List of things for a summer hike in the Carpathians

Hiking in the mountains is very different from the usual walk. Here you need to be ready for everything: rain, sun and force majeure. But in order to anticipate everything at once, beginners sometimes bring too much stuff. And an excessively heavy backpack will definitely not make your vacation in the Carpathians more enjoyable. So what should you take for a hike in the Carpathians?

1. Tent

You cannot do a long hike without an overnight stay. Experienced tourists are not advised to take the old tarpaulin or single-layer tents that are offered in supermarkets. Wind and rain are not uncommon in the Carpathians, and the tent is obliged to withstand these cataclysms. It is better to buy a tent with metal arches.

2. Backpack

The optimal volume of the backpack is 80 liters for men and 60 for women. Naturally, it should be comfortable, have wide straps, ideally – an orthopedic back and rubber bottom. It is desirable to have a waterproof case for your backpack.

3. Sleeping bag

For summer vacation in the Carpathians you need a sleeping bag with a comfort temperature of about 0 degrees Celsius. The nights in the mountains, even at this time of year are quite cold, and it is better to keep warm. It is also desirable to have an airtight cover for the sleeping bag.

4. Sleeping pad

This is, again, a matter of weather. After heavy rain, sitting on bare ground or cold stones is a bad idea. Such a halt will end at best with a cold, and at worst with more serious consequences.

5. Trekking Poles

Цей пункт можна назвати і необов’язковим, але бажаним, особливо для новачків. Трекінгові палиці схожі на лижні, в горах вони допомагають зняти частину навантаження з ніг. Тому людям, що страждають на хвороби суглобів, відправлятися в гори без цих палиць не можна.

6. Raincoat

Of course, no one takes umbrellas on a hike. But you have to hide from the rain. The choice of raincoats is now quite large: from the simplest plastic raincoats and ending with a raincoat-poncho. There are other options for protection from the rain, such as clothing made of a special membrane fabric, but they are quite expensive.

7. Boots

During the hike, the ground under your feet will change into dense thickets, rocks and swamps. Therefore, the requirements for shoes are extremely high. Lightweight trekking boots are considered the best option for hiking. As a last resort, sneakers with thick soles are also suitable. Take slippers or sandals to move around the camp.

8. Clothes

The ideal wardrobe for a hike includes: light sports pants, shorts, 2-3 T-shirts, change of underwear, sleepwear, warm jacket, gloves, windbreaker, hat for protection from the sun and socks. As for the latter, it is better to have the usual changeable socks for every day and woolen for sleep. Now waterproof membrane socks are especially popular. They will keep your feet dry even in the most extreme conditions.

9. Utensils set

You will need the most basic things: a bowl, a mug, a fork, a spoon and a knife. Utensils should be light and roomy. Options made of materials such as glass or ceramics are not suitable. A plastic water bottle should always be with you.

10. Personal care

Do not bring a large tube of toothpaste or large soap. You can get it in a mini-format, especially for hiking. So you will save 1 place in the backpack, and significantly reduce its weight. Do not forget toilet paper and wet wipes, you will definitely need them.

11. First aid kit

You can buy a ready-made first aid kit or make your own. What to put inside? Make sure to take a bandage, cotton wool, adhesive tape, hydrogen peroxide, antiseptics, antipyretics, painkillers, cold medicines, heart drops, activated carbon. If you need specific medications for health reasons, don’t forget to take them.

12. Mosquito repellents and sunscreen

These things do not belong to the must-have list. Some do without them. But if you have some space left in your backpack, we still advise you to grab a mosquito repellent. Most likely, after a few days of hiking, less prudent comrades will modestly ask you for it.

13. Mobile phone, passport, money

We can’t do without these things on the trip, so we included them in our list. It is recommended to store valuables in a waterproof case.

Hiking in the Carpathians

If you need a guide for hiking trips in the Carpathians, you can count on us. We offer options: for single travelers, couples, families, one day, multi-days, staying in tents, staying with shepherds etc. We are flexible.