Hiking & Backpacking Training Plans
A proper hiking training plan does more than improve cardio—it prepares your body for long miles, heavy packs, steep climbs, and brutal descents. MTI’s hiking and backpacking programs are designed for athletes who spend real time on the trail, not treadmills pretending to be mountains.
These plans focus on the fitness demands hiking actually requires: uphill and downhill endurance, pack-loaded strength, durable legs, strong hips, and core stability that holds up after hours under load. You’ll train with step-ups, lunges, chassis integrity work, and endurance sessions that directly translate to better performance on uneven terrain.
Whether you’re preparing for a multi-day backpacking trip, high-elevation hiking, or simply want to move faster and stronger in the mountains, each hiking training plan follows structured, progressive programming you can trust. Many plans use minimal equipment—rucks, sandbags, or dumbbells—so you can train anywhere, even when access to a full gym is limited.
Train with purpose, carry your pack with confidence, and build the endurance to finish strong—not just survive the hike.