No expensive special equipment is required for hiking. Hiking with a light pack is pleasant, but some items are good to have for safety. The list below helps you choose equipment for hiking in Värmland during the snow-free season. The list should be adjusted to the season, the length, and the difficulty of the hike. If you are in a group, it is sufficient if someone carries extra sweaters, a first aid kit, etc., for safety reasons.
Shoes
Hiking boots provide good ankle support. During the season, you should normally be able to hike a certified Värmland trail with hiking boots without getting your feet wet. If the ground is very dry, training shoes work well. Rubber boots are a better alternative than boots when it is very wet, early in the spring, or late in the fall, the periods before and after the main hiking season.
Clothing
Choose clothing based on the layering principle. The innermost layer should keep you warm and wick moisture away from your body. Wool or synthetic materials are best. The middle layer should transfer moisture further out and provide warmth. Wool or fleece are good materials. The outer layer should protect against rain and wind. It is also beneficial if the fabric can breathe to allow body moisture to escape. During spring and fall, a fourth layer is needed to stay warm during breaks and in the evening. The extra sweater is also necessary if someone is injured and needs to stay warm while waiting for help. A chilly morning can be followed by a very warm summer day with blazing sun.
- Underwear: T-shirt or undershirt, long johns
- Socks: thin socks closest to the foot and thicker hiking socks on top
- Warm sweater with a zipper for regulating warmth
- Pants or shorts that dry quickly. Smooth seams reduce the risk of chafing
- Rainwear: pants and jacket with a hood
- Extra sweater
- Hat
- Mittens or gloves
Backpack
The backpack should be comfortable. For day trips, 20-35 liters is sufficient. If you are staying overnight and need to bring a sleeping bag, tent, and food, a 50-liter backpack is necessary. Packing bags for the backpack make it easier to find items. A rain cover for the backpack is invaluable when it rains.
In the backpack:
- Water bottle
- Food if needed. Many accommodations can provide packed lunches. Bring a thermos & cups
- Extra energy: raisins, chocolate, nuts
- Seat pad/ground pad for insulation and warmth
- Map: trail brochure, topographic map, and compass
- Basic first aid kit: blister patches, regular plasters, fever-reducing tablets, and any medication you need
- Toilet paper
- Plastic bag for trash
- For safety: notebook, pen, whistle, watch, mobile phone with a charged battery
- In sunny spring and summer weather: sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Optional: poles, camera, binoculars, GPS, guidebook, bird book, or flora. Consider the weight.
In the backpack for overnight stays:
- Food: dried food that is easy to carry
- Gas-powered camping stove
- Multitool or knife
- Matches
- Headlamp
- Toiletries
- Tick remover
- Spare socks
- Swimwear/water shoes/towel
- Ground pad
- Sleeping bag
- Optional tent