Hike Preparation

Start about six months prior to the hike. The treadmill is an invaluable tool. Even if you don't plan on carrying a backpack on the hike, wear one with around forty pounds in it while using the treadmill. Crank the incline up to 15-degrees and plod along at around 3.0 mph. Work up to an hour three-times–a-week. And wear the boots you're going to wear on the hike. A 26-mile hike is not the place to break in a pair of new boots.

About once-a-week, take a hike through various terrains wearing everything you plan on taking on the hike...the more difficult the terrain, the more prepared you'll be. Start off slowly, and plan on at least two 26-mile hikes several weeks before the real hike. At this point you'll realize what your week areas may be, and can start working on them.

What to Bring

I suggest you consider taking the following on the hike. It will decrease some of the misery you're going to go through:

  • Individually-pa
    cked moist wipes. They're great if you're sweaty, and even better when you get to the portapotty and it's out of toilet paper.
  • Duct tape. It's great to slap on that hot spot on your foot before a blister develops. Don't bring a whole roll. Contrary to the laws of physics, anything you carry on the hike becomes heavier as each mile passes. Bring only about a six-inch piece, and wrap it around an empty film canister
  • Butt pack to carry all the small stuff, like wipes, gum, hard candies and cyanide pills.
  • A pair of gym shoes. You'll want to rotate between your boots and gym shoes periodically.
  • Several pairs of socks.
  • A very (very) light windbreaker. You'll range from sweaty to chilly, depending the terrain, the sunshine and the wind.
  • Sunglasses

More Information

More information about the hike, including photos of many of the participants, can be found at www.wsmr.army.mil