The good thing about hiking is that you don’t have to take lessons to learn it. And you don’t need any special sports equipment to start doing it. Still, there are a few things you should keep in mind so that nothing spoils the joy of hiking. A good preparation is part of the hiking tour. After the route is set, you should also adapt your clothing to the weather prognosis. However, especially in the mountains, it is best to be prepared for any weather, as changes can occur quite abruptly.
Eminently important is that you take care of your feet properly – after all, they should carry you safely over hill and dale.
What you should pay attention to
- Get all the info about the route – especially consider the difficulty levels, whether you are traveling with children, need a head for heights or surefootedness
- For multi-day tours, clarify in advance whether overnight accommodation is available in the huts / accommodations and whether you need to bring something (for example, hut sleeping bag)
- Note the weather prognosis
- Well-fitting backpack, the size of which is adapted to the length of the tour (seek advice in specialized stores).
- Compile provisions (for example, dried fruit, granola bars, water, etc.)
- Foot protection cream with zinc oxide and deer tallow pack.
- Anti-mosquito lotion, sunscreen
- Clothing – appropriate to the weather (and the length of the trip, if necessary):
- Rain cape, headgear
- Short or long pants
- Solid hiking boots
- Moisture absorbing socks
- Dry clothes to change
Important: If you are planning more demanding hikes in warmer climates or in the mountains, you should have a medical check-up beforehand. Do not overestimate your fitness – rather start with shorter, not too demanding tours.
Keep an eye on your feet
- Footwear: get advice in advance about the right shoes in department stores or sports stores – good hiking shoes are firm on the outside and soft on the inside. However, the required properties also depend on where and how often your shoes should accompany you. Run the shoes in the best before – wear them again and again even on short walks or in the apartment.
- Socks: stockings made of fibers that absorb moisture are mandatory – special socks are offered in stores, some of which are even shaped differently for right and left foot. If you sweat heavily on the feet, you should take a second pair of socks – with wet feet softens the horn layer and blisters threaten. Additional hardening of the feet by walking barefoot thickens the horny layer and reduces susceptibility to blisters.
- Before the tour, you can apply an intensive protective cream – this will protect the skin of the feet from becoming sore, blistered, torn and irritated. Recommended ointments have a high proportion of zinc oxide, which keeps the feet dry, and greasing substances such as deer tallow, so that the skin remains supple.
- Antiperspirant foot creams or foot baths prevent; also regularly drinking sage tea helps to keep sweating in check.
- Franzbranntwein gel helps against burning or aching feet.
- Pressure sore and blister plasters cushion sensitive areas.
- Give your feet at home the well-deserved break!
- Enjoy a foot bath to relax the muscles of the feet. Store your legs high and walk barefoot through the apartment. Then your feet are quickly fit again for the next hike.
