Equipment
Before going on a trip to the mountains everyone surely wonders what to take, what can be useful to me, how should I be prepared, etc. That’s why below I’m going to discuss the equipment (some of course obligatory) that may be useful during our trip. We should be aware that the better we are prepared, the more comfortable we are, and above all, the safer we are.
Hiking shoes
On difficult, uneven terrain our feet are exposed to various loads generated during travels along the trails, therefore, the right footwear is above all a good protection for our feet against all sorts of injuries, abrasions and weather conditions.
Below I present several advantages of trekking shoes that affect the comfort and safety of our trips:
Appropriate protection – due to the materials used and its construction, trekking footwear effectively stabilizes the ankle, therefore protecting it against dangerous injuries.
Convenience – advanced technology and applied solutions mean that trekking shoes provide great comfort, so our feet get less tired during a long walk.
Thermal insulation – trekking shoes protect the feet from cold, therefore it is recommended when hiking during winter. At that time, when staying in the highest parts of the island, temperatures sometimes fall to about 6 degrees Celsius.
Protection against the weather conditions – good quality trekking shoes should above all be waterproof, so that you do not have to worry that they will get wet when hiking in the rain.
Evacuation of moisture – having well-fitting shoes made of high-quality materials means that our feet will not sweat as they would in standard footwear.
Travel backpack
Travel backpack
During our hiking trips we should take a backpack with a minimum capacity of 10 liters (preferably 20l – 30l), in which we will be able to transport clothing, food and items such as sunglasses, UV cream, camera, etc. necessary for us.
For our clients, there are free backpacks available, of various sizes, but it is recommended to take your own backpack because we are familiar with its comfort and ease of use.
Hiking poles
Trekking poles are some of the most helpful ways of ensuring our safety during our travels. They can help us with steep uphills as well as with protecting our knee joints against excessive loads during descents.
Possession and use of trekking poles on our routes is not mandatory, it depends on individual preferences.
For our clients we have trekking poles available free of charge, but in case of damage (bending, breaking or other mechanical defect), the customer will be charged EUR 15 per item.
Clothing
The choice of clothing for our trip is very important. First of all, we should take into account the time of year during which we will be traveling across the island.
During the April – September period it rarely rains. Even in the highest parts of the mountains the temperature is at about 22 degrees, reaching up to 26 degrees in June, July and August. The T-shirt usually is enough, but it’s always a good idea to take long-sleeved clothing.
The October – March period has variable weather and more frequent rainfalls (we always try to avoid our trips during rainy days, but sometimes the weather may surprise us). We recommend (during cold days it’s obligatory) warm clothing with long sleeves (long pants, polartec) and, just in case, a rain jacket which also can also serve as a windstopper.
Headgear
During your stay in the Canary Islands, remember to wear suitable headgear to protect your skin from excessive sunlight. During our trips we are exposed to sunlight for several hours, so we should effectively protect ourselves by always taking with us headgear, such as a baseball cap, headscarf, bandana or a hat.
Sunscreen with UV filter
Sunscreen lotion with UV filter is necessary not only during sunbathing on the sandy beaches of Gran Canaria but also during travelling on the beautiful paths on the island. Therefore, it is recommended to take the right cream with a UV filter or other way of guaranteeing an effective protection (especially the face or neck, which are most exposed to the sun).
Sunglasses
Our eyes, like the skin, should be protected from the harmful effects of sunlight. On the mountain trails we are more exposed to UV radiation, because as the altitude increases, the air becomes less dense and more harmful UV rays reach us. It can be said that the UV radiation increases approximately about 6-8% every 1000 meters. This means that at high altitudes, even with a cloudy sky, a large amount of UV radiation reaches us. That’s why I recommend finding a good pair of sunglasses with a filter.
Mineral water
Due to the insolation and temperatures on the island we need to ensure adequate hydration of the body to prevent its dehydration. It is recommended to take a minimum of 1 liter of mineral water per person, regardless of the route chosen, or the season of the year.
Snacks
Considering the fact that our dinner in the restaurant is at about 14:30 – 15:30 and that everyone has individual preferences, you can take a light meal of your own, for example fruits, energy bars, almonds, biscuits, sandwiches, etc.
Camara
Our routes are some of the most beautiful on the island, which makes them an excellent opportunity for photography enthusiasts to commemorate the most interesting places and moments during our joint travels. Each participant can take their own, favorite photographic equipment to take unforgettable photos, which will surely be a great souvenir from our trip.
Money
