April 23, 2024, edited by Cecilia Mariani
It is officially spring, even though, as I write this article, it is still snowing at higher altitudes. But the warmth of the sun and the first flowers on the trees are an irresistible call: it is time for hikes, it is time to pack the backpack. What may seem like a simple task at first glance should not be underestimated, because the success (or lack thereof) of our hike will depend on what we put in our backpack. Preparing the perfect backpack requires practice and experience, and the advice of those who do it for a living. If you want to know the tricks of the trade, read on.
1. The backpack and shoes
But let's take a step back and start with the basics, namely the things that do not go in the backpack, such as the backpack itself. For a day hike, we will usually carry a backpack between 20 and 30 liters, large enough to carry everything we need. And this may vary depending on the hike, its length, the weather, the type of lunch we have planned (mountain hut or packed lunch), etc. The important thing is that everything fits inside, without things hanging on the outside, the nightmare of every guide.
Let's move on to shoes, perhaps the most important thing for the success of a hike. But how do you choose them? There are a thousand types: high, low, mid, running, stiff, good and bad. Basically, my advice is to choose a pair of shoes with a minimum of ankle support if you are a beginner and are not particularly used to walking on uneven terrain. Otherwise, for those who prefer them, low shoes are perfectly fine. The model chosen depends a lot on personal preferences and what we are used to. My advice is always to visit a specialized store and have a chat with the staff, so you can clear up any doubts. Oh, and you must not forget socks, those made especially for trekking.
2. Clothing
The watchword: dress in layers. The famous onion that our parents always alluded to when they took us skiing as children. Well, yes, the same rule applies in summer. Let me summarize: the different layers work together to move the sweat produced during the hike to the outside, thus keeping us dry and warm at the same time. The first layer is essential, it is the one in contact with the skin and therefore the first one responsible for this job of wicking away moisture, and it is important that it is made of a quick-drying material. The second layer can be a classic fleece, or a light down jacket (or a synthetic down jacket), and its role will be to retain the heat generated by our body. The third layer will instead be the one that protects us from the elements, namely rain and wind, and will therefore be waterproof and windproof. The same rule applies to pants. It is also advisable to carry a few extra layers as a backup, you never know.
3. First aid
Safety first. The first aid kit is that thing that stays at the bottom of the backpack and is never used. You might think it is useless, but it is not at all, because that time when you really need it, it can save your life. From blisters to more serious wounds, up to fractures, it is important to carry with you what is necessary to manage the most common injuries in the mountains. Not all injuries, in fact, necessarily result in an evacuation by mountain rescue, whether on foot or by helicopter. Sometimes, if you have the right equipment with you, you can manage even on your own. And when it is necessary to call for help, you can manage the situation while waiting.
You don't need much. Band-Aids and tape of various types for blisters, some bandages for fractures, gauze and Steri-Strips for deeper cuts. These are the things I use most often, especially with clients. Then there should never be a thermal blanket and maybe some hand warmers, as well as a painkiller and some common medicine. Finally, latex gloves, scissors, and anything else for self-medication, if we know we need it.
4. Orientation "But there are signs".
It is true, there are signs and CAI markings in the Alps, but for me it is unthinkable to go into the mountains without having a minimum knowledge of the environment we will be crossing and the route we will follow. The map is useful both for planning and during the hike itself, and knowing how to read it even "superficially" is useful for various reasons. It gives us information about the trails, the terrain, the waterways, and the mountain huts, and helps us have a broader picture of the area we will be exploring. It helps us understand where we are, in short.
Fundamental for orientation and within everyone's reach are the mapping and GPS apps available for any smartphone. Outdooractive, Komoot, Alltrails, Fatmap, Swissmaps are just some of the available apps. There are really many of them and they all have similar functions: maps that can be downloaded and used offline, geolocation to know the exact point where you are, and the possibility of planning and following an itinerary.
Another innovative and, in my opinion, essential gadget is the Garmin InReach, a GPS device with the possibility of satellite communication via messages and SOS. The device itself is not too expensive, but a monthly subscription is required to use the services. In addition to having all the features of a GPS device, it offers the possibility of sending an SOS in case of emergency, capable of alerting rescue services and providing them with your exact location. Furthermore, it is possible to communicate via SMS with anyone at any time, directly from the device or via the Garmin app.
5. The headlamp
Along with the first aid kit, the compass, and the InReach, the headlamp is another of those things I never take out of my backpack. Most of the time I don't use it, but if, for any reason, I were to run late and return in the dark, the headlamp would be indispensable. It is much better than using the phone flashlight not only because it leaves your hands free, but also because it allows you to save the very important phone battery, which we might need to call rescue services or help us with orientation.
6. Gloves, hat, buff
Gloves, wool hat, and buff always, even in summer. Did you know that in weather conditions considered "standard", the temperature drops by 6.5°C for every 1000 meters of elevation gain? It is called the vertical temperature gradient. Basically, going up in altitude is like traveling north, the temperature drops, and even a very hot day in the valley can be cool at higher altitudes. Better to be prepared.
7. Sun protection
On the contrary, while altitude lowers the temperature, ultraviolet radiation increases, and it is therefore very important to protect yourself from the sun. Sunscreen is mandatory, as is a hat to protect your head and sunglasses. More and more often, people prefer to cover up directly with long-sleeved shirts, so-called sun-shirts, and thus avoid sunscreen. Both methods are valid, the choice is yours.
8. Water and food
Finally, drinking and eating. Never, ever leave without water or food, even if the hike is short, even if there is a mountain hut. The rule in the mountains is that "you never know", and a liter of water and a few snacks don't weigh that much after all. Obviously, always bring all waste back down to the valley, including organic waste.
There you go, with these small tips you will be perfectly ready for the first hike of the season. It is up to each person to decide exactly what to bring and how to organize, but experience helps with this. Below you will find a list of essential things, including a few things I did not mention in my article. It can be modified according to your needs and used to pack the backpack. Without a list, I would forget half of the things. Voilà.
WHAT DO I PUT IN MY BACKPACK?
- Backpack
- Hiking boots or shoes
- Trekking socks
- Trekking poles
- First layer (short-sleeved or long-sleeved shirt)
- Second layer (fleece or light down jacket)
- Trekking pants or shorts
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Extra clothes
- Wool hat
- Gloves
- Buff
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- First aid kit (blister bandages, gauze and bandages, dressings, thermal blanket) - Headlamp
- Map
- Compass
- GPS
- InReach
- Water and food