Mileage Cap
Overview
A mileage cap is a self-imposed or group-defined maximum number of miles for a single day of hiking. It helps manage fatigue, reduce injury risk, and maintain consistency.
Key points
- Prevents overexertion during the early or late stages of a hike.
- Useful for group travel to align varied fitness levels.
- Helps match daily effort to terrain and weather.
- Reduces the likelihood of overuse injuries.
- Common on long-distance thru hikes with multi-week itineraries.
Details
Mileage caps acknowledge that consistent, moderate pacing often leads to better long-term sustainability. A predetermined cap keeps hikers from pushing too far on days when conditions feel favorable but cumulative fatigue is still a concern.
Groups use mileage caps to ensure all members remain comfortable and capable. Individuals may adjust caps seasonally or based on physical adaptation.
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Illustrative hiking footage
The following external videos offer general visual context for typical hiking environments. They are not official route recommendations, safety instructions, or planning tools.