steep and/or long downhill sections of the trail. Do weight management of your packs and refer to efficient backpacking tips. Do not bring the whole house with you or your whole closet. Just keep in mind that even if your pack is just 8kgs, it can be enervating to carry such load for an 8-hour trek.

Read foureyedlaagan’s post about backpacking tips.

Make Switchbacks / zigzagging

To decrease the gradient on very steep ascents, consider zigzagging rather than going straight uphill or downhill. Walking straight up or down on a steep slope puts the greatest pressure on your feet not to mention the fatigue the leg muscles and soft joint tissues can get. I personally like this technique as it can lessen the pressure impact. You may try this on your next trek and see if it makes any difference.

Choose the right footing

Do not step on lose soils. Step on a stable one or on rocky flat surfaces especially when striding downhill. It can serve as the natural breaking mechanisms to reduce the risk of slipping and falling.

Take shorter steps (baby steps)

When the gradient is steep, taking smaller steps or baby steps will help in keeping your center of gravity over your legs, thus promoting greater balance and control. Keep your downhill leg slightly bent on impact. This will help minimize stress on the knees, as the muscles rather than the joints take the brunt of the strain. Imagine which is harder, walking up or down in a stairway one step at a time? Or two? Bending your knees deeply while taking big long steps can make your muscles work harder.

Stay hydrated

Stay hydrated when on the trail. Bring water and Gatorade/koolaid or any sports drinks and have a sip every 30 mins or so to stay hydrated and or replenish your electrolytes (salts). If you replace the water, but not the electrolytes that you have sweat out of your body, then you can develop a serious and dangerous medical condition known as hyponatremia (water intoxication) which, if left untreated, can lead to seizures. Liquids help combat muscle soreness and help in preventing cramps.

Eat well and Bring Trail foods

No food, no fuel, no fun! Hiking takes a very large amount energy. You need to make sure that you eat more than you normally do. When on the trail, trail foods can do the trick. Eat small amounts of complex carbohydrates like breads, fruits, crackers, grains, non-fat energy bars frequently throughout the day. Remember that hunger is a delayed signal, it arrives only after your body’s energy reserves have become depleted.

If you notice companions slowing down, getting quiet or grumpy, or with a faraway look in their eyes, that’s usually a sign they need some food. Eating can be one of the most effective defense against exhaustion and water intoxication (when it’s too hot) and hypothermia (when it’s cold). Eating well helps you hike well!

Use walking sticks / trekking poles

Walking sticks are really helpful in trekking. Most trekkers if not all use trekking poles to significantly reduce the impact and cumulative fatigue on leg muscles and joints. When planted and used correctly, it can reduce the weight on the legs and back of at least on average of 5kg. Effectively using two trekking poles reduces fatigue, increases speed, provides excellent stability on trails, and reduces accumulated stress on the feet, legs, knees and back.

But trekking poles are useless when not used properly. When hiking uphill or flat terrain, adjust the pole height so that your elbows are bent at 90 degrees. Plant the pole in the opposite hand beside your trailing foot so that you can push off slightly with every stride forward. Do not plant your pole in front as it is deemed useless.

When hiking downhill, adjust the height of the pole around 15 cm or so depending on the steepness of the trail and plant each pole out in front of you (right-hand pole when stepping left foot forward and vice versa). This way, the poles take some of your body weight when striding down and prevent you from slipping and falling.

Take a break regularly

Breaks in between treks are really important. But try keeping them short and regular rather than long and occasional. This keeps your heartbeat relatively constant rather than subjecting it to dramatic fluctuations, you will expend less energy and cover more distance. Keep most of the long breaks for eating, bathroom, etc. for around 15-20 minutes but not long enough to let your muscles cool down completely. This allows less time for the muscles to stiffen up, thus making it easier to get going again.

Another good alibi to have a quick break in between is when you have your camera and take pictures on the trail. If your body needs that 30 secs break, then find your subject then shoot.

Tip: Every .5 to 1 hour, take a seven to nine-minute break.

Did you find these tweaks helpful? Are you practicing these already? I hope this list can help you make trekking a lot easier. Let us know your thoughts.

Sep, Wed, 2016

13 Reasons why you should start trekking

Start trekking - Mount Lanaya — Lanaya Peak – Alegria, Cebu

Have you taken a peek outside your window? Watch as the sun shines through the glass or the rain trickles down the pane? The world outside your window is so beautiful an absolutely inspirational place. And where nature lies, there is a potential for exploration.

As trekkers and adventurers, the Great Outdoors is our haven. It provides a sense of fulfillment and serenity. As you trek up every mountain in the world, the idea of becoming ‘one with nature’ becomes an actuality, it becomes a reality. Trekking does just that. Being one with nature means you become more aware of your surroundings. The crisp breeze carrying leaves past and tickling your neck or just the snaps and cracks of twigs at your feet. Every sense strengthens and a peaceful calmness pushes all your worries away.

Trekking has many health benefits too. It is proven to boost creativity, and helps those suffering depression. We all can self-help a bit by hiking, whether it be just dropping the technology at the door for a few hours, or getting some much-needed exercise, the nature awaits.

As trekkers, we trek not to escape life but for life not escape us. Our hectic and busy lives do not always give us the luxury of time to realize that we are just merely surviving and not living. Sometimes we need to give ourselves the happiness and freedom that we all deserve. So why stay in the four corners of our room?

Here are the reasons why you should Start Trekking/ hiking:

1. Trekking gives you freedom and technology break

How often do you find yourself rushing from one point to another? Doing something with no time to breathe? Whether you are building your own business, assuming family responsibilities, doing the stern work, or climbing the corporate ladder, it is really easy to get caught in a mundane scripted life. Is it?

Spending a few days and or a full week off the radar and away from corporate world … that was exactly the way things were, when you were just a kid. It actually feels quite good being carefree once more – away from worries of this digital age, enjoying the simplest form of life, at least for a while.

Disconnect once in a while and give yourself the freedom you deserve. Do not rush things up, slow down! You’ve been running too fast already that you might forget what matters and who you really are! Just breathe, for life is not meant to be a time-table. It’s meant to be lived the way you wanted it to be and thrive by your own rules!

2. It will make you MORE responsible

Trekking offers us the freedom to choose which trail to follow which results in discovery of new terrains also reaffirms the fact that we are traversing into nature and we must be vigilant of our freedom. It’s essential to make sure that we are fully equipped, in proper attire for our treks and prepared for the extremes both physically and mentally. We need to make sure that we carry sufficient supplies like food, water, little snacks (trail food) like glucose bars, peanuts, jelly ace, to munch on in case we feel hungry along the trail. We need to ascertain also that we carry medication and are aware of the weather condition. Thus, even though trekking makes us free, it reminds us that we have to be responsible for ourselves and to others when they are trekking with us, and to the environment as well.

We need to maintain certain levels of discipline when trekking. Also, we need to respect nature and ensure that we would be responsible enough as travelers and don’t do anything to spoil the purity of a landscape – practice the leave no trace principle. We need to be extra careful in arduous terrains and unexplored rivers as well as look out for our fellow trekkers. These teaches us a feeling of responsibility, leading to a sense of discipline. This doesn’t only help us in our treks, but greatly reflects on how we handle things in our daily lives.

3. It will test how strong the relationships you’ve had

Whether it’s your relationship with a friend, a lover, a family member, or a coworker, committing to a long and exhausting trek together will put any relationship to a test. This will test how will you react to each other’s whining, mood swings, temper, bad odors resulting from the lack of showering. Treks can be really tough and may bring out the worst in us. Will we still love and care for one another after seeing each other’s dark sides? Would those shortcomings affect how we treat each other after the trek? Most often than not, we can really see the best or worst in people in times like these. Your trekking company really matters; it will be one great deciding factor if your trek will be impeccably amazing or dreadfully depressing!

4. Helps you lose weight and stay fit!

Who doesn’t want to burn those extra calories?

Trekking doesn’t require a vigorous training method as such. It’s said that if you can walk, you can most certainly trek. However, since trekking involves climbing mountains, jumping over boulders, running over small streams, crossing treacherous passes by the use of ropes, it requires us to exert a lot more than how we usually carry out our day-to-day activities at home. Trekking at high altitudes, makes it a more grueling task due to the thinning oxygen levels. Thus, frequent trekking helps us work our muscles and keep our body fit.

While trekking, your entire focus is on the beauty of the surroundings that you get exposed to. You will focus on the mesmerizing scenery on the course of your jaunt. You tend to forget the fact that you are actually burning calories in the process. The whole experience of walking in the glory of the mountains is extremely relaxing and refreshing.

Sometimes, going into the gym won’t help, instead of losing weight you will end up getting more! In trekking, aside from fun and excitement it brings, it is also a very challenging and physically exerting task which involves excellent coordination of muscles and bones. Such physical effort helps us lose weight fast, and trekkers almost never gain concerning amount of weight because physical fitness doesn’t just become a goal to achieve an appealing look, but rather it becomes a lifestyle. In fact, trekkers focus more on being healthy and enhancing their endurance levels rather than looking thin. This approach is better as it has a long-term effect of losing extra pounds and also keeping it off! So, ditch the gym and trek!

5. It will expand your friend network

When you choose a trail for trekking, there is a possibility that you’ll meet people who are out to feed their hungry souls just like you. It is highly likely that you will come across like-minded people who share your enthusiasm for the unknown, and if you’re lucky to meet experienced trekkers, you will get the chance of hearing their amazing stories.

The stories of experienced trekkers are almost gallant and may benefit you up to undertake the journey even more! So don’t be shy to approach trekkers, small talks won’t hurt, they will most likely welcome you with open arms.

I found the moments in between the actual hiking most delightful. Playing around with other trekkers and interacting with the locals, sitting around during socials or getting to know sessions while sharing stories, exchanging trek experiences, listening to the sounds of nature, looking up at the millions of stars – all those things are just simply Priceless.

6. It will break away the tedious life

Following the same routine everyday can enervate our brains and make us internally demotivated and dull. As the famous Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones had said that just as a sword needs a whetstone, our minds need new challenges that will excite us and affect our hearts in a good way. Trekking offers a lot of challenges that will in turn help our minds stay sharp, healthy and more creative!

7. It will make you an explorer

We usually go for the trails that have been established by previous explorer. But many often find the courage to traverse through the off-beaten paths only to discover something new and even more breath-taking view and exhilarating experience. Trekking offers you the opportunity to chance upon something interesting that made anyone compelled to explore into uncharted terrains. Don’t be afraid to take the road less traveled, but do it responsibly.

8. It will make you a story teller

The more pain you felt on the trek and the more horrible moments you had, the better the story will be. The great experiences, the sliding moments, the trek under the rain or storm, the creepy experiences, the dreadful night treks, etc, these are all the ingredients to have a well-cooked story that you can share in dinner parties. The funny moments, the mistakes you’ve done can make it more interesting. The more you go on trekking, more and more stories you’ll have. At least you’ll never run out of some funny anecdotes to tell to anyone.

9. It will bring out the leader in you

Trekking can be both an exhilarating as well as a frightening experience! It truly rejuvenates us from within, but at the same time, it can also be a little intimidating to face nature in its raw, pristine form. This can especially be true for amateurs. In such cases, it’s important to remind ourselves that everything is going to be all right, and we need to find our motivation and keep going further. Not only do we push ourselves to go ahead but we also help others to move along with us. This reflects upon our leadership qualities, which may have been concealed, and thus polishes it more.

10. Trekking will definitely teaches Life Lessons

Sunset at Kalanggaman Island – Palompon, Leyte

You’re far from civilization and the only thing you can embrace is the serenity of the world. “You get a chance to meet people from diverse backgrounds, and build lasting relationships. The purity of the mountains teaches us to embrace experiences, cultures and relationships that are outside our comfort zone”.

Trekking humbles you enough to learn that it’s not all about you. You are often put in challenging situations that make you realize that the world is so much bigger than your perspective on it. You weren’t really the big fish in the ocean but a tiny minnow in a pothole.

11. Trekking will make you appreciate things in life

With no showers, enough water supply, electricity, good things to eat, your favorite kind of entertainment, warm and soft bed, your friends, love ones or family around, remind you of all the great things you have in life. It’s a fantastic feeling to return home and be so thankful for everything you have. “You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone”, right?

12. Trekking will bring you closer to nature

Mount Babag Trail - Start Trekking — Mount Babag Trail

You’ll never get this close to nature anywhere else but through trekking. Truly.

It is an attractive way of travelling. It’s Real! Yes, the experience is unscripted and filled with so much excitement and full of surprises. Take a chance and see the world without any filter. The views along the trail and the undiscovered spots you get to see are ones that no world class tour can even promise. I have seen trekkers burst into joy every time they see a fascinating view, and so I am. It’s like magic that makes all the exhaustion gone away in an instant. The mountains have the ability to touch everyone’s heart and soul if you just let them. It’s one of the most beautiful feeling you could ever get.

13. Trekking is an addictive experience

Lanigid Hill - start trekking — Lanigid Hill – Lilo-an, Cebu

Finally, trekking is a momentous experience not only because it is exhilarating but also because it is a reminder that place we occupy in this world is so small and that we are at the nature’s mercy. This helps us see the larger picture as we realized that we should not worry too much over trivial matters. This will help each one of us in developing a healthier approach towards life. It is an experience that once you’re hooked into with, you can’t stop and keeps wanting for more!

If you are into trekking now, join us. Let’s chill together in our treks and create lasting memories together… See you in the mountains!

Wandering Soul Scamper

Tips , Trekking

13 Reasons why you should start trekking

Have you taken a peek outside your window? Watch as the sun shines through the glass or the rain trickles down the pane? The world outside your window is so beautiful an absolutely inspirational place. And where nature lies, there is a potential for exploration.

As trekkers and adventurers, the Great Outdoors is our haven. It provides a sense of fulfillment and serenity. As you trek up every mountain in the world, the idea of becoming ‘one with nature’ becomes an actuality, it becomes a reality. Trekking does just that. Being one with nature means you become more aware of your surroundings. The crisp breeze carrying leaves past and tickling your neck or just the snaps and cracks of twigs at your feet. Every sense strengthens and a peaceful calmness pushes all your worries away.

Trekking has many health benefits too. It is proven to boost creativity, and helps those suffering depression. We all can self-help a bit by hiking, whether it be just dropping the technology at the door for a few hours, or getting some much-needed exercise, the nature awaits.

As trekkers, we trek not to escape life but for life not escape us. Our hectic and busy lives do not always give us the luxury of time to realize that we are just merely surviving and not living. Sometimes we need to give ourselves the happiness and freedom that we all deserve. So why stay in the four corners of our room?

Here are the reasons why you should Start Trekking/ hiking:

1. Trekking gives you freedom and technology break

How often do you find yourself rushing from one point to another? Doing something with no time to breathe? Whether you are building your own business, assuming family responsibilities, doing the stern work, or climbing the corporate ladder, it is really easy to get caught in a mundane scripted life. Is it?

Spending a few days and or a full week off the radar and away from corporate world … that was exactly the way things were, when you were just a kid. It actually feels quite good being carefree once more – away from worries of this digital age, enjoying the simplest form of life, at least for a while.

Disconnect once in a while and give yourself the freedom you deserve. Do not rush things up, slow down! You’ve been running too fast already that you might forget what matters and who you really are! Just breathe, for life is not meant to be a time-table. It’s meant to be lived the way you wanted it to be and thrive by your own rules!

2. It will make you MORE responsible

Trekking offers us the freedom to choose which trail to follow which results in discovery of new terrains also reaffirms the fact that we are traversing into nature and we must be vigilant of our freedom. It’s essential to make sure that we are fully equipped, in proper attire for our treks and prepared for the extremes both physically and mentally. We need to make sure that we carry sufficient supplies like food, water, little snacks (trail food) like glucose bars, peanuts, jelly ace, to munch on in case we feel hungry along the trail. We need to ascertain also that we carry medication and are aware of the weather condition. Thus, even though trekking makes us free, it reminds us that we have to be responsible for ourselves and to others when they are trekking with us, and to the environment as well.

We need to maintain certain levels of discipline when trekking. Also, we need to respect nature and ensure that we would be responsible enough as travelers and don’t do anything to spoil the purity of a landscape – practice the leave no trace principle. We need to be extra careful in arduous terrains and unexplored rivers as well as look out for our fellow trekkers. These teaches us a feeling of responsibility, leading to a sense of discipline. This doesn’t only help us in our treks, but greatly reflects on how we handle things in our daily lives.

3. It will test how strong the relationships you’ve had

Whether it’s your relationship with a friend, a lover, a family member, or a coworker, committing to a long and exhausting trek together will put any relationship to a test. This will test how will you react to each other’s whining, mood swings, temper, bad odors resulting from the lack of showering. Treks can be really tough and may bring out the worst in us. Will we still love and care for one another after seeing each other’s dark sides? Would those shortcomings affect how we treat each other after the trek? Most often than not, we can really see the best or worst in people in times like these. Your trekking company really matters; it will be one great deciding factor if your trek will be impeccably amazing or dreadfully depressing!

4. Helps you lose weight and stay fit!

Who doesn’t want to burn those extra calories?

Trekking doesn’t require a vigorous training method as such. It’s said that if you can walk, you can most certainly trek. However, since trekking involves climbing mountains, jumping over boulders, running over small streams, crossing treacherous passes by the use of ropes, it requires us to exert a lot more than how we usually carry out our day-to-day activities at home. Trekking at high altitudes, makes it a more grueling task due to the thinning oxygen levels. Thus, frequent trekking helps us work our muscles and keep our body fit.

While trekking, your entire focus is on the beauty of the surroundings that you get exposed to. You will focus on the mesmerizing scenery on the course of your jaunt. You tend to forget the fact that you are actually burning calories in the process. The whole experience of walking in the glory of the mountains is extremely relaxing and refreshing.

Sometimes, going into the gym won’t help, instead of losing weight you will end up getting more! In trekking, aside from fun and excitement it brings, it is also a very challenging and physically exerting task which involves excellent coordination of muscles and bones. Such physical effort helps us lose weight fast, and trekkers almost never gain concerning amount of weight because physical fitness doesn’t just become a goal to achieve an appealing look, but rather it becomes a lifestyle. In fact, trekkers focus more on being healthy and enhancing their endurance levels rather than looking thin. This approach is better as it has a long-term effect of losing extra pounds and also keeping it off! So, ditch the gym and trek!

5. It will expand your friend network

When you choose a trail for trekking, there is a possibility that you’ll meet people who are out to feed their hungry souls just like you. It is highly likely that you will come across like-minded people who share your enthusiasm for the unknown, and if you’re lucky to meet experienced trekkers, you will get the chance of hearing their amazing stories.

The stories of experienced trekkers are almost gallant and may benefit you up to undertake the journey even more! So don’t be shy to approach trekkers, small talks won’t hurt, they will most likely welcome you with open arms.

I found the moments in between the actual hiking most delightful. Playing around with other trekkers and interacting with the locals, sitting around during socials or getting to know sessions while sharing stories, exchanging trek experiences, listening to the sounds of nature, looking up at the millions of stars – all those things are just simply Priceless.

6. It will break away the tedious life

Following the same routine everyday can enervate our brains and make us internally demotivated and dull. As the famous Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones had said that just as a sword needs a whetstone, our minds need new challenges that will excite us and affect our hearts in a good way. Trekking offers a lot of challenges that will in turn help our minds stay sharp, healthy and more creative!

7. It will make you an explorer

We usually go for the trails that have been established by previous explorer. But many often find the courage to traverse through the off-beaten paths only to discover something new and even more breath-taking view and exhilarating experience. Trekking offers you the opportunity to chance upon something interesting that made anyone compelled to explore into uncharted terrains. Don’t be afraid to take the road less traveled, but do it responsibly.

8. It will make you a story teller

The more pain you felt on the trek and the more horrible moments you had, the better the story will be. The great experiences, the sliding moments, the trek under the rain or storm, the creepy experiences, the dreadful night treks, etc, these are all the ingredients to have a well-cooked story that you can share in dinner parties. The funny moments, the mistakes you’ve done can make it more interesting. The more you go on trekking, more and more stories you’ll have. At least you’ll never run out of some funny anecdotes to tell to anyone.

9. It will bring out the leader in you

Trekking can be both an exhilarating as well as a frightening experience! It truly rejuvenates us from within, but at the same time, it can also be a little intimidating to face nature in its raw, pristine form. This can especially be true for amateurs. In such cases, it’s important to remind ourselves that everything is going to be all right, and we need to find our motivation and keep going further. Not only do we push ourselves to go ahead but we also help others to move along with us. This reflects upon our leadership qualities, which may have been concealed, and thus polishes it more.

10. Trekking will definitely teaches Life Lessons

You’re far from civilization and the only thing you can embrace is the serenity of the world. “You get a chance to meet people from diverse backgrounds, and build lasting relationships. The purity of the mountains teaches us to embrace experiences, cultures and relationships that are outside our comfort zone”.

Trekking humbles you enough to learn that it’s not all about you. You are often put in challenging situations that make you realize that the world is so much bigger than your perspective on it. You weren’t really the big fish in the ocean but a tiny minnow in a pothole.

11. Trekking will make you appreciate things in life

With no showers, enough water supply, electricity, good things to eat, your favorite kind of entertainment, warm and soft bed, your friends, love ones or family around, remind you of all the great things you have in life. It’s a fantastic feeling to return home and be so thankful for everything you have. “You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone”, right?

12. Trekking will bring you closer to nature

You’ll never get this close to nature anywhere else but through trekking. Truly.

It is an attractive way of travelling. It’s Real! Yes, the experience is unscripted and filled with so much excitement and full of surprises. Take a chance and see the world without any filter. The views along the trail and the undiscovered spots you get to see are ones that no world class tour can even promise. I have seen trekkers burst into joy every time they see a fascinating view, and so I am. It’s like magic that makes all the exhaustion gone away in an instant. The mountains have the ability to touch everyone’s heart and soul if you just let them. It’s one of the most beautiful feeling you could ever get.

13. Trekking is an addictive experience

Finally, trekking is a momentous experience not only because it is exhilarating but also because it is a reminder that place we occupy in this world is so small and that we are at the nature’s mercy. This helps us see the larger picture as we realized that we should not worry too much over trivial matters. This will help each one of us in developing a healthier approach towards life. It is an experience that once you’re hooked into with, you can’t stop and keeps wanting for more!

If you are into trekking now, join us. Let’s chill together in our treks and create lasting memories together… See you in the mountains!

Wandering Soul Scamper

Wandering Soul Scamper

Category Tips

How to trek like a pro?

Get the most out of it

Dress appropriately

Carry enough water

Don’t leave your research to Siri

Pace yourself

Always check the weather

Practice good trail etiquette

Have a hiking/trekking buddy

Share this:

How to trek like a pro?

Get the most out of it

Dress appropriately

Carry enough water

Don’t leave your research to Siri

Pace yourself

Always check the weather

Practice good trail etiquette

Have a hiking/trekking buddy

Share this:

1. Choose the right tent

Camp site location

Seasons and Conditions

2. Check the weather forecast

3. Bring Equipment/gears for comfort

4. Stay warm and sleep warm

Tips to Stay Warm:

Tips to Sleep Warm:

5. Select the proper tent site to make camping experience more comfortable

Do not pitch tent on:

Pitch tent on the following site:

Share this:

1. Choose the right tent

Camp site location

Seasons and Conditions

2. Check the weather forecast

3. Bring Equipment/gears for comfort

4. Stay warm and sleep warm

Tips to Stay Warm:

Tips to Sleep Warm:

5. Select the proper tent site to make camping experience more comfortable

Do not pitch tent on:

Pitch tent on the following site:

Share this:

1. What’s the best replacement to taking a bath when in campsites with no water supply?

2. Allow your feet to breathe

3. Bring enough clothes

4. Choose the right clothes

5. Is bad breath the greatest enemy to overall travel freshness?

6. Observe proper hand sanitation

7. Carry a small bottle of isopropyl alcohol and some cotton balls.

8. Relieve yourself in a clean way

9. If greasy hair bums you out, try using an unscented dry shampoo (you should use the unscented one to avoid those bugs), or work some baby powder into your hair roots to expurgate the grease.

10. Always carry a small container of body lotion or muscle rub and use it on your feet at night after cleaning.

Share this:

1. What’s the best replacement to taking a bath when in campsites with no water supply?

2. Allow your feet to breathe

3. Bring enough clothes

4. Choose the right clothes

5. Is bad breath the greatest enemy to overall travel freshness?

6. Observe proper hand sanitation

7. Carry a small bottle of isopropyl alcohol and some cotton balls.

8. Relieve yourself in a clean way

9. If greasy hair bums you out, try using an unscented dry shampoo (you should use the unscented one to avoid those bugs), or work some baby powder into your hair roots to expurgate the grease.

10. Always carry a small container of body lotion or muscle rub and use it on your feet at night after cleaning.

Share this:

Be physically and mentally fit – is top on the list to make trekking a lot Easier

Be Kind to yourself

Go light

Make Switchbacks / zigzagging

Choose the right footing

Take shorter steps (baby steps)

Stay hydrated

Eat well and Bring Trail foods

Use walking sticks / trekking poles

Take a break regularly

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