What I consider heavy-duty hiking involves packing everything, including sleep gear, clothing, and food, into a backpack. It is suitable for outdoor enthusiasts with some light hiking experience and good endurance.
This article primarily focuses on two aspects: Trip Preparation and Gear Selection.
Part 1: Trip Preparation
1. Route Selection
Embarking on a heavy-duty hiking journey means venturing into more distant places, where you can experience truly authentic and natural landscapes. Routes ranging from 3 to 180 days ca nbe considered, with difficulty increasing step by step (excluding altitude/weather factors). For beginners, 3-5 day routes with an average altitude below 3000 meters are recommended.
Popular routes in various provinces include Qianba, HuaDong K2, Jiucailing, Qingliang Peak, Wufugang, and more. It’s advisable for the first heavy-duty hike to choose routes with resupply options, such as Wutai Mountain, Taihang Mountain, Wugong Mountain, Jiucailing, Chuandongbi, Hutoxia, and Li River.
Consideration of factors such as geography, weather, holidays, companions, and mood is crucial when selecting a route. For high-altitude routes (average above 3000 meters), it’s recommended to undergo altitude testing beforehand to ensure quick adaptation and prevent altitude sickness.
2. Other Considerations
Details regarding transportation, weather, team members, and organization can be found in the previous article on “How to Start Your First Outdoor Hike?”.
Choosing reliable and compatible teammates is essential for a long-lasting and enjoyable experience. Having a companion with whom you can chat when there’s no signal is fortunate, and having someone trustworthy becomes even more critical when facing challenging situations.
Start preparing early, considering navigation tools such as GPS. If a retreat becomes necessary, ensure that each person in the team is familiar with the navigation software. Satellite phones can be valuable for communication in remote areas.
3. Itinerary Planning
Carefully plan the itinerary based on daily distance, ascent/descent, weather, and water sources. Heavy-duty hiking often involves not carrying sufficient water for the entire journey. Camps are usually set up near water sources, and modern routes are well-marked with camp and water source locations. In unforeseen circumstances like sudden weather changes, experienced team members should adjust plans and manage the team’s emotions.
It’s crucial for every member to be able to use navigation software independently. If a retreat is necessary, try to pair up for safety. Satellite phones can be beneficial in emergencies, and walkie-talkies/radios can also be considered for communication within a large team.
Part 2: Gear Selection
1. Backpack
For heavy-duty hiking, the backpack is the first essential item. Choose a backpack based on the number of days, equipment volume, and weight. Heavy-duty backpacks distribute the load to the lower body, making them more suitable for extended journeys. Consider factors like your preferred hiking duration, whether you’ll frequently visit high-altitude or cold regions, and whether you plan to transition to lightweight equipment. Popular backpack brands include Gregory, Black Diamond, Osprey, and Mammut.
2. Tent
Tent selection depends on budget considerations. Higher-priced tents are lighter but might not be necessary for beginners. Choose a tent that provides comfort and space. Popular tent brands include Naturehike, Marmot, Big Agnes, MSR, and The North Face. Consider factors like comfort, space, weight, and budget.
3. Sleeping Bag
Consider the entire sleep system, including sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and tent. Sleeping bags come in various materials such as cotton, synthetic fibers, duck down, and goose down. Brands like Marmot, Rab, Helinox, and BLACKICE offer reliable options. Choose a sleeping bag based on your preferences for warmth, weight, and budget.
4. Sleeping Pad
Select a sleeping pad based on factors like ease of use, weight, and temperature resistance. Options include aluminum foil, egg crate, silver rubbing, inflatable, and self-inflating pads. For heavy-duty hiking, consider durability and resistance to punctures.
5. Hiking Boots
Choose hiking boots based on comfort and personal preferences. Consider factors like ankle support, breathability, and waterproofing (GTX). For beginners, low-cut boots are recommended for their breathability and comfort. Consider the type of terrain you’ll be hiking on and whether waterproofing is necessary.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview to help beginners start their heavy-duty hiking journey, focusing on preparation and gear selection.