Hiking & Equipment Tips

Tips on Equipment and Clothing:

The high peaks are calling, and more and more people dream of those amazing views. But because conditions in the mountains can change rapidly, the European Hiking Hotels recommend that hikers get good equipment. Please take note of the following tips, or join one of the tours offered by our hotel.

Correct Preparation and Equipment:

Hiking continues to be the most popular sport in the mountains. But when you are ready to conquer a peak, you need more than just good physical condition. The right equipment and precise tour planning are vital in ensuring you return safely to the valley.

Good Endurance and Acclimatization:

The most important physical requirement for hiking the mountains is good physical endurance. The best preparation for tours of the mountains is 30 minutes, three times a week of power walking, biking or jogging, beginning four weeks in advance. But also your breathing, heart and cardiovascular system need to be able to handle the additional effort. We recommend increasing activity gradually, allowing your body to become accustomed to the extra physical activity and the altitude. If you are going to be hiking above 2,000 meters, you will need 3 to 5 days to fully acclimatize. Even at elevations between 3,000 and 5,000 meters, a healthy body that has undergone an appropriate acclimatization process can completely adapt to the different climatic conditions. Beyond 5,500 meters, this is no longer possible, which explains why this is the highest elevation at which people have permanently settled. The correct uphill hiking technique: short steps, longer coming down. Hiking poles have definitely proven their worth as a means to take strain off your joints.

Correctly equipped for the hike up:

The right equipment is what it's all about when it comes to hiking in the mountains. Hiking boots should be essentially waterproof, ankle-high and big enough that, when you are hiking back down, they don't rub at the toe. As the outer material, we would recommend leather, while for the inside, Sympathex or Goritex is best. You are only truly surefooted in the mountains if you are walking on a robust rubber sole with a good tread, through which you don't feel small pebbles. It's also better not to hike in brand-new hiking boots, otherwise you will end up with blisters. Specially padded hiking socks made of a blended fiber also help avoid pressure points.

Clothing should, on the one hand, protect you from overheating or even heat stroke, and on the other, inhibit the onset of hypothermia. Heat and sweat need to be wicked away to the outside, whilst the wet and cold cannot be allowed to penetrate through to your body. The "onion principle" has stood up as the best method.

For under clothing, an actively breathing mixed fiber, rather than cotton, is most suitable. It wicks the moisture away from the body, ensuring you don't get chilled when you take a break.  This kind of material also dries out faster. For outer wear, you need materials that are waterproof, but which allow water vapor to escape, such as Goretex.  In addition, the clothing has to be robust and durable, and allow you a full range of motion. Always bring a change of clothes in your rucksack.

What mountain hikers should also bring along:

Food and Drink:

If you want to truly enjoy your hike in the mountains, your body needs plenty of calories, vitamins and minerals. Lots of fluids and carbs will give you additional energy. Before and during the hike, however, you shouldn't overeat or consume too much fat. Protracted digestion requires too much oxygen, oxygen needed by your muscles. During the hike, you should consume plenty of liquids (water or apple juice diluted with water) and as many carbohydrates as possible (bread, fruit, cereal). On average, hiking in the mountains burns 300 to 400 calories. Standard hikers' fare, such as bread, sausage and cheese, is an ideal form of food, since they contain high levels of valuable protein and a certain amount of fat, all of which supplies long-term energy to the body.

If you are out and about with a hiking guide from the European Hiking Hotels, you don't need to worry quite as much about the preparations. Experienced hiking guides guarantee a safe experience on our mountains and high peaks.