Starting your love affair with hiking can be a daunting task if you have never done it before but with our top 10 essential list we will get you on ready to start reaching the top!
1: Hiking Boots
While it may seem like the most obvious piece of equipment there are so many people who do not have a decent pair of hiking shoes. A good pair of hiking shoes will make such a difference to your hiking experience by protecting your feet and allowing you to enjoy the experience without pain. There are so many choices when it comes to the right shoes but my preference is for a boot as it adds an extra level of ankle support that is needed for tackling those steep inclines
2: Boot Socks
Now you have the boots next you need the right socks. Similar to the boots, socks can make the world of difference to your experience and help avoid problems such as blisters. I recommend a thick specialised boot sock as it will not only protect your feet from unwanted cuts but also help keep them warm and dry in less than ideal weather
3: A Reusable Water Bottle
Hiking is thirsty work and it is so important to stay hydrated during exercise so a good sized water bottle is an absolute essential! Single use plastics are a curse on the earth and we love a sustainable queen so a good metal or glass water bottle is perfect for all your hiking adventures.
4: Navigation Equipment
Try as we may to keep to the track sometimes curiosity gets the better of us and we take the lesser travelled route. Or if you're like me and would get lost in a corner shop, navigation equipment is not just recommended it can be crucial.
5: A Good Waterproof Jacket
The weather in Ireland is not good. Even when it's good it's not hiking good. You can start your hike in blistering heat and by the time you're at the top its as if you've passed continents to Antartica. The top of the mountain is often wet and windy so a good waterproof jacket is needed.
6: A Nice Rucksack
You're going to be doing a lot of walking around (obviously) so a nice comfortable rucksack is a must. I personally prefer a smaller bag but it does need to be big enough to fit in all your bits and pieces without the threat of the zip bursting. Also a lighter bag is better as you will be carrying so reducing excess weight is important
7: First Aid
Accidents happen and as such it's good to be prepared. A supply of bandaids and paracetamol should be a permanent fixture in your bag as well as some antiseptic wipes and suncream (Cc aforementioned ever changing weather)
8: Snacks
Snacks are fuel for the body and are the only way you will make it through your hike. It's imperative to bring enough food to get you through, you don't want to end up hungry
9: Power Bank
We're never too far away from technology even when we're at the top of a mountain! Mobile phones are an extension of ourselves hosting everything from navigation to our cameras so running out of battery is not an option. After all without pictures who will believe your tales of the top of the world?
10: Tunes
Last but by no means least is by far the most essential essential item on the list: Tunes. No hike would be possible without the rhythmic beats of Dua Lipa or the soothing voice of a podcast host. Yes it's nice to stop and listen to nature once you get going but can bird song and a light breeze really compete with Fleetwood Mac's Dreams? Create a hiking playlist to get you doing a Kate Bush and Running up that Hill
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