Hiking Gear will make or break your walking escapade. So let’s get your dressed in the right stuff.
The island of Ireland has been ranked as Europe’s best destination for hiking. The scenery, folk tales, and historic paths have created some of the best hiking trails. One of the best ways to explore the Emerald Isle is by planning a multi-day trip through the green hills, the stunning coastlines and the breathtaking cliffs.
Hiking Gear for Weather Bombs
Preparing for a hike in Ireland can be a little tricky due to the unpredictable weather. One minute, the sun is shining like the sky is on fire. Then, the next you could be faced with grey skies and thunderstorms which make your hair look like you have stuck your finger in a power socket. It sounds like an ongoing joke. But for real. It can be four seasons in an hour. So you’ll have to think about keeping dry.
Hiking Gear for the Time of Year
Different times of the year have different advantages. Between April and late September is the warm time of year when Ireland is as green as it will ever be. The wildflowers burst into life and give your eyeballs a great workout. But the summer months in Ireland are busy with tourists and prices of hotels and attractions rise.
If you prefer something a bit quieter you should visit in late spring or early Autumn, where you still get temperatures that are agreeable and prices and crowds drop off somewhat.
So what should you pack? Here is some advice from Outdoor Life.
The Right Stuff
Packing the correct clothing is key when planning a hiking trip in Ireland. Just remember – don’t forget your waterproofs! They will prepare you for all types of weather and will keep you dry when faced with surprise showers. However, just because it is raining doesn’t mean that you will be cold. This is where layers come in handy. Wearing layers will allow you to regulate your body temperature as you can add or remove clothing if you feel too hot or too cold.
Have a look at a range of clothing including waterproof jackets and lined fleeces to base layers and thermal accessories. No matter the time of year, they will help you to prepare for your trip so you can hike in comfort.
When preparing for a hiking trip across Ireland, it is essential that you purchase comfortable footwear. Hiking boots are one of the most important items of clothing you can wear. If you don’t purchase the correct footwear, you may experience foot pain, blisters, and you may not be able to finish your walk. The majority of hiking in Ireland is off-road and off-trail. This means that you could be walking through bogland, mucky fields or coasts without a clearly marked path.
One of the first things to consider when purchasing hiking boots is ankle support. Some of the walking trails across Ireland can be rocky and uneven. If you have weak ankles then full height boots will be the best option for protection against injuries.
The next thing is to make sure that your footwear is waterproof. In Ireland, we can experience all four seasons in the space of one day. Waterproof hiking boots will help to protect your feet from the Irish weather, from a light rain shower to torrential storms.
Of course, if you hike anywhere cool in Ireland, be sure to tag our Instagram account!
Happy travels!
