Equipment for a day trip
You don’t need much for a walk around the block. Hiking all day requires a little more preparation, such as thinking about your equipment. What is indispensable for long walks and what else is useful to take with you?
1. Shoes
A day of walking is best in normal, comfortable shoes. If you walk more often or for long distances, then walking shoes are a better option. Good shoes support your feet and reduce the risk of blisters and injuries. There are all kinds, intended for different types of terrain. This is how you choose the right walking shoes.
2. Socks
Special hiking socks may seem unnecessary. Still, they are definitely worth the investment. Hiking socks usually have no seams. Often a pair does not consist of two exactly the same socks, but of a left and right variant, so that they fit better to the shape of your foot.
Such socks are made of different materials and they all have their advantages and disadvantages. Wool absorbs a lot of moisture, but can cause eczema. Cotton does not irritate, but loses its shape faster. Synthetic fiber socks dry quickly and repel water. In addition, thick and thin socks are available.
Which sock you choose depends on your personal preference and which shoes you walk on. Your socks should match your shoes and vice versa. So put on your hiking socks when you’re looking for new shoes and try hiking socks in your hiking boots.
3. Breathable Clothing
Which clothing is most suitable, of course, depends on the season. Keep a close eye on the weather forecast. In general, a comfortable outfit made of light, breathable fabric is recommended. This way you stay warm, but you also lose your perspiration.
Preferably wear several thin layers. That insulates better than one thick sweater. And you can take off another layer if it’s warmer than you expected or put on your cardigan again if you’re sitting still on the road. To be on the safe side, always bring a foldable raincoat or poncho. Weather forecasts are not always accurate and once you get wet, you get cold quickly.
4. First aid kit
Carrying a complete first aid kit with you is a bit impractical and exaggerated for a day of hiking in the Netherlands. A few first aids may come in handy. For example, tick tweezers, (blister) plasters, disinfectant, sports tape, an insect repellent product and painkillers. Lightweight first aid kits are available at outdoor stores. Don’t forget your sunscreen either.
5. Provisions
Walking makes you hungry and thirsty. On some routes you will not come across any restaurants or shops all day. Or the cafe you’ve been looking forward to for miles turns out to be closed on Sundays. You can prevent dehydration and a lack of energy by bringing your own provisions.
Water is the most important. In a day you can easily drink one and a half liters, in warm weather a lot more. A study among runners of the Nijmegen Four Days Marches showed that it is impossible to give general advice about the amount of fluid you should take. One has two liters enough, the other has to drink ten liters to maintain his fluid balance. If you weigh yourself before and after a walk, you’ll know if you’ve had enough to drink. Are you a kilogram lighter? Then you have drunk 1 liter too little.
Walking takes energy. So start with a good breakfast. In addition to a packed lunch, also put some snacks in your backpack, so that you can eat something regularly. Fruit, a muesli bar, pieces of cucumber, some nuts or dried fruit, for example.
6. Backpack
You have the least trouble with your luggage if you carry it on your back. Look for a backpack that is comfortable and adjustable. If you like to carry around a lot or if you quickly have shoulder problems, a backpack with a hip belt is fine. Then you carry some of the weight on your hips instead of just on the shoulders.
Also useful
You will not easily get lost in the Netherlands. Many paths are clearly marked and you are back in the ‘civilized’ world in no time. Nevertheless, it is useful to have a route description, topographical map or walking booklet with you, especially if you want to follow a certain route. And possibly a GPS receiver or compass.
What else can you think about? Binoculars, camera, your phone, some change, an extra pair of socks if you suffer from sweaty feet, lip balm, thermos with tea, spare laces, pen and paper, small insulating mat to sit on. Test beforehand whether your backpack is still light enough.
Sources):
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- ANWB