It is often said by experienced hikers that the best way to train for spending time in the backcountry is simply to “go hiking.” This is often easier said than done, and while hiking does provide a great foundation for leg strength and overall conditioning there are several additional elements that should be considered.

For example, I recently took a group to Patagonia, Chile, to hike the Torres del Paine National Park and to explore the many glaciers of Southern Chile. This 75-mile loop is moderate in difficulty and provides a wide range of scenery in what has been labeled as one of the classic treks of world.