More than half of all European people go hiking, either occasionally or regularly. Hiking is a great way to relax in the great outdoors and observe the flora and fauna. To make the most of your hikes, good equipment is essential! On Ekosport, you'll find all the hiking equipment you need at the best prices: hiking boots, rucksacks, walking poles, hiking clothing, safety and orienteering equipment, and hiking baby carriers.

Hiking: the most popular sport in Europe

It has to be said that hiking is a physical activity accessible to everyone, as long as you adapt the distances and difficulty of the hike to your physical level and age. There are 60,000 kilometres of Grande Randonnée (GR) trails in France. Around major conurbations and on the plains, hiking is often done on footpaths and in undergrowth, with little change in altitude. In the mountains, hikers set off to conquer mythical peaks and high-altitude lakes over steep terrain. These different approaches to hiking are well understood by the major outdoor brands, which offer hiking equipment for all levels of ability.

Essential equipment for short hikes

For short hikes, you need less equipment than for long, demanding treks. However, even for a family outing, it's essential to feel comfortable and safe with the right hiking clothes, comfortable footwear and protective accessories. The most important thing is to have good hiking boots. Depending on the season and your need for support, you can opt for hiking sandals, low or medium upper hiking boots, or high upper hiking boots. The latter offer better ankle support and are ideal for carrying heavy loads. In winter, waterproof footwear such as Gore-Tex hiking boots is highly recommended. When it comes to clothing, choose quality hiking clothes, not forgetting protective accessories such as goggles or a cap. To carry your belongings, a hiking bag of less than 20 litres is ideal. Finally, for hiking with young children, a hiking baby carrier is very practical.

Equipment for long-distance tours

Mountain or long-distance tours require more equipment. You'll need to be self-sufficient in natural areas that are often far from civilisation. As well as choosing suitable hiking boots, you'll need orientation equipment (IGN maps, compass, altimeter, GPS), a first-aid kit, a multifunction knife, a headlamp and hydration accessories such as a water bag. Most hikers equip themselves with trekking poles to save energy going uphill and to feel safe going downhill. Finally, when it comes to clothing, remember to anticipate the risk of thunderstorms or changing conditions, which are common in the mountains. A hiking jacket is essential if you want to enjoy your hikes with complete peace of mind.