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TOP 10 ACCESSORIES TO TAKE WITH YOU ON A HIKE OR TREK IN THE MOUNTAINS

Fancy trying your hand at hiking, but don't know where to start to get geared up?
Here are the top 10 accessories to take with you on a hike or trek in the mountains. Enough to start perfectly prepared!


1 - The backpack, the essential hiking accessory

No matter how long your hike, you will need a backpack. To make it perfect for your use, vary the storage volume depending on the equipment you want to bring. For a pleasant carry, choose a light hiking backpack with padding on the straps, on the back and on the belt. The latter must also be adjustable and coupled with a strap at the chest level, to perfectly distribute the weight of your package.

2 - The water bag, the essential

© Photo Gregory

When going for a hike, it is important to bring enough water for your outing. Rather than bulky and impractical bottles, opt for the hydration bag, one of the 10 accessories to take with you on a hike. Depending on the duration of your excursion, you will have the choice between models of different capacities. Easily accessible thanks to its flexible tube, it will allow you to quench your thirst while walking.

3 - The first aid kit, for safety

The slightest injury can ruin a hike, so for successful outings, it is better to be prepared for any eventuality. So always take with you a first aid kit which contains compression bandages and sterile dressings, disinfectant, a tick forceps, small scissors and an emergency blanket. To be completed according to your destination and the advice of a doctor.

4 - The hiking GPS, so as not to lose the North

Some people swear by maps, but GPS is a hiking accessory that you can take with you wherever you go. Simple to use and with a compact design, hiking GPS lets you always have an eye on your map and the coordinates of your location, with unparalleled precision. Only small problem, it has a limited autonomy. So that it accompanies you throughout your hike, make sure that its battery is strong enough.

5 - The mini size toiletry bag

Traveling light doesn't mean sacrificing everything. One of the 10 accessories to take with you on a hike or trek in the mountains is therefore a toilet bag in good standing. To constitute it, you can find miniature containers in which to pour your care. Think smart and bet on 2 in 1 products like shower gel which also shampoo or conditioner. And don't forget to take detergent with you!

6 - A microfiber towel for quick drying

For your toilet or to wipe your forehead in case of intense effort, take a microfiber towel with you. Ultra-absorbent, it also dries very quickly. It is also particularly compact and very light: the perfect accessory to take with you on a hike.

7 - Clothes for all weathers

When going for a hike, it is important not to be too hot or too cold. Since your backpack is not stretchy, you should choose the clothes you will wear. So follow the principle of the 3-layer system to optimize your hiking kit. A first layer made of a material that dries quickly and wicks away perspiration, a warm and breathable middle layer, and finally, an outer layer that will allow you to evacuate the humidity created by your body heat while protecting you from the wind and from the rain.

8 - A lamp so you don't get caught off guard

We always try to finish our daily outing well before sunset, but things don't necessarily go as planned. Walking or camping when visibility is limited is no easy task, so always go hiking with a headlamp that will help you end your day in a secure environment.

9 - Hiking poles, flawless support

© Photo Black Diamond - Alex Fuchs

No matter how hard you are trained to chain uneven on all terrains, additional help is always welcome. This is when the trekking poles come into play. They will give you additional stability and will relieve you in your muscular efforts, this will allow you to face the most complicated passages. You won't always need them, so prefer telescopic or foldable models to facilitate storage in your hiking backpack.

10 - Complete sun protection

Walking when the sun is shining is great, but it can also be dangerous. To fully protect yourself from UV rays, you need complete sun protection. A cream with a high SPF index, suitable sunglasses and, if you hike in the summer, a head covering (hat or headband), are accessories to take with you when hiking, wherever you go.

GOOD TO KNOW: ADAPT YOUR HIKING ESSENTIALS TO YOUR OUTING

Whether you're going for a day or more, our top 10 essentials to take with you on hikes gives you a good idea of what to pack. However, if you are going for several days, don't forget to add a sleeping bag, a mattress, a set of meals, a stove and, possibly, a tent, to your list of essentials for the hike.

The success of a hike depends a lot on your equipment. Once you have gathered these 10 accessories to take with you on a hike, you will be ready for a hassle-free walk!

THE THREE KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER FROM OUR TOP 10 HIKING AND MOUNTAIN TREKKING ACCESSORIES:

  1. Well equipped for a hike is the best way to enjoy your outing and to combine pleasure with safety
  2. When carrying a backpack for several kilometres, it is essential to travel light and smart, and to take only the essentials
  3. If you are going on a trek over several days and therefore plan to bivouac, your list of hiking accessories should also contain the necessary for sleeping and cooking