Planning a mountain hike isn’t something to improvise. Whether you're considering a day hike in the hills or a backpacking trip along a high-altitude long-distance footpath, good preparation is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience. In this article, we highlight the importance of organising your outing properly – from the essential gear to the choice of route, as well as physical preparation and helpful tools. Follow our advice for a successful hike and memorable mountain adventures.
What Gear do you Need for a Mountain Hike?
The right gear is key for a safe and comfortable hike in the mountains. Here's the essential kit to prepare before setting off:
- Hiking backpack: A good hiking backpack is essential for carrying your gear. Choose a size suited to the duration of your hike (20L to 50L depending on whether it’s a day hike or backpacking trip). Make sure it’s comfortable, with a hip belt and adjustable shoulder straps for proper weight distribution. A well-organised rucksack allows quick access to your essentials while walking.
- Hiking boots: Sturdy hiking boots designed for mountain terrain are crucial. Opt for high-ankle boots that offer support, ideally waterproof, with grippy soles for traction. Break them in on shorter walks or day hikes before your big outing to avoid blisters during your hike.
- Trekking poles: Taking walking poles can be a real help, especially on steep hiking trails or during long climbs and descents. They improve balance, reduce strain on the knees going downhill, and help spread the effort to your arms – a great way to keep your energy over distance.
- Appropriate clothing: Wear clothing suited to mountain conditions. The three-layer system works best: a moisture-wicking base layer, a warm mid-layer (fleece or light insulated jacket), and a waterproof windproof outer layer. Don’t forget a cap or hat for the sun, sunglasses, and a pair of lightweight gloves depending on the season. This gear helps you cope with the mountain’s rapidly changing weather. For more details, read our dedicated guide on choosing the right hiking outfit.
In addition to these, your backpack should carry enough water (at least 1.5 L per person for a day), high-energy snacks, a first-aid kit, a head torch, a knife, an emergency blanket and ideally a topographic map of your route. With the right gear and good hiking boots, you’ll be ready to hit the trail safely.
Choosing and Planning Your Walking Route
Choosing the right route is the first crucial step when planning a mountain hike. A well-suited route, matched to your ability and expectations, ensures an enjoyable walk with no unpleasant surprises. Before setting out, check the difficulty level (distance, elevation, terrain). Use guidebooks or specialist websites that indicate the route grade (easy, moderate, hard) and estimated walking time. Be honest about your fitness and experience – start with easier routes and increase difficulty gradually. Waymarked long-distance hiking trails are ideal for beginners, as they’re clearly marked and well maintained.
Mapping your hike: Once you’ve picked a route, it’s time for detailed planning. Use a 1:25,000 scale map (or a digital mapping app) to trace the hike. The map helps identify hiking trails, contour lines (to gauge elevation), and key features like water sources or shelters. Planning your walk on a map helps you visualise each stage: start point, summits or lakes, trail junctions, and return route. Don’t forget to mark the trailhead and calculate total distance. Also plan a backup route in case of issues (trail closed, poor weather, injury) and identify key landmarks to help navigation.
Using route planning software: In addition to paper maps, you can prepare your hiking route with digital tools. There are various apps and websites for creating routes. These tools automatically calculate elevation gain, distance, and profile, and let you export the route to a GPS device. With such planning software, you can test out several variations and pick the one that suits best. Always have a copy of your route on paper or downloaded to your phone for offline use – mobile signal in the mountains is often unreliable.
Match the route to your ability: Choosing the right difficulty is key to enjoying your hike. For each walk, check the challenge level and be realistic about your fitness. Never underestimate the mountains: 10 km on flat ground is very different from 10 km with 1000 m of ascent. If hiking as a group, plan the pace and route based on the least experienced member. It’s always best to start early and allow generous time for walking, to avoid getting caught out by darkness or fatigue. Good planning also means identifying retreat options (e.g. shortcuts) and checking the weather to avoid storms at altitude.
Getting Physically and Mentally Ready for the Mountains
Mountain hiking is demanding. It’s important to prepare both physically and mentally for being in the wild and away from everyday comforts.
How to Physically Prepare for Hiking?
The best way is to walk regularly and gradually increase the difficulty of your outings. Start with short, gentle hikes, then build up distance and elevation over time. Regular hiking strengthens your legs and back and builds endurance. Train with the backpack you’ll be using, adding weight bit by bit to get used to carrying a load. Other cardio exercises like cycling, running or step workouts also boost your stamina at altitude.
Don’t forget to prepare your joints and balance. Strength training (squats, lunges, core work) is great for preventing injury on uneven ground. Practise walking with poles to get used to the rhythm and support. Hiking is an endurance activity: pacing yourself is more important than speed. Learn to manage your energy to avoid tiring too soon, and take frequent breaks to hydrate and refuel.
Training for Hiking at Altitude
High-altitude hiking requires specific preparation as thin air can cause breathlessness, headaches, or fatigue. For hikes above 2500–3000 metres, train your endurance well ahead and listen to your body. If possible, acclimatise gradually: spend a night at a mid-altitude level before going higher, or keep the first day shorter to allow adjustment. At altitude, adopt a slow, steady pace. Focus on deep breathing and take more frequent breaks if needed. Stay well hydrated – mountain air is dry and promotes dehydration. Eat enough to keep your energy levels up, and avoid alcohol in the days before your high-altitude backpacking trip, as it worsens dehydration and acclimatisation.
Mental preparation is just as important: a long or tough hike can be mentally challenging. Visualise your route in advance and set stage-by-stage goals (e.g., reach a certain pass or hut) to stay motivated. Train in various conditions (rain, cold, slippery ground) so you’re not caught off guard. With solid physical and mental preparation, you’ll approach your mountain hike with confidence and enjoy the experience more.
Hiking Safety and Best Practices For Beginners
The mountains are beautiful, but they can also be hazardous if you're not careful. Here are some essential safety tips and good practices to keep in mind before and during your hike:
- Take a map and compass: Even if you use a GPS app, always carry a paper topographic map and a compass in case of battery failure or no signal. You can get a detailed IGN hiking map for your route. Knowing how to read a map is a valuable skill for staying on course or reorienting if lost.
- Let someone know your plans: Share your hike details with a friend or relative – location, planned route, departure and estimated return time. If you’re overdue, they can alert rescue services and provide your route info. It’s a simple but important precaution.
- Keep track of your walking time: On the hiking trail, monitor the time and your progress. Don’t linger too long at stops if you risk running out of daylight. It’s better to shorten the walk than to finish in the dark unprepared. Starting early gives you a buffer to finish before nightfall. Safety always comes first: be ready to turn back if needed.
- Respect nature and wildlife: Stay on marked paths to protect the environment and avoid getting lost. Leave no rubbish behind – carry all waste with you until you find a bin. Keep your distance from wildlife (marmots, chamois, ibex, etc.): admire them from afar and never approach or feed them. Respect for wild animals and their habitat is an essential part of hiking. By staying discreet, you may even get to observe wildlife without disturbing it.
- Check the weather forecast: Mountain weather changes rapidly. Check the forecast the day before and again in the morning. In case of fog, storms or heatwaves, adapt your plans or postpone if necessary. Always pack a rain jacket even if it’s sunny at the start, and take a warm layer for cooler temperatures at altitude or later in the day.
By following these tips, you’ll minimise risks and enjoy a safer hiking experience. Mountain safety is all about preparation, awareness, and respecting nature’s power.
Apps and Software to Plan Your Hiking Route
Today, numerous mobile apps and online tools can help you plan your hike and navigate in the field. They complement paper maps and make route planning easier.
What Is the Best Free Hiking App?
Several apps stand out for mountain hiking, each with its own strengths. Popular ones include AllTrails or Komoot. The best free hiking app depends on your needs, but Visorando is often recommended in France: it offers over 15,000 hiking route ideas, lets you create your own routes, and turns your phone into a hiking GPS (even offline with downloaded maps). The official MaRando app from the French Hiking Federation is also free and gives access to verified routes across France.
Other digital tools can support your preparation. For example, the IGNrando website lets you view IGN maps for free and search for hikes by region or difficulty. AllTrails has a large global trail database with community reviews and photos to help you pick the right route. Komoot is praised for its precise route planning and voice navigation, useful for MTB or trail running too. Most of these apps have free versions that meet the needs of casual hikers. Try a few to find the one with the features and interface that suit you best when planning and following your hiking route.