Equipment
Clothing - Equipment
The gear and clothing required by a hiker or mountaineer varies depending on:
- The season (winter or summer),
- The duration of the hike (e.g., a 2-hour route, a 10-hour route, or even a multi-day hike),
- The altitude of the route (it's important to note that for every 1000m of elevation gain, the temperature drops by 7°C. For example, when the temperature at the beach in Litochoro is 25°C, at the summit of Mount Olympus, it's 4°C),
- The type of terrain of the route.
These four factors affect the equipment needed. A summer ascent of Mount Olympus can present the same or even worse conditions than a winter hike, for example, in the Mani region.
The clothing and equipment listed are marked with "W" (Winter) and "S" (Summer) to indicate the appropriate season for their use. These guidelines are specific to Greece and may not apply to other countries.
A - Single-day and multi-day hikes
a) Clothing
During a hike, the clothing should be very light, while the hiker should dress warmly during breaks. Heavier clothing (jackets, fleece) is used only during breaks and rarely during the hike, except in rare cases in Greece when the cold is biting. In those cases, a jacket over thermal underwear or a shirt is sufficient.
1. Hiking boots (different depending on the season). There are three types:
- S: Simple trekking shoes - flexible-soled shoes that are not waterproof. Externally, they resemble good-quality sports shoes. Suitable for summer and hikes up to 5-6 hours.
- S-W: Semi-rigid - shoes with a semi-rigid sole that can withstand light rain, are anatomical, and cover the ankles. Suitable for three seasons of the year, except winter, and for long hikes.
- W: Rigid boots - often referred to as hiking boots. Heavy shoes with a rigid sole. Suitable for winter and particularly for walking on snow and long hikes. Warm, anatomical, and waterproof, they provide excellent foot protection. Not suitable for walking on dirt roads.
2. S-W: Socks - The old woolen socks have been replaced with socks made from a combination of wool and synthetic fibers. One pair is sufficient for modern hiking boots. It's useful for the hiker to carry a second pair in their backpack.
3. S-W: Pants - The quality depends on the time of year. In general, they should be durable and resistant to tearing. In the autumn and winter months, they should be made of water-repellent fabric to avoid soaking. They should be loose enough to allow easy movement. Pants like jeans or those that absorb sweat and water are unsuitable. Avoid shorts and short pants, as they are not suitable for the mountains.
4. S-W: Shirt - Thermal underwear made from synthetic fibers is ideal for those who are not allergic. It has replaced the shirt, which is now only worn at the end of a hike. The thermal underwear doesn't retain sweat, is lightweight, warm, and odor-resistant, making it superior to cotton equivalents. They come with short or long sleeves.
5. W: Thermal leggings - Worn under pants only in extremely cold weather. They are not often used in Greece.
6. S-W: Fleece jacket - Made from synthetic fibers in various thicknesses, it has replaced the traditional sweater. Lightweight, warm, and water-repellent, it is ideal when combined with a thermal shirt. It comes in various thicknesses and forms (like a sweater, full-length zip, etc.). Useful in cold weather, but not recommended during the hike, only during breaks.
7. S-W: Jacket (windbreaker) - The distinction between jackets and windbreakers is somewhat unclear. A jacket is typically insulated and mainly used for warmth during breaks, while a windbreaker is used primarily to protect from the wind and should be made from breathable materials to avoid sweating.
8. S-W: Raincoat - A hooded waterproof coat that covers the hiker and their gear.
9. W: Gloves - Essential during winter. Wool or synthetic gloves should be covered with a waterproof layer to avoid getting wet.
10. W: Neck gaiter - It has replaced the scarf. Useful during winter hikes to protect the neck and head from the cold. It can be transformed into a hat, neckerchief, or scarf with a single motion.
11. W: Hat - Used to protect the head and ears from the cold. Only for winter use.
12. W: Balaclava - A thin special hat that covers the entire head, leaving only the eyes exposed. Useful in snowstorms and extreme cold.
13. S: Cap - Necessary during the summer.
14. S-W: Sunglasses - Essential for both summer and snowy conditions with sun.
Equipment**
1. S-W: Backpack - (varies depending on the hike, from 40 to 80 liters). A small backpack supported by the shoulders holds up to 40 liters, meaning approximately 12 kg. A larger backpack has wide shoulder and waist straps, attachments for an ice axe and crampons, an anatomical back, and holds up to 20 kg.
2. W: Gaiters - Cover the calf to protect boots from snow entry. Essential in snow, they are also useful in heavy mud to prevent pants from getting dirty.
3. S-W: Trekking poles - Similar to ski poles, they are telescopic and adjustable according to the hiker's height. Very useful, especially when carrying a heavy backpack, they help prevent falls on steep descents and aid in better weight distribution of the upper body.
4. S-W: Water bottle - Very useful when made from flexible material with large capacities (3-4 liters), as they fit better in the backpack.
5. S-W: Flashlight with spare batteries - LED flashlights have now replaced classic flashlights, so no spare bulbs are needed.
6. S-W: Toilet paper - For obvious use.
7. S-W: Brush - Useful for cleaning hiking boots of mud at the end of the hike while the mud is still soft.
8. S-W: Knife - Cutlery. Essential for eating and small tasks. Swiss army knives with multi-tools are ideal.
9. S-W: First aid kit.
10. S-W: Nylon bags for trash, wet clothes, and other uses.
11. S-W: Food - Depends on the duration of the hike. Stable foods like nuts, sesame bars, etc.
Safety Equipment* (Useful, but not mandatory)
- S-W: Map of the area.
- S-W: Compass.
- S-W: GPS.
- S-W: Whistle.
- **S-W**: Mobile phone.
