Tips for packing for a walking holiday
If you have booked a walking holiday, it’s one of the best things you can do. The landscapes you will see are simply stunning, and you’ll get to spend many hours catching up with the people around you - distraction-free from technology! But to make the most of your adventure, you should be prepared. You know what they say, fail to prepare, prepare to fail.
Being prepared can be done in various stages. As soon as you book your walking holiday, you can start exercising more and building up your fitness. You can also start researching the route you are doing and getting to know more about the terrains you will be walking on. You also have the preparation for things you are going to pack, from picking the right backpack to the correct footwear.
To help get you started, keep on reading for our guide on tips for packing for a walking holiday.
Choosing the right backpack
Choosing the right backpack can make or break your walking holiday. Comfort, fit, and functionality are key because you’ll be carrying it for hours at a time. When picking, consider the size of the backpack, whether it’s designed for comfort (such as having padded shoulders and a back support), and whether it is waterproof - you hope for sun, but sometimes it can rain, so you don’t want the things you are bringing with you to get wet.
Picking the correct footwear
If you haven’t hiked before or gone on a walking holiday, then there is a good chance you will be buying a new pair of walking shoes for your trip. When buying, consider comfort, fit, and support. Your shoes should have good ankle support, a sturdy sole, and enough room for your toes to move without rubbing. It’s worth investing in waterproof yet breathable materials, especially if your route includes streams, wet grass, or unpredictable weather. Also, make sure you wear them before your trip; the last thing you want is blisters.
Preparing your clothing
Before you go, look at the weather forecast and pack your clothing accordingly. You may want to bring a selection of waterproofs if rain is expected - think a lightweight, breathable rain jacket and possibly over-trousers. If it’s likely to be sunny, then bring a hat, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing to protect yourself from the sun while staying cool - the last thing you want is to get ill due to heat stroke, as this can be very unpleasant. It can be useful to bring a spare set of socks for each day to prevent blisters. Lightweight gloves and a scarf are useful if temperatures drop, and choose versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to save space
Where are you going for your walking holiday, and when are you going? What are you most looking forward to? Is there anything you are going to pack that we haven’t included in our guide? Let us know in the comment box below. We look forward to hearing from you.
