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These are the best ways to prepare for your bucket list hike

Trekking in Nepal? Hiking the Dolomites in Italy? Or still deciding? Wherever you choose, how you prepare is key. Read our guide for tips on how to prepare, plan and embrace your next hiking adventure.

Written by: Ali Butler - Product Manager at Explore Worldwide
Published: 17 December 2025

 

If hiking the Inca Trail, summiting Kilimanjaro or walking the Camino de Santiago has been on your bucket list, you already know adventure awaits. But before you lace up your boots, there’s some prep work that will make your journey smoother, safer and far more enjoyable.

 

Here’s your go-to guide for preparing for a hike and tackling these epic trails. With the right balance of preparation, planning and packing, your next hiking trip just got one step closer.


Keep in mind, this isn’t essential prep work, but if you do it, it could be the difference between enduring your trek and truly enjoying it!

 

In this guide, we'll cover:

  1. How to physically prepare for your hike
  2. Why you should invest in the right footwear
  3. When to use walking poles
  4. What to actually pack for a hiking trip
  5. How to mentally prepare for your hike
  6. Make sure you go on a test hike
  7. How to prepare for acclimatization and pacing while trekking

Get inspired: Peru's Inca Trail Trek

1. How to physically prepare for your hike:

Even if you’re an active person, these hikes demand stamina, strength and endurance. Preparation exercises go a long way – ahead  of your trip, start a fitness routine to build up strength. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

 

  • Cardio training: Walking, running, cycling or swimming to build cardiovascular endurance.
  • Leg strength: Squats, lunges, step-ups and calf raises. Strong legs can make all the difference on long ascents or uneven terrain.
  • Core work: A strong core helps with balance, especially when carrying a backpack. Most of these treks will be on rocky, uneven ground and if not the entire trail, then certainly parts of it.

​
If you can, practice hiking with a loaded backpack on varied terrain. It’s the closest simulation to what you’ll face on your big adventure. Is there a big hill near you? Try heading up with a fully laden backpack – maybe packed with picnic supplies…

 

While we follow iconic trekking routes, there are still off-the-beaten path destinations to choose from, which your expert tour leader and trekking guides will assist you with.

 

Using walking poles while hiking through the forest

2. Why you should invest in the right footwear:

Your feet are your lifeline on the trail, so don’t underestimate them. A few tips:

 

  • Hiking boots vs. hiking shoes: Especially for mountain hikes, like Kilimanjaro or rugged Inca Trail sections, a sturdy pair of ankle-support boots is essential. For multi-terrain routes like the Camino de Santiago, lightweight or well-broken-in walking shoes can be perfect. Make sure you lace them up tight for long downhill sections to avoid bruised toes and black toenails.
  • Break them in: Don’t wear brand-new boots on a multi-day trek. To prevent blisters, head out on a few short hikes in your new boots – this will help break them in and stop you getting blisters later on. Once you get a blister, your enjoyment will go downhill fast and possibly even force you to end your hike early.
  • Socks matter: Merino wool socks reduce friction and keep feet dry. Pack multiple pairs to rotate daily. Some people use a second pair of liner socks to reduce the chance of blisters.

3. When to use walking poles:

Hiking poles aren’t just for show; they reduce strain on knees, improve stability and help on steep ascents or descents. In fact, hiking poles are your best friend while on a multi-terrain hike!

 

Adjustable poles are ideal so you can tweak the length for uphill, downhill and flat sections. If you’re new to using them, make sure to take them on your training walks ahead of the big trek.

 

It’ll take a while to get used to the rhythm, but once you do, you won’t want to trek without them again, we promise.

“I always pack a penknife and gaffer tape in my main bag for on-the-road repairs” – Ali Butler, Product Manager


 

4. What to actually pack for a hiking trip:

Packing light is an art. Generally, you can follow what’s known as the three layer rule for hiking, which means taking three different layers of clothing: a base layer (such as a long-sleeved thermal top), a mid-layer (such as a breathable fleece) and an outer layer (such as a waterproof jacket).


Here are some more essentials for your hiking packing list:

  • Backpack: Comfortable, with a good hip belt and chest strap. Aim for 30–50 litres depending on how much you’re carrying. Check our trip notes to see if you’re expected to carry a picnic and how frequently you can top up your water supplies.
  • Layers: Weather changes fast at high altitudes. To avoid common layering mistakes, aim to wear moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof outer layer. This should mean you can be comfortable in a variety of weather conditions.
  • Hydration: Always carry a refillable water bottle or hydration bladder. Consider a water bottle with built in filter for longer treks, like our Water-to-Go bottle. Use our discount code to get 15% off bottles and filters.
  • Vital accessories: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a spare pair of trekking socks, blister care kit (Compeed plasters are great for blisters, and zinc tape works well as a preventative barrier), lightweight first aid kit.
Make sure you pack layers, comfortable boots and other essential packing items for your hike

Get inspired: Nepal's Everest Base Camp

5. How to mentally prepare for your hike:

Epic hikes are as much mental as physical. Prepare for long days and unpredictable, rapidly changing weather.

 

A positive attitude, curiosity, and flexibility will make your journey memorable. Plus, you get the best night’s rest after a day of real physical exertion!

 

Our treks range from Lesiurely, Moderate, Challenging and Tough. Plus, it's also worth knowing that while we obviously won't hike in extreme weather, unless the weather is really bad the trip will continue as normal. 
How we grade our treks

6. Make sure you go on a test hike

Before your bucket list trek, do a mini hike with all your gear, boots and hiking poles. This gives you enough time to test and tweak: what works, what chafes and what slows you down. Adjust accordingly – your future self will thank you.

 

While we cater to all fitness levels on our hiking and trekking trips, a required fitness level can vary depending on the trip you choose. Make sure you check the individual trip page to find the grade.

7. How to prepare for acclimatization and pacing while trekking

Altitude is no joke, especially on Kilimanjaro or high sections of the Inca Trail. Our itineraries are planned with rest days and gradual ascents to reduce the risk of altitude sickness; you can also see the average distance you’ll cover each day, too.


Listen to your body and stay hydrated. Your tour leader will make sure the pace of the trek isn’t too fast so that everybody can enjoy the experience. On longer trails like the Camino, remember slow and steady wins the day – our trips are meant to be enjoyed, rather than raced!

Get inspired: Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro

Don't just travel, Explore!

So… time to book that trip! Your bucket list hike is calling, and with the right preparation, you’ll not only survive it, you’ll thrive. Focus on fitness and the correct gear, and don’t forget to enjoy every step of the journey.

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