Load your pack and hog the local high school stadium steps. 75 pounds, in your hunting boots, going up and down will do a lot to condition you but getting acclimated will be your toughest task. Do as much aerobic conditioning as you can where you actually end up going anaerobic.
Exercise for elk hunt
- Thread starter brent.wheaton
- Start date
7stwluver
Member
I'd think you'll be fine. Don't know where you're from in Arkansas but take advantage of some of either the Quacita or ozark mountains and take a few day hikes. I wear my pack with extra weight on day hikes and to the gym as well. I do roughly 10 miles a week on the treadmill at incline. I live in Oklahoma now but I was in better shape when I lived in pope county Arkansas thanks to the hills. Like others have said the altitude is the killer. Hydrate hydrate hydrate.
Winchester
Veteran member
I live in Colorado and hike/work-out alot. When hiking these mountains my legs rarely slow me down, it always the altitude!! It sounds like your workout routine is pretty good and there's allot of great additional advise in this string. Just remember you'll have a tough time preparing for the altitude so arriving a few days early for your hunt to get acclimatized is a great idea if you can do it.
squirrelduster
Active Member
Ok here is the best piece of advice in this entire string.
Get to your spot 3 days ahead of time and plan on not doing anything. Get acclimated to the altitude if it is over 8000 feet. I didn't and it screwed up my mule deer trip. I went from 95 feet above sea level to camp at 10800. I got lightheaded and it just kept getting worse so I packed up and left.
Altitude sickness is not something to screw around with. I thought since last time I was up there for a day with a light pack I would be fine with a 50 pound pack and staying for a week. Not so !! The breathing is not the problem. No matter what kind of shape you are in if you're not able to function correctly you're done.
Get to your spot 3 days ahead of time and plan on not doing anything. Get acclimated to the altitude if it is over 8000 feet. I didn't and it screwed up my mule deer trip. I went from 95 feet above sea level to camp at 10800. I got lightheaded and it just kept getting worse so I packed up and left.
Altitude sickness is not something to screw around with. I thought since last time I was up there for a day with a light pack I would be fine with a 50 pound pack and staying for a week. Not so !! The breathing is not the problem. No matter what kind of shape you are in if you're not able to function correctly you're done.
ddress00
Member
dzlfarmboy
New Member
- Feb 20, 2013
- 30
- 0
Throwing your pack on and with 40+lbs and doing 20+ rounds up and down your steps in a 2 story house will def help get your legs and lungs in mountain shape and can be done literally anytime.
mtnrunner260
New Member
- Aug 14, 2011
- 18
- 0
Lots of good advice.
I'd add that do some of all that has been mentioned. Cardio, weighted pack hikes, stairs, lifts etc.
Also on your hikes if you can go off trail where you are stepping up over and through stuff that will be a huge help.
The Journal of Mountain Hunting has several good articles about fitness, lifts, getting your feet in shape etc.
I'd add that do some of all that has been mentioned. Cardio, weighted pack hikes, stairs, lifts etc.
Also on your hikes if you can go off trail where you are stepping up over and through stuff that will be a huge help.
The Journal of Mountain Hunting has several good articles about fitness, lifts, getting your feet in shape etc.
Matthoek21
Veteran member
JScams
Member
I'd do some weights twice a week with a focus on your core, lower back and legs. The pack filled with weights is always good trucking up n down various terrain as well. I do sprints/stationary bike or hiking rather than jogging. I like to stay in decent shape (Boxing, BJJ and light weights) year around and really pick it up about 2 months before opening day for whatever hunt.... Best of health and hunting.