Base kit for any outing
- Proper backpack (20–35 L) with rain cover
- Layers: base, insulation and waterproof shell
- Water (1.5–2 L) and energy food
- First aid kit and emergency blanket
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Charged phone, power bank and offline map
- Sun protection: hat, glasses and sunscreen
Activity specific
- Trekking boots with good grip
- Trekking poles
- Spare technical socks
- Rain shell and gaiters for mud and snow
- Whistle and multi-tool knife
Gear articles
Trail shoes or hiking boots: which to pick?It comes down to ankle support, sole stiffness and the terrain you'll walk.
Trail shoes are light, flexible and breathable. They shine on marked, dry trails with moderate elevation and on half-day outings with a light pack (up to ~6 kg). Less weight on your feet means less fatigue after hours.
Hiking boots offer a higher cuff, stiffer sole and more protection. They make sense on uneven ground, loose rock, mud, snow or with a heavy pack — the cuff stabilises the ankle and the stiff sole protects against sharp rock.
Rule of thumb: the heavier the pack and rougher the terrain, the stiffer the footwear. Long rocky routes and multi-day traverses call for boots; rolling trails call for shoes.
Waterproof membranes keep feet dry in rain and mud but breathe less in heat. In dry summers a ventilated, fast-drying model is often better.
Sizing: try them on at the end of the day with your hiking socks and leave about a thumb's width in front for descents. Never break in new footwear on a long outing.
Socks and blister preventionThe right sock prevents more problems than any plaster.
Avoid cotton: it holds moisture and softens the skin. Choose merino wool or technical synthetics that wick and dry fast.
Match thickness to your footwear: thick socks in tight boots create pressure points; thin socks in loose boots create friction.
Carry a spare pair and swap mid-day on long outings. At the first hot spot, stop and tape it — don't wait for the blister.
Layering: how to dress in the mountainsThree combinable layers beat one very warm jacket.
Base layer: next to skin, moves sweat away. Merino or synthetic, never cotton.
Mid layer: traps warmth. Fleece for constant activity; down or synthetic for stops and dry cold.
Shell: blocks wind and rain. Waterproof breathable membrane with taped seams and an adjustable hood.
The key is management: shed layers before you sweat on the climb and put them back on as soon as you stop.
Backpack: volume, fit and packingComfort comes from hip fit, not from price.
Volume: 20–30 L for day hikes; 35–45 L for long or winter days; 50 L+ for multi-day.
Weight should sit on the hips: tighten the hipbelt over the hip bone first, then shoulder straps, then load lifters.
Pack the heaviest items close to your back at shoulder-blade height; light items low, quick-access items (water, shell, snacks) in the pockets.
As a guide, keep total load under 20% of your body weight.
Are trekking poles worth it?They save your knees on descents and add stability on loose ground.
On descents they clearly reduce load on knees and ankles; on climbs they share effort with the arms.
Height: elbow at 90° on the flat; shorten going up, lengthen going down.
Folding poles pack smaller; telescopic ones are sturdier. Fit wide baskets for snow and mud.
Activity