Dealing with Cabin Fever by Jason Huckeba

It’s a crazy time in the world right now where many people are being asked to stay at home.  Even though you may be stuck at home and not out on the trails, I have five tips to help you deal with Cabin Fever.

1. ORGANIZE YOUR GEAR

This is a perfect time to organize your gear.  Having an organized gear closet/rack makes it so easy to get ready for a trip when that time comes.  You’ll know where everything is and grab it quickly instead of looking through five different spots for where that piece of gear may be.

This can be done no matter where you live and how much space you have.  Maybe you have a rack, closet, or bins under your bed.  You can go in your backyard, living room, or garage and set stuff done and figure out where everything is going.

2. MAKE A PACK LIST

A pack list is great to have so you don’t forget certain items on a trip.  This list can be on your computer, cell phone, or printed up.  This a great time to sit down with your gear and review what you bring on day hikes and backpacking trips.  What can you leave at home? What do you actually need? Where can you lighten your pack?

3. RESEARCH NEW TRAILS, PERMITS AND TRIP LOGISTIC

Researching new trails, permits, and logistics can be a lot of fun. Check sites like YouTube, Google, Alltrails, Caltopo and look for trails and trips you can do in areas you have always wanted to go.

You can just start off with a search on Google such as Backpacking trips in Montana. From there, maybe check for videos on YouTube or explore on Google Earth and Maps.  Check for blogs and National Park sites for info too.  Some national parks you can explore in street view on google maps.

Another fun option on researching trails is to get your friends involved.  There are different meeting apps out there like zoom and google hangouts which you can use.  While not just sharing a face to face chat with your friends, you can also share some of the sites and info you have found on that upcoming trip.

4. TRAIN FOR THE TRAILS

Just because we can’t go hiking, doesn’t mean we can’t train.  In your local neighborhood, you can do some light running, walking, and biking.  In the comfort of your own home, you can trail as well.  There are many exercises you can do at home.  Put your fully loaded backpack on and do some lunges in the backyard or some step-ups if you have a box or stairs.   Pushups, planks, stretching, and yoga are also some great ways to train.  There are many options for you to do, just have fun doing it!

5. DECIDE WHAT GEAR NEEDS UPGRADING

This is a great time to decide what gear needs to be replaced and upgraded.  When organizing your gear you will notice gear that is falling apart or stuff you have outgrown.  These are some of the items that can be upgraded.  Take the time to research what options are out there.  Maybe you can upgrade that 5-year-old tent and shave off a couple of pounds, or maybe switch out that synthetic sleeping bag to a down quilt.  Watch YouTube videos, ask questions on internet/FB forums, just remember that what may work for someone else could not work for you.  Get a couple of different opinions on the gear before making any decisions.

 Photographs and words by Jason Huckeba.