Useful tips to answer to the question “How should I pack my rucksack correctly”. How a well-packed rucksack can make a hike more fun. Find out more here!
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FranzGERDL
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Hiking – anyone who has ever enjoyed hiking cannot imagine giving it up. In the beautiful countryside there is always something new to discover, you can free your mind and recharge your batteries for your daily life. For this to happen, a tour needs to be well-planned. And this begins with a well-packed rucksack. If you realise you have forgotten something essential whilst already hiking, it is not just unpleasant, it might also be dangerous.
So that there are no nasty surprises, we have put together a checklist for you, and also explain why a good choice of trekking rucksack is important– so that nothing stands in the way of an unforgettable hiking day or holiday.
How do I find the right hiking rucksack?
FranzGERDL
Gerlitzen Alpe
Before you start thinking about what goes into the trekking rucksack, you should decide which model is best for you. Pay attention to the following: Do not choose the cheapest, random model from a discount store, but rather choose good quality.
In many outdoor shops you can get professional advice – for example, to take care that the rucksack really sits on your back well and fits your anatomy. Speaking of anatomy: there are now more models made especially for women on the market, these are particularly well suited to narrower shoulders. Every rucksack should also have rain protection so that food, clothes & co. don’t get wet.
A well-packed rucksack can make your trip a lot easier and more enjoyable – it would be a real shame if you can’t really enjoy your trip because of an inadequate rucksack!
Have you found the right hiking rucksack? Then you are one giant step closer to your adventure! Now you can finally think about what to put in it. So that you don’t forget anything, we will help you with a game of “I’m packing my bag …”. Off we go!
Packing list for a hike
FranzGERDL
Nockberge
Even if you only want to go for a day or a weekend hike, don’t underestimate what you will need to be prepared for any situation. Here a list of must-packs:
1. Wind/rain jacket and rain trousers – it is imperative to take weatherproof clothing with you, and do not underestimate high altitudes which might mean differences in temperature on your route. It’s better to be too warm and you can take something off than taking home pneumonia as a souvenir.
2. Pocket knife – for cutting food or minor manual procedures.
3. Tissues – be it for a runny nose, dirty hands or as a serviette. Tissues are a definite must!
4. Provisions – these should be nutritious, but not too heavy. For drinks, you should pack at least one litre of water per person and supplement this with diluted fruit juices or slightly sweetened tea. Food should be mostly carbohydrates, as they provide quick energy. Perfect snacks are bananas, muesli bars, wholegrain products, and nuts. A main meal should be something like pasta or potato salad. It is better to forget chocolate biscuits, bacon sandwiches etc., as these require too much energy to be digested.
5. Hiking boots that go over the ankle – so that you have good support and don’t twist your ankle.
6. Map – because we have smartphones we tend to leave maps at home. But what if you don’t have any reception for your phone, or the battery runs out? Play it safe, draw your route on a traditional map and take it with you.
7. Compass – just like with the map, it’s a good idea to have a compass with you for safety’s sake.
8. Mobile phone – charge your phone and, if it is a smartphone, switch it to energy saving/flight mode so that the battery is not wasted. Keep the telephone in your pocket in case of emergency.
9. Powerbank for mobile phone, in case the battery runs out.
10. String & Duct Tape (to repair things that break)
11. First-aid kit – injuries can happen faster than you think. Be prepared and you won’t get any nasty surprises.
12. Money/passport – indispensable also when hiking!
13. Lighter – for a cosy camp fire or for the camping stove, you shouldn’t forget a lighter.
14. Insect repellent – to avoid getting annoying insect bites.
15. Torch – so that you can also find the path in the dark.
16. Sleeping bag – choose a warm sleeping bag that is breathable. There are also 2-in-1 models that have a sleeping mat incorporated in the sleeping bag – very practical!
Klaus Dapra; Nationalpark Region Hohe Tauern
Nationalpark Region Hohe Tauern
17. Tent – a tent should be waterproof and not too heavy. Pop-up tents are ideal for short trips, as they are put up in a few seconds and don’t take up too much room.
18. Camping stove – sooner or later you will want something warm to eat. Cook a delicious meal on your compact gas stove whilst enjoying the wonderful views in the countryside.
19. Insect repellent – especially near lakes and forests, nasty insects can quickly turn your hiking trip into a nightmare. Protect yourself against bites and stings with a good insect spray.
20. Rubbish bag – to keep nature tidy.
21. Blister plasters – blisters can appear on your feet quickly. To avoid blisters, you should make sure your hiking shoes are worn in before your trip.
An inside tip of many hikers is to not change your hiking socks every day, but to wear them for 2-3 days. As your feet sweat a lot, new socks will rub at different places on your feet. To avoid this, wear the same socks for longer – and if a blister does appear, don’t forget plasters!
22. Drinking bottle – so that you are always hydrated. Calculate at least 1 litre of water per person, per stage.
23. Sun protection – be it sunglasses, a cap or sunscreen. Especially in summer you need to protect yourself from the heat or else you will soon be exhausted.
24. Gloves & woolly hat – even if it was warm when you set off, in the mountains it can get cold quickly. Take gloves and a hat with you to protect you from unexpected cold and wind.
25. Headlamp – when it gets dark, you will be glad to have a headlamp to show you the way.
© Kärnten Werbung
