L'Hiking it is a sporting activity Outdoor based on walking in mountain areas for study or leisure purposes, along rough routes that typically cannot be traveled by conventional means of transport.
Paths, long-distance paths, high routes, mule tracks, bridle paths are just some of the routes where it is possible to practice hiking.

Hiking in the English language is also referred to as trekking or hiking with the primo term that derives from the English verb to trek, which means to walk slowly or even take a long journey, while the second derives from the English verb to hike, which means to walk.



Generally, hiking takes place in a mountain environment or in any case in a natural environment, and can be accompanied by naturalistic activities such as bird watching,one of botanical species or even the visit of monuments or natural phenomena located along the route.

An excursionone very long that tends to cross a mountain massif or a mountain group is called a crossing.

The seriously motivated hiker must have respect for the environment he passes through, avoid making noise, respect the paths, not tamper with the signs, not leave waste (which can be compacted and transported to a bin, or better yet to a built-up area at the bottom of the valley).

Do not pick protected botanical species or harass wild animals, light fires only in a suitable place and with adequate expertise, put them out carefully torimbefore departure, do not throw away cigarette butts or paper handkerchiefs. It's traditionalone among hikers is to say hello when you meet along a path, as well as, as far as possible, to help other hikers in difficulty.

PREPARATIONSONE

To avoid even serious problems, such as smarrimor being caught in a sudden storm, there are several things you need to plan in advance:

• the path, the profile totimetrico, the overall difference in altitude, the nature of the ground, the orientation points;

• the expected duration, the stages, the refuges;

• the expected weather conditions;

• clothing and in particular footwear;

• equipment (minimum accessories, backpacks, tents, camp stoves and dishes, etc.);

• supplies of water and food.

APPAREL

Clothing is naturally linked to the seasonsone, but they must still be taken into considerationone any worsening of weather conditions.

Waterproof clothing should always be included to wear in case of emergency. Preferably use boots suitable for the type of terrain you will face and specific socks for hiking (generally seamless and with a differentiated structure for greater comfort).

EQUIPMENT

As regards equipment, this must include all the objects essential for orientation and useful accessories in case of difficulty.
In particular (especially if not accompanied by qualified guides or expert local hikers) for any excursionone It is advisable to bring with you a series of useful accessories, even if not all of them are essential:

• a detailed geographical map of the place to be explored, preferably a military or CAI map (possibly at least on a 1:25.000 scale);

• a compass and optionally (not alternatively) a GPS receiver;

• a multipurpose knife (Swiss knife type);

• an isothermal blanket;

• a first aid kit;

• a supply of water (drink regularly to avoid losing mineral salts) and energy supplies (e.g. wholemeal and/or diet biscuits, but also canned food). Chocolate, although very widespread among practitioners, is not suitable as it is composed almost entirely of fats, which are difficult and slow to assimilate.one. Much better to use simple sugars such as fructose (but not sucrose, which causes glycemic spikes), or maltodextrins;

• sunscreen (essential) with protection factorone UV adapted to altitude and driving hours;

• a whistle (useful for distress signals);

• a torch or headlamp (useful when the sunset surprises you);

• gloves and cap (for any drops in temperature even in summer)

• a well-charged mobile phone (check signal coverage based on location) (batteries and phone credit). Two Walkie-talkies are also useful to keep the group of hikers together (one in the lead and one in the rear);

• clothing, possibly "layered" suitable for the seasonsone and the weather;

• the helmet (particularly in the high mountains and near rocky walls);

• hiking sticks or poles which, using the propulsive force of the upper limbs, facilitate progress along the route, reducing the sense of fatigue and also the risk of slipping or falling;

• cord (5 metres), for hanging and other uses (bindings, splints, shoulder straps, etc.).

• certified sunglasses (protection is essentialone 4 in case of excursions on snow or ice);

For multi-day excursions, depending on your needs, it is recommended to add:

• sleeping bag (suitable for the seasonsone, based on expected temperatures);

• the sheet bag (mandatory in many refuges);

• tarpaulin for shelter or;

• tent, and camp stove;

In addition to the minimum equipment:

• in the glacier sections the use of crampons and ice ax is mandatory, and in the presence of crevasses it is advisable to proceed in a roped party;

• along the via ferratas it is mandatory to use a harness, helmet, via ferrata set (consisting of a heat sink, two carabiners and a snapone of appropriately prepared rope), and fairly rigid boots and gloves that do not prevent the use of carabiners (similar to those of cyclists) are recommended;

• if fording streams or crossing particularly exposed or dangerous points is expected, it is advisable for the group to bring a piece of gear with them.one of rope of at least twenty meters.