7 Tips for Hiking Equipment
If you are planning a longer hike or want to spend your next vacation hiking, you should carefully plan every tour.
Precise route planning for long hikes is absolutely indispensible, otherwise the fun will quickly turn into something far more stressful. Hikers need to make themselves aware of the distance and trail conditions (including any major elevation gains) prior to setting out. This information is available in hiking guides and maps, which exist for virtually every nook and cranny on earth and are stocked at most good book stores. Many tourist offices also have outstanding maps available to their customers - don't be afraid to ask for what you need! The following rules apply to beginning hikers especially: don't undertake too much. Daily stages of between 12 and 18 kilometers (4 hours of pure walking time) are enough. If you are not used to hiking, begin with something shorter, slowly increasing the distance. Also plan your breaks and overnight accommodations in advance, especially important if children are members of your party.
Also a must for your hiking enjoyment is clothing appropriate to the terrain. With respect to shoes or boots, wear robust jogging or recreational shoes on shorter routes and level pathways; for longer trails, you will need stabile hiking boots with a good, no-slip tread. Important: Wear-in your boots at home, so that you don't develop painful pressure points during the first few kilometers of your hike. Clothing must be comfortable and durable, reliable protect you from wind and cold, whilst at the same time allowing body heat and sweat to escape to the outside, keeping your body nice and dry. Trousers should be wide-cut and not fit too tightly, especially in the waist and crotch. Shirts, blouses and T-shirts should also allow a full range of motion. Especially on longer hikes, your rucksack should also contain a wool sweater or sweatshirt, protection against the rain and sun (cap, hat) and sun block. Along the trail, a relaxing picnic under a blue sky is generally nicer than lunch at a restaurant: so, don't forget to pack a lunch, as well as a little something for those between-meal hunger pangs. Tea with lemon is a great way to combat thirst, though carbonated and especially alcoholic beverages are better left at home.
What you should always have with you on your hike
Whether a short hike or an all-day tour - never underestimate distances, especially when you are accompanied by kids. A rucksack should always be part of your hike, and here's what you should pack.
| Drinks: | Bring along plenty of fluids, and drink small amounts at regular intervals. Even in flattish areas, it is easy to work up a sweat. There are lightweight aluminum bottles made especially for hikers, which you can fill up at home with water or fruit juice - these are the best thirst-quenchers. |
| Food: | Even if you are used to going several hours without eating - as you would between the main meals of the day - you should still bring along a little something to eat. Depending on your body weight, you burn from 200 to 300 calories an hour when hiking, which in turn means you'll work up an appetite. Good forms of nutrition include fruit, dextrose, dried fruits and sandwiches. |
| Hiking Map: | It's a safety issue, of course, but a look at the map also gives you a quick impression of where you currently are and which mountains are surrounding you. Which means, you will get to know the area a little bit better. |
| Head Covering: | When you are out on the trail, you often don't notice how strong the sun can get, even during the autumn months - with a hat, cap or scarf, you will protect yourself from a painful sunburn. |
| Rain Cape: | Broad ponchos are perfect for hikers, and they can even be worn over your rucksack, providing plenty of protection against the wetness. |
| Change of Clothing: | If you physically exert yourself, you are going to begin to sweat faster. Which means, your skin will cool down unpleasantly quickly. So, always pack a fresh T-shirt to change into. |
| Sun Block: | Whether as a lotion, gel or milk - and depending on your skin type, make sure it has an adequate SPF (ca. 10 or, if you haven't been out in the sun much, then at least a 15). |
| Important: If you are planning a longer tour, you also need to pack a good quality first-aid kit, allowing you to take care of minor injuries and blisters on your own. | |
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Tips for Buying Shoes
Your feet actually stretch during the course of a day. So, always buy shoes in the late afternoon or early evening, Pay attention to fit, safety and comfort. Inner stitching, especially at the heel, can lead to painful blisters. Shoes should not be too heavy, and should have a no-slip sole and stabile heal cap (see below). Test hiking boots on a sloping surface. If your toes rub against the front of the boot when hiking downhill, then the boot is too small. Going uphill, your heel should be firmly held in the boot and should not rub. Bring along your hiking socks and, if necessary, your orthopedic insoles.
You should really wear-in your hiking boots. You might want to take several short walks in them, until you sense they are fitting perfectly. Often socks are the cause of blisters. If they are uneven, get wet quickly or slide even slightly, they will abrade the skin. At a hiking store, you will be able to obtain special outdoors socks. Synthetic fibers wick moisture away from the foot.
First Aid for Blisters
If you developed a blister whilst hiking, a blister plaster from the pharmacy should help: It takes pressure of the injury point, eases pain and accelerates healing. You can also use them preventively on sensitive areas of the skin. Also very practical are adhesive bandages - if you go barefoot through a stream, for example, this waterproof bandage keeps bacteria away from the site of the inflammation. Foot ointments from the pharmacy also protect you from small blisters, creating a natural protective film over the skin. The essential oils they contain - such as eucalyptus, rosemary, lavender, thyme and menthol - disinfect and promote blood circulation in the skin.
