Hiking—the new sport you have taken up since you arrived at The Wine & Country Club—requires adequate equipment and quality gear that provides maximum comfort. You are also well aware of the fact that certain winding woodland trails call for clothes and accessories that adapt to the level of difficulty and type of stretch you find yourself at.
This is the reason why you were determined to equip yourself with the most appropriate gear. These boots are made for walking… and they conform to the following characteristics: comfort, ventilation, thermal insulation, grip and cushioning. You know that having the right pair of shoes allows you to lift your head up and enjoy the surroundings, so you armed yourself with flexible shoes to use on easy trails, which encourage the natural movement of your foot, are comfortable to wear and reduce fatigue. The more technical the terrain, the stiffer the outsole should be to give you more stability, so you also opted for a higher cut shoe that supports your ankles and helps you cope with strain on your legs and ankles—this is also a great choice for colder months, or up in the mountains where the weather can dip year-round.
Moving on to hiking pants… they should be loose and comfortable, especially for hikes of several hours.
Based on this, you prioritised fabrics that are elastic and breathable, whilst also sturdy and light and slightly padded in critical areas.
The final touch: zip pockets.
Dependent on the weather, particularly if it is likely to turn, it can be useful to have a few layers. This allows more readily adjustment of your temperature, so the more you have at the ready, the more you can adjust throughout your trip.
Even in cold temperatures, it is always good to have something light and breathable on your bottom layer to avoid overheating or getting too sweaty.
Your layers of choice were: a t-shirt, a light and warm fleece, and a waterproof jacket (a windbreaker jacket is also a suitable choice) in case rain is forecast—despite Malaga not being an area known to get heavy rains, better be safe than sorry!
Other Hiking Essentials
Clothing aside, accessories are equally or even more important. We are talking backpacks. Try to make yourbackpack as light as possible—just take the essentials. A light backpack is less tiring to carry, there is less chance that you will injure yourself and it is easier to carry for long periods of time.
The backpack you always take on your hillwalking adventures has a volume of 22-30 litres, which is enough for hikes of several hours. Remember to pack your essentials in a way that they are well distributed for greater comfort.
And by essentials we mean a navigation tool; a hiking GPS is a must considering that mobile phones tend to lose reception and leave you feeling frustrated and “lost”. It would also be wise to pack an extra portable battery.
Mountains are unpredictable places where mishaps—falls, scrapes, scratches and blistering—can easily occur; hence, a small first aid kit will come in handy on more than one occasion. Make sure it is waterproof, compact and light.
Also, to ensure that you are well protected from the sun, remember to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cap or a hat. Food is also very important—light snacks such as fruit and/or energy bars, will do the trick—and so is water (energy drinks are optional).
Even if you think you will only be out in the daytime, you will do well to pack a torch and/or a headlamp—which is designed with outdoorsy pursuits in mind—as an essential safety precaution, in case you get stuck.
Walking poles are helpful on steep terrain, if you are accustomed to them. They will help you to distribute a significant part of the strain and weight to the upper body. And last but not least, always remember to pack a small multipurpose knife—you will need it more than you know!