New Zealand, Peru, Italy, Switzerland, Ethiopia.. The list goes on and on for places in the world with magnificent walks. Tramping allows you to see sights that you can only dream of! You get to tick off your bucket list, test your physical abilities and have a once in a lifetime experience all in one go. But, to get the most out of your walks whether they are two hours or two days long, there are some things that you should keep in mind.

If you are an experienced hiker, you will know that the smallest mishap in planning can have a large impact on your walking experience. Forgetting to bring the right kind of socks, not double checking the route before you go for any potential closures, choosing a track that might be just a bit too difficult for your fitness level - all human error, but these things can really make a difference. There is nothing worse than being so excited about a walk, only for it all to go awry!

Here at New Zealand Natural Clothing, we have a wealth of knowledge surrounding anything and everything tramping. So, naturally, it’s only right that we share it with you so that your walks can go as smoothly as you had imagined.

First aid comes in all shapes and sizes. Most of the time, when we think about first aid, we think about having the access to things that could save lives and help if someone is majorly injured. That is definitely part of it; but, it’s usually the small things that could ruin a walk for you if you’ve not thought ahead.

Blisters, sunburn, a little wound from tripping over - all very minor things that have the ability to ruin your adventure. Hikers can purchase pre-assembled first-aid kits online, but if you want to gather your own materials, make sure to include the following items: antiseptic, ointments, insect repellents, cotton swabs, over-the-counter pain medication, prescription medications, pen and paper, nitrile gloves, and hot or cold packs.

With that in mind, it is important to remember that running into serious harm can be possible and you should be prepared for every eventuality. The items listed above are very versatile and will be able to keep you safe through anything that you can handle yourself without needing medical intervention.

If you are traveling to somewhere less familiar than your home country, it is always a good idea to make sure you have any vaccines needed to enter that country, but also to protect you against any illnesses that are forgein to you, but pertain to that region.

This one is pretty self explanatory. Very few people want to go tramping in bad weather. Not only does it take some of the fun out of your experience, it can also be very dangerous. Rain, snow, sleet, extreme heat or cold can all make for a potentially dangerous experience.

Unless some of those weather conditions are a prerequisite of the place you’re choosing to explore and you know that you have to come prepared for that prior, it is in your best interest to walk when the weather conditions will help you on your way.

All you need to do is have a look at the long weather forecasts for that area, check that there is nothing worrying coming your way and off you go! If you’re NZ based, the Met service has a part of their website dedicated to the weather forecast of mountains and national parks which you can find here. If you’re outside of NZ, a quick google search will do just the same.

Our first piece of advice is: always carry a GPS alarm or tracker. With all of the technology now available to us, carrying a map and compass is the bare minimum. Having two navigation tools is not only the safest option, it is definitely the smartest.

Many will bypass the idea of a GPS tracker because they have their mobile phones. But what happens if you lose it or it runs out of battery? Dissimilar to mobile phones, GPS systems do not lose signal in isolated terrain, are more durable, and use field-replaceable batteries, which eliminates the need to carry a bulky (and heavy) powerbank.

These devices not only give maps and navigational systems, but they also have the capability of sending an alarm to authorities, a friend, or a loved one if you are in desperate need of assistance.

While trackers and alarms are great, they can only do so much. Everytime you venture out to go hiking, make sure that you leave a full itinerary in the hands of a close friend, family member or loved one.

Providing someone with your itinerary coupled with your ETA of when you plan on getting back to safety will cover you on all bases. Doing so means that if you unfortunately become injured or lost on your journey and can’t contact anyone, they will know where you have been, going and most likely are.

As with many of the things mentioned in this guide, some of them will be interchangeable depending on where you’re going and how long you’re going to be exploring for. But, the bulk of your list will stay the same. Here are all of your failsafe essentials that we recommend you bring with you:

• Backpack - (Duh?) Obviously, a backpack is a non negotiable for tramping and I'm sure that you don’t need to be told that. However, how well made and dependable your backpack is will make all of the difference. We recommend that when picking a backpack, make a visit to your local hiking store, talk to the experts and try it on. (We also recommend a rain cover incase you run into some bad weather)
• Clothes (Again, duh!) The clothes that you choose to wear and bring with you are very important. So much so that it would have been impossible for us to include all that you need to know here. If you scroll further down in the blog, there is an entire section all about the do’s and don’ts for your hiking attire.
• A torch. For some, this one may well be easy to forget because we are now all so accustomed to having a torch on our phones. But what happens if you lose it or when it dies? A good torch can save your life (figuratively and literally!) Some opt for a handheld torch and some opt for a headlamp and some take both. In the end, it comes down to what works for you.
• An emergency blanket. Unfortunately, your favorite fluffy blanket that you received from your sister for your birthday just won't do. However, a foil blanket will fold down exactly how you need it to, won’t weigh you down, can keep you warm and give you ample protection from the cold.
• Duct tape. - Duct tape, you ask? Well, actually.. Yes. There are very few items that can give you the flexibility that duct tape allows. It can be used to repair tents, bags, jackets, boots, and a variety of other items.
• First-aid kit and power bank - These two items require very little explanation!
• Trekking poles - Many believe that trekking poles are only useful for novice hikers and for those who may have some sort of injury and can benefit from the stability. However, trekking poles can be of great use to all who enjoy walking! They help you distribute your weight more evenly while also helping you glide over any uneven terrain.
• Zip ties - Zip ties may just be one of the handiest inventions ever. And, they definitely have their uses when it comes to tramping. They can repair backpacks or tents, you can use them to keep your items tightly packed so that your clothes take up less space and you can even use them to attach items to packs, bags or shelters.
• Tent and sleeping bag - It is worth spending some time doing some research into both of these items if you don’t already have them or are in the market for a new one. No one wants to wake up on day two of their adventure soggy, with bags under their eyes and a bad back!
• Sunblock - With all the fun you are having on your hike, it can be easy to forget about sunblock. Sunblock is your friend! It protects your skin from sun damage in the long term and will also make sure that you don’t return from your walk with burnt skin.
• Insect repellent - You never know if the insects you will meet on your trail could just give you a pesky bite or, if their sting could inflict something more serious. Whatever the case, insect repellent is a must have for your travels.
• Mobile phone and GPS system - The importance of these two items have been explained above. Not only do they keep you safe and connected, they’re also a great way to document your walk and take some great photos!

Without being properly fed and hydrated, none of us have the ability to perform at the best of our ability. The same goes for tramping. The amount of care you put into planning your walk should be the same amount of care you put into your food and water plan for your adventure.

On activity-based travels, your food and water requirements are typically higher than normal. When going on a trip in hot weather, always be sure to bring lots of water. Other important factors to consider before going hiking or camping include:

• The journey's duration
• What foods and beverages will you bring? How will you eat and drink?
• Do you have the option of carrying a cooler/travel friendly stove and pan?
• What food-related tools would you require?

Before you set off, drink at least 4 cups of water. Doing so puts you in a great position to start your walk and if you are doing a shorter hike, it gives you less to carry.

A good rule of thumb is to drink 2 cups of water for every hour you’re tramping. Be sure to make sure you bring enough water with you for the duration of your walk, especially if you know you won’t have access to clean water while away.

Perishables are fine for a shorter hike. Some people choose not to bring them altogether, but, if you do, make sure you bring something like an ice pack to regulate the temperature of your food. To make more room in your backpack and to take some of the weight off of your back, many opt to go for foods which are lightweight and calorie dense.

• Nuts, seeds, nut-based snacks, and nut butter packs are all good options.
• Apples, bananas, and oranges are examples of fresh, complete fruit that does not require refrigeration.
• Fruits and vegetables that have been dried or frozen
• Energy bars, chews, and gels are all good options.
• Granola or granola bars are two types of granola.
• Salad pouches with tuna already prepared
• Tortillas made with whole grains
• Dry jerky, such as poultry, fish, or meat jerky, that may be stored for a long time.
• Trail mix

Planning your food for a longer hike is slightly more challenging. If you are able to carry something to keep them cool, then the perishables mentioned above are possible for the first day of your expedition. After that though, is where the careful planning comes in. These easy to carry basics are more than enough to keep your tastebuds dancing and your body full of energy:

• Cereal
• Fruit or vegetable puree in squeezable pouches
• Pouches of poultry or fish, or canned fish, poultry, or beef in single servings
• Mayonnaise, mustard and/or soy sauce in individual packets
• Pasta, couscous, rice, pancake mix, hot cereal, dried soups, and dehydrated foods are all examples of whole-grain foods (if you have the ability to boil drinkable water)
• Marshmallows, of course, for a campfire dessert.
• Bottled water

Both the clothing that you wear and the clothing that you pack is very important. Remember to think about where you are going, how long for and the kinds of temperatures that you will be experiencing. There is nothing worse than having soggy socks or cold hands!

Socks - Anyone who has attempted a long haul walk without the proper socks will be able to tell you exactly why you should invest in some and bring them along with you on your journey. Good socks will keep your feet warm, comfortable, supported and will protect you from any rubbing/blisters.

Walking socks come in all shapes and sizes, but as a rule of thumb, a mid length sock designed to support your feet will be exactly what you need. This trekking sock from Norsewear is one of our personal favorites.

Base layer - Base layers are incredible. They keep you dry as you sweat, can regulate your body heat and can even keep you warm when wet. They are an absolute must have for anyone planning to go out on a hike. You can wear your base layer as your top or underneath other clothing. If you’re going on a multi-day hike, you would do well to bring more than one.

Walking trousers - Again, self explanatory. But, no one wants to be chaffing on a long walk. You can even lighten your load by choosing trousers that can also turn into shorts. Similar to socks, your choice in walking trousers can make or break your experience. So again, we recommend going in store if you can to try some on.

Breathable undergarments - You can find some great underwear made for walking with synthetic fibers or merino wool. A comfortable sports bra is also key for people with breasts. Remember to bring a couple of pairs for a longer trip.

If you do choose to opt for merino, you’ll be happy to know that due to the properties within merino you can get multi wears out of your garment before needing to wash them. Also, merino items are gentle on the skin and do not chafe.

T-shirts - If you’re going on a multi-day hike, be sure to bring more than two. You’ll want to walk in something that is comfortable and lightweight. This way, it won't restrict you or your movement and when layered up, will retain the most heat possible.

Windbreaker / Waterproof jacket and waterproof overpants - Even if the weather forecast is telling you sunny skies are in your future, rain could still be possible. To protect yourself in all eventualities, make sure to bring along a lightweight windbreaker or waterproof jacket.

Neck cover - For colder conditions, to keep you warm and to protect your skin from the weather. Scarves can be annoying and fiddly, so a neck warmer is the perfect choice. A great choice would be this neck warmer, or something similar. Insulating properties, double layered and is long enough to keep your check and chin warm.

Cap/Sun hat - When you imagined completing your hike, did you have a sunburnt face? I didn’t think so. Remember to bring a hat!

In the section above, we have discussed socks and the importance of them. The boots that you choose to take with you on your tramp are so important, this next section is dedicated to just that.

• Regardless of what you choose, make sure to wear them in before your walk. And not just once or twice! Wear them to the supermarket, to pick up the kids, it doesn't matter where - just make sure that you do! Wearing your boots before setting off lets you get comfortable with how they feel. It also loosens up the fabric, meaning no rubbing or blisters. It also gives your feet a bit more flexibility that will keep you safe.
• Think about the terrain: Flat ground? A boot with a little bit more flexibility is ok. Rocky/uneven ground? Make sure to opt for something with more ankle support and a stiff sole.
• Make sure to get your foot measured. The extra half a size that you usually ignore could be the difference between happy feet and sad feet!
• When choosing a boot, these boxes should all be ticked:
  • 1. Highly durable
    2. Waterproof and breathable
    3. Highly supportive over the ankle and through the midsole
    4. Well cushioned for impact absorption
• Heel support is another factor to keep in mind. Ideally, you would want two kinds. Many boots now boast a reinforced acrylic heel. This helps with stability, comfort and safety. You can also choose to buy some heel or foot pads to pop into your shoe.

In this guide, we have covered all that you need to make your tramping experience as enjoyable and worry free as possible. From your clothes, to your backpack and what to put in it; we’re sure that the knowledge shared with you here will make for an extraordinary walk.

If you’re in NZ, be sure to come into one of our stores for some expert advice and to answer any questions you may have. If you’re not, come and visit us online!

Have you got any top tips for tramping that you think we’ve missed out in this guide? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Happy tramping!