Walking Tips

• Don�t go on a long hike without getting yourself into condition. When I decided to trek around Kenya�s Lake Turkana with geologist Frank Brown, Dr. Mary Leakey asked, �How will you keep up with him!�  Legends of Brown�s long legs and pace forced me to train, putting my bike into low gear to climb hills, and walking long distances in city parks. Another way to condition yourself is to carry a full backpack as you hike. Mountain climbers put weights into their backpacks to train.

• Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes that are already broken in. Running shoes are okay if you don�t need ankle support. Sandals with cushioned souls are great if you do not have thorns or poisonous snakes in the area.

• Wear good socks; blisters are the most common problem for beginners.

• Tape foot areas prone to blisters beforehand. Try to stop at the first sign of a potential blister, and treat it.

• Keep the weight of your backpack to less than one-fourth of your bodyweight. In Africa and Nepal, porters usually carry your bag, so all you really need in your pack are the essential, such as your camera, band-aids, water, sunscreen, a rain parka, and a bird book. Include trail snacks like granola bars, dried fruit and nuts into your outside pockets.  Plan on carrying at least a quart of water. Include a small first-aid kit with moleskin or foam, waterproof bandages and pads, gauze, tape, swabs, anti-inflamation medication, Tylenol, Benadryl, cortisone cream for bites and itches, anti-bacterial cream, anti-fungal cream, hydrogen peroxide, Imodium for diarrhea, tweezers, and folding scissors.

• Wear the right clothes. Avoid cotton because it�s a poor insulator, dries slowly, and when wet, cools the body by wicking away heat. Choose  synthetic fabrics such as Supplex nylon, which is lightweight and dries quickly. Supplex fabrics are found in shirts, convertible pants and the Ultimate Travel Skirt. 

• If you plan to hike alone, tell friends and family of your starting and ending points, route, and destination, and expected return time. Also provide this information to the forest service in the area you expect to cover, and also let them know where your vehicles will be left.

• Check the weather forecast before starting out.

• Leave only footprints.  Respect the environment, stay on trails, haul out all garbage; don�t tease or harass wildlife. 

• Be a team player. Pack a sense of humor and a positive attitude. Change your pace if necessary to fold in with the group. You owe it to yourself and your walking partners to be prepared � physically and mentally.