Top 10 Tips for Hiking in Spain

Undoubtedly, the magic of some of the best hiking spots in Spain lies in how charmingly sunny this country is. So much of it that the visitors from entire Europe (and indeed the whole world) always make the annual summer vacation searching for warm weather and sunshine like this.

So, if you intend to hike in Spain, go through the following tips that we have enlisted to help you make the most of your trip to mighty Spain:

1.     Start small and select the right trail 

Choose a hike that is a little shorter than the distance you can regularly cover on a paved or level surface. To guess the time needed for hiking the trail, figure out a speed of about two miles per hour. Then, go through the elevation changes, and add an extra hour of your measured hiking time for every thousand feet of gain. When you have been there once or twice, you will develop a sense of what elevation and distance changes do well.

2.     Acquaint yourself with the hiking trail

Once you have chosen a hiking trail, get a map of the area and go through relevant data and reports. Also, you can gather information from various online forums. Check out if the trail is looped or if you will need to backtrack or spot another car. Get to know about any intermingling trails where you could take a wrong turn. Moreover, you can also look for a suitable lunch venue such as a beautiful lake or a peak with an enchanting view. 

3.     Check the weather

Proceeding towards your hike, and again just before moving out, check the weather. This carefulness will provide you vital information on what to pack and how to dress. If the weather is expected to be awful, you still have the choice to modify your plan or even cancel it instead of meeting an unpleasant surprise on the hiking trail.

4.     Tell someone where you will be

Someone who is not on the hike must know the route you are taking and what time to worry and call you to help. "Worry time" does not imply the expected time to reach, but several hours after that in case your sore ankle or tired muscles make you finish a bit later than planned. So, if you meet an emergency, someone is out there to help you, no matter you fail to call them up.

You can also carry some emergency trackers, which enable you to summon emergency support by satellite. Keep in mind that such devices should not let you be careless about your safety; they are a mere backup.

5.     Pack the ten essentials 

The ten essentials have steadily shifted from a list of things to a list of systems. You need to pack these systems to stay safe outdoors, also confronting a potential overnight. Depending upon the remoteness and length of your hike, minimize or expand every system. For instance, on a brief summer hike near services, an emergency blanket will do well. However, a distant winter hike will need more extensive items. The ten essentials systems are stated below:

v  Ten Essential Systems

v  First-aid box

v  Navigation (compass and map)

v  Repair tools and kit

v  Fire (waterproof candle/lighter/matches)

v  Sun protection (sunscreen and sunglasses)

v  Nutrition (some extra food)

v  Illumination (flashlight or headlamp)

v  Insulation (extra clothes)

v  Emergency shelter (garbage bag/plastic tube tent/tent)

v  Hydration (extra water)

This list might look huge, but it won't look that bad once you are set to your hiking trail. Most of these items are what you pack before going to a picnic.

6.     Put on the right socks and shoes

An uncomfortable feel can ruin your hike. Invest money in your quality socks and hiking shoes. This does not imply heavy leather boots; many "light hikers" are available in the market that needs a minor break-in, unlike the old hiking boots.

7.     Dress for success

Once you have taken care of your feet properly, proceed towards dressing correctly to enjoy a memorable and comfortable hike. Avoid cotton-like stuff as it gets damp quickly and stays the same way for a more extended period, leaving you to feel sweating and causing you to chafe. Instead of such fabrics, you better go for synthetic ones.

To quickly adapt to your weather and temperature, put on layers that you can shed or add when needed. At last, pack an additional warm layer beyond what you expect that you will need, preferably that will shield the wind too. In fine, go for the clothes that you feel the most comfortable in, of course, keeping the climatic conditions in consideration before leaving.

8.     Keep it light