To be precise, the term comes from the English verb to trek, which means to make a long journey walking slowly.
Why Trekking
It is the slow journey par excellence, it allows us to slow down our rhythms, do physical activity, new encounters and get in tune with nature and the territories crossed. If you love speed and inseparable from mobile phones, trekking is the sport for you, you will rediscover the pleasure of staying away from the stress of the city. If you love walking and adventure, well, trekking is the sport for you; in short, it is the sport for everyone, in the age of technology and urban stress.
The benefits
The benefits of walking in the open air and in contact with natural landscapes are truly countless. Slowness is one of the cornerstones of this sport that forces you to give up comfort and speed, helps to free yourself, at least temporarily, from sources of stress and relax your mind.
Who can do it
As in any sport, physical condition is certainly a fundamental part of practicing physical activity and setting ever greater goals. It is not so essential, because it is above all a psychological activity: those who show endurance and patience, tenacity and willingness, can cope well with the difficulties of trekking. It is a sport suitable for young people (to introduce them to the discovery of nature), adults (to spend a weekend with the family and in the open air), professionals (to pull the plug from the daily routine), 50 years old who want to get back into shape and young people to maintain a tonic and stay in shape.
Trekking equipment
The equipment depends on the chosen route, the period and the weather conditions. If you put your backpack on your shoulders in summer, you should wear breathable short-sleeved shirts and jackets made of goretex and primaloft, breathable synthetic materials designed specifically for this type of activity. Commonly you can not miss backpack, field tent, sleeping bag, nylon towel, field stove, crockery and cutlery, good water and food supplies.
Other important accessories are sunglasses, protective cream, whistle (it can be extremely useful to signal your presence in case of need).
Trekking shoes
In principle, the following items can be worn:
Sunglasses
waterproof jacket
fleece jersey
undershirt
lightweight long-sleeved T-shirt
socks
nightcap
socks
replacement underwear.
Trekking equipment: backpack
Safety and security
Be adequately trained in relation to the chosen commitment;
Do not go alone;
To be adequately informed about the characteristics and difficulties of the itinerary and to study it in advance on the topographic maps;
Always leave it open where you are going and what itinerary you intend to follow;
Inform yourself in advance about the weather conditions;
Appropriate clothing: avoid sneakers, always wear heavy clothing, anorak and a change of linen in your backpack;
Always have a battery, power supply and spare fluids with you.