1. Hiking vs. Trekking
Before embarking on your journey, it's crucial to differentiate between a short hike and a longer trek. This will determine the intensity at which you'll subject your feet. While hiking is limited to shorter distances with established trails, trekking can take you to challenging terrains and considerable distances, such as those offered by iconic places in Patagonia and Northern Chile. Adapt your gear and footwear accordingly to ensure a comfortable and safe experience.
2. Proper Footwear for Your Tour
If you're about to undertake a serious multi-day hike in stunning locations like the O Circuit in Torres del Paine, it's crucial to have the right footwear. Do not underestimate the importance of checking the size, width, depth, and flex zone of your shoes. Take training hikes in the weeks leading up to identify sensitive areas on your feet and make sure to break in those areas properly.
EXPERT TIP: NEVER come with new footwear. If you're buying new shoes, wear them a lot in your daily life to break them in. ALSO, buy a size larger, as on descents the foot slides forward and it is very common to see that for this reason the rubbing with the shoe on the front damages the big toe and the nail, even many people lose the nail.
3. Try Different Sock Combinations
Socks are as important as the footwear itself. Experiment with different combinations before your trip, such as thin socks, thick socks, toe socks, two pairs, and wool or bamboo socks. At OutdoorIndex.cl, we recommend trying and finding the perfect combination to ensure the success and enjoyment of your hike in Patagonia.
4. Trim Your Nails before Your Patagonia Adventure
Make sure to trim your nails before your hike, preferably short. This is essential to avoid discomfort with each step and ensure your feet are in the best condition for your journey through the best of Torres del Paine.
EXPERT TIP: if you are going to buy, choose a size larger than you always use. On long walks, the feet swell and the extra space helps accommodate the foot.
5. Prepare for Blisters on the Trek
Blisters can become a considerable pain during a long hike, especially if you haven't prepared properly. Identify blister-prone areas and consult a podiatrist for preventive advice, such as patches and callus dressings that can prevent friction on the skin.
6. Address Aches and Pains Before Starting Your Outdoor Tour
If you feel muscle fatigue or joint discomfort, address them before starting your tour. Even small discomforts can worsen with every kilometer walked. Consult a healthcare professional, follow their recommendations, and consider wearing bandages.
EXPERT TIP: include bandages or muscle support tapes.
7. Increase Your Agility Levels
Physically prepare for your adventure in Patagonia by doing agility and flexibility exercises. Strengthen the muscles needed for a demanding hike, including those in the feet, legs, and abdominal area. At OutdoorIndex.cl, we suggest plantar fascia release exercises, heel raises, calf and hamstring stretches, low plank holds, among others. Contact our experts for further specialized guidance.
8. Learn to Stretch Correctly
Finally, learn to stretch properly before undertaking your journeys of more than 12 kilometers. Warm up your muscles correctly to improve performance and reduce the risk of muscle pain or injuries. Incorporate stretches for calves, Achilles tendon, hamstrings, hips, and shoulders to improve flexibility and facilitate travel through difficult terrain.
EXPERT TIP: Light backpack, happy walker. Pay CLOSE attention to the weight of your backpack. This will lighten the load on your ankles and feet.
Congratulations on reaching the end of our blog! You are ready to start your trekking adventure. Now, you just have to choose your destination and pack your backpack. Outdoor Index, nature-based travel. Puerto Natales, Magallanes. We offer the widest variety of excursions in Patagonia. Your purchase directly supports local operators, contributing to sustainable development. Explore with us, follow @outdoorindex.cl or contact us at info@outdoorindex.cl. Discover more at Outdoor Index.
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