I am a naive Minnesotan and have never hunted out west, but am planning on a trip out there in 2020/2021. I know conditioning and being in great shape is VERY important. For someone who doesn't have a gym membership, what are some different ways to get a guy in shape? A lot of cardio work? Ruck march with heavy pack and hiking boots? running up and down my stairs? Thanks guys!
Walk and walk some more. Get a pack start out lighter, put it on and walk 3 miles, it works well if you have a known distance for mile markers. Start out at a 15 minute mile and up your pace a little every week. Does not sound like much of a workout but with pace and weight you will feel muscles you did not know you had. Also do not panic when you get out west you will suck a lung for a day or two until you get used to it. A tread mill does work instead of road walking, helps you know the distance and pace.
Thanks, Sota! I am planning on getting my ass whooped out there, but want the suck to suck just a little less!
Make sure you are well hydrated before you get there altitude sickness will kick your butt. Good luck.
Beautiful country spent 2 weeks working fire out there, was based in Doloras got paid to patrol the forest even had pie with a lady that staffed a fire tower.
Yeah, what kind of pie we talkin here, Sota? But I am trying to get out there before the season opens to check things out. Hopefully run into the lady with the pie.
It was blueberry and I had a 3 people from the engine crew with me. They detail in just like the fire people 14 shifts, they are in the tower the whole 2 weeks, they like visitors. The view was stunning.
Everything Sota said...(except the pie) If you have a local highrise, amphitheater or stadium (high school or college) a weighted pack on stairs. If you're able, cardio and endurance are what help me. Pack hikes, longer duration, faster pace, gradually more weight...first year I started at like 15# and worked up to about 50, but was walking / hiking daily. Subsequent years I focused more, just walking, jogging, elliptical, etc with fewer pack days, but started at higher weight (40#) and work up to about 80# (hauling elk meat or moose will beat you down). Key - hike up AND down hills with weight. Even step ups and down /over with a pack will help. I try to also squeeze in a late spring or summer hiking (weekend or longer) trip as a gear shakedown, endurance check (15-25 mile days on the AT, though last year plantar fascitis had me only doing 10-15 mile days) and to help plan food/calories needs.
My best pack test 3 miles with 45 pound pack was 36 minutes it was indoors flat surface, but if you can do a 13 minute mile with 45 you are good to go. But cardio is important going in.
Appreciate the insight, wl! I am trying to get out there in May so I definitely have my work cut out for me.
Good advice above. Cardio, cardio, cardio. Lots of uphill walking out here in the west. Target walking uphill as much as you can. Going in May...turkey or bear hunting maybe?
I am actually going in May to get some boots on the ground scouting and see what I am getting myself into! Maybe mix in a turkey tag, i dont see why not?
I’m planning to be around South Fork again this fall. Got a workout routine that helped me in Wyoming this year, I just needed to start it earlier. If I can work it into something I can send you I will. Do you know what unit you want to hunt yet?
The elk population is taking a nose dive in the San Juans. Just the same, you better plan on being in the best shape you've ever been in. No amount of training at sea level will prep your lungs for 10,000+ ft, but you will be better off getting into the best possible shape you can.
