Backpacking - A hobby for all body types?

How much ground will you cover? You may want to go on some training hikes to build up to it. Put some weight in your pack and off you go. Apparently, it's the latest fitness trend - called "rucking".

jenniferp04 wrote: »

So my boyfriend and I are going backpacking in September for the first time. I'm still on my weight loss journey and I'm nervous the added weight of the backpack will be too much for me. Have any of you backpacked before while still being overweight? Any tips?

Yes, I backpack quite often. The best thing I can suggest is practice. If you don't have a backpack already, get the one you will be using on your trip ASAP (or borrow one if you will be renting from an outfitter) and fill it with similar items that you will be backpacking with and build up your stamina. There are 2 ways to do this:

1. Fill it lightly and walk as far as you can or the approximate distance you will be hiking per day. Add more and more weight as your stamina builds
2. Fill it with the weight you will be carrying and walk as far as you can. Build up your distance as your stamina builds

Some even do a combination of the two. Also, when you walk with your backpack, wear the same boots you will be wearing on the trip.

I can always tell if someone is practicing for a trip because you will see them walking the neighborhood biking trails with a full backpack

I backpack all the time! See my photo if you don't believe me It's certainly a workout but it's important to remember to HYOH...hike your own hike. If you need to take a break, take a break. Backpacking/hiking isn't about speed, it's about enjoying the journey. Try to keep your pack as light as possible (but don't forget essential items - first aid, water, clothes, etc) and take the breaks you need to take to reach your sleeping destination. For your first time try to pick a trail that will challenge you, be worth the journey, but is also an obtainable goal. Dehydrated food is a great way to save weight if you have the means to boil water. Dress and prepare for the weather, but don't over pack. No one is going to care if you wear the same shorts twice. Repackage food (take it out of the box) to save on space if possible. And don't forget some kind of container or bag that you can put it all in and hang up at night to keep the animals away!
Disclaimer - I'm not a wilderness expert. Just a guy with a decent amount of trips under his belt. Feel free to contact me if you'd like to talk about it some more.

I am an experienced and avid backpacker. First rule is to limit your pack weight to NO MORE than 25-30% of your current body weight. Since you are overweight I would suggest lowering that to 20%. (Weigh yourself, get off the scale and put on your packed pack, weigh again. Do the math.).

Second, it depends on how many miles you are trying to hike each day and what your elevation gain will be. I would suggest no more than 3-5 miles each day and 1,000 feet or less of elevation gain.

Third, be flexible. Don't insist on reaching a specific destination each day unless you have to in order to camp near water, to be able to finish your trip within a certain number of days, etc. That way you can stop for the day if you get really exhausted before reaching your goal.

Fourth...FORGET ABOUT DIETING OR COUNTING CALORIES WHEN YOU ARE BACKPACKING! You need to eat well to fuel your body. Make good food choices; plenty of protein and complex carbs, a bit lighter on the fat (hard to digest when you are exercising hard). If you are eating dehydrated meals you don't have as much choice here, but you can govern what you eat for snacks and lunch.

When backpacking I usually have:

Breakfast:
- 2 packets of plain instant oatmeal, dried fruit, powdered milk, artificial sweetener, instant coffee with powdered creamer.

Lunch:
-1 piece of pita bread (holds up better than regular bread and fits perfectly into the bottom of a bear canister), canned chicken salad on the bread, a piece of string cheese, dried fruit.

Dinner:
- Dehydrated meal that contains chicken usually. Love the chicken fajita filling by Mountain House. I split a 2-serving portion with my husband. Tortillas to put the filling on. Instant mashed potatoes if we are still hungry. Instant chicken noodle cup a soup sometimes while the dehydrated meal is rehydrating. Snickers bar for dessert. Sometimes decaf coffee or hot chocolate after dinner, especially if it is cold.

Snacks:
- I eat almost constantly while on the trail. I always have a snack ready so I can take a bite or two here and there when resting, and especially before any large elevation gain. One of my favorites is a small portion 1/4 cup) of honey-roasted peanuts mixed with raisins. Kind bars and Quest bars are also good. Dry frosted mini wheats are also lightweight and full of nutrients and the sugar you need for energy. Some people love peanut M&Ms, but I prefer something that combines carbs and protein.

If you have any other specific questions please feel free to PM me!

Do not wear baggy shorts. If your thighs rub even a little, friction will ruin your trip.

This is an interesting site with lots of info for beginners.

http://hikingdude.com/default.php

Backpacking is really fun! I wouldn’t worry about being overweight during your trip. Just hike your hike; move at your own speed. During long distance hikes people tend separate out by speed, but if you want to hike together I recommend having the slowest person set the pace.

When most people start backpacking they tend to over pack, so try not to fall into that trap. You honestly don’t need to bring much with you. The duration of your trip should really be what determines your pack weight (i.e. how much food and water you are carrying)

Regardless of whether you’re renting or buying a pack learn how to adjust your pack. As you’re hiking your body will get fatigued and you’ll want to shift the load of your pack. There is no magic setting will work throughout an entire day. Ask the sales person about this.

Hiking boots are nice but not always a must. If you’re going to be hiking somewhere that is relatively flat or a well-defined trail tennis shoes may be enough. I usually don’t bring hiking boots if I don’t have to. (this is my personal preference) Hiking boots are super stiff and don’t breath well. If you’re hiking on uneven terrain like a gravelly river bed or hiking up a mountain trail (or you think it is going to rain) I’d wear hiking boots. Folks also like synthetic fabrics when backpacking because they maintain their structure better and hold less water when wet than cotton (you stay warmer and dryer). Also synthetic fabrics tend to have additional UV protection and antimicrobial features. The antimicrobial features are particularly nice on long trips and smelliness is a factor.

Bump for backpacking info. Hubby and I plan to backpack, too. Thanks for the great questions and great answers!

5 miles is a good distance for your first trip.