A hodgepodge of hiking tips

La Cordée

August 26, 2025

6 minutes

The periods of intense heat will soon give way to the beautiful hiking season. If your hiking destination is already established, you might need these essentials to add a little comfort to your hike.

A versatile addition

All hikers accustomed to long distances know that at some point, blisters can form or unpleasant friction occurs and causes irritation. Fortunately, there is a very effective product to improve your comfort during long days of walking: Bodyglide.

Its pocket size makes it easy to carry on a hike, but note that you can also apply it before leaving in places where the risk of friction is highest (between the thighs and on the heels). Bodyglide can also be used when running or cycling.

Foot support

Once you've found the right fit, you could add an insole to enhance the comfort of your boots or hiking shoes.

A well-wrapped and supported foot helps reduce the risk of injury. If you have orthotics, remember to transfer them from one pair of shoes to another, especially when hiking. Those who don't have any orthotics, replace the insole of your hiking boot with a Sidas insole. Your feet will thank you!, In addition to enhancing the comfort of your shoes, it improves your balance and overall support.

Find the right socks

Your feet will be your main tool when hiking. You must not neglect them, and you must think of every detail to maximize their comfort. Thus, good quality socks adapted to the type of shoes you use will be a real asset.

As with all outdoor clothing, ban all cotton socks. In Gore-Tex boots, this undesirable fabric would keep your feet wet and irritated, which is more than unpleasant. Instead, opt for a blend of synthetic fiber and merino wool.

The longer the hike, the thicker your socks should be, or at least in certain areas, such as the heel and toes. Do not hesitate to wear socks that go up your ankle. They will protect your ankles against friction caused by the boot and mosquito bites.

Hydrate, always hydrate

The advice that should always be followed to the letter is to stay well hydrated. It's raining, it's cold, it's windy, it's snowing, it's sunny... Regardless of the conditions, drinking water while hiking is essential.

To distribute the weight of the water on your back, use a hydration reservoir. This can easily slip into your hiking bag. Moreover, most hiking backpacks have a pocket designed for this purpose. You can also bring a water purification system in case your water reserves decrease too quickly.

A tool to make life easier

Walking poles are also highly recommended, as they improve your balance. When used properly, they also allow you to better use your upper body for walking. This will reduce by about 20% the effort required by your lower body when progressing in the mountains.

The hiker's secret weapon: duct tape

A roll of wide duct tape should always be in the bottom of your hiking bag for temporary repairs. Did you tear your windbreaker, did your old hiking boots decide to give up the ghost before the end of the day, or did your bag split on a rock that was too angular? The unexpected can happen in many ways, but can be overcome with this simple adhesive tape commonly known as "Duct Tape".

Anticipate the worst without panicking

When you go hiking, you need to prepare for the unexpected. An injury can happen quickly, a route can be greatly extended if you take the wrong path at an intersection, the weather can change in a matter of minutes… There are several events that can occur at any moment, but which are often easy to manage if you have the right tools to deal with them.

Therefore, always have a first-aid kit, a headlamp, and a way to communicate with civilization with you.

With these few tips in mind, all that's left is to find a destination for your next hike!

To not forget anything on your next hike, it's here:

Discover our selection of hiking equipment

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