Trekking-Firendly Shoes:

Before you prepare for your hike, you must of course equip yourself, and it starts with good shoes. It is often advisable to choose a size above its usual size, even if it means layering two pairs of socks. Indeed, during the effort, the feet swell and it is common to find themselves in the narrow, which prevents good blood circulation.

Of course, before you go several dozen kilometers, make sure you have already used your shoes several times, otherwise beware of light bulbs, which can hurt very badly. Also, the better you will make your shoelaces, the easier your walk will be: logical, in short. When hiking, if you feel moisture in your shoes, change your socks and dry the wet pair directly on your bag. Keep your feet dry: the best way to avoid blisters.

By the way, there is a cream called Nok, which prepares your skin for regular rubbing. I used it for Compostela (to be applied during the three weeks before departure, on the soles of the feet, heels and crotch), it saved me many problems of blisters and redness. These tips will be enough to benefit you from the many benefits of hiking, on the body but also on the mind.

If you’re going away for several days, when packing your backpack, don’t forget to take a pair of walking sandals to let your feet breathe at the end of the day. Also, during the night, leave your shoes in the open, while wary of the morning dew. It’s best to protect them under your double roof, without locking them in a pastic bag. Similarly, quality socks, made of cotton or wool, are essential, banish low-end acrylic materials that prevent the feet from aerating. Finally, you can try to tal your foot plants: a great way to regulate perspiration (and therefore odors).

Trekking Equipment

A pair of binoculars to admire nature

A camera

A rain cape

Small freezer bags to protect your equipment from moisture

A tube of sunscreen, a pair of glasses and a cap

A Swiss knife

A small pharmacy kit where you will have thought to put special dressings for blisters, sparadrap and your usual treatments.

A roll of toilet paper

A lighter

Hiking sticks, but only if you take two to balance your walk on rough terrain, because otherwise you clutter up for nothing.

Identity papers

A phone in case of emergency

Some clothes against the cold

There are pants (called zip off) that allow you to split in two at the knees, turning into shorts, which is practical and light.

The Backpack, The Hiker’s Bestfriend

Choosing a good backpack is almost as important as 201s. Take it too big, and be sure to bring with you far too many useless deals. On the other hand, it must have the ability to carry everything you really need: for a day, I recommend a bag with a capacity of 20L, which is minimalist but sufficient.

If you’re leaving longer, try not to exceed 45/50L: since you’ll carry all your belongings on your back, try as much as you can to travel light. Preparing a hike effectively means carefully choosing what you put in your bag.

The number and location of the pockets is paramount: you need to be able to store your bottle in an accessible space during your walk, as well as other small useful items. You’ll have to place the rest, heavier, near your back. Since this year, to simplify my walk, I have added to my small equipment a banana bag to slip water and some tinkering: practical, because I now have everything I need regularly at hand, without having to stop to rummage through my big bag!

The bag must have a comfortable belly belt, allowing you to spread your weight on your hips, and not just on your shoulders, which would then tire too quickly, crushed. The area near the back should also be pleasant on contact, and allow air to circulate freely. Also, don’t leave without taking a rain cover with you, even if the weather doesn’t predict bad weather. In case of a downpour, you’ll be happy to keep your belongings dry!