Clothing: Better too warm than too cold

BETTER TOO WARM THAN TOO COLD

In addition to your equipment, your clothing is the be-all and end-all of good hiking preparation. Everyone knows the feeling of walking out the door on a spring day without a jacket and then suddenly being caught in the rain. It's annoying and you run the risk of catching a cold - but it can be really unpleasant on a hike or multi-day tour. Use our tips to prevent this from happening to you!

CARE: A FIRST LOOK

Nothing is worse than wet feet or broken shoes that hinder you on a long hike. That's why you should give your shoes a thorough check before setting off. The following checklist will help you do this.

ARE ALL THE SEAMS IN ORDER?

Check the seams for damage - after all, they hold the individual components of the shoes together.
ARE THERE ANY CRACKS OR CHAFED AREAS IN THE LINING?

Damage to the lining is not that bad in itself, but it can significantly reduce wearing comfort and ultimately lead to friction between the shoe and foot and thus to painful blisters.
IS THE LEATHER DRIED OUT OR DAMAGED?

Damage to the outer leather can quickly lead to wet feet and should be repaired immediately.
ARE ALL HOOKS, LOOPS AND EYELETS IN PERFECT CONDITION AND ARE THE LACES UNDAMAGED?

Finally, all elements of the lacing system should be checked, as they ensure a firm hold.

"Just wear the shoes a few days or weeks beforehand so you can get used to them again and test whether everything is still OK."

Alix von Melle| LOWA PRO Team

CHECK THE SOLE

The sole of a hiking boot is essential for safety. The profile of the sole should be intact to guarantee a relaxed hiking tour. If the sole is worn in many places, grip is no longer guaranteed. After a few years, so-called hydrolysis or "embrittlement" often occurs in hiking boots. This is a chemical-physical reaction that causes the sole to become porous and cracked and in many cases to fall off.

"Shoes from LOWA's trekking and mountaineering segment can be resoled. This gives your beloved hiking boots a new lease of life and allows them to be used for a few more years."

- Arthur | LOWA Head of Service Department

BETTER TOO WARM THAN TOO COLD

Dress according to the onion system, depending on the weather, you can leave the waterproof, breathable jacket and jumper at home and lighten the load on your rucksack. With the onion principle, you protect yourself from wind and weather with several layers of clothing. Make sure that all three layers are breathable, otherwise you will quickly become uncomfortable. You can take the layers on and off depending on the weather.

1. LAYER - DRY AND FLEXIBLE

A polyester functional shirt that fits close to the body is suitable as underwear. Functional underwear is generally suitable for sports as it absorbs sweat.
2. LAYER - COLD PROTECTION

The second layer, for example a fleece jumper, will keep you warm.
3. LAYER - AGAINST WIND AND RAIN

You wear the third layer over this as weather protection. The jacket should be lightweight, windproof and water-repellent.