Preparation for Hiking

Preparing for a hike? Great! Proper preparation is the key to a successful trip, especially if you're heading to the mountains. I once searched for such a guide for myself but simply couldn't find one. All articles were limited to general phrases, but I wanted more specifics. In this article, we will go over what to take on a hike, what clothing and footwear to choose, what accessories might come in handy, and I'll also share useful hiking life hacks. By following these tips, you will minimize risks and make your hike comfortable and safe.

Optimal Time for Hiking

The best time to hike to the highest peaks in Montenegro is in the summer. Let me remind you that summer in Montenegro officially begins on June 22. By this time, the snow has already melted from the mountains, and the chances of sunny weather are higher, which is especially important for photos and videos.

Footwear

Footwear is one of the key factors for a comfortable hike. Here are a few important points:

• Your shoes should not cause blisters; they should be tested and broken in. A new pair should be worn for at least a day before the hike.
• Hiking shoes should be slightly loose, a bit bigger than your normal size. It is recommended to choose hiking shoes half a size larger than usual, as your feet may swell by the end of the hike, causing discomfort or even severe pain.
• It is good if the boots provide ankle support.
• Footwear should be lightweight, durable, and have thick soles to prevent feeling every bump underfoot.
• Specialized hiking shoes are preferable because they are stronger and lighter. Regular sneakers are unlikely to withstand such a durability test.

When choosing gear, it's best to invest in good hiking boots – they will significantly ease your ascent. Avoid wearing your favorite fashionable sneakers on a hike. If they are not specialized, they will likely be ruined after the hike. Hiking is tough on footwear, and shoes often get torn apart. On one of my hikes, I wore regular sneakers, which fell apart by the end of the trip and caused a lot of suffering.

Trekking Poles

This accessory is often underestimated, but it truly makes both ascents and descents easier. Poles help to evenly distribute the load, reducing strain on your legs. Your knees will definitely thank you!

When choosing, consider your height and weight.

Clothing

Check the weather forecast right before your trip. Mountain weather can be unpredictable. If it’s cloudy and windy, it will be cold even during the day. Be sure to bring warm, breathable clothing and a windbreaker.
If you decide to hike in foggy conditions, remember that humidity is higher, making the weather feel colder and more uncomfortable.
On sunny days, it will be hot, so shorts and a t-shirt might be enough.

Accessories

• Headwear. A cap, bucket hat, or beanie will protect you from the sun.
• Sunscreen SPF 50. UV radiation is stronger in the mountains, and you can get sunburned even in winter or cloudy weather. Apply it right away at the start of your trek and reapply throughout the hike.
• Headband or wristband for sweat. Everyone is different, but during intense physical activity in hot weather, sweat can get in your eyes. A headband will help with that.
• Hiking seat pad. Useful during breaks. You'll often look for a place to sit and rest. A seat pad helps smooth out rocky surfaces and prevents sitting on insects or mud.
• Flashlight. It may come in handy if you get delayed on the trail. It's best to return before dark.
• Hiking knife. Just in case.
• Fire source. Matches, a lighter, or a fire starter – just in case. Keep in mind that lighting fires in national parks is strictly prohibited in Montenegro.
• Wipes. Both regular and wet wipes will be useful.
• Power bank. Your phone will be actively used for navigation and photography, so it might run out of battery halfway through the hike.
• Medical adhesive bandage. If your shoes start to rub, don’t wait – cover the spot immediately! This will prevent blisters and help you finish your hike comfortably.
• Insect repellent. Mountains are usually cold, and Montenegro’s mountains have very few mosquitoes. However, on hot summer days near livestock pastures, flies can be quite annoying.
• Gloves. Some parts of the trail may require climbing short vertical rocks with the help of steel cables. While climbing itself doesn't always require gloves, gripping a steel cable can be rough on your hands.
• Rain poncho. It should be thick enough to protect against small hail. Once, we left our rain ponchos at the hotel but had 250-liter heavy-duty trash bags with us. A hailstorm caught us near a lake in the forest, and tree branches didn’t provide enough cover. We cut the trash bags into makeshift raincoats. The thick plastic softened the hail impacts and shielded us from strong wind. Avoid thin plastic raincoats; they are impractical in the mountains.

Water

Hydration needs during a hike are individual. I once saw a girl barely sip a 500ml bottle of water after a 6-8 hour hike on a hot day, while I drank 4 liters in the same time. The bigger you are physically, the more water you need.

It's important to remember that excessive water intake can wash out electrolytes, making you even thirstier. The solution: it's better to drink special electrolyte water. Sporting goods stores sell special powders (isotonics) that need to be dissolved in water. You should have both regular water and isotonic drinks, and alternate between them. In cold weather, water consumption is noticeably lower.

I recommend stocking up on water or using isotonics.

Food for Hiking

Hiking burns a huge amount of energy – you can lose up to 15,000 kcal on a hike! It's a good idea to have a meal on your way back and eat snacks during the hike. Mountain hiking is a great way to lose weight, so it’s important to maintain balance.

Be sure to take something sweet and high in calories, such as a chocolate bar or a sweet fruit. A sudden drop in blood sugar can cause dizziness, weakness, and low blood pressure – a quick glucose boost will help restore energy.

We usually bring sliced bread, sausage, and cheese, some sauce, a few small fruits (apple, peach, banana, cherries – depending on preference), and a couple of chocolate bars. Just like with water, remember that you have to carry everything, so it’s important not to overload yourself with extra weight.

Conclusion

Prepare for your hike in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises! Good gear, proper footwear, enough water, and a well-thought-out food supply will make your journey comfortable and safe. By following these tips, you can enjoy nature and have an unforgettable experience! Don’t forget trekking boots and water 🙂