How to have a no-contact drive to your summer holiday

My husband driving over a viaduct near Nantua. How to have a no-contact drive to your summer holiday.

How to have a no-contact drive to your summer holiday

Summer is coming up now. It seems that finally the Foreign Office will allow British citizens travel. They were going to announce it yesterday. We are still waiting. If that is the case, then lots of people will take it to the road and cross to the Continent. People are a bit reticent to travel by plane yet. Some of them will go ahead and do it as are more daredevil. I am not in that category. I am like those others that will tempt going outside in their own cars. Two days ago it was the busiest day for Eurotunnel sales year on year. So how to have a no-contact drive to your summer holiday?

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.

Splugenpass in Switzerland. Driving to the Mountains. How to have a no-contact drive to your summer holiday. Photo: Daniele Levis Pelusi. Unsplash.
Splugenpass in Switzerland. Driving to the Mountains. How to have a no-contact drive to your summer holiday. Photo: Daniele Levis Pelusi. Unsplash.

 

Where to Start Planning No Contact-Drive Summer Holiday

Starting with going to Eurotunnel. You don’t need to get off your car for the crossing that takes 35′. The terminals have not opened. If you need to go to the toilets, the only toilets opened are by the lay area before embarking. But what if you want to avoid them? And also if you want to avoid going to the Aires (resting places or petrol stations/restaurants) on route? How you should equip for this trip if you want to avoid people? This goes also for people in North America or anywhere in the world.
Here are some things that might help you. At least, this is what I am doing to protect my family while travelling in mainland Europe this summer.
A road to the mountains. Photoo: Anurag Gaggar. Unsplash. How to have a no-contact drive to your summer holiday.
A road to the mountains. Photoo: Anurag Gaggar. Unsplash. How to have a no-contact drive to your summer holiday.

How to avoid going to public toilets: No-Contact Drive Summer Holiday

There have been lots of stories in the media of how going to a public toilet can expose you to lots of germs. There are those small droplets ejected by the flushing of the toilet. These posts suggest you to wear a mask to come to the toilet. In this way you avoid contact with these floating droplets that can stay suspended. Then you clean well the hands and avoid the dryers that can disperse droplets all over. I find all this a bit too much to relax. There has to be something better.
Road trip to the mountains. Atlas Mountains. Photo: Dil. Unsplash. How to have a no-contact drive to your summer holiday.
Road trip to the mountains. Atlas Mountains. Photo: Dil. Unsplash. How to have a no-contact drive to your summer holiday.
The boys can wee al fresco. How about women? If there are trees where to hide, I would do the same. But if there are not? The stops in France don’t tend to have a thick tree-base. I have seen this solution ages ago and never considered it. Now I’ve got some for the gloves compartment in the car.
What is it? A resealable disposable urinal. You can keep on using it until full. It keeps 800 ml of liquid. You can reseal the bag and you don’t mess anything up. The pouch has some crystals that solidify your wee as it gets in! Marvellous idea! The Travel Jane is pink and for women.

The Must-Read Guide of Vail, Colorado

Vail's iconic village with the Gore Range Mountains capturing the sunset in Vail, CO. Photo- Craig Orsini, Vail Resorts. The Must-Read Guide to Vail.

The Must-Read Guide of Vail, Colorado- Where to Stay, how to ski the Mountain, Where to Eat and Drink.

Vail is one of the most renown ski resorts in the world. It was one of these resorts I always wanted to visit when I was young growing up in Argentina. Luck struck me and I was able to visit several times, and also worked for Vail Resorts long time ago now. International visitors always want to visit either Vail or Aspen. Those are the famous resorts they know. This made me then put together the Must-Read Guide to Vail to help you organise your trip to this grand resort!

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.

Vail's 10th Mountain Division skier. Photo: Vicky Galarraga. @vickydevail. The Must-Read Guide to Vail.
Vail’s 10th Mountain Division skier. Photo: Vicky Galarraga. @vickydevail. The Must-Read Guide to Vail, Colorado.

The History of Vail

Ute Indians used to settle within this territory in the summer. They used to travel to the most arid lands on the west during winter. The Utes used to call the Gore Range that overlooked the valley the “Shinning Mountains”.
Came WWII and the United States created a training center called Camp Hale. Here the 10th Mountain Division trained for alpine combat. They went on to fight on the Mountains of Northern Italy. When they came back, they were the force to develop the ski industry in the USA.
One veteran of the 10th Mountain Division, Peter Seibert, came back to Colorado. He joined the Aspen Ski Patrol and Ski School. Then he went on to become the manager of Loveland Basin Ski Area. At that moment, Seibert and Earl Eaton start looking on developing a new ski resort in the Rockies.
Eaton was local to Colorado and started skiing when young. By 1940, he was ski racing in Aspen while working for the Civilian Conservation Corps in Glenwood. In 1957, he and Seibert climbed Vail Mountain in winter and realised of its potential as a ski area.
Friends Skiing Groomed Terrain in Vail, CO.. Photo: Daniel Milchev. Vail Resorts. The Must-Read Guide to Vail.
Friends Skiing Groomed Terrain in Vail, CO.. Photo: Daniel Milchev. Vail Resorts. The Must-Read Guide to Vail.
Vail Mountain Wooden Clock, painting by Martina Diez-Routh in soft pastels, pan pastels and pastel pencils on pastel paper 80x60cm unframed, on sale framed.
Vail Mountain Wooden Clock, painting by Martina Diez-Routh in soft pastels, pan pastels and pastel pencils on pastel paper 80x60cm unframed, on sale framed in a wooden light rustic wood frame. Actually exhibiting at the QC Terme hotel in Courmayeur Mont Blanc. See it in my shop here.

Planning your summer in the mountains of Alta Badia

Alta Badia. Sas dla Crusc Lavarela. Photo: Ffreddy Planinschek. Alta Badia Tourism Office. Planning your summer in the mountains of Alta Badia.

Planning your summer in the mountains of Alta Badia

Alta Badia is in the province of Sudtirol . It is composed of five villages: Badia, La Villa, San Casiano, Corvara and Colfosco. Alta Badia is a great starting point if you want to go around the Sella Ronda. The Sella Ronda is a circuit that goes around the Sella massif. Now is the time to start planning your summer in the mountains of Alta Badia.

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.

The Sassongher. Photo by Paola Finali. Alta Badia Tourism Board. Planning your summer in the mountains of Alta Badia.
The Sassongher. Photo by Paola Finali. Alta Badia Tourism Board. Planning your summer in the mountains of Alta Badia.

How to get to Alta Badia- Planning your summer in the mountains of Alta Badia.

By Plane

Arrive in Innsbruck, Verona, Venice, Bergamo, or if not Milano Linate or Malpensa. Then drive to the route del Brennero north and get off. From Innsbruck drive south to the Brenner Pass. Soon after passing it, you’ll find directions to Alta Badia on the east of the route del Brennero.

By Car

From Austria: Drive south to the Brenner Pass. When you pass it, follow the route del Brennero, and you’ll find the exit to Alta Badia which will lie to your left.
From Verona, drive north to the Route del Brennero. Before arriving into the crossing with Austria, you’ll be able to turn right to Alta Badia.
4 Peaks by Alex Moling. Alta Badia Tourism Board. Alta Badia offers you lots of hiking trails amidst pastures at altitude. Planning your summer in the mountains of Alta Badia.
4 Peaks by Alex Moling. Alta Badia Tourism Board. Alta Badia offers you lots of hiking trails amidst pastures at altitude. Planning your summer in the mountains of Alta Badia.

Summer season in Alta Badia. Planning your summer in the mountains of Alta Badia.

Alta Badia will open lifts on the 27th June and close on 27th September. The Gardenaccia lift will close one week later, on 4th October.
Hiking in Alta Badia. Photo by Alex Moling. Alta Badia Tourism Board. Planning your summer in the mountains of Alta Badia.
Hiking in Alta Badia. Photo by Alex Moling. Alta Badia Tourism Board. Planning your summer in the mountains of Alta Badia.

The Alta Badia Summer Card. Planning your summer in the mountains of Alta Badia.

The Alta Badia Summer Card includes use of all the lifts in the region. The price starts at EUR 54 per adult and EUR 28 per child (8-18 years old). Under 8ts go free. A three out of four days start at EUR 68 per adult and EUR 48 per child for a five out of seven days.

E-Biking excursions at 2,000 metres. Planning your summer in the mountains of Alta Badia.

If using a push bike is not your thing, you can ride the lifts up and enjoy lots of adrenaline coming down. More on this later. But also, you can hire an e-bike on the Piz Sorega, Piz La Ila or Col Alto plateau, and enjoy an easier ride. Or rent any bike in town and take them up on the lifts! Those not wanting to do much exercise, might enjoy this option. They will be able to ride with amazing views of the Dolomites.
Road biking in Alta Badia. Photo from Melodia del Bosque Biker Hotel. Planning your summer in the mountains of Alta Badia.
Road biking in Alta Badia. Photo from Melodia del Bosque Biker Hotel. Planning your summer in the mountains of Alta Badia.

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Preparing your summer holidays in Covid-19 times

Driving on the Autoroute du Mont Blanc. Les Houches- Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Preparing your summer holidays in Covid-19 times.

Preparing your summer holidays in Covid-19 times

Looking to go away from home now that restrictions are starting to relax? I have been pretty ok and cannot complain as it was not hard for us as a family. I cannot imagine what this was like for those living alone, and for those loosing loved ones. What if you fancy going away for a summer holiday in these times? Well, you need to start preparing your summer holidays in Covid-19 times. Part of it is to get ready for life in the outdoors.

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.

Walking towards the base of the Dolonne lift in Courmayeur Mont Blanc. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. All the trouble to go on holidays is worth it if you have this at the end of the tunnel! Preparing your summer holidays in Covid-19 times.
Walking towards the base of the Dolonne lift in Courmayeur Mont Blanc. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. All the trouble to go on holidays is worth it if you have this at the end of the tunnel! Preparing your summer holidays in Covid-19 times.

 

I am looking forward to return to my home in the Italian Alps, near the Monte Bianco. Right now my home has guests until before we arrive. We have booked our crossing on the Eurotunnel, which is perfect as you don’t need to come out of the car for the crossing. I would try to go to the toilet before going on the train, as toilets there usually are horrible.
 
I heard on the radio a lady taxi driver saying that she got used to drive with a bucket now that toilets are closed. It is something I will have to consider for our trip. Toilets in open aires in France are not the nicest. Motorway stops have not opened yet its toilets. I guess this might change in July, but a good bucket and wipes can help! Plus bags to dispose any used wipes or any number twos… It is as if we are all dogs now. We always carry bags as we have a pooch travelling with us! We had one trip that we’ve forgot to bring bags. I only have a pair on the lead, but I was desperate going to shops for dogs poo bags…
Going in our ride from GVA to Courmayeur. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Preparing your summer holidays in Covid-19 times.
Going in our ride from GVA to Courmayeur. Photo: The-Ski-Guru. Preparing your summer holidays in Covid-19 times.
 
We have to take advantage that we can still travel with our pooch without having to do lots of bureaucracy. After December 31st, coming Brexit a reality, all will be more complicated. That is something I will have to start getting worried in September. But who knows? We could be all back in lockdown, so no need to plan so much ahead…I hope this is not the case!
 
We always stop in our way in France (in our favourite Ibis Styles in Chaumont Centre Gare) to break the trip in two. We will have to see if quarantine is still imposed in France. I have read that if driving through France to go to Italy or Switzerland, then you don’t have to quarantine. I have also read that France will not impose the quarantine so much as Britain. But I don’t have clear if we drive through France and stay overnight, if that changes the equation. If not, we’ll have to turn off in Metz towards Karlsrühe in Germany and sleep there for the night… I will wait and see on that one!
Blossoms - next to the Sennhütte above St. Anton am Arlberg tourists in the summer months marvel at the largest edelweiss in the Alps Photo credit: TVB St. Anton am Arlberg Preparing your summer holidays in Covid-19 times.
Blossoms – next to the Sennhütte above St. Anton am Arlberg tourists in the summer months marvel at the largest edelweiss in the Alps Photo credit: TVB St. Anton am Arlberg Preparing your summer holidays in Covid-19 times.Photo credit: TVB St. Anton am Arlberg
 
If this is the case, then we would go through Switzerland. Remember that you need the vignette to drive through Switzerland motorways. If stopped without one police could fine you. You can buy it online before your trip here.

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Must-read guide to Chamonix

Winter in Chamonix- Photo credits: Salome Abrial. OT Chamonix. Must-Read guide to Chamonix

Must-read guide to Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Why visit the Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley? Well, it should be in every mountain lover’s bucket list! There are plenty of reasons why to go and visit Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley. That is why I put together a Must-Read Guide to Chamonix Mont-Blanc.

 

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.

You can summarise why Chamonix is so amazing in seven facts:
1) Chamonix lays at the foot of The MONT BLANC (4810m), the highest mountain in Europe, making of it, a unique spot! (You must have read already my Must-Read Guide to Courmayeur. Courmayeur is on the other side – the Italian side, of the Mont Blanc or Monte Bianco).
2) Chamonix in winter is famous for its freeriding and lots of activities for non-skiers. Plus Chamonix is not only for the daredevil! It offers activities and variety of slopes for all levels.
Ski de Randonnée in Chamonix. Photo: Christophe Raylat. OT Chamonix. Must-Read guide to Chamonix.
Ski de Randonnée in Chamonix. Photo: Christophe Raylat. OT Chamonix. Must-Read guide to Chamonix.
3) Chamonix in summer is amazing, and you can tell that a favourite spot for visitors. There are lots of incredible sightseeing tours to take. And wide range of outdoor activities for all.
4) Chamonix is a year-round destination and a lively Alpine city. This is not a purposed-built resort, people live here all year. That makes the vibe of the place!
Architecture in Chamonix. Photo: Salome Abrial. OT Vallée de Chamonix. Must-Read guide to Chamonix.
Architecture in Chamonix. Photo: Salome Abrial. OT Vallée de Chamonix. Must-Read guide to Chamonix.
5) Chamonix’s heritage. You can find it through its art, culture, architecture and cuisine.
6) Very close to the highway. Chamonix is one of the easiest towns to reach .
7) Chamonix offers a wide variety of accommodation for all budgets. So, it is not only for the rich and famous!
The Shrinking Glacier of Mer de Glace. Soft Pastels, Pastel Pencils and Charcoal on La Carte Pastel 60 x 80 cm. Framed. In my shop!
The Shrinking Glacier of Mer de Glace. Soft Pastels, Pastel Pencils and Charcoal on La Carte Pastel 60 x 80 cm. Framed. In my shop!

History of Chamonix. Must-Read Guide to Chamonix

Chamonix has a long and fascinating history. Starting from the first explorers to the golden age of winter sports.
The town has an amazing cultural and architectural heritage.
Architecture in Chamonix, painting at the Office of the Mountain Guides. Photo: Salome Abrial- OT Vallée de Chamonix. Must-Read guide to Chamonix.
Architecture in Chamonix, painting at the Office of the Mountain Guides. Photo: Salome Abrial- OT Vallée de Chamonix. Must-Read guide to Chamonix.
You can book one of the weekly guided heritage tours. In these you can discover the architectural diversity of Chamonix. Baroque churches to Protestan chapels. Hotels and palaces from the “Golden Era” to “Art Deco” facades. From traditional farmhouses, to colossal villas passing through chalets contrasting with modern buildings.
1741: Two English men Windham and Pococke discovered “Chamouny” valley and its glaciers. The population at the time was living on farms. These two men lead the first touristic exploration climbing the Mer de Glace glacier.

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Cortina Dolomiti Ultra Trekking

Passeggiata ex- convento. Credits Cortina Marketing. Cortina Dolomiti Ultra Trekking.

Cortina Dolomiti Ultra Trekking

If you like trekking in the mountains, you would love to do this ultra-trekking. The Cortina Dolomiti Ultra Trekking. What does it entail?
All in all, 132 km and more than 6,700 vertical drop. The Cortina Dolomiti Ultra Trekking is a trek of 7 days/6 nights. You stay in mountain lodges and traditional malga mountain huts. This is a great way to see the Dolomites and taste their amazing local produce.
Lago Misurina. Credits: Pietro Albarelli. Cortina Dolomiti Ultra Trekking.
Lago Misurina. Credits: Pietro Albarelli. Cortina Dolomiti Ultra Trekking.

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.

Cortina Marketing and the Guide Alpine Cortina have put this trekking together. The Tourism Board of Cortina d’Ampezzo also participated. This project enjoys the patronage of the UNESCO Dolomites Foundation.
The idea of this trek is to find some hidden locations around Cortina. You will experience the Dolomites, going from hut to hut, amongst forests, rivers and lakes. You will be able to see malga mountain huts, and traditional Ladin villages. And the peaks! Peaks here are amazing! The Enrosadira is an effect that make you see the mountains with pink hues in the alpenglow. This is due to the large quantities of calcium and magnesium carbonates in the Dolomites.
Rifugio Città di Carpi. Credits: Pietro Albarelli. Cortina Dolomiti Ultra Trekking.
Rifugio Città di Carpi. Credits: Pietro Albarelli. Cortina Dolomiti Ultra Trekking.
You can see the details of this ultra trekking with a 3d map at the official website of Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Stage 1 – From Cortina d’Ampezzo to Rifugio Son Forca

Starting point: Piazza Angelo Dibona, at the foot of the Cortina bell tower. Follow Via del Castello (which starts at the end of the pedestrian road). Go on till you reach the intersection with the road leading to the hamlet Cadin on the left of the state road. After crossing the state road, go uphill towards Cadin. Pass the Village’s church and reach the end of the village of Cadin di Sopra. There take the CAI track number 410, which leads to Lago Ghedina.
You need to have refreshments/water with you, as there will be nowhere to get anything for about 3 or 4 hours.
Lago Ghedina. Credits: PIetro Albarelli. Cortina Marketing. Cortina Dolomiti Ultra Trekking.
Lago Ghedina. Credits: PIetro Albarelli. Cortina Marketing. Cortina Dolomiti Ultra Trekking.
Take track number 409 till you reach Posporcora Pass. Then go downhill on track number 408. Keep on until you reach the intersection with track number 417 to Pian da Ra Spines. You have to go on until San’t Uberto car park. From there you take the path leading to the cycle path that brings you to Rifugio Ospitale. This was a welcoming venue that once hosted the pilgrims on the way to Santiago di Compostela.
Then continue for about 7 km, with a total ascent of 700 m, on track n° 203, along the Padeon valley. Spend the night at the mountain lodge Rifugio Son Forca, on mount Cristallo.

Stage 2 – From Rifugio Son Forca to Rifugio Città di Carpi

The second day starts at the mountain lodge Rifugio Son Forca: follow track  203 to the Tre Croci Pass. Cross the state road on the pass and follow track 215. Keep on going until you reach the beautiful Lake Sorapis and the Rifugio Vandelli. Here there is an exposed road on places, so be careful. Once there you can either spend the night at Rifugio Vandelli or carry on. You can go towards Federavecchia on track 217, through the enchanting Somadida forest. Once in Federavechia, cross the road and take track 120. This will bring you to the Rifugio Città di Capri, where you can stay overnight.

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Aspen Snowmass is opening for the Summer Season.

A family enjoying the outdoors in Aspen Mountain. Copyright: Aspen Skiing Company. Aspen Snowmass is opening for the Summer Season.

Aspen Snowmass is opening for the Summer Season.

Great news as Aspen and Snowmass are opening for the Summer Season. Aspen Mountain will open on June 12, while Snowmass will do so on June 21. Camp Snowmass will open on June 15.
 
A family hiking under the Silver Queen Gondola in Aspen. Photo: Aspen Skiing Company. Aspen Snowmass is opening for the Summer Season.
A family hiking under the Silver Queen Gondola in Aspen. Photo: Aspen Skiing Company. Aspen Snowmass is opening for the Summer Season.
Aspen is in my heart as I was lucky enough to live there for a while. Beautiful town, lovely people and amazing views. There is lots going on to keep you busy! This summer new policies and operating guidelines will be in place to protect guests. And also protect employees.

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.

What will open in Aspen Snowmass for the summer

There will be opportunities of sightseeing, riding gondolas, hiking and mountain biking. Or you can ride the mountain coaster. You can choose to be as active or lazy as you want. By seating and staring at the mountains, you can forget about daily chores!
The Lost Forest mountain coaster. Aspen Snowmass is opening for the Summer Season.
The Lost Forest mountain coaster. Aspen Snowmass is opening for the Summer Season.
On June 12, the Silver Queen gondola will start running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to go up Aspen Mountain. There you will have a chance to do some sightseeing, play disc golf or hike. You can take a nature program offered by the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies. Or ride up the cablecar to take your kids to play at the children’s play area. Going up and down the gondola is a great day out, at least for my kids!
Some food and beverage services will be available, all with strict social distancing. The operations on Aspen Mountain will run daily till September 7 and then on weekends till October 4.

Cortina d’Ampezzo is ready for a new summer season

5 Torri. Cortina d'Ampezzo. Credits Luca Menardi. Cortina Marketing. Cortina d’Ampezzo is ready for a new summer season.

Cortina d’Ampezzo is ready for a new summer season

Cortina d’Ampezzo is ready to open this summer season. Tourist lodgings, eateries and attractions are working on a safe and relaxing summer. The Dolomites is a great destination to enjoy and relax on spectacular settings.

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.

The Lagazuoi cable car. Photo: Nicolò Rinaldi- @nclrnld. Cortina Marketing. Cortina d’Ampezzo is ready for a new summer season.
The Lagazuoi cable car. Photo: Nicolò Rinaldi- @nclrnld. Cortina Marketing. Cortina d’Ampezzo is ready for a new summer season.
 
Italian borders have opened  on June 3rd and Cortina is waiting new guests with open arms. The Lagazuoi cable car has opened on 30th May. Hikers and sightseers can access the top of Mount Lagazuoi to enjoy the vistas. In June the lifts of 5 Torri, Tofane and Cristallo will follow, and in July the Faloria will reopen. (See all dates here).
 
Some mountain lodges, hotels, restaurants and shops are already opened. Many others will do so in June. There are guidelines and regulations laid for safety in all types of situations.
Imagine being yourself here.... I can dream of it... Sauna Croda da Lago. Photo: www.bandion.it. Cortina Marketing. Cortina d’Ampezzo is ready for a new summer season.
Imagine being yourself here…. I can dream of it… Sauna Croda da Lago. Photo: www.bandion.it. Cortina Marketing. Cortina d’Ampezzo is ready for a new summer season.

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Your shopping guide to mountain hiking apparel and equipment

The family by Lago Chamolé in Pila, Aosta Valley. Your shopping guide to mountain hiking apparel and equipment.

Your shopping guide to mountain hiking apparel and equipment

Now is the time to start dreaming of the great outdoors. Travel will not be as usual for the time being, but we still can get out. Trends are showing that people will prefer staycations or driving rather than flying. You can drive from home for your holidays. We can use this time to prepare our kit for this trip. This made me think of putting together a shopping list for your next hiking trip. Here it is:

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.

Too tired to hike. Going up to see the Monte Cervino in Cervinia. Your shopping guide to mountain hiking apparel and equipment.
Too tired to hike. Going up to see the Monte Cervino in Cervinia. Your shopping guide to mountain hiking apparel and equipment.

Hiking shoes:

You need shoes to be comfortable. The shoes have a denser footbed and a harder tip than normal shoes to avoid hurting your toes. Shoes need to hug your feet well and leave space for your toes to wiggle. I have bought some low ankle hiking shoes but realised afterwards that a higher boot is better. I have weak ankles that tend to twist a lot, and the high ankle boot avoids me doing that. Here are my suggestion for hiking boots for male, women and kids:

Hiking shoes


Hiking socks:

You want to have a good pair of socks when going hiking. Do not go hiking with some socks with holes- your feet will be sorry for it! I like merino socks, they are a bit more expensive but worth it in any climate. Merino is a great fabric that is very soft and lightweight, wickers moisture fast and keep your feet dry. Merino keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer and is breathable and antimicrobial. This allows your feet odours to be at bay. Here are my suggestion of hiking socks.

Hiking socks – Hiking Mountain Apparel and Equipment.

 

Hiking pants:

Pants need to be lightweight, breathable and of a quick-drying material. This prevents you staying wet if you cross a stream or get drench after a shower. You have the options of pants with zip that can convert into shorts. I prefer pants if walking through a wood with high grass, as you never know what you might encounter. Depending the climate, it might be snakes, ticks and all kind of bugs. You don’t want your hike to ruin your day because of this! I have learnt my lesson of long pants when growing up in Argentina and going horseback riding. When you go to ranches, you see the ‘gauchos’ always with what we call ‘bombachas de campo’. These are some sort of pantaloon that is wider at the tights and skinnier by the ankle. They allow freedom of movement when mounting horses. Plus they avoid anything creeping from the ankle up. When horseback riding, sometimes you go through tall grass. Thistles could catch and prickle your skin. This is the same concept with hiking pants, you don’t want your skin exposed!
 

Hiking pants: Hiking Mountain Apparel and Equipment.

 

Hiking shorts

Sometimes it is too hot for pants and you will walk in rocky paths, with the absence of long grass. Shorts would be a great option for those hot days. On top, while you hike you can gain a tan! The same principle applies here: to be of a light material that dries fast and wickers moisture out.
 

Hiking shorts: Hiking Mountain Apparel and Equipment.

Hiking tops

 
If you can afford purchasing Merino, go for it! You will not stink to the rest of the group! If not get any light material that wicks moisture out and dries fast if wet!
 

Hiking tops: Hiking Mountain Apparel and Equipment.

 

Hiking fleece

It is good to take one, at least in your backpack, as you never know how weather will pan out. I like having some light fleeces. They dry if they get wet very fast.
 

Hiking fleeces: Hiking Mountain Apparel and Equipment.

 

Hiking Jackets

 
Always take a light raincoat. You can fold it into a small pouch and take it out if it rains. Some new materials are pretty good and allow moisture to evaporate.
 

Hiking Jackets: Hiking Mountain Apparel and Equipment.



Water bottle/carrier

 
Always carry some water for everyone. If you are going with kids, make them carry water and snacks in a small backpack. I used to have a camelback, that was useful while skiing or hiking. It is a small backpack with a pouch of water inside and a pipe for you to sip when needed. Lots of people love it and I loved the idea and used them a lot. I only find the water has taste and nowadays I prefer to have my own water bottle. There are some nice stainless steel bottles in the market. Beware if they fall, they do squash, and even I had one that got perforated! So you need to handle with care.

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