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There’s no better feeling than jetting off on an adventure holiday, but sometimes it can be hard to know what to bring. Well, not anymore! We’ve put together a list of the best hiking kit that you could need for your next holiday.
Whether you’re taking on the Camino or heading on a high-altitude hut-to-hut hike through the Alps, we’ve got you covered. We’ve teamed up with the gear gurus at Great Outdoors to bring you this in-depth list of essential hiking gear for your next holiday.
Located on George’s Street in Dublin city centre, Great Outdoors’ staff are experts when it comes to all things adventure and they can be an invaluable resource when it comes to selecting your kit for your next challenge or hiking holiday. They will guide you through the various options ensuring you have exactly the right kit to suit your needs. If you aren’t in the area, don’t fret as all of their kit is available to buy online!
1. Expertly Fitted Footwear
Whether you are in the market for a pair of hiking boots or a lighter trail shoe a bespoke footwear fitting will ensure you invest in the right shoes to suit your needs and more importantly, your foot! Your trip can quickly go from the holiday of a lifetime to the holiday from hell if you develop foot pain or a bad blister on the first day. Great Outdoors offers a bespoke footwear fitting service that is well worth doing. The service is tailor-made to each individual that comes through their door and they leave no boot unturned when trying to find the pair that fits you perfectly. The service is also totally free of charge!
More info on why you should get your footwear fitted: Great Outdoors
2. Hiking Socks
Hiking socks are often overlooked, but any experienced hiker will tell you the difference that they make to your feet when you’re out on a long or multi-day hike. A good pair of socks will assist with temperature regulation and can be a massive help when it comes to avoiding blisters. Coupled with the right pair of boots or shoes they will ensure your feet remain intact for the duration of your hiking holiday or challenge.
Buy Now: Great Outdoors
3. Waterproof Jacket
You never know when the weather might change in the mountains so you need to be prepared for every eventuality. A good waterproof jacket will be the difference between you staying dry and happy or wet and miserable for the rest of the day. Waterproof jackets can vary in price hugely, but we think it’s an item that is well worth the investment. A really good shell will protect you from the elements, be lightweight so can be stashed in your pack easily and will also be highly breathable ensuring that you stay comfortable no matter what the weather throws at you.
Buy Now: Great Outdoors
4. Backpack
It’s so important to be prepared when heading out in the hills, especially on a holiday. You’ll need to bring extra layers for the varying conditions, food, water, and basic first aid. A good pack will fit seamlessly to your back offering complete comfort and breathability. Multi-day hikers will need a slightly bigger bag that is lightweight yet durable and easy to pack and unpack. Great Outdoors has a wide range of packs with something guaranteed to meet all types of hiker and adventurer.
Buy Now: Great Outdoors
5. Baselayers
A baselayer is a great addition to your hiking kit when heading on a holiday. The purpose of the baselayer is to trap an insulating layer of warm air between the skin and the material to keep you warm. They also work to move sweat away from the body in a process called ‘wicking’. Though they do not prevent sweating, baselayers are often treated in a way to prevent odours from sweat. A baselayer is preferable to a simple cotton t-shirt as the latter holds onto moisture, preventing the quick evaporation that keeps you cool and comfortable.
Buy Now: Great Outdoors
6. Sweat-Resistant Sun Cream
Price: €11.99
Now, this really is a game changer. You’d be surprised how easily suncream gets washed away when you sweat. Before you head off, you need to ensure that you have sweat-resistant suncream to keep you protected while you take on every type of trail.
Buy Now: Great Outdoors
7. Rain Pants
The need for waterproof trousers will depend on your destination. You probably won’t need them on a hiking trip around Mallorca but in the Alps (where you can experience everything from a heatwave to a snow storm in mid-summer) they are an essential piece of kit.
Buy Now: Great Outdoors
8. Insect Repellent
Price: €9.99
This is another easily forgotten hiking essential. One of the worst feelings on holidays is getting eaten alive by bugs so this spray will prevent you from being bitten.
Buy Now: Great Outdoors
If you are struggling to figure out exactly what you need for your next trip abroad then either take a trip to Great Outdoors or head on over to their blog where they have a host of helpful information and kit lists.
