Walking/hiking checklist
Walking/Hiking Checklist
For your hiking trip, the following items are essential:
- Walking boots (preferably leather) offering good ankle support and boots should be waterproof.
- Good quality waterproof jacket and trousers (preferably breathable)
- Daypack/rucksack.
We do not recommend you wear new boots on a walking holiday, as blisters are often a problem if boots are not worn in.
The most common injury on the Irish hills is to the ankle or lower leg, usually resulting from a simple slip or fall. This is less likely to happen if you wear comfortable walking boots with good ankle support and a rugged sole.
Should be large enough to carry your daily requirements – but not so big you are tempted to carry too much! Padded shoulder straps are essential and a padded hip/waistband gives added comfort and support.
Make sure that straps are all adjustable, so that the weight is evenly distributed and carried on the hips rather than the shoulders.
A mesh panel on the back will avoid a “sticky” or sweaty back. Experience has shown us over the years that 2 or 3 separate pockets or compartments make it easier to divide your contents for quick and easy finding!
Baselayer
The following is our “Check List” for items we recommend you bring:
For your rucksack
- Waterproof map case
- Warm Hat and Sun Hat
- Gloves
- Small Towel
- Water bottle / Thermos flask (for hot liquids)
- Lunchbox (or tupperware), knife, spoon and beaker (or something to drink from)
- Swimsuit! (We do get good weather from time to time!)
- Camera
- Batteries for camera
- Sunglasses
- Sit Mat or plastic bag to sit on while eating picnic
Personal first aid kit: (to carry in your rucksack)
- Blister Treatment (Compeed, Second skin or Moleskin)
- Vaseline
- Arnica for bruising or sprains
- Disinfectant cream for minor cuts
- Band Aids /Elastoplast for minor cuts
- Lipsalve
- Sun cream
- After sun-cream (Aloe Vera)
- Insect or Midge RepellentAfter-bite
- Tick tweezers
- Scissors
- Passport (visa if necessary)
- Flight Ticket
- Drivers License
- Credit Card
- Copy of your Insurance Cover
- Money (some cash for your first few days)
- Suitcase Labels (on all bags)