Look, I won’t sugarcoat it. Trekking through the Maliau Basin is hot, humid, and a little leech-y in places. We will be doing vertical climbs (with the help of ladders). We’ll be going up and down mountains through the jungle. We will be pushing ourselves harder than your average trek.
Your body should be physically fit enough to endure long hikes and long days of exertion. You should feel comfortable on narrow paths and, yes, the aforementioned ladders. This isn’t a walk through a paved botanical gardens by any means! You don’t need to be a triathlete or ultramarathoner, but you do need to be in great health and shape. Please consult with your doctor if you have any concerns about your physicality.
If you have access to hiking trails in hilly or mountainous terrain, this is the ideal way to train. If not, we recommend using the Stairmaster machine with rotating stairs or actually training on stairs. Nothing prepares you for a trip better than the activity itself!
Train at least 3 days a week. Start with short hikes or workouts (1 hour in length) with a light daypack. From week to week build the length and intensity of your hikes/workouts and gradually increase your pack weight until you’re comfortably able to hike 6-8 hours a day carrying the weight you’ll have on your trip. It’s best to begin your training regimen at least 12 weeks prior to your trip (or earlier, depending on your current state of health). Also be sure to use the footwear you’ll have on your trip to break them in. Getting a brand new pair of hikers for a trip sounds like a great idea, but it’s better to get them worn and used before you set out!
