What to bring to the Orlické Mountains, Bystrzyckie, Table Mountains? Suggestions for every season

What to bring to the Orlické Mountains, Bystrzyckie, Table Mountains? Suggestions for every season

Are you planning a holiday in the Orlické, Bystrzyckie or Stołowe mountains and want every moment on the trail to be pleasant and safe? Proper preparation for the trip is the key to a comfortable hike — both on short walks and during several days of trekking. It is worth thinking in advance what to pack in the mountains and how to adjust the contents of the backpack to the season, the length of the route and the conditions that may prevail at a given time. Well-chosen equipment is the certainty that nothing will surprise you, and you will be able to focus solely on the pleasure of the trip. Check out how to prepare for a trip to the mountains.

What to take to the mountains? Basic rules for packing a backpack

Before you go on the trail, it is worth thinking about what to take with you to the Orlickie Mountains, Bystrzyckie or Stołowe mountains. Preparing a backpack is not only throwing in a few clothes and provisions — it is consciously planning your inventory so that it meets the weather, the length of the route, the terrain and your individual needs. Among what you need to take to the mountains, there should be comfortable trekking boots adapted to the type of ground, a backpack with a capacity to match the time of the hike, a lightweight but effective rain jacket, thermoactive clothing that regulates body temperature, paper map or reliable GPS, headlamp with spare batteries, well-equipped tourist first aid kit, water supply and properly selected provisions. What else can not be missing in the backpack of a mountain tourist? It is also worth carrying a cream with UV filter, wipes, a powerbank, and in the case of longer routes — trekking poles.

Remember that it is important not only what to pack in a backpack in the mountains, but also the placement of individual items. Therefore, the most necessary things are best placed in the upper pockets, heavier elements in the central part of the backpack, and the little things that can be useful at any time — like snacks or documents — in the side compartments or easily accessible pockets of the waist belt. A well-thought-out layout will not only facilitate access to your inventory, but also reduce fatigue during the march and avoid unnecessary interruptions for repacking.

Check out also: Mountains and peaks around the Kłodzko Basin. Tourist guide

What to take to the mountains in spring?

Spring in the mountains can surprise — the mornings are often foggy and cool, and the afternoons can be warm and even hot. If you are wondering what to take for a trip to the mountains at this time of year, be prepared for a large amplitude of temperatures. The best option will be a layered garment: thin thermoactive underwear that wicks moisture, a light fleece for warmth, and a wind and rain jacket that will protect against sudden precipitation and a stronger gust of wind. Trekking boots with a membrane that protects against mud and moisture will work, and for longer routes also trekking poles, which will relieve the joints and help in overcoming slippery sections. What to take to eat in the mountains in spring to preserve energy throughout the day? Sandwiches made from whole grain bread with the addition of protein, dried fruits, energy bars, nuts and a thermos with hot tea. It is worth packing spare socks - thaws and rains can make the trail waterlogged, and wet feet quickly reduce the comfort of walking. When planning your route, consider that some sections may be closed or more difficult to access after winter, so it is good to have an alternative hiking option prepared.

What to take to the mountains in summer?

In summer, the main challenge is protection from the sun, overheating of the body and dehydration. What to take to the mountains in summer? First of all, airy clothing made of breathable materials that wick sweat and dries quickly, a baseball cap or scarf to protect your head from UV rays, as well as sunglasses with a filter. A cream with a high SPF filter will be indispensable, which will protect the skin from burns. In the backpack there should always be a light rain jacket or windbreaker, because in the mountains storms can appear suddenly and can be violent. It is also worth having a thin sweatshirt or long-sleeved shirt that will protect you from the sun or cool wind on the ridge. What to pack for a trip to the mountains in summer besides clothes? Water bottle or filter bottle, allowing you to replenish stocks from mountain springs, and provisions adapted to longer hikes: fresh fruits, nuts, protein bars, light breads, as well as dried fruits that provide energy and take up little space. When planning what to bring to the mountains in summer, heat-resistant products, easy to transport and quick to eat, such as whole grain crackers, student mixes or energy gels should be included for more demanding sections of the trail. It is good to plan routes with points in mind where you can replenish water, and avoid being in sunny areas for a long time during the most heat hours.

What to take to the mountains in autumn?

Autumn in the Orlické, Bystrzyckie and Stołowe Mountains means shorter days, higher humidity and cooler mornings, as well as more frequent fogs and showers. If you're wondering what to pack into the mountains in autumn, you need to prepare for very changeable conditions — you can experience both sunshine and intense rain or gusty wind in a day. Your backpack should include fleece and softshell to keep you warm, as well as a sturdy rain jacket to protect you from getting wet. A hat and gloves made of thin, breathable material will protect you from the cold, especially in the morning and evening, while trekking boots with a high upper and waterproof membrane will protect you from moisture, mud and slippery substrate covered with fallen leaves. In colder weather, it is worth having a thermos with hot tea or coffee, which will not only warm up, but also improve the comfort of walking. What is worth taking to the mountains in autumn besides clothes? Headlamp with spare batteries, because dark falls quickly, spare pair of gloves in case of soaking, as well as snacks rich in carbohydrates — dried fruits, cereal bars or sandwiches — which will provide energy on longer routes. It is also good to take a paper map or a reliable GPS, because autumn conditions can limit visibility and hinder orientation in the terrain.

What to pack in the mountains in winter?

Winter requires extreme care and appropriate equipment, as conditions on the trail can be extremely demanding — from frost and strong winds to icing and deep snow. What to pack in the mountains in winter? The basis is warm thermoactive underwear, which wicks moisture and provides thermal comfort, a thick fleece or softshell, and on top a down or high-quality synthetic jacket that will protect against wind and low temperature. A hat, scarf or chimney and thick gloves are essential - preferably in two pairs to be able to change them if you get wet. Stuptuts will protect legs and shoes from falling snow, and the shoes themselves must be solidly insulated, waterproof and equipped with a sole compatible with crayfish or crawlers, which will allow you to safely navigate the icy sections. Also take trekking poles with winter plates, which stabilize your step in deep snow and help maintain balance. What provisions to take in the mountains in winter to preserve energy and avoid cooling? It is best to choose high-calorie foods such as chocolate, nuts, dried fruits, energy bars or peanut butter in sachets, which are easy to eat even with gloves. Remember that among what to take on a trip to the mountains in winter, you can not miss a thermos with a hot drink - tea, cocoa or broth - that will not only warm up, but also replenish the fluids in the body, which in winter is as important as in summer.

Read also: How to dress in the mountains in winter? Orlické and Bystrzyckie Mountains

What to take to the mountains for 3 days, and what for longer?

What to take to the mountains for 3 days? In the case of a shorter trip, it is best to bet on light but complete equipment — all you need is one set of clothes to match the weather, a small first aid kit containing basic dressings and medicines, personal hygiene products in compact packages, provisions for the first two days and a supply of water that can be replenished during the hike. With such a trip, it makes no sense to take too many clothes, but it is worth having layered clothing to be able to react to temperature changes. What to take to the mountains for 5 days or more? The equipment should be expanded with additional clothes adapted to different conditions, a larger amount of food, an additional powerbank to maintain the efficiency of electronic devices, as well as possible camping equipment if accommodation in the field is planned. When it comes to going to the mountains, what to take depends on various factors, however, in any case, the list should include the necessary things to ensure safety, comfort and the ability to deal with emergency situations, such as sudden deterioration of weather or delay of return.

Welcome to Szarotka

The answer to the question of what to pack for a trip to the mountains depends on the season, the length of the trip, the planned activities, as well as the degree of difficulty of the trails and the conditions that may prevail on the route. Otherwise, you will prepare for a short summer walk, and otherwise for winter trekking in deep snow - in any case, however, it is crucial to choose equipment adequately to your needs and not miss any of the necessary elements. If you think carefully about what to take to the mountains, you will be able to enjoy the route without worrying about the lack of equipment needed and ensure your safety in the event of a change in the weather. If you are looking for a comfortable base close to the trails, our apartments in Zieleniec will provide you with comfort, tasty cuisine, access to the necessary amenities and a great location to discover the charms of Orlické, Bystrzyckie and Table Mountains at any time of the year.