Hiking Equipment
Every hike begins with the first step, but before you can even get started, you should make sure you have every important piece of equipment you might need for that hike. You will have twice the fun with the right hiking equipment in tow.
Walking boots
Hiking & hillwalking is not as much fun without robust and comfortable walking boots. High quality shoes for hikers by renowned brands like Lowa, Hanwag or Scarpa will make even the longest tours over difficult terrain a walk in the park. Depending on what you are after, there are hiking boots made of leather, walking shoes made of synthetic leather, waterproof walking shoes with Gore-Tex membrane, comfortable hiking shoes and airy, light hillwalking shoes. Hiking sandals can also be very practical in very warm areas and rubber hiking boots are ideal for wetter hiking areas.
Hiking backpacks
Hikers can use hiking backpacks in various different sizes depending on the length of the hike. Starting with a small daypack with about 25 l volume, to touring backpacks for multi-day hikes, all the way up to the large walking backpacks for longer hikes with plenty of baggage. Popular companies that make hiking backpacks with very good and comfortable carry systems include Vaude, Tatonka, Haglöfs, Bergans and Osprey.
Backpacking sleeping bags
Hikers won't necessarily require a warm sleeping bag for hut touring. A hut sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner or silk sleeping bag are usually more than enough. When you are sleeping outside of the huts in a hiking tent or under a tarp, then you should always have a warming backpacking sleeping bag and practical sleeping mat. Incredibly lightweight and compact sleeping bags by Mountain Equipment, Vaude or The North Face are specially suited for hiking.
Walking poles
Trekking poles or telescopic poles offer security and stability when hiking. Hiking poles by Leki or Black Diamond mostly consist of three segments of carbon or aluminium that can be individually adjusted to the desired length using twist or clip closures. Trekking poles can be compactly transported on your walking backpack and are a big help when ascending or descending during a hill walk.
Hiking Clothing
Walking clothes should be breathable, quick-drying, comfortable and robust. Airy hiking shirts made of functional synthetic fibres are very popular amongst hikers. The same goes for elastic walking trousers and hiking shorts. Base layers made of synthetic fibres or merino wool are also popular amongst hikers to wear under wind and waterproof outdoor jackets. Softshell jackets and hardshell jackets are used as weatherproof hiking jackets. Good walking socks are a must when going on any hill walk. A hiking hat that protects against the sun and any weather is also recommended for hikers. Depending on where the hike is taking place, you could benefit from packing a good pair of sunglasses or gloves. The selection of functional outdoor clothing is very large. It may sometimes be difficult to differentiate between the recommended use for hiking gear, mountaineering equipment and camping gear, but hiking clothing by The North Face, Mammut, Marmot, Bergans or Ortovox will keep you well equipped for every hike.
Hiking accessories
The accessories for hikers are as versatile as the hikers themselves. For some, care products like shoe wax or DWR spray are an absolute must-have and others won't go without their binoculars and hip flask. Slippers for the hut tour, a head torch, a compass and detailed walking maps are also all very helpful to have along with you. Blister plasters, hiking gaiters, GPS device and a first aid set for hikers nicely round off your walking equipment with all the right accessories.
