For those who truly want to get back to real life, there's (almost) nothing better than enjoying nature in peace on a hiking holiday. We've put together a to-do list and various packing lists for your next hiking holiday to ensure hiking remains enjoyable and you don't suddenly find yourself in a horror-movie-like scenario in the middle of nowhere. So: Let's go! As we hikers say.
The checklist before departure
A hiking holiday is much more than just "just getting started." To fully enjoy the trail, there are a few things you should check off before setting off. We've summarized them for you here:
- Choose the right route: Hiking shouldn't bore you or leave you completely exhausted. Therefore, it's important to choose the perfect route for your fitness level and find the ideal difficulty level.
- Buy the right equipment: Comfortable hiking shoes, breathable clothing, a practical (and stylish) hiking backpack - the equipment should be complete.
- Training: Keyword fitness! If you still have room for improvement, you can go for regular walks or jogs or do special exercises for your leg and core muscles 6 to 8 weeks before your hiking holiday.
- Pack wisely : Pack only the essentials for your hiking holiday and don't let your luggage get you down.
- Take it easy : Remember this is a walking holiday, not a marathon. Start slowly, gradually increase your pace as you feel comfortable, and don't forget to take breaks (for drinks).
I pack my backpack
"I'm packing my backpack and taking with me..." Everything you need, of course, but please don't pack more than absolutely necessary, as you'll be carrying your gear on your back the whole time.
Money and documents
Fortunately, these things are not particularly important, but the following things are still of enormous importance:
- Cash (foreign currency)
- EC or credit card
- identity card
- Driver's license
- health insurance card
- passport
- travel diary
- Tickets (train, rail, plane)
- Vignettes/toll cards
- Map
Care products and hygiene items
During your daily exercise, you can't do without a refreshing boost. Therefore, the following care and hygiene products should be in your toiletry bag:
- After-sun lotion
- deodorant
- Shower gel
- Hairbrush/comb
- hairband
- Hand cream
- Contact lenses and accessories
- lip balm
- Shampoo
- Flushing
- Sunscreen
- handkerchiefs
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
The clothing
When hiking, your clothing must, above all, provide protection from sun and rain, heat and cold, wind and weather. Breathable clothing is particularly suitable because it wicks moisture away from the skin. You'll score even more points if your hiking clothing also protects you from mosquitoes.
- functional scarf
- Sweatshirt or teddy fleece jacket
- functional underwear
- Belt
- Cap/Hat
- Outdoor shirt / T-shirts
- rain pants
- rain jacket
- pajamas
- Softshell jacket
- sunglasses
- Trekking pants
- Hiking/functional socks
equipment
Don't worry—you don't need to invest in a super-expensive complete set of gear from a specialist retailer for your first hiking holiday. However, the following basics should definitely be part of your gear, and your backpack and hiking boots, in particular, should be of high quality.
- Dry bag / waterproof pack sack
- Backpack protective cover
- hiking backpack
- shoulder bag
- flip-flops
- Trekking sandals
- hiking boots
- drinking bottle
- compass
Technical equipment
No vacation in 2023 is complete without a smartphone. The following tools can make your hiking vacation even more enjoyable and support you on your route:
- smartphone
- e-book reader
- Power bank
- Charging cable
- Headlamp
- GPS device
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The packing list for your bike tour with the Kane bike bag
AHI - Our new backpack