How far is a reasonable distance for someone to hike on their first trip?

drywall_dan

How far is a reasonable distance for someone to hike on their first trip? I understand this depends on a lot of variables, such as the person's fitness, the route they are planning to do, etc, but some approximate numbers would be helpful. In my specific case, we're both very active. We've been weight training in the gym for the last 6 and 11 years respectively - and it shows. Our plan is to hike during June this year, so we have time to train ....

Originally asked by Jon on Stack Exchange (outdoors) (CC BY-SA 3.0).

uphilltech

Great question — answering as the UphillTech team:

Gym training, especially body building, weight training, and strength training do not translate well to hiking, so don't count on that to carry you and get you through. If you are new to hiking/backpacking, I would advise the following for "first hikes": Not more than five miles Not more than one night Test hike with your planned shoe/sock combo Eat like you would to work out Written checklist for gear Specifically as a weight trainer, watch out for these mistakes: Don't carry too much. Most weight trainers who go with us overload the first time. It kills their feet. Yes, you can easily lift a 50lb pack. Your feet cannot yet handle that for mile after mile. Get good shoes. Gym clothes are...

Full answer by Russell Steen: https://outdoors.stackexchange.com/a/3721 (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Need it done for your business? UphillTech.