Your adventure with Revive Wilderness is about reconnecting with yourself, nature, and the simple joy of exploration. So it pays to prepare! Whether you’re hiking through the mountains or cycling along rugged trails, being physically and mentally prepared will make your journey unforgettable. Here’s how to get ready, without the stress!
Get Your Body Ready
You don’t need to be an athlete, but you do need to prepare by gradually building up your strength and endurance. You can view our Fitness and Technical Rating Page here to understand more on our adventure difficulty ratings. Remember, you’re going away to have fun, not to be pushing yourself to the absolute limits every second of every day.
Start Slowly: With enough preparation, you can be fit and ready for any adventures. We recommend you prepare by starting training up to 3 months in advance (depending on the tour), gradually upping your intensity and number of days you train.
Cardio: Get your Heart Pumping: Whether you’re hiking through rugged landscapes or cycling along winding trails, good cardiovascular fitness will keep you going. You don’t have to be a marathon runner, but a few runs, hikes or bike rides each week will do wonders. Build your stamina so you’re not gasping for breath halfway through your journey.
Strengthen those Legs (And Core): The terrain can be tough, so it’s a good idea to work on your legs—squats, lunges, and step-ups will help you feel steady and strong. Don’t forget your core, either; a strong centre will make your body more stable, whether you’re pedalling uphill or carrying a heavy pack on a steep hike. You can view a specific training programme for building up fitness for our tours here.
Stretch it Out: A little flexibility goes a long way. Stretching, yoga, and foam rolling are perfect for loosening up tight muscles and preventing injury. These will make those long days on the trail a bit more bearable and will help your body recover quicker after a long ride or hike. You can read our blog post on stretching for Mountain Biking here and for Hiking here.
Practice For the Real Thing: It’s all about getting in some specific training. If you’re hiking, find hills or steep stairs to climb with a packed backpack, mimicking the weight you’ll be carrying. Or, use a stair-master in the gym!
For mountain biking, it’s worth getting those miles in and prepare by riding on different types of terrain—dirt paths, rocky trails, and off-road, so you get used to handling your bike in all conditions. Remember, you’ll be pedalling long distances in a short space of time, so you need the legs for it!
Test Your Gear: Before you head off on your adventure, wear the gear you plan to take—whether it’s your hiking boots, helmet, or rucksack. This will help you prepare and break everything in and avoid any nasty surprises, like blisters or uncomfortable straps. If you’re buying new hiking boots, wear them in!
For mountain bikers, its incredibly important you fully inspect your bike well before you leave for a trip. If you find something wrong and can’t fix it yourself, you need to make sure a mechanic has enough notice! We have professional mechanics on all our tours, but they don’t carry new bearings for your well used cassette! Perform a thorough M-check on your bike and ensure you have all the gear you’ll need with you.
Prepare your mind
Not to sound cliche, but preparing yourself mentally is just as important. Ask yourself, why are you going on this adventure? Is it to challenge yourself, explore, or simply escape? Knowing your “why” keeps you focused when the trail gets tough. There’s a great podcast from Rob Dial (A Self Development Mentor) on ways to challenge yourself to build mental resilience, which you can listen to here.
Build Mental Resilience
Challenges, like tiredness or bad weather are part of the experience. Practice mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing beforehand to help you stay calm and grounded when things don’t go to plan. Headspace is a great app for beginning your journey with meditation…give it a go!
Prepare for the Unknown
Adventure rarely follows a script—that’s what makes it exciting. Prepare for any conditions, so then, whenever there’s a surprise downpour or an unplanned detour, see the unexpected as part of the journey.
Stay Positive
Focus on the beauty around you and your progress. It’s not about being perfect but enjoying the process and finding joy in every step.
Fuel and Hydrate
When you’re out on the trails, your body works hard, so keeping it fuelled and hydrated is crucial. The right nutrition BEFORE and during your trip will help you enjoy every moment of your adventure.
Pre-trip Fuel
Prepare for your trip by eating well-nourished, balanced meals in the weeks leading up to your adventure. Focus on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains—foods that provide sustained energy. Skip heavy, greasy meals, and opt for slow-release carbs like oats, sweet potatoes, or quinoa. This way, your body will be ready to take on the adventure ahead.
Hydration is Key
Hydration is essential, especially when tackling physically demanding activities. Begin drinking plenty of water in the days before your trip, and continue to hydrate regularly while on your adventure. Always carry a reusable water bottle or hydration pack with you, particularly in remote areas.
Nutritious Meals Provided
On our trips, we’ll take care of your meals, providing healthy, delicious options to keep you energised and satisfied. You’ll enjoy nutrient-packed dishes designed to fuel your body for adventure.
Bring Your Own Snacks
While we provide meals, it’s a good idea to bring some snacks for extra energy on the go. Lightweight options like nuts, dried fruit, dark chocolate, or energy bars are perfect for quick boosts during a hike or ride. Having these handy ensures you’re ready for whatever the trail throws your way!
Pack, Prepare and Prioritise Recovery
Pack Light, Pack Smart
Bring only the essentials for safety and comfort: a warm layer, sturdy water bottle, sunscreen, and a camera (or your phone!) for those unforgettable moments.
Rest and Recharge
Adventure can be tiring, so prioritise good sleep and take breaks when needed. These moments help you recover, enjoy the journey, and reconnect with nature.
Use a Checklist
We’ll provide a checklist ahead of your adventure, but its always a good idea to add to it or create your own. Think essential gear like snacks, bike tools and spare inner tubes! It’s the best way to stay prepared and enjoy your trip worry-free!
Feeling fully prepared and ready to go?
Now you’re all set to dive into your adventure. Whether you’re hiking or biking, remember—it’s about reconnecting with nature and finding joy in the journey. So take a deep breath, embrace the adventure ahead, and unleash your inner Marc Polo!
Ready? Book your next adventure with us here!
External Resources
- Exercise Ideas: Visit this blog for more training exercises.
- Mindfulness Techniques: Try these mindfulness tips for adventurers.
- Nutrition for Adventurers: Find expert advice on eating for adventure.