10 things necessary on the route
1. Backpack
A good backpack is an essential part of a successful expedition and vice versa - inappropriate luggage can spoil every journey. Fortunately, we now have a choice of specialized models for mountain hiking, sightseeing or trekking. If you're going on a few days of hiking in flat or hilly terrain, for example along the Baltic coast, let's focus on making sure that your backpack is spacious, has various useful pockets, ventilation and necessarily wide straps, including a chest and hip belt. Quechua tourist backpacks available on the Decathlon network have a foam lined back and straps, which greatly enhances wearing comfort. On the other hand, in the Tatras, Bieszczady or Karkonosze let's take a lightweight and spacious backpack, which will allow us to carry our luggage comfortably all day long. The MH500 40L Quechua by Decathlon tourist backpack is equipped with a rain cover and maximum back ventilation. Comfort is guaranteed by a wide waist belt and thumb grips. A simple, lightweight, practical backpack with numerous pockets and easy access to the bottom, such as the 50L Forclaz by Decathlon trekking backpack, is ideal for multi-day trekking trips. It is equipped with foam braces, a chest belt, strain relief straps and thumb grips. The EASYFIT 50 L Forclaz by Decathlon trekking backpack has a system that provides a very fast and effective way to fit the backpack to the body.
2. SHOES
Regardless of whether we go for a hike in the Masurian countryside, coastal trails or just in the nearby forest, we must have good, and therefore comfortable and lightweight shoes. When selecting them, we should take into account the type of ground on which we are going to move and the level of difficulty of the route. The Decathlon network includes various models - low, high and even trekking sandals with good grip. For example, the Arpenaz NH500 Quechua by Decathlon hiking boots are ideal for hours of hiking - they have 7 eyelets for shoe laces that allow for a perfect fit to the foot. If you want breathable boots and a dry foot guarantee, choose the perforated sole and mesh upper version. Also pay attention to cushioning, holding your foot and adhesion to the ground, especially if you are going upstairs. Remember to measure your boots standing up and buy them bigger than usual - this will provide you with a comfortable descent and include a tourist sock.
3. RAINCOAT
The weather is sometimes capricious, and during a few hours of wandering it can change dramatically in a fraction of a second. That is why it is necessary to buy a decent waterproof tourist jacket, which will also protect us from the wind. It's no weight - some models can be folded and stored in your pocket - and during rains they will save you from getting wet into the dry thread.
4. SUITABLE CLOTHING
Both seasoned wanderers and weekend strollers will appreciate comfortable clothes made of stretchy materials, which do not hinder movement and at the same time absorb sweat. Nature lovers will surely be interested in the 5-pocket Quechua trousers available in Decathlon, made of organic cotton and recycled polyester. Precise weather conditions are hard to predict, especially in the mountains, so it is worth to compose an outfit consisting of several layers.
5. BASEBALL CAP
It was invented in the middle of the 20th century as a protection against the sun for American baseball players. Today, baseball hats are so versatile that they can be worn on sunny paths or on the city promenade. One thing is certain: it's irreplaceable protection against UV rays.
6. WATER
One of the most important guarantees of safety on the route is the systematic replenishment of fluids during physical activity, therefore drinking water is an obligatory point of travelling equipment. It is best to carry it in a bottle. Its size depends on the temperature outside and the length of the trip. In Decathlon we have a choice of 0.5L, 0.8L and 1L bottles made of durable materials such as aluminium and tritane.
7. Sunglasses
When buying sunglasses, the most important thing is the parameters of the lenses. The higher their category, the more harmful blue light they stop. In addition, polarized glasses eliminate glare as much as possible, preventing glare. Decathlon offers a wide range of professional glasses in a variety of colours and styles of frames, from sports to the most fashionable retro patterns.
8. FILTER CREAM
Even if the sun hides behind the clouds, we must not forget to protect the skin from UV rays. In summer, use a face cream with SPF 50 filter and remember about other exposed parts of the body. The packaging is also important - let's choose one that will be handy and will take up as little space as possible in our backpack.
9. Stick
If there is a steep trail ahead of us, let's make it easier to get there with a cushioned pole. It not only minimizes the stress on the joints, but also helps to maintain balance and avoid falls when descending. You can also always look for a solid pole on the trail - without cushioning.
10. MAP AND COMPASS
To get to where we have planned, let's remember about the compass and the map. Satisfaction with the achievement of the goal will surely be much greater than if the application was running us. The map is best stored in a waterproof, transparent map. It is also worth protecting the map by sticking transparent tape on all bends.
On the road!