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If you're keen to go hiking, pack your rucksack with...

26.8.2017

Translation: machine translated

Even for a day's hike, there's a checklist we strongly recommend you follow to ensure there are no nasty surprises. With one or two essential partners, you'll be equipped for every eventuality and will be able to make the most of your voyage of discovery on foot.

Your rucksack

For a one-day outing, a rucksack with a capacity of 20 litres is more than enough. For trips lasting two or more days, you'll definitely need more space. The rucksack should have adjustable shoulder straps and waist belt, and be as light as possible. For women, we recommend models adapted to their anatomy, such as Vaude's W Prokyon backpack.

Backpacks

Mammut Lithia Speed

20 l

Backpacks

Vaude W Prokyon

28 l

Backpacks

Deuter ACT Trail 30

30 l

Backpacks

Mammut Lithia Speed

Backpacks

Vaude W Prokyon

Backpacks

Deuter ACT Trail 30

Eating and drinking

Eating a little something before arriving at the next refuge never hurt anyone. That's why you can take Sigg's super-light lunchbox with you, filled with little things to nibble on, like cereal bars or apple wedges. If you're thirsty, it's best to drink only water. The sturdy "Lifestraw" bottle - which filters the water and can be clipped to the rucksack with a carabiner - is perfectly suited.

Clothing

With the glaring sun and insects flying in every direction, there's nothing like a cap and sunglasses. Versatile, space-saving jackets are a welcome addition in the event of a sudden change in the weather. Like sports T-shirts, they give you plenty of air to breathe. If you want to take a quick dip in the water to cool off, opt for a microfibre towel, like this one from Sea To Summit.

Caps

Quiksilver Decades Plus

One size

Sports shirts

ASICS Performance fuzeX

Jackets

Vaude Escape Light

Caps

Quiksilver Decades Plus

Sports shirts

ASICS Performance fuzeX

Jackets

Vaude Escape Light

Orientation

Although all roads lead to Rome, it's nice and time-saving to know exactly where you are - especially if it's a day hike. With a universal compass and a map, you'll reach your goal the old-fashioned way. However, you can also take one of the Garmin navigation devices with you, which have excellent satellite reception and useful extra functions such as weather display and altimeter. If you're visiting a city, don't forget to consult a tourist guide to discover all its charms on foot. If you don't plan to return until after dark, a torch or headlamp could come in handy.

For all cases

Nothing but a clear conscience, it's good to know you're well equipped for any situation. If someone were to suffer a minor injury while hiking, you have everything you need to treat them in the first aid kit. Even if you walk most of the time in the shade in the forest, spread out over the day, the sun can still be dangerous. We recommend that you reapply sun cream every three hours or so, especially if you take a short break to swim in a lake. That way, instead of sunburn, you'll have fond memories of the hike. [[image:8323710]] [[product:2351348,216211,6335655]]