How to be equipped for hiking

Layered clothing. Always wear hiking shoes. Choose a trail suited to your level, and give up if the route becomes risky.

di |
How to equip yourself for hiking

In winter as in summer you need suitable clothing to face the excursionsEven when they're not too demanding. From jackets to technical shoes, from sunglasses to backpacks: you don't want to be caught unprepared along the way. It's also a good idea to plan your itinerary in advance, which will also influence your equipment.

HOW TO EQUIP YOURSELF FOR EXCURSIONS

The best way to avoid arriving unprepared on a trail is to prepare in advance on all aspects concerning the trekkingPlanning your day, or several days of hiking, in detail can be a great ally for tackling the trails with peace of mind and the certainty of not running into any unpleasant surprises. Here are some simple tips to follow on How to equip yourself for outdoor excursions.

ONION CLOTHING

For mountain hikes, the fundamental rule for choosing the right clothing is to pack in layers. Light, natural fibers are the items closest to the skin, while heavier items cover the different layers. Always having a backpack handy makes layering very practical: if it's hot, your sweater or jacket goes in the backpack, where it can be removed if and when the temperature drops.

BACKPACK

Lo backpack The right size depends on several factors: where our hike takes us (high or low mountains, for example), how long it lasts (hours or days?), and whether we feel agile and comfortable with the gear we've chosen. For normal hikes, which end during the day, a 40-45 liter hiking backpack with several convenient side pockets for storing items is sufficient. The two key features are the shoulder straps and the back panel. The shoulder straps shouldn't be too thin, otherwise we won't be able to support them when the backpack is loaded; but they shouldn't be too wide either, as they become uncomfortable and can hurt our shoulders. The back panel, on the other hand, should have padding that ensures the backpack fits snugly against our back, without suffocating us. In any case, there's a foolproof method for choosing the right backpack: try it on before buying.

CHOOSE A TRAIL SUITABLE FOR YOUR LEVEL

First and foremost, it's important to choose the route best suited to your experience and fitness level. You need to be completely honest with yourself; once you're on the trail, there will be no alternative. Choosing your route progressively and appropriately helps you gradually become familiar with hiking, acclimating to outdoor experiences.

In Italy i marked trails, usually open from CAI., Italian Alpine Club, are divided into four main levels:

  • Tourist - T (suitable for everyone, beginners and children)
  • Hiking - E (easy or medium trail to be tackled with a minimum of preparation)
  • Experienced Hikers - E. (suitable for the more experienced and trained)
  • Hiking Mountaineering - A. (features climbing, via ferratas, and difficult mountaineering routes)

It is clear that high-altitude trails, even if marked with a single E, may still have small snowfields, slightly exposed sections, or uneven terrain that could be difficult for an untrained person to overcome.

For this reason, better get good information about the routes on official blogs of expert hikers or on regional sites o municipalIt's advisable to start at low altitudes and gradually work your way up. Remember that above 2.000 meters above sea level, oxygen also begins to thin out, requiring greater athletic effort.

EVALUATE THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT

Unless you already know the path you want to take, our suggestion is to put on trekking shoes in any case, whatever the level of difficulty. If the trek becomes more complex, it is better to use boots that also block the ankle, especially on stony ground.

For shoes, especially at high altitudes and on uneven surfaces, it is preferable to use boots with rubber soles. VibramThis is a special material designed to perform better on rough terrain with exceptional waterproofing and adhesion qualities.

To the shoes you need to add a waterproof windbreaker, in case of rain, thermal shirts, on and also as a reserve in backpack, hat and technical gloves, especially when exceeding certain altitudes. Only for those who tackle via ferratas o mountaineering traits, helmet, crampons e technical ropesYou may also find useful information on how to equip yourself in the mountains on Idealo magazine, who published a very useful article, with all the necessary information for going on a hike.

DON'T OVERDO IT AND LEARN TO SAY NO

The first thing to do in the mountains is to fully understand that you have no control over them. The simplest trek can turn into something arduous and complex in an instant. If it starts raining, temperatures drop suddenly, or unexpected weather conditions arise, things could spiral out of control. Learn to renounce and to turn back rather than continue and take risks. Remember, the mountain doesn't give anyone any concessions.

RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT AND OTHERS

Environmental pollution, especially in the mountains, is due to a lack of respect for both the environment and other hikers who use those trails. Leaving waste, even organic waste, ruins the landscape, damages the environment, and depletes the trail.

WATER IS AN ABSOLUTE PRIORITY

You can never have too much water for a hike. It is recommended to bring at least one liter of water per person, better more if you have the possibility. The solutions today are different, airtight bags to carry in a backpack, water bottles and water bottles to attach to your backpack. In winter as well as summer, staying hydrated is vitally important, at least every 15 minutes. Not only to avoid cramps, but also to avoid running out of water and losing precious energy.

THREE TIPS FOR SAFE HIKING:

Want to see a selection of our news?

Don't Waste