Going on an adventure in Ireland is an incomparable and memorable experience, but a hike can quickly turn into a nightmare if you don’t set off properly equipped. That’s why it’s essential for every traveller to carefully prepare his or her hiking bag before embarking on a trek on Irish soil!
In this article, we’ll explain how to choose your hiking bag and the equipment you’ll need to make the most of your Irish holiday: from lighters to water bottles to shoes… you’ll be able to enjoy an unforgettable experience, ready to face the most common situations! So let’s get to work and pack our bags for adventure!
Hiking in Ireland can be an exciting journey, but it requires the right kind of equipment to ensure you’re comfortable and well protected throughout your adventure. Here are a few essentials for safe and enjoyable hiking in Ireland.
Shoes are probably the most important piece of equipment to take with you, as they ensure your safety on the different types of terrain you’ll be tackling. Irish paths and tracks can be rocky, sometimes wet or slippery, so suitable footwear is essential.
We therefore recommend that you choose :
Irish weather is unpredictable, so it’s important to take a variety of clothes on hand to stay comfortable. You should choose at least :
Good hydration is vital to ensure good physical performance during your adventure, so make sure you take plenty of drinking water with you along the way.
A flask or insulated bottle filled with filtered water will keep your drink cool all day long, allowing you to enjoy your hike to the full without having to stop constantly for water.
Building a fire can be a useful way to keep warm if the climate changes rapidly or the nights get cooler; it’s also a practical way to recognize trails and reduce the risk of getting lost.
Although fires are not allowed anywhere in Ireland, some areas do tolerate them, provided you find out in advance. (Beware, fines can be expensive if you break the law. Ireland is notorious for gorse fires, and many hectares of Killarney National Park have gone up in smoke as a result of illegal and accidental fires). Many hectares of Killarney National Park have gone up in smoke as a result of illegal and accidental fires).
Apart from this legal detail, a lighter is the ideal tool for lighting a fire quickly and easily. A wide range of models are available (gas lighters, electric arc lighters, personalized lighters…etc.) which are highly resistant to the elements and can be carried safely on your trip, without fear of accidental ignition.
You can also take along flammable materials such as flint or lumps of coal to start a fire more easily without having to rely on luck.
The total weight you carry will greatly condition your experience, and can make or break your day. Also, choosing the right type of bag and the maximum weight to carry is essential to make your hike as comfortable as possible. Here are some tips for choosing the best bag and what you should put in it.
Generally speaking, backpacks are the most common, as they make it relatively easy to organize items as you walk – which is particularly useful in Ireland, where the terrain is very uneven. There are various sizes and designs to choose from, but opt for a durable model with an extra waterproof layer to protect all your contents from moisture.
You can also consider shoulder bags if the itineraries are not very technical. These bags are both lightweight and offer greater freedom of movement for those looking for a more casual style on their travels.
When it comes to how much weight you should carry, it essentially depends on how long and how far you plan to travel. For short or moderate itineraries, a lightweight bag weighing between 10 and 20 kilos is generally sufficient, as it allows maximum mobility.
For longer, more challenging trips, a heavy bag may be needed to carry all your equipment and supplies along the way.
In this case, make sure the straps are comfortable, soft and easy to adjust.
Airlines generally impose hand baggage restrictions that you should take into account before packing your bag. Some allow up to 22kg per person, while others are limited to 12 or 15kg.
So be sure to check the website of the airline you’re traveling with to find out about baggage restrictions.
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