Pro tip: solo testing a new route with half weight saved my trip

I planned a 4 day loop in the Smokies but was nervous about my gear. So I did a shakedown hike last weekend on a 5 mile local trail near Asheville with only half my usual pack weight. I found out my water filter was leaking and my boots needed new laces before I hit the real trail. Saved me from a miserable time 50 miles from the nearest road. Anyone else do short test hikes before a big one?

3 comments

3 Comments

beth_reed9d ago

My husband and I have a rule about test running anything new before a bigger trip. Two years ago I bought a new pair of hiking boots and wore them around the house for a week before taking them on a 10 mile day hike near Hot Springs. Found out the hard way they gave me blisters right on my heel, even after the house test. It's like how folks who meal prep on Sundays always have an easier week than those who wing it every night. A little dry run can save you a lot of trouble down the road.

annaw739d ago

Used to think test runs were superstition for overthinkers. Then I bought a tent I set up in the backyard one afternoon before a weeklong trip to the Smokies. Saved me from discovering at a crowded campsite that I'd mangled the rain fly.

leodavis5d ago

...and that's exactly why I always tell people to do a real test, not just a house test. Walking around the carpet doesn't put the same pressure on your feet as a rocky trail. I made the same mistake with a pair of boots years ago, wore them for a week around the house and they felt fine. Then I did a short 3 mile hike and my heels were raw by the end. Now I take anything new on a short local trail first, at least 4 or 5 miles with some hills. It gives you a chance to spot problems before you're miles from the car with no way to fix things.