Are you dreaming of summiting bigger peaks or tackling multi-day backpacking trips? Reaching that next level as a hiker doesn’t just happen by chance; it’s about training with intention and learning from your time on the trail. The key? Tracking your progress and pairing your adventures with smart off-trail prep.
Here’s how to build the endurance, confidence, and strength to hike farther and higher.
1. Why tracking your hikes matters
If your goal is to tackle longer hikes or multi-day backpacking trips, tracking your hikes is the first step to getting there. Recording distance, elevation gain, pack weight, and timing gives you a clear snapshot of your current abilities.
- Distance tells you how far you can comfortably hike in a day.
- Elevation gain reveals how well you handle climbs and steep terrain.
- Pack weight shows how carrying extra gear impacts your pace and endurance.
- Timing lets you understand your speed and how long certain distances or terrain take.
This information becomes your baseline—your personal trail report—and helps you set realistic goals for bigger adventures.
2. Track, review, and build from there
Once you start tracking your hikes, patterns emerge. Maybe you’re strong on flat terrain but slow on climbs, or maybe your endurance dips once your pack hits a certain weight. Tracking when you hike and how long each hike takes allows you to fine-tune your training.
Next time you head out:
- Note the trail distance and elevation.
- Record how heavy your pack is.
- Track your start and end times.
Reviewing this data helps you gradually build up. Add a few kilometres, a bit more elevation, or extra pack weight as your stamina improves. Before long, the hikes that once felt like a stretch will become your new baseline.
3. Use tracking to fine-tune your pace
Tracking isn’t just for bragging rights—it’s a tool to optimize your pace and make your trips more enjoyable. When you know how long it takes you to hike one kilometre on flat terrain versus one kilometre uphill, you can:
- Plan realistic daily distances for backpacking trips.
- Avoid overexerting yourself early in a hike.
- Time your meals, rest breaks, and summit pushes more effectively.
Over time, you’ll learn your natural rhythm on the trail, which makes every adventure feel more manageable and rewarding.
4. Pair hiking with strength training
Building trail experience is essential, but pairing your hikes with strength training can take your abilities to the next level. Stronger muscles mean better endurance, less fatigue, and fewer injuries on tough terrain.
Focus on exercises that support hiking:
- Leg strength: Squats, lunges, and step-ups help with climbs and descents.
- Core stability: Planks and anti-rotation exercises improve balance under load.
- Upper body: Rows and carries make handling a pack more comfortable.
Even two short strength sessions a week can dramatically improve how you feel on the trail. Combine that with consistent hiking and smart tracking, and you’ll be ready to take on longer, higher, and more challenging adventures.
Takeaway: Build smarter, not just harder
Leveling up your hiking ability is about consistency and awareness. Track your hikes, learn from the data, and combine trail time with strength training. This approach doesn’t just prepare you for bigger goals—it helps you enjoy the journey along the way.
Ready to put these tips to the test? Join one of our guided hikes or backpacking trips and experience firsthand how smart preparation can take your adventures to new heights!
Our Adventure Club and Saturday Summits series delivers more than just stunning views. You’ll gain valuable outdoor knowledge from our industry-trained professionals, build strength and endurance on the trail, meet like-minded adventurers, and discover hidden gems throughout the Crowsnest Pass and Castle Parks.
We also run a variety of courses to help you improve your backcountry skills, from Intro to Backpacking to Navigation. Not sure where you should start? Reach out and we’d be happy to learn about your current level and recommend the perfect starting point to build confidence and advance your backcountry and hiking skills.