Physical Fitness

Being physically prepared for backcountry travel reduces your risk of injury, improves your decision-making when fatigued, and lets you enjoy the trip instead of just surviving it. The following resources cover training programs, conditioning approaches, and injury prevention specific to outdoor activities.

• Uphill Athlete — training methodology and free articles for mountain endurance athletes, built around periodized aerobic base training. Founded by Steve House and Scott Johnston, authors of Training for the New Alpinism.
• Mountain Tactical Institute — programmed training plans for backcountry hunters, climbers, skiers, and search and rescue personnel. Plans are structured around specific trip types and timelines.
• The Mountaineers — Conditioning Resources — free guides on pre-trip conditioning for hiking, climbing, and mountaineering from one of the oldest outdoor education organizations in the country.
• NOLS Expedition Fitness — pre-course fitness recommendations from NOLS, applicable to any multi-day trip involving sustained hiking with a loaded pack.