Equipment and Safety 

Travelling on foot in mountains and hilly terrain is better measured in hours than in distance, as the steepness of the terrain, the altitude and the quality of the path defines how fast – or slow – you travel. In most walking or trekking programmes it simply does not make sense to mention the distance. That is why we indicate the walking hours. Please note that the walking hours mentioned in our grading system only is indicative. 

Grade 1 Easy hikes that anyone with good health can do. Short hikes of 2-4 hours a day. The paths are in good conditions and mainly flat. Requires no special equipment

Grade 2 Easy walking on reasonably good paths. The walking time is 4-6 hours usually in hilly terrain.Anyone in good health and a normal physical fitness can participate. It requires good footwear such as trekking shoes or hiking boots. 

Grade 3 Walking on hilly or mountainous terrain, with longer ascents and descents. Walking time 5-7 hours. Requires good fitness and good health, but no technical experience. Requires good footwear such as trekking or hiking boots. Grade 4 Trekking 6-8 hours, often in difficult terrain and higher altitude. There will be longer ascents and descents. Requires endurance and strong knees and ankles. Requires good hiking boots, hiking sticks are recommended as well as weather proof “outdoor” clothing. There will be major fluctuations in temperatures. 

Grade 5 Longer treks of several weeks, involving sleeping in tents and with daily walks of 6-8 hours in demanding terrain. There can be longer climbs over high passes in altitude around 5.000 meter/17.000 feet. Requires good fitness and endurance ability. Previous trekking experience is recommendable. Requires good hiking boots and regular “outdoor” clothing. There will be major fluctuations in temperatures. 

The classification of trekking boots into categories A, B, C, and D is based on the torsional stability of the sole. This stability is crucial for ensuring comfort and support on various terrains. Here’s a brief overview of each category: 

• Category A: These boots have more flexible soles and softer, low-cut uppers, making them suitable for leisurely hikes and less challenging terrains. 
• Category B: Ideal for mountainous terrain with a medium-weight pack, these boots offer a balance between flexibility and stability.
• Category C: This category includes special exceptions, such as low-cut approach shoes with stiff soles, which are designed for specific use cases.
• Category D: These boots have stiff soles and high, sturdy uppers, providing excellent stability and support for uneven paths with stones, rocks, and roots. 

General Equipment Required 

Footwear: While footwear is a personnel choice, it is unsafe to walk demanding terrains (Grade 3-4-5) is anything other than trek/hike boots with a good sole of category B-C-D, though approach shoes aren’t recommended as they don’t support the ankle. It is also recommended to have a second pair of shoes for the evening, soft and friendly to the foot, a pair of flip flops is sometimes the best and/or soft sport shoes. You will be wearing them around the guesthouses and refuges, in the luggage transfer treks why not take both, in refuges one can be cold in the evening…. 

Outdoor Clothing: Again one’s approach to clothing is personnel BUT one shouldn’t risk hypothermia at any time, it is good to have several layers interchangeable

• First/Base Layer: isothermic tee-shirt, cotton doesn’t dry easily so you can stay wet for a while. Merino 
• Second Layer: can be a second isothermic tee-shirt or (isothermic) light zip jacket, pullover, again the more breathable the better 
• Third Layer, Softshell jacket, Membrane (ex: GoreTex) Primaloft N:B : Second and Third are interchangeable as most of the time you will need only a tee shirt and a membrane. The after trek and evening can require a Primaloft or light Down Jacket, not to loose body heat 
• Socks: trek specifics and as breathable as possible 
• Isothermic underwear if possible as not to remain damp 

Optionals: 

• Hats (foldable?) or Buff cloths can be handy when sunny, windy or for evening, we generally recommend a snood/cloth tube for multi-purpose use (hat, scarf , wiper etc…) 
• Gloves , check weather forecast and your altitude 
• A headlamp can be practical in refuge accommodation