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Speed hiking is a mixture of intensive endurance sport and mountain hiking. In addition to the experience of nature, the focus is also on the training factor. Contrary to many opinions, speed hiking does not require you to maintain a consistently high running pace over a longer period of time. The pace should primarily depend on your individual fitness level. While at first glance speed hiking has many similarities to Nordic walking, there are differences, especially in the terrain. We have summarised important tips for you so that you know what is important when speed hiking and what you need to bear in mind.
PLAN YOUR TOUR CAREFULLY
WHAT IS THE RIGHT SPEED HIKING TOUR FOR ME?
On a speed hiking tour, you are often travelling at a fast pace. The tours are therefore usually more strenuous than a classic hike, for example. It is therefore all the more important to think carefully about planning your tour in advance and to plan it as well as possible. As with other hikes, you should assess yourself realistically and not make the route too demanding. So if you have only occasionally travelled in the mountains before, you should not start with a multi-day speed hiking tour straight away. At this point, it is important to estimate the distances as accurately as possible and to choose a shorter route at the beginning.
LISTEN TO YOURSELF AND YOUR BODY
IF IN DOUBT, SLOW DOWN
As already described, speed hiking is not only about the sporting incentive and the focus on best times. Rather, it is also about the perception of nature. We therefore recommend taking your time and not pushing your body too hard. It can be just as much fun to take a tour a little slower, for example to take a photo break at particularly beautiful spots or to take a long lunch break. After all, the same applies to speed hiking as to all other hikes: the journey is the reward.
MAKE SURE YOU WEAR THE RIGHT SHOES
WHAT SHOES DO I NEED FOR MY SPEED HIKING TOUR?
The same applies to speed hiking: even the most beautiful tour is not much fun with the wrong footwear. It is therefore crucial that the shoes are not too heavy and have a suitable tread. This means that the shoes offer the necessary grip and support that you definitely need on a speed hiking tour.
It is also crucial that you break in the shoes sufficiently beforehand so that you have a good feeling for the tour. After all, starting a speed hiking tour with a completely new shoe can quickly lead to nasty surprises.
Our tip:
Think carefully in advance about which shoe you want to wear for the planned tour. A speed hiking shoe should generally be suitable for off-road terrain and be lighter than a shoe for classic hikes. You should also try the shoe on in private beforehand to see if you feel comfortable in it.
LIMIT YOURSELF TO THE BARE ESSENTIALS
DO I HAVE THE RIGHT LUGGAGE FOR MY SPEED HIKING TOUR?
If you are travelling at a fast pace on a speed hiking tour, there is one thing in particular that you don't need: unnecessary and heavy luggage. For this reason, you should only take really important things with you on the tour and consider carefully in advance what you really need. This is another area where planning is clearly an advantage. In addition to the usual items such as a mobile phone and sufficient drinks, which should always be taken along on hikes of all kinds, there is also equipment that is particularly helpful for speed hiking. This includes poles, for example. These help to stabilise the body on the one hand and also have a gentle effect on the knees when descending. Do you want to get started right away and are still looking for a suitable speed hiking tour? - No problem! At Top Trails you will find several Routes with varying degrees of difficulty. Feel free to take a look!
