Our top 10 hikes!
At Speck-Sports we're big fans of skiing, snow, downhill, puff and off-piste, but we don't stop when winter's gone! Once we've put down our skis and warmed up our boots for the summer, we're quick to grab our rucksack, our mountain boots and hit the trails!
When you set off on a bivouac or an itinerant hike, it's essential to be well equipped with durable gear that won't let you down in the event of problems or bad weather.
So we've decided to share with you a top 10 list of equipment you can use on your outdoor outings.
The essentials for touring
1. The Lifestraw filter straw so you always have drinking water with you
It's no news that water is essential to life. In survival we talk about the rule of 3: 30 days without eating, 3 days without drinking and 3 minutes without breathing. Beyond these limits, you're in a very delicate situation. With this filtering straw, you'll never have to worry about drinking water again. Any natural water supply can be filtered and made drinkable. This is essential if you're going on a long expedition or adventure, as this will be your first need! The Lifestraw straw allows you to purify a minimum of 4000 litres of water by suction to eliminate all bacteria and parasites that contaminate the water.
2. Jetboil Mighty Mo stove
At Speck-Sports, we're from Alsace, which is why we know that most of our hikers have a sweet tooth (like our outdoor team). Eating is important, especially when you're doing a lot of walking! But eating well is the Alsatian spirit of hiking! At Speck Sports, we don't pull any punches when it comes to kitchen equipment, even when you're trekking! Light, small, practical and efficient, what more could you want to boil your water and eat hot? The Jetboil Mighty Mo boasts 10,000 BTUs and 4 full turns of the regulator for optimum valve control. It's the perfect companion for successful meals, even deep in the mountains!
3. Osprey Rook 50 backpack
Once your belly is full and you've avoided running out of water, you can concentrate on the rest! A good rucksack is the essential tool for a good hike. Put simply, your rucksack is your home when you venture out on the trails. So it has to fit you perfectly. The Osprey Rook 50 Black has all the essential features for multi-day backpacking trips, including generous volume with access via the top flap and bottom sleeping bag compartment. It has a tensioned AirSpeed back to reduce perspiration and overheating in the back, and a shoulder strap height adjustment system that's very intuitive thanks to the vertical rail adjustment system.
4. Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 tent
A tent is essential if you want to sleep in a dry place, well insulated from the cold and wind that can be present at certain hiking spots. If you're in the mountains, it's very common. We recommend the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 tent, which is a benchmark in the outdoor world. The Copper Spur UL2 combines the often incompatible characteristics of great lightness and excellent comfort, and is in a way the quintessence of what you're looking for in ultra-light trekking: it can be forgotten during the day when carried in a rucksack, and in the evening at the bivouac it offers all the space and ergonomics you could wish for. You won't have to choose between lightness and comfort. The HV series provides even more interior volume: the normal Copper Spur series already has vertical side walls, but the HVs add even more vertical head and foot walls. All with the same wind resistance and ease of assembly. Lightweight, yes, but comfortable. And once again, we've got you covered:"How to choose the right tent"
5. CAMP ED 300 Red sleeping bag
A good night's sleep is the guarantee of a good adventure and a good energy recharge! It's important if you've set out on a big objective, because your body will need rest to cope with the paths you tread. CAMP sleeping bags have everything you'll be looking for: comfort, warmth, lightness and efficiency. This bag is designed for mid-season use in mild temperatures, but will still provide warmth. It's easy to fold and compacts very quickly thanks to its goose down. Finally, as we're from Alsace, we like to do things thoroughly, which is why we've also written an article on "How to choose your sleeping bag".
6. Trek'n Eat freeze-dried food
It's essential to eat well when hiking, which is why we offer you trek'n eat freeze-dried meals in a wide range of flavours and products. The advantage of freeze-dried food is that it's very light thanks to dehydration, and it's easy to carry around thanks to the small amount of space it takes up in your rucksack. All you have to do is boil a little water and then all you have to do is eat. Don't forget to take other small snacks to eat throughout the day toavoid hypoglycaemia and maintain the energy levels you need for your training. Staying well hydrated is also a key to success for the challenge you've set yourself.
7. Sea To Summit ether Light XT Insulated mattress
Having a good tent and sleeping bag can be useful, but it's not enough if you want to sleep comfortably. Depending on where you want to pitch your tent, a ground mattress will not only provide greater comfort but also insulation, which can be essential. There are a multitude of hiking mats available, but it's not always easy to find the one that' s right for you. The Speck-Sports outdoor team recommends the Ether Light XT Insulated mattress from Sea Too Summit for its strength, ease of use and lightness. It has an extra layer that allows your hip to sink into the mattress without touching the ground, for greater comfort. This will also protect people with sensitive backs when bivouacking on difficult terrain. If you'd like to find out more, Benjamin, one of our outdoor specialists, recently published an article on choosing your mattress: Just click here.
8. 360° Large Opening Bottle 750ml
Having a bottle is great! But having a reusable and durable bottle is even better for the environment! At Speck-Sports we care about the planet and the importance of preserving it, which is why we recommend a 360° metal water bottle. What's more, the 360° water bottle is isothermal, keeping your drinks cool for 24 hours and warm for 12 hours. That's a pretty important point, because in certain conditions having fresh water can make all the difference, as we explain in this article on Namibia: Namibia, between mountains, sand and clouds.
9. Lowa Renegade shoes
If you want to walk well for a long time, you need to be well equipped! What better way to do it than in the legendary Lowa Renegade, where you'll be able to cover the miles in a comfortable, lightweight boot that's also got good grip. This classic multi-purpose shoe, with its stable Nubuck leather upper and innovative sole construction, is a versatile model that's perfect for hiking on stable paths and trails. It's a shoe that's ready to take on the miles and that will protect you effectively. The fit is perfect for all feet and is perfectly adjustable thanks to the high-performance lacing system with hooks. Renagade GTX Mid are lined with a 100% waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex membrane, so you don't have to worry about crossing streams, getting stuck in the mud or simply getting caught in the rain.
10. Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork walking poles
Once you've packed all your gear, it's going to feel heavy, and that's when it's worth thinking about getting some walking poles! They'll not only save you money, they'll also help you on climbs and descents. Black Diamond telescopic poles are easy to use, durable and can be adjusted to your height. Ultra-versatile and fully adjustable, the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork pole is suitable for alpine hikes, long treks and expeditions where you'll be carrying a load. The cork handle has been updated with a soft, ergonomic rubber handle extension for added comfort.
Bonus: Petzl Actik 350 Lumen fontal lamp
You're all packed and ready to go, but once night falls you're going to need something to light your way! We've got the solution: a headlamp! Small, light and weatherproof, the Petzl Actik is just what you need for your adventure! It has several beams and is ideal for all outdoor activities. It has a 'night' lighting mode that uses red light to prevent group members from being blinded by too much light. In terms of lighting, the Petzl has two types of beam: a flood beam and a mixed beam. There are also several brightness levels, so you can adjust the lamp to suit your needs. Whether you need to see close up or at long range, the Petzl Actik will be there to guide you in the dark.
These items are available in our shop and on our website, so don't wait any longer to get fitted!
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