Trekking

Trekking is a form of long-distance walking, usually on footpaths and/or mountainous terrain. From the United States, the term ‘backpacking’ has also come over. It basically means the same thing. These long-distance walks last at least two days and are also called trekking. A characteristic of trekking is that you are usually a bit further away from civilisation. This means you can unwind mentally, but it also means you have to carry a lot of gear. Think tent and sleeping gear, but also cooking equipment and food.

Of course, many variations in the types of treks are possible with major implications for what kind of equipment you need to carry. For example, on a (well-prepared) hut trek or a pilgrimage, you often don't need to bring a tent. Also, on some treks you will regularly pass a village with shops, so you don't need to carry food for the whole trek all the time.

The basics: a pair of shoes, a backpack and enough clothes

Whatever your trip exactly looks like, you will always need some gear. These basics consist of a pair of good hiking boots, a roomy backpack and sufficient clothing. Comfortable hiking boots are essential for an enjoyable trekking experience. As you will often carry quite a lot of luggage, we always recommend shoes that provide ankle support. Will your trek also cross glaciers? Then also make sure your shoes are crampon-friendly.

When picking a suitable backpack, we recommend paying close attention to a number of things. First of all, it is important that the backpack has sufficient space (at least a volume of 30 litres). In addition, high comfort and therefore a good carrying system is very important. Some protection from precipitation - depending on your destination - is also important. And all this with the lowest possible weight.

It is obviously important that you have enough clothing with you. Preferably, you want to be prepared for as many weather conditions as possible with as few clothes as possible. How do you do that? We explain in our blog on the 3-layer system.

When it comes to clothes, don't forget the details. Hiking socks, a cap, a neck warmer and/or sunglasses can greatly enhance the comfort of your trek - depending on the destination.

We also count trekking poles among the basic arsenal for a long-distance hike. The combination of ample luggage and often uneven, hilly terrain means you can use all the extra support you can get. Trekking poles provide this and also allow you to use upper body strength and reduce the strain on your knees.

Spending the night: in a cabin or your own tent?

Your trek will largely determine what you need. Are you going to do a hut tour? Then you probably won't need a tent. In some huts there are blankets as well as a mattress, and a sleeping liners (often obligatory) will suffice. Do check before you leave what the situation is with the huts you will be visiting on your trek.

Don't spend the night in a hut or similar at all? Then you will need a good trekking tent, a sleeping mat, a sleeping bag and possibly a head pillows. A headlamp is then also part of your desired equipment.

Food & beverages

Do you eat in a cabin every morning, afternoon and evening? Then as far as food is concerned, you don't need to take very much with you except for some snacks or an emergency pack. However, chances are that you will have to rely on yourself several times during the trip. In that case, you will soon need to look at everything that goes with making your own food. A burner, pans, crockery, fuel and, of course, the food itself. Your options here are endless. From a burner weighing less than 100 grams, a 100-gram gas can, a small pan, a spoon and freeze-dried food to a culinary slightly higher-end setting that does immediately weigh more and take up more space in your bag. The choice is vast and very much depends on your own preferences.

When it comes to your water supply, it is very important where your trek takes place. Do you have constant access to clean drinking water during your trek. Then one or two drinking bottles or a hydration system will suffice. Do you not have this access? Then you need to look at other solutions. A water filter could be a good solution for you.

Navigation and safety

Before you hit the road, it is also good to think about your safety. A first aid kit is therefore an absolute must. Depending on your trek, it might also be a good idea to bring a compass or a watch with a navigation function.