What to pack for a hiking holiday
Depends on the hiking holiday, the time of year and the routes you will be walking. What you take with you may therefore vary. In the Canary Islands, you will often be hiking in sunny and warm conditions, but temperatures and weather can change quickly in the mountains.
A good basic kit consists of comfortable hiking clothing, sturdy walking shoes, a daypack and enough water. Sun protection and an extra layer of clothing are also important.
Hiking Clothing
Above all, choose clothing that allows you to move comfortably and is suitable for several hours of walking. Lightweight and breathable clothing is ideal in warm weather. It is useful to dress in layers, so you can easily put something on or take it off during the day. An extra shirt in your backpack is useful on longer hiking days. A thin fleece or lightweight jacket can also come in handy when hiking higher in the mountains or setting off early in the morning.
Walking Shoes
Good walking shoes are one of the most important parts of your hiking gear. Choose walking shoes that are comfortable, provide good grip and are suitable for the terrain you will be walking on. For many of our hiking holidays, sturdy low-cut walking shoes or lightweight hiking shoes are suitable. On routes with more elevation gain and loss or rougher terrain, higher-cut shoes can provide additional support. Never take brand-new shoes on a hiking holiday. Wear them several times beforehand so you know they are comfortable and do not cause pressure points or blisters.
Backpack and Water
During the walk, you only need a small daypack. What you carry depends on the route and the conditions. For example, you can carry your water, lunch, extra clothing, sun protection and personal belongings in your backpack. Make sure you can carry enough water. Not every hiking route has a shop, café or restaurant where you can buy something along the way. Check the information for each hiking day carefully in advance. A comfortable backpack that fits well and is not too heavy can make a big difference during longer walks.
Sun and Weather Protection
The sun in the Canary Islands can be quite strong, even outside the summer months. Read our tips on hiking in warm weather as well. Sunglasses, sunscreen and a cap or hat should therefore always be in your backpack. A lightweight rain jacket or an extra layer of clothing is also a good idea. Especially in the mountains, the weather can be very different from the coast. Being prepared for changing conditions means you are less likely to have to change your hiking plans.
Walking Poles
Walking poles are not necessary for every hiker, but they can be useful on longer walks or routes with a lot of climbing and descending. They can provide extra support during descents and help you keep your balance on uneven terrain. If you normally walk without poles, you certainly do not need to buy them specifically for a hiking holiday.
First Aid and Blister Care
A small personal first-aid kit is useful to carry with you. In particular, take blister plasters and, if needed, some basic supplies for minor problems along the way. Also bring any medication you personally need. On longer walks, it is best not to wait until a developing blister becomes painful. A blister plaster in your backpack can then be very useful.
Electronics and Navigation
Your smartphone is useful not only for staying in contact, but also for navigation. For our hiking holidays, you receive the necessary route information and GPX files in advance. A power bank can be useful on longer hiking days, especially when you use your phone frequently for navigation or taking photos. You do not need to walk with your phone in your hand all day. Make sure you have downloaded the route in advance and know how to use the navigation before setting off.
What Don’t You Need to Bring?
One of the advantages of a hiking holiday with luggage transfers is that you do not have to walk with all your luggage. Your main luggage is taken to the next accommodation, so you can walk with a light daypack during the day. You therefore do not need a large trekking backpack, sleeping bag, tent or extensive camping equipment on our hiking holidays. You stay in accommodation along the way and only carry what you need during the walk.
Our Practical Tip
Try not to pack too much. A light backpack is more comfortable to walk with and makes longer walks much easier. Focus on good walking shoes, enough water, sun protection and clothing that you can easily adjust to the weather. The rest of your luggage travels with you to the next accommodation.
