When asked "what to take to the mountains?" the first thing that comes to mind is comfortable boots, a rain jacket and a rucksack. But even at this stage there is such a large choice of products that it is difficult to make a decision. It should depend first and foremost on what kind of route we are planning. We will need a different rucksack and boots in the valleys, others in the High Tatras. We will try to give you some tips on the best solutions!
Mountain boots
The height of the upper of your boots is a very important decision before you set out on the trail. Low boots are suitable for more experienced hikers and for hikes with a smaller backpack or in the valleys. You can easily walk the route to Morské Oka in them, but if you are inexperienced - walking the Orla Perć trail in them may be a problem. Beginners are recommended shoes with an upper above the ankle. At the beginning of summer, we still have a lot of snow in the higher parts of the mountains. This should determine the choice of boots to which we can fit crampons.
The membrane that the boots are equipped with is also extremely important. It is what protects against rain and puddles on the trail. In harsh and changeable weather conditions, shoes with a waterproof membrane such as GoreTex will of course be best. But if you are only planning a walk in the valley, in sunny weather - you can also manage without it. The membrane also has poorer breathability in hot weather. But it is irreplaceable when it starts to pour. The sole should provide stability and cushioning. On the asphalted route to Morskie Oko, where there are no stones, this will be practically irrelevant. But already in the High Tatras you will need shoes with a suitable tread to prevent slipping.
As far as the material of the boots is concerned, you will choose between leather and synthetic material. Nowadays, very high-tech shoes are often made precisely of synthetics, which are more abrasion-resistant, tear-resistant and easier to care for. But most importantly, they are definitely lighter than leather shoes. Do not be afraid of such a solution - synthetic shoes will successfully serve us for years.
When you go to the mountains, it's a good idea to choose shoes with a rubber heel. This prevents damage from sharp stones. It also increases protection against water - especially when moving through streams. However, it is important to bear in mind that the rubber stopper significantly reduces the breathability of the boot.
Backpack
Choosing a backpack seems a lot easier. It needs to lie well on your back, and its size is chosen according to the length of the expedition or the number of things you need to take with you. It is obvious that people hiking with children or, for example, photographers, will need a larger backpack even on short routes.
For day trips, a backpack with a capacity of 20-30 litres should be sufficient. For weekend trips, 30-50 litres. Larger models are suitable for longer hikes or difficult climbs with climbing equipment.
Regardless of the length of the trip, it is worth opting for a backpack with a water reservoir. This allows us to replenish fluids while walking, without stopping. Such a solution definitely contributes to the comfort of the expedition. The same goes for an effective ventilation system, which will draw moisture away from the back. It is also worth considering choosing a backpack with a rain cover.
Rain jacket
Here I think the choice will be more difficult. Because although you probably won't even take it out of your rucksack for most of the trip - in an extreme situation it can save you from getting cold. A hardshell jacket with a breathable rainproof membrane will be best.
By far the most well-known membrane is Gore-Tex. Many people even use this name to refer to all membranes. Meanwhile, more and more outdoor brands are offering their own membranes. Thus: The North Face has DryVent and Futurelight membranes, Jack Wolfskin has Texapore, and Salomon has AdvancedSkin Dry.
When choosing a hardshell, there are two parameters to consider: waterproofness and breathability.
Waterproofness is described in millimetres of water column. A value above 10,000 means that the trekking jacket is completely waterproof. A hardshell with a water resistance of between 5,000 and 10,000 will provide protection for many hours during an average rainfall.
The unit used to describe breathability, on the other hand, is g H2O/m², which is the number of grams of liquid that will pass through a membrane of 1 square metre in a day. The higher the value, the more efficiently the jacket breathes. Comfortable breathability is a parameter of no less than 10000.
But the parameters don't stop there. The laminate, or the way the membrane is placed in the jacket, is also important. In the 2L version, the membrane is connected to the outer layer and there is a mesh lining underneath, which protects the membrane and is a separate layer. The 2.5L is the membrane joined by an outer layer and instead of a lining there is a protective print which is not a separate layer, i.e. an incomplete layer (0.5L). The jacket in this version will be lighter and more compact. The most advanced way of placing the membrane is 3L. In it, the membrane is combined with the outer layer and the lining into a single unit. This increases its durability, as there is no direct contact and friction between the layers. In this version, the hardshell rain jacket will be the lightest.
The size, design and fit of the jacket is undoubtedly a matter of taste. It is important that the clothing you normally hike in the mountains can fit under the jacket. It is good if the jacket has reflective elements. Many people choose bright colours to be more visible on the trail.
A jacket with zippered underarm vents helps to increase thermal comfort when tackling difficult and demanding sections of the trail. You should also pay attention to whether the zips are waterproof and the seams are taped. Marto should also choose a model with a hood that can accommodate a protective helmet. This will be especially important during expeditions in the higher parts of the Tatra Mountains.