If you are starting in the world of hiking in Gran Canaria or wherever you travel, in this post we mention those that for us make up the basic equipment to have a perfect hiking kit.
Hiking kit for starters
✔ Footwear
Footwear is one of the most important elements for hiking. The terrain can be slippery, stones can get into your shoe and there may even be areas where you have to go through puddles. With which, we recommend that you get yourself some good trekking boots. If possible, waterproof, medium-cut and with an anti-slip sole. Especially for the winter months. Already in summer, perhaps trekking trainers and mid-calf socks will be enough.
We always wear Blundstone boots. They are medium-high cane and waterproof. So they are perfect for those rainy days or trails that pass through streams such as the Azuaje ravine. Here in Gran Canaria you can get them at Regaliz Funwear Store.
✔ Hydratation
As you may know, many trails are far from stores where you can buy water to last the entire route, so it is important to carry enough water for the entire journey. For short or intermediate routes, we recommend you wear a vest with a bottle holder. You can see it in one of our YouTube videos. This way, you can walk comfortably and go light. In addition, it makes it easier for you to drink while you walk, without having to stop to open your backpack and grab a bottle of water.
For longer routes, such as the one that leads to Güigüi beach, instead of the vest, we take Salomon’s hydration backpack with the 1.5 l camel bag of water inside. In addition, this backpack has the capacity to put enough food to endure the route and spend a few hours on the beach.
✔ Navigation
If you want to follow a map to go hiking on your own without getting lost or having to go with a guide, the ideal is that you get a watch with a navigator to follow the tracks. The best known brands are Garmin, Polar or Suunto. Although if you can’t afford one, you can also follow tracks with the Guru Maps app from your smartphone. If you value the option of finally buying a watch, make sure you can download the map to follow it on the watch.
✔ Technical clothing
Another important item for your hiking kit is technical clothing. For example, in the colder months and rainy days, a basic is a windbreaker jacket that in turn is waterproof and breathable. In this way, if it is very cold, it will protect you. On the other hand, since you are going to be on the move, being breathable, it will allow you to walk without being too hot on the climbs.
This jacket is the basic North Face jacket and the truth is that we have amortized it a lot, both for hiking trails in Gran Canaria, and as a companion on our trip to Japan. As you may know, when you go on a long trip, it always rains on one of the days and this cannot make you stop discovering places.
Another basic are technical, breathable and cold-insulating socks. The important thing is that they are not the typical short socks where all the stones will enter. We use the Lurbel and Stance brands, both the running ones and the mountain ones. Finally, we recommend breathable and quick-drying trousers and shirts, both due to possible rain and sweat. And, for cold days, some gloves and a good buff.
✔ Solar protection
Finally, keep in mind that when you are hiking you are exposed to solar radiation. Therefore, it is important to use sunscreen, protect your head and eyes. To protect your head from sunstrokes, it is best to wear a good cap or hat. If you are still one of those who are bothered by the sun in the eyes even if you wear a cap, we recommend some technical sports glasses. Finally, on days when you go through trees or it is cloudy, you can also wear a visor. This will help you not get sweat in your eyes, in addition to slightly protecting you from solar radiation.
We hope that your intentions to start hiking become a reality and that this content has been helpful. Feel free to leave us a comment here for any questions.
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