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How do I… pack for a hiking holiday?

hiking-packing-list

Getting back to nature on your travels is such a rewarding experience, but let’s be honest, it can be a lot harder packing for a hiking holiday than a week in Greece! You don’t want to overpack because you’ll have to carry it. You also need to bring all the essentials as you can’t just duck down to the shops to pick something up. Don’t worry, we’ve got you – here’s our ultimate guide to packing for a hiking trip.

Comfortable shoes are so important

This is an absolute must for a holiday involving treks. Keep in mind that comfortable walking shoes means something different to everyone. Seasoned hikers may prefer hiking boots, but for newbies remember that hiking boots are heavy and need to be worn in. If you’re hiking on icy or loose surfaces though (say in Patagonia or Alaska) they’re highly recommended.

You can also get lighter trail shoes which are great for long hikes, or just wear well supported trainers/running shoes. The key point here is that they should be comfortable. You’ll be spending some serious miles in them after all.

Be smart with layered clothing

You’ll probably experience a range of temperatures while you’re hiking. Whether you’re walking in the warm rainforests in Colombia or spending the night on the Inca Trail with it’s cooler climes and high altitudes, you’ll need to pack for both sweating up a hill and relaxing once the sun’s gone down.

Try hiking pants that zip into shorts, or bring tights and a pair of shorts to layer. On the top half, it’s a good idea to have a singlet and a thin, long-sleeved layer plus a jacket if need be. It’s just about making smart choices that always allow you to be a comfy temperature. Be sure to bring a non-hiking outfit to wear in town or at night so you don’t have to literally live in your walking clothes.

You can also stay warm by packing small items like a beanie and hat, or gloves. 

hiking-packing-list

Image source:Contiki

How do I… pack for a hiking holiday?

How do I… pack for a hiking holiday?

by Danielle Kirk Oct 22, 2019

Don’t forget a powerbank for charging

Most of us use our phones to take pictures these days, so even though you won’t be spending your time on wi-fi while hiking, you may still go through your battery and have nowhere to charge it. That’s why we recommend packing a powerbank. You can buy some great, slim ones that do a few charges and should last a 3-4 day trek.

You’ll definitely need something waterproof

It may rain or be damp out there in the wilderness and hiking with a soggy pack, dripping clothes and wet gear just plain sucks. Think about the key waterproof items you’ll need for your destination – whether it’s snap lock bags for your phone and electronics, a bag cover for your pack or a rainproof jacket.

hiking-packing-list

Image source:Contiki

Pack enough socks and underwear

You may not be showering, so feeling clean might be a simple swap of your socks and underwear, so bring enough. It’s especially important to change your socks as the sweat and dirt build up may lead to blisters. The cleaner and dryer your feet are, the better shape they’ll be in at the end.

Pro tip: get the socks with toes in them, this will stop your toes rubbing together and causing blisters.

Think about snacks

You might get extra hungry when you’re using all that energy. Don’t let it turn to ‘hanger’ – pack some nuts, dried fruit, chocolate bars, pretzels to keep you fuelled all the way.

hiking-packing-list

Image source:Contiki

The essentials…

There’s always a list of things you simply must bring while travelling, here are the non-negotiables:

Pro tip: This probably goes without saying, but don’t bring a suitcase on an active trip! Bring a backpack as your luggage.

Want to hike right now? Here are all the Contiki hiking trips you can try…

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