With these post-trip tips, you’ll finish your tramp in good spirits and eager for more. By Sarah Jeong

Arriving at the car after a weekend tramp, you can sip the last drop of water, peel off sopping socks and revel in your accurate calculation of snacks that you consumed without carrying excess food weight.

An hour later you’re dehydrated because you drank all your water on the trail, breakfast feels like a long time ago and petrol station snacks are still ages away. 

It all shows that the weekend journey isn’t over until the post-trip big meal and shower. Here are some  tips to make the ending as pleasurable as the tramp.  

Stretch

In the car you’re tired but limber. Two hours later, stepping from the car at toilet break time, you find your body has seized up. It did not like sitting in the car. 

Pro tip: Stretch before sitting, and stop for a toilet break early to walk off the stiffness. If you’re a passenger, roll your muscles with a massage ball before they seize. 

Refuel

Remember when calculating enough water for the trail to also account for the car ride afterwards. 

Pro tip: Leave extra drinks and snacks in the car. For an overnighter, fill a chilly bin with frozen water bottles and cold snacks. I pack kimchi, eggs and noodles so I can enjoy a celebratory post-walk soup in the outdoors. 

Change your clothes

Chances are you’ll have been soaked on the walk due to a river crossing or surprise downpour. Beat hypothermia and stinky car rides by leaving a towel, spare clothes and comfortable shoes in the car. 

Pro tip: Having a treat at a nice restaurant after the long walk? Wet wipes, deodorant and a change of clothes can ease the transition back to civilisation. Are you prone to sunburn or bug bites? Have relieving ointments ready in the boot.

Plan pit stops

Part of the fun of tramping trips is that getting to the trail may mean going through towns you don’t know. Look up places to eat before leaving home and use them as motivators (‘This time tomorrow, we’ll be eating a Vixen Burger in Featherston’).