Safe hiking: the right equipment for every excursion

Safe and worry-free hiking with the right equipment

Just put on your shoes, grab your backpack and head off to the mountains – hiking feels like an accessible way to enjoy nature. But upon further consideration, the Swiss national sport feels much more complex. Get some guidance on suitable equipment, trip preparation and practical assistance for a successful outing in the mountains.

AuthorFabian Reichle

10 minutes reading time02. October 2026

Hiking is part of the Swiss DNA. According to the “Sport Schweiz 2026” study conducted by the Swiss Federal Office of Sport, nearly half of the population of Switzerland hits the hiking trails. To ensure that exercising out in nature is not just fun but also safe, your equipment must be suitable for the route, the weather and your own skills.

The classic combination of red socks, plaid shirt and a bulky backpack is a thing of the past. New materials and forms of exercise – from trail running to ultra-light hiking – have created a mountain of new categories within hiking gear. This variety of options can make choosing your kit difficult, so the following overview is intended to help guide you.

Before you start randomly packing or going out to buy equipment, you should ask yourself five basic questions:

What are the requirements of the planned hike?
What’s included in the basic equipment?
What is my experience, fitness and my degree of sure-footedness?
What are the weather and trail conditions like?
What can I not do without, and what optional extras would I like to have?

The hike determines the equipment

Not every hike requires the same kit. A short excursion on a yellow hiking trail is different from a mountain hike on a white-red-white trail or an alpine route. In addition to distance and changes in altitude, the key factors are the terrain, exposed sections, weather, season, and the potential for packed fields of long-lying snow.

What is equally important is an honest self-assessment. Is the route suitable for the level of fitness, experience, sure-footedness and tolerance for heights of all participants? If you are travelling with children, elderly people or a larger group, you should plan for the weakest group member.

Before the start, you should also assess how much spare time you have, as well as what options there are for refreshment and replenishment, and for ending the journey early. If you are travelling alone, you should ideally inform a third party about your route and when you expect to return.

More on planning can be found in the Benevita podcast episode “Sicher und gezielt wandern” [Hiking safely and with purpose], with expert points of view from the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BFU) and Wanderwege Graubünden.

Basic equipment item no. 1 – the right hiking boots

Your essential equipment starts with the right footwear. It needs to fit you in three ways: Hiking boots must suit the shape of your foot, be right for the purpose of your outing, and match your individual capabilities.
Poorly fitted hiking boots can sometimes pose a risk that goes beyond painful blisters. If the shoe does not sit properly and, for example, the heel slips, your stability on the trail suffers. That is why you should try on shoes in a specialist store before you buy them, and ideally you should wear them in before embarking on a longer trip.

Whether you need a hiking boot that goes above your ankle depends on the route, the surface, the weight of your backpack and your personal preference. A high-cut boot can provide extra stability and protection, but this usually makes the shoe heavier. Shoes with higher cut may make more sense for beginners, as well as uneven terrain.

However, a good fit, a tread sole with good traction and the boot’s suitability for the planned route remain the key considerations. Experienced hikers can also choose lighter footwear depending on the terrain, weather, luggage and their personal capabilities.

Other relevant factors when buying shoes are:

Rigidity: The more challenging and rocky the terrain, the more important it is to have a stable construction and a sufficiently firm sole. Mountain boots compatible with crampons are only required for alpine activities that specifically call for them.
Materials: The upper material, lining and any weather protection membrane influence how breathable, water-repellent, robust and care-intensive a shoe is.
Soles: The tread, rubber compound and condition of the sole affect the grip on wet, loose or rocky surfaces. However, even the best sole is not completely slip-proof.
Protection: Toe caps, a rubberised edge and a stable heel area protect against debris and bumps.

Basic equipment item no. 2 – the right clothing

From your underwear to your jacket, it’s not just your personal taste that matters here. The most important thing is staying dry and protecting yourself from wind, precipitation, cold and sun. The guideline of dressing in layers, i.e. wearing several pieces of clothing on top of each other, has become established as good practice.

The base layer is directly next to your skin and wicks sweat away from the body. The second layer is a warming layer, for example a fleece jumper or a lightweight insulated jacket. Depending on the weather, a softshell jacket can provide a combination of heat and wind protection. The outer layer protects against wind and precipitation if necessary.

Hiking trousers are designed for freedom of movement, quick drying and weather-appropriate protection. Removable trouser legs can be handy in changeable temperatures.

Whether you prefer synthetic or natural materials such as wool is a decision for you to make individually. For sweaty, longer or cooler trips, cotton is not very suitable because it retains moisture and dries slowly.

Depending on the time of year, gloves and warm headgear should be included in your backpack. Suitable hiking socks are often overlooked. They wick away moisture, reduce friction, and can prevent pressure points and blisters.

Basic equipment item no. 3 – the right hiking backpack

Backpacks come in all shapes and colours. The key characteristic, however, is their volume. For a hike lasting several days, a backpack that can hold 20 to 25 litres is suitable. Depending on the season, trip, catering and additional equipment, a smaller or larger model may also be useful. For a multi-day hut tour, the volume required depends on what is available on site and whether additional sleeping or cooking equipment is required.

The fit is also key. A backpack should sit well on your hips, have adjustable back, shoulder and hip straps, and not exert pressure anywhere even when fully loaded.

Heavy items should be stowed as close to the body as possible and in the centre. Frequently required items such as a raincoat, drinks or maps and sunscreen should be easy to get out. The contents should be stored as compactly as possible in the backpack so that no weight is shifting as you walk. Items attached to the outside of the backpack also cause instability, so it’s better to pack everything inside instead of strapping anything onto the backpack. A rain cover or waterproof inner bags will protect the contents. And the ultimate tip is basically to carry as little as possible, but as much as necessary.

Additional compartments, attachments, materials and weight are an individual choice. It’s worth trying out backpacks at specialist retailers. A backpack should first and foremost be practical, comfortable and easy to use.

Basic equipment no. 4 – drinks and food

Bringing enough fluids and adequate provisions is essential for every hike. If you drink too little or are out and about without enough supplies to boost your energy, you’ll get tired more quickly. This can affect your concentration and the stability of your footing.

How much water you need depends, among other things, on the duration of the hike, temperature, altitude, intensity and individual requirements. If it’s hot, there are long ascents or not enough chances to refill, you should plan to bringing more supplies. Not every well contains drinking water, natural springs can dry up depending on the season, and mountain restaurants may be closed.

For longer trips, well-tolerated, robust foods and small, energy-rich snacks are suitable. Nuts, dried fruits, bars and similar take up little space and provide sufficient energy.

Basic equipment no. 5 – orientation and communication

Up-to-date maps are also part of your basic equipment. If you are navigating with your smartphone, download the route and the required maps in advance for offline use. Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged. Depending on the length of the trip and how remote it is, a power bank may be advisable.

Despite how convenient modern technology is, electronics can fail. For more demanding or remote routes, having an additional method of navigation, such as a paper map, is recommended. It’s important not just to have the materials with you, but also to be able to utilise them.

Basic equipment no. 6 – sun and weather protection

At altitude, UV radiation is stronger. It increases by 10% per 1000 metres in altitude. This is also deceptive, because temperatures tend to be cooler when you’re higher up. The weather can also change quickly in mountainous areas. Basic equipment should therefore include sunscreen with a high sun protection factor, sunglasses, a hat and, if necessary, lip care with UV protection. On longer trips, you should re-apply sun protection at proper intervals.

Even with a good forecast, you should pack suitable rain and wind protection and, depending on the altitude and time of year, an additional warming layer in your backpack. Insect repellents may also be useful depending on the region and time of year.

Basic equipment item no. 7 – the first aid kit

A compact medical kit belongs on every hike. This should include, for example, plasters and blister patches, bandages, disinfectants, a rescue blanket and personal medication. The contents should be suitable for the size of the group, hike duration and remoteness of the location, and be regularly checked for completeness and durability.

A detailed list for your hiking and travel first aid kit can be found in a separate blog post and in the SWICA Talks podcast episode “Sommer, Strand und Sonnenbrand: Fit für die Ferien”. [Summer, surf and sunburn: preparing for holiday]

Additional hiking equipment

From practical aids to extras you can add for your own comfort, there is an almost endless list of materials. What’s important is choosing equipment that is suitable for your safety, that is practical and, above all, meets your personal preferences for the trip you are planning.

Item	Use
Walking poles Appropriate depending on the terrain	They can provide extra stability on slippery surfaces, on high steps, with heavy luggage and especially upon descent. Adjust them correctly and use consciously.
Headlamp Highly recommended depending on the trip	Practical in huts and important in case of delays, emergencies or encroaching darkness.
Power bank Appropriate depending on the trip	Reserve battery for navigation devices and emergency communication, especially on long or remote routes.
Thermos bottle Useful in cold weather	Thermos bottle Useful in cold weather. A warm drink can provide comfort in low temperatures and can help hydrate your body.
Cushion Comfort item	Protects against wet, cold or hard surfaces during breaks.
Pocket knife Optional	Handy for catering and minor repairs, but not required on every outing.

Off you go! A quick equipment check

Even experienced hikers forget things – perhaps this is precisely because they are used to packing and planning processes. That’s why it’s worthwhile to go through a short checklist before you leave.
You know your route, trail category, duration and elevation gain.

You’ve checked weather and current trail conditions.
The route is suitable for the ability of all participants.
The map or route is available offline.
Your mobile phone and, if applicable, power bank are charged.
You’ve packed sufficient drinks and food.
Your shoes, soles, poles and weather protection are all intact.
For remote or solo journeys, a third party is aware of your route and when you are expected to return.

Well prepared means better equipped

Even the best equipment is no substitute for realistic self-assessment or physical preparation. The route you plan should always suit your fitness, sure-footedness and experience. Taking sufficient breaks and making enough stops for food are essential. The weather, schedule and people’s condition – both individually and as a group – should be kept in mind and regularly assessed.

In the event of fatigue, discomfort, a change in the weather or difficult road conditions, turn around early instead of taking an unnecessary risk. If these factors are right and if you have the right equipment, nothing stands in the way of you enjoying your adventure on the hiking trail.