Do You Need Fancy Equipment for a Hiking Vacation?
Preparing for a weeklong hiking trip across Ireland did not include buying fancy equipment
For a week, starting September 7th and ending today, September 13th, we’ve been on a hiking trip in Ireland. It was called Hiking Ireland Coast to Coast and was guided by a company called Wilderness Ireland.
We had never done a hiking trip before and did not know exactly what to expect. The trip was booked last Spring and I made sure I read all the material on their website as well as anything that was sent to us.
Slowly, over the months leading up to the trip, I collected the items suggested by the company. These included things like a merino-wool base layer, water-proof rain pants and jackets, gloves, hats, trekking poles, a first-aid kit, water bottles, and backpacks for daily use 25–35 L in size. Finally, waterproof ankle-high hikers were a must.
Other suggested items were sunglasses, sunscreen, a first-aid kit, anti-histamine medication, anti-inflammatory agents, insect repellent, and mole-skin patches for foot sores. These were on top of one’s regular toiletries and medications.
Snacks to have on the mountain were also a suggestion. We took some energy bars.
