Equipment

Protect your feet from the harshness of the terrain, the weather, blows and sprains. Shoe upper: in waterproof leather (nubuk, cowhide, full grain leather..), cordura (worked nylon, robust but not very water resistant) Lining: preferably in Gore-tex (waterproof breathable micro pore membrane) Sole: the rigidity of the shoe depends on the use it will have. Preferably Vibram. To alleviate the impact of the heel on the ground (cause of tendinitis and stress), different types of shock absorbers have been designed positioned on the heel. Choice of boot: for hiking on well-trodden paths: lightweight and flexible boots. For hiking at a height on difficult terrain, semi rigid boots are preferable. Purchasing guide: your foot must fit well with woollen socks in the shoe. When you tighten the laces, the edges of the upper shoe should not touch. Toes must be able to move freely in a vertical direction. The size should be half or one size bigger than usual.

GORE-TEX is a waterproof breathable membrane of micro-pores that are thousands of times smaller than a rain drop and hundreds of times bigger than water vapour droplets produced by our bodies. It can be coupled with other materials and becomes a more or less resistant and soft laminate if there are two layers with a lining and with three layers it becomes more rigid. WEAR LAYERS – First layer: better if absorbs sweat, breathes and keeps body heat in; wool, silk or special synthetic fibres. TIGHTS There are different types of tights for every need. SHIRTS –POLOS - second layer: less tight fitting, needs to keep neck and wrists warm. In hot climates they can be the outer layer with sometimes a windbreaker. TROUSERS In summer, baggy and of light weight material (cotton). Those with numerous pockets are useful for carrying compasses, maps….In winter, padded, waterproof…JUMPERS – FLEECE-third layer: wool or fleece. These can be an outer layer in temperate climates. JACKETS – fourth layer: waterproof, windbreaker.

Your back-pack must be well balanced: the heavy objects should be placed at the top, in cordura, a light and resistant material. For mountaineering: cylindrical without pockets to avoid hindering the climb, for alpine skiing: with belts to fasten the skis, ice axe, crampons…., for hiking: with various pockets for a sensible division of the objects. Back: the better ones are those with an anatomical structure with adjustable incorporated frames and with shaped padding that has breathing canals. The weight must be well distributed to avoid placing strain on the spine. Shoulder straps: must be padded, adjustable, some models have a chest strap which joins the two shoulder straps to better balance the weight on the shoulders. Lower part: some back-packs have a separate compartment at the bottom where you can put your sleeping bag and what is required for the night; others have a side opening to be able to access objects without unpacking everything. Before buying a back-pack, always try it on (better if it is packed).

PONCHO FOR THE RAIN and TROUSER COVERING in anti-rip, lightweight, resistant nylon with thermo welded or taped seams. Wide so as to cover the back-pack. The poncho can also be used as a shelter in an emergency, as a stretcher, to collect rainwater, as a thermal insulator. This type of cape, however, can prevent transpiration and for this reason it is advisable to use GORE-TEX jackets. GLOVES KNIFE LIGHTER FLASK TORCH EMERGENCY CLOTH WHISTLE SUNGLASSES. SLEEPING BAG: must keep very warm, those that can be joined are useful, inner lining with pockets. A feather sleeping bag needs to be rolled out an hour before use so the feathers can puff up, but this type of sleeping bag does not insulate perfectly and a mat or groundsheet is required. Artificial fibre, waterproof sleeping bags do not get heavier when wet and cost less. MAT TENT STOVE CUTLERY ROPES FIRST AID KIT. GAITERS: prevent stones, leaves, earth, water, snow etc. from entering shoes, trouser bottoms from catching on rocks, branches and keep the heat in. They are made from artificial material: cordura. CRAMPONS ICE AXE BINOCULARS WATER FILTERS HIKING STICKS SEARCH METHODS IN AVALANCHES