Hiking Shops

There is nothing like the excitement and adventure of the great outdoors. Growth of adventure and ecotourism offers new opportunities for walkers and backpackers to explore the nature - and with the latest developments in hiking gear, the experience is even easier.

For novice hikers, we offer the following 9 tips to be considered before travel.

1. Investing in equipment

Invest in good equipment will increase comfort and pleasure of your hiking experience.

Packs: investing in quality bags, backpacks for your internal size and shape. They last longer, are lighter, offer better ventilation and distribute the weight of your backpack more evenly. A dealer such as Cotswold Outdoor should be able to demonstrate how to prepare, and adjust your strap backpack for maximum comfort.

Shoes: hiking boots offer greater comfort of your normal running shoes, hiking boots, especially with the ankle support to prevent twisting the ankle on uneven surfaces. Your feet expand slightly after hours of walking, we recommend you try the shoes in the afternoon and wear thick hiking socks as you would normally wear. Choose styles breathable, waterproof material.

Gear: Your store is a walking treasure trove of useful objects. The essentials include: fast drying, ultra lightweight towels, lights (much better than the torches that you can keep your hands free while hiking at night), the base layers lightweight sleeping bags, a rain cover; compass, sunscreen, First Aid kit, Swiss Army knife, drink bottles, tape, nylon rip-stop. You can do your research and shop online with Cotswold Outdoor.

2. Pack carefully

The key word for the package is "versatile". Choose items that have different functions and eliminating duplication, for example: your Swiss Army knife and a "more Spork" (combined spoon and fork utensils available from Cotswold Outdoor) make up your cutlery so no need to packing a knife again for your evening meal and your quick-drying towel can also be used as a pillow, so pack the items to be used least in the bottom of your backpack and those that are used more frequently in the top for accessible.

3. Plan your trip

Making decisions on the hops can add excitement to the adventure for some, but in most cases, careful planning will avoid frustration. Plan your route and rest stops draw proper. Search where you can buy food and beverages as well as how to reduce the amount you pack. Plan your meals and snacks if you bought what you needed to stave off hunger. Make an emergency plan in case. If you travel through different countries make sure you have the local currency in small denominations. Make photocopies of your passport with you, and be sure to have travel insurance.

4. Get fit travel "

With hiking, rafting, abseiling and climbing on the offer, it is tempting for the intrepid traveler to be too ambitious. Begin to increase your aerobic capacity before the start with cycling, jogging and walking to improve your endurance.

5. Take care of your nutritional needs

Complex carbohydrates (whole grains) will give you the energy you need. Consider dried fruits that contain the same nutrients as fresh fruit, but are lighter and take up less space. Energy is released from low GI (glycemic index) foods slower than high GI foods to choose low GI foods to keep you longer powered. These include nuts, cereals, most fruits, most vegetables, legumes and yogurt. Stay hydrated with plenty of water.

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