Hiking check list
TIPS FROM THE HIKING PRO’S
THE RIGHT HIKING OUTFIT:
- Hiking boots
- Functional clothing
- Breathable, functional T-shirt
- Fleece or softshell jacket
- Hiking trousers (long or short, ideally with zip-off design)
- Functional underwear
- (Hiking) socks
- Hiking poles
- Hiking backpack
THE RIGHT WAY TO PACK YOUR BACKPACK:
As a general rule: If the backpack pulls you backward, it is packed the wrong way. The backpack, including its contents, should not weigh more than 20-25% of the body weight of the person carrying it. Only then will a reasonably fit person be able to carry it over a longer period of time. It is crucial that the centre of gravity of the backpack is as close as possible to the body, ideally at shoulder height. So how you should you pack your backpack?
A few basic rules:
- All the items you need frequently should be easy to retrieve, i.e. stored at the top or in the top lid
- Store food in the front area
- Store additional clothing or a change of clothes at the bottom of your backpack
- Keep heavy equipment close to the body, ideally at shoulder height
AND WHAT DOES THIS MEAN IN PRACTICAL TERMS?
THIS SUMMARY SHOWS YOU WHAT SHOULD GO INTO YOUR HIKING BACKPACK, BASED ON OUR EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE. IMPORTANT: YOUR EQUIPMENT NEEDS TO BE ADAPTED TO THE LENGTH AND LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY OF THE TOUR, YOUR FITNESS LEVELS AND THE WEATHER.
- Hiking map
- Blister dressing
- Mobile phone (fully charged battery, emergency number stored)
- Cash (for refreshments in a mountain shelter)
- Pocket knife
- Lip balm
- Tissues
- Maybe a compass
- Drink bottle
- Snacks
- Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen)
- First Aid kit
- Headlamp, torch
- Spare T-shirt
- Spare socks (useful in wet weather)
- Thicker jacket
- Rain protection
- Gloves, cap
- Hiking poles
- Light, awkwardly shaped items
- Binoculars (for instance from Swarovski)
- Lighter/matches
- Seat cushion
- GPS device
- Rain cover for the backpack