Having the right clothing matters. On a summer hike, you can experience extreme differences in temperature in a single day. It’s important to dress in layers, so you can change quickly, and carry a waterproof with you, should you get caught in a thunderstorm, as well as some spare dry clothes. You should always have water and a rain jacket in your backpack.
What’s the best thing to wear?
It depends on the season and your itinerary: the trail you take can make all the difference when deciding what to wear.
Whenever and wherever you go, having the right footwear is essential: the sole and structure of your boots must be suitable for what you’re planning to do. They must be comfortable, high enough to support your ankle, sturdy, not too heavy but with a tough, non-slip sole. They must fit properly, so they don’t rub, otherwise you’ll get blisters.
Your socks are also important: breathable, thermal socks are the best.
As regards the rest of your clothing, the smartest thing is to dress in layers, as the weather can change very quickly in the mountains and there can be significant differences in temperature.
It’s a good idea to start out with long trousers and then swap them for shorts depending on the weather along the way. Similarly, in winter, it’s best to have a base layer of wool or thermal fabric next to your skin, a sweatshirt or a lightweight fleece on top of that and then a waterproof jacket. It’s also important to have a hat with you to protect you from the sun. Hiking poles are recommended.
Never venture out on a hike without your backpack. What you put inside depends on your itinerary and its weight should be balanced.
The essentials include: a thermos or water bottle, some snacks (energy-rich snacks like nuts and sugary drinks) for when you get hungry, a warm waterproof jacket, sunglasses, a complete change of clothes, a topographic map, a smartphone with a GPS app, sunscreen and a basic first aid kit. A headlamp or a torch, a compass, an emergency space blanket and a power bank are also recommended. Depending on the activity you’ve chosen and the time of year, you will also need your equipment.
It’s important to have the right equipment for the activity you’ve chosen and the time of year.
For example, when tackling a via ferrata, you must always wear a harness, helmet, gloves, an approved via ferrata lanyard, a rope and carabiner should you need to stop and rest (third point).
