Richardson Alun - Rucksack Guide - Mountain Walking and Trekking

Trekking in the Alps

Dont walk too fast enjoy it

Start slowly and speed up.

Keep something in reserve in case you need it.

Walk for at least an hour before stopping for your first rest.

Straighten your rear leg in between every step so that it is supported by bone and not muscle.

Relax the muscles of the forward leg.

Tighten your laces.

Bend your knees and place each foot lightly.

Dont completely straighten your leg.

Use the thigh muscles to absorb the impact, and not the knees.

Keep a measured pace and zigzag to shift the strain.

Stand in the gaps between stones, rather than on top of them.

The massive choice of equipment available can make buying kit a nightmare. Borrow equipment at first, and when you do buy take your time; read the latest reviews from the experts.

Boots must be well constructed, water resistant, have an aggressive tread pattern, a medium level of ankle support and, most importantly, a good resistance of the sole to lateral twisting. Use good, well-fitting socks.

Getting a good fit

Put the boot on un-laced. Push your foot forwards until your toes hit the front; you should then be able to squeeze a finger down the back of the heel.

Next, lace the boots properly by standing up to weight the foot, but not too tightly over the arch the foot is very sensitive to pressure.

A good fit is one where there is no pressure on your toes, you can wiggle them, there is no side-to-side movement of the foot and your heel does not lift.

If in doubt, buy larger.

Put both boots on and simulate uphill and downhill walking.

Wear a loaded rucksack because this will alter the shape of your foot.

Finally try male and female versions you never know!

Caring for boots

Stuff wet boots loosely with newspaper and leave them to dry in a warm, but not hot, place. Apply waterproofing to clean boots a few days before it is needed, to allow it to soak in (avoid too much treatment as it can soften the leather).

Socks

Socks should be snug with a smooth knit, good shape and elasticity, and made of wool or synthetic fibres to draw moisture away.

A thin liner and a thicker sock will reduce the chance of blisters.

A Gore-tex sock worn over a thin liner sock functions like a Gore-tex boot.

Do not roll your socks over the top of your boots or tuck your trousers into them as grit gets into the boot more easily.

Wash and moisturise feet every day.

Air feet regularly.

Use powders or antiperspirant to keep them dry, reducing blisters.

Cut nails by following the contour of the nail, so that the nail corner is visible.

BLISTERS

If your boots fit and they are laced correctly, you wear good socks and you look after your feet, you should never get blisters. If you feel a hot spot, act immediately. Always pop the blister, but do it neatly. Use a sterilised needle and pop several holes in the blister, press it flat and apply a small square of gauze to pad it. Hold the gauze in place with tape as it can be slippery. Plasters fall off, making a sticky mess at the first moment of perspiration.