In Ireland, we are blessed with a wide range of wonderful terrain for hiking and trekking. With that comes a similarly wide variety of weather to make your Outdoor Adventure even more exciting! This can bring a dilemma when purchasing and packing the right equipment for making your day out the best experience it can be. Wet feet or chaffing clothes can ruin the day. The weather can change drastically from morning to afternoon, and indeed it can also present challenges as you move from sea level to mountain top. At Outdoor Adventure Store, we appreciate the need for good equipment that combines value for money with the practicalities of hiking in Ireland. Here is a few pieces of salient advice, tried and tested by staff and customers and then a list of all you might need. Enjoy!
Waterproofs
It doesn’t really matter whether you are hiking in January or July, you are likely to need waterproof jackets and over pants. The weight of these items is what will change, depending on the temperature and time of year. A good warm outdoor jacket is a must for an Irish winter regardless of whether you are just taking the dog to the park, or embarking on a treacherous trek up the mountains. There is a great variety of waterproof jackets and pull up trousers to choose from. For the summer months, choose a lightweight ‘pop in the backpack’ brand and bulk it up for the winter. The important thing is to not get caught out in the rain.
Shoes, boots or walking sandals
The terrain is the deciding factor when it comes to the appropriate footwear. A good pair of hiking boots is an investment in years of outdoor adventure enjoyment. Check out our blog on how to choose the right pair of boots for you, or call into the store to avail of the expert advice of our friendly staff. It may be that the type of hiking/hill walking that you are planning to do, would be better suited to a walking shoe or sandal. The important thing is not to get blistered and footsore.
Base Layers
If you have never enjoyed the comfort and warmth of modern technology and common sense that comes wrapped up in base layer clothing, then you are in for a real treat. Base layers are versatile pieces of clothing (T shirts, long sleeved tops etc.) in different fabrics that provide the buffer zone between you and certain climates and conditions. They draw moisture away from the body, so no need to feel sweaty, to stop you feeling damp and allowing cold to creep in. Good base layer clothing is a modern day essential for outdoor activities.
Once you get the basics right, your expeditions will be transformed into great adventures, as you concentrate on personal goals, the amazing countryside, the route and your overall sense of achievement and happiness. With the right gear, your mind will be focused where it should be… on where the foot is falling and not what that foot is wearing! Here is a short list of essential equipment to set any intrepid hiker/backpacker/hillwalker or trekker off on the trails comfortable, happy and safe.
Fleece long sleeved shirts
Base layer clothing, as appropriate
Light and comfortable trousers
Appropriate foot wear/boots/sandals
Comfortable, adjustable waterproof back pack
Mobile phone
Battery pack for phone
Sunscreen, sunglasses and sun hat (on the good days!)
Water Bottles/Rehydration system
Food Protein Bars, chocolate, nuts etc.