hiking essentials

Hiking from head to toe: Everything you need for your next trek

You hardly can describe that special feeling on the summit, when you are on top and you are looking down the valley. What a view! Especially in spring, summer and autumn hiking and trekking are very famous. Not only older people like it, it’s very famous among young folks as well. And that is no wonder: When the tree turn green, the fog moves like a blanket over the fields , you still can smell that special fragrance of the summer, when the mountains are lightened with this special light it’s just awesome to be outdoors on a hiking or trekking tour. But always remember: the route is the goal. To have the best hiking- and trekking  experience in the great Outdoors you should have some essentials with you.

The right outdoor apparel, the right hiking and trekking boots and equipment like hiking poles and backpacks always should be in your closet or your basement.

 

Hiking- and trekking Essentials: the right apparel


Dress like a onion when you are hiking and trekking. It’s always better to wear different layers in an intelligent way, so you always can put them on or off, then to grab in the wardrobe just like that. Of course it’s always good to check the weather report. But if you are often in the mountains you probably know, that the weather likes surprises. That’s why it’s always advisable to have a good rain jacket and something warming like a fleece jacket in our backpack too.

 

The right base


Hiking and trekking can be sweaty. That’s why its so important to wear a base layer, that adapts to your body. Your base layer should be comfortable and should be made of functional fabrics or merino wool. The merino fiber can absorb up to 30 percent of its own weight in moisture. It transports perspiration to the outside, keeps you warm, but won’t make you sweat. It remains surprisingly long odorless. Merino also has a warming and cooling function. A true all-rounder and a faithful companion on your next mountain tour.

 

the right Outdoor Jacket


Fleece – the classic

Who didn’t wear it – the fleece jacket. A faithful companion of your childhood. Probably you had fleece jackets in all kinds of colours and patterns. The fleece jacket was with you on all your hiking- and trekking tours. And that’s how it should be. Fleece jackets not only keep you warm, but they also ensure optimal moisture regulation and they dry fast. It’s a classic base layer you can wear underneath your softshell- or hardshell jacket, and which adapts perfectly to your body. Plus: it’s light and uncomplicated. But fleece ain’t fleece. There is a wide range of fleece fabrics. Classical, knitted, with strech, particularly robust or fluffy and warm. It’s your choice.

 

 

The Softshell jacket – a combi talent

Softshell jackets are particularly suitable for mountain tours. The are light and easy to store. Mostly they consist of several membranes, which transport the moisture of the body from the inside to the outside. So you do not cool down after sweating. Softshell jackets are also breathable. Depending on the technology – like Windstopper – they are windproof and water repellent as well. In combination with a hardshell jacket you are – especially in the autumn and winter – prepared for all kinds of temperatures and all kinds of weather.

 

 

Hardshell – and nothing can happen

As the name implies, hardshell jackets have a firmer surface than softshell jackets. They are also more robust. Rain and snow should not affect them. In general hardshell jackets are less breathable than softshell jackets. Hardshell jackets with membranes are waterproof and windproof. And hardshell jackets with coatings are particularly waterproof and windproof, but not as breathable and less resilient. In combination with a softshell jacket you are prepared for any weather on your trekking or hiking tour in the great outdoors

 


 

The right kind of pants


Of course you should not only wear the right clothes on our upper body, the pants should fit too. There are outdoor pants or trekking pants in all kinds of variations. Again, the material is crucial. Moisture regulation, breathability, insulation are also covered here. Depending on the material, the pants are also windproof, wind-resistant and waterproof or water-repellent.  Softshell, GORE-TEX, hardshell, fleece, merino or synthetic fiber with or without strech. The selection of materials for your perfect outdoor pants is huge. It all depends on what you have in mind with your outdoor and trekking pants. But it is also crucial, above all, whether the pants fit well. After all, you’re hiking with them for a few hours or even days. You are very flexible with zipp-off pants. You can simply zip off or tap on the trouser leg with a zipper. Rain pants are a good investment too. Thanks to their side zipper, they are quickly taken off and on.

 

The right head cover


Of course, not only your body but also your head should be protected from wind and weather during your hiking and mountain tours. Especially after a sweaty ascent, it is advisable to put on a beanie or a headband. Whether wool, functional fabric or fleece. Caps and headbands are available in all variants. Functional materials, for example, not only ensure warm ears, but also that sweat is transported to the outside.

If the sun shines, you should wear a hat or a cap. This protects you from the sun and protects you from sunburn or sunstroke

 

 the right backpack


A mountain tour without a backpack? Probably not a very good idea. The backpack is an absolute essential when hiking or trekking. Where else do you want to stash your snack and your water bottle? 

hiking or outdoor backpack has to accommodate a lot: In addition to your snack, hiking poles, outdoor clothing, hiking maps, caps and headbands should also be included. Larger backpacks mostly have a bottom compartment, which is a practical invention: You do not have to rummage through everything to find something. Also the sizes of hiking and trekking backpacks are individual – depending on back length and need. Carrying systems, hip and chest straps, mesh panels and frame construction ensure that the weight on your back is optimally distributed. Outdoor and hiking backpacks are available in all styles and colors. Whether retro or ultramodern – just the way you like it. The most important thing is that you have your backpack with you on your hiking and trekking tours.

More Information: Backpack Guide – how to pack the right way

 

 

the right EQuipment


The water bottle

If you hike without enough water, you’ll probably end up thirsty fast. Before you start your tour, inform yourself,  if there are ways to fill up your water bottle. If not, you should bring several water bottles, hydration bags or other hydration systems with you. With the Grayl drinking bottles, you even have the option of producing clean drinking water anywhere in the world. So you’ll never run out of water. It makes 710 ml (24 oz) of clean drinking water in eight seconds anywhere in the world. Geopress protects against waterborne pathogens (e.g. viruses, bacteria, protozoan cysts), pesticides, chemicals, heavy metals and even microplastics. It also improves taste, smell and clarity!

 

 

Hiking poles

Do hiking poles and trekking poles make sense? Which hiking and trekking poles are the right ones? Find out in our blog post

Hiking and Trekking Poles: Faithful Companions in the Mountains

 

 

Hiking – and Trekkingshoes

The right mountain boots, hiking-trekking boots are the base for your hiking tour. In our mountaineering guide → how to find the perfect fitting outdoor boot you will find everything you need to know about hiking boots, hiking boots and trekking shoes.

 

 

Find out, which socks are perfect for you:

Forget blisters with the right pair of hiking socks