Being comfortable in your shoes, that is to say having walking shoes that you have already used allows you to avoid blisters. At worst, if your shoes are new, in prevention it is possible to use strap it is very effective and inexpensive.
A good pair of shoes must above all be comfortable, and not hurt you. Feel good in your shoes, try them on and test them before you leave. Whatever the difficulty of the hike envisaged, the sole must be of quality, that is to say well sewn and not slippery on varied and wet ground (vibram type). To protect your malleolus your shoes must be high; To avoid trauma to the back and joints, it is preferable that a shock-absorbing sole is inserted between the foot and the sole itself.
For intensive use, the quality of materials and seams is paramount. Discover tips for choosing the right hiking boot.
Of course it is also better to think maybe to renew the pair of shoes when necessary. Ah the good old that we have not released for several years, with the sole almost cooked and that lets you go on the second day!
WHAT ABOUT WALKING STICKS?
Walking poles are actually very useful in steep climbs or descents, when you have a heavy bag, or some joint problems. But apart from these cases, they do not help to walk better and are not totally indispensable.
A BACKPACK OF 30 LITERS MINIMUM FOR A DAY HIKE
Avoid the “city” backpack, so small that you can hardly put anything in it, except its pack of tissues. The best is a 30-liter bag for day hikes.
Even in so-called “luggage transport” hikes, it is essential to have a backpack. What for? … Because hiking requires a minimum of autonomy: on a day trip for example, it is essential to bring a sweater, rain gear, picnic and a water bottle. Often added to this list are a camera, cutlery, sunscreen, etc
The choice of your bag will condition your comfort and therefore your pleasure during the hike.
Take a bag of the right size or even a little larger (it’s not inconvenient, on the contrary):
- day hike: 30 L mini.
- itinerant hike with luggage transport: 40 L mini.
- hiking without luggage transport: 50 L mini.
Take a sturdy bag (it exists even in small sizes) with padded shoulder straps, a soft frame back, a belt, a resistant fabric (and you will keep your bag all your life).
HOW TO DRESS FOR A HIKE?
Here are the parts that must include mountain equipment for a hike:
- more or less warm underwear depending on the destination
- light and loose trousers
- fleece fur or a warm sweater
- a windproof garment
- a waterproof garment that can be the same as the previous one
- a hat or headgear
- Thin gloves and a hat will be appreciated, at the beginning or end of the season.
Depending on the stay, we will also recommend a warm jacket (or down jacket).
The invention of synthetic textiles with remarkable qualities now makes it possible to fully equip oneself for a very reduced weight. Only underwear deserves to be taken in sufficient quantities to be changed regularly.
Regarding rain gear: rain capes or “mountain parachutes” are very effective on the waterproof side, and they completely protect the backpack from rain. But as soon as you have to lift your feet on certain passages or when there is a lot of wind, it becomes perfectly impossible to see where you put your feet.
On the other hand, a classic waterproof jacket is perfect. For the backpack we provide a bag cover (inexpensive too) and if you really do not want to have your wet stuff in the bag, you put in advance a large garbage bag in your bag and all the things in it (100% effectiveness guarantee) or several different plastic bags.
THE EQUIPMENT AND THE BOTTOM OF THE BACKPACK
The “bottom of the bag” must include:
- sunglasses
- sunscreen
- a small personal pharmacy (see below)
- a minimum 1 L water bottle. The bottle-type water bottles of 50 cl are totally insufficient. It is necessary to provide 1.5 liters per day in a real gourd.
- toilet paper and a lighter
- a folding knife
- a compass
- warm clothing
- A waterproof windproof jacket
In the case of a hike in cottages or refuges, remember to also take in your luggage:
- a meat bag (sewn sheet)
- a flashlight (frontal if possible) with battery and spare bulb
- Towel
A list of equipment adapted to each stay is included in the Technical Sheet of the stay. In general, we often leave with too many things. Remember that we recognize a regular hiker by the relevance of the things that make up his backpack and the lightness of this bag …
THE TRAVEL BAG
It must be large (80 L) and solid, if possible in the shape of a pudding (marine bag type) especially if it must be hung on pack animals (suitcases prohibited in this case) … All your equipment must fit in one bag. Imperatively limit the weight of business you bring (10 Kg is a maximum for a week): holidays are not about taking your house on your back, quite the contrary: your free time will be occupied by discovery, meeting and contemplation.
Be careful, do not bring fragile things that could be damaged during luggage transfers.
THE PHARMACY FOR A HIKE
For all our hikes and trips, which take us far from medical centers, it is mandatory to bring a personal pharmacy, variable according to the destination, which will include at least:
- elastoplast
- of the “double skin”
- an analgesic
- possibly a mosquito repellent
- an intestinal antiseptic
- an antidiarrheal…
- eye drops
- and your personal medications if you are taking treatment.
ASSESS YOUR PHYSICAL CONDITION
Choose your level or stay, possibly if you are not used to walking at all, the best is to prepare a little in advance. The other advantage is that this preparation also allows you to soften your new shoes if necessary.
Do not hesitate to consult our page “evaluate your form”.
Happy hikes to everyone!