Get Ready for Hiking Trips

Kyoto: Hiking from Kibune to Kurama

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Whether making the grade up an Alpine slope, traveling over Tuscan hills and Yorkshire dales, or following the footpaths of France, take the following advice culled from hiking guides and tour operators to maximize your enjoyment and minimize problems on the trail.

• Peel like an onion. Dress in several layers of thin clothing rather than one heavy jacket. The multi-layer approach delivers warmth and ventilation, plus you can strip off or add layers as the weather and your sweat levels dictate.
• Breathability counts. The most versatile outerwear choice is a waterproof-breathable jacket that doubles as a wind-breaker. Look for jackets made of Gore-Tex and featuring zippered air vents at the armpits and chest.
• Invest in hiking pants or shorts. Lightweight polyester hiking pants are preferable to jeans or heavy cottons, which can be uncomfortable in wet or warm weather. Full-length trousers with zip-off legs are your most versatile option.
• Boot up. Sneakers and running shoes won't provide enough support or sufficient traction, and heavy leather boots can be a drag, literally. Instead, hit the road in lightweight, over-the-ankle boots with a Gore-Tex lining that keeps rainwater from seeping in yet allows your feet to breathe. Break in your boots thoroughly before departure.
• Pamper your feet. Wear a thin liner sock made of polypropylene or other moisture-wicking synthetic fabric beneath a thicker pair of merino wool socks, or purchase a top quality pair of hiking socks of the kind that don't require a liner. Bring at least 3 pairs of socks on your trip, since clean, dry socks help prevent blisters and other foot ailments.
• Buy a good quality daypack with about 1,000 cubic inches of carrying capacity to tote your personal items. Or get a good quality fanny pack. Either type of pack should have bottle holders that keep precious water within easy reach.
• A Swiss Army knife is the traveler's friend. Use it to cut moleskin patches for your feet, open a bottle of wine, or slice cheese.
• Watch the sun. Sunscreen is essential, as are sunglasses, even in cloudier climes. A brimmed hat will protect against sun and rain.
• Work out ahead. The single biggest influence in your enjoyment of a hiking tour is your state of physical readiness. Walkers who exercise in advance will make the most of the walking tour. Head for the hills as part of your training, since most tours include at least gentle climbs.