Hiking in Italy is a great activity all year round, however, there are a few things to consider during summer, which is why I’ve created this summer checklist for hiking in Italy!
Scenic views and an adventure are guaranteed, but summers in Italy can easily reach 40° C (104° Fahrenheit), challenging even the most seasoned hikers.
Contents
How to use this checklist?
The checklist on this page was designed with a day hike in mind.
It covers three essential key areas:
- Essentials (don’t skip these!)
- Planning
- Safety
- Comfort
To get the most out of this summer checklist for hiking, just tick off the single items as you pack your backpack to make sure you don’t forget anything!
`
Essentials
The following items are considered essential, so they should not be skipped:
- Backpack for hiking
- Hiking boots
- 1.5 (minimum) – 2.5 liters of water
- Trail snack / Energy bars
- First-aid kit
- Food
- Map
- Compass
- GPS
- Shirt with moisture-wicking fabrics
- Hiking pants
- Softshell jacket
- Personal Medication
- Cell phone
- ID
- Money (Always have some cash in remote areas)
Planning
Things to plan before going on a hike. Below you also find the links to various weather stations, platforms, etc.
- Check trusted weather stations in Italy 🌦
- Check the Civil Protection Department‘s daily risk reports and maps ⚠️
- Check the avalanche risk if you’re hiking up high mountains (yes, even in summer!) ❄️
- ⚡️ Check for flashes of lightning in your region
- 🚧 Check the official park website for any news, like trail closures (use our park locator to find your park).
- đź—ş Study the map. Both online and offline.
- Download the GPS track and save the map for offline use (especially if you use your cellphone)
- Tell someone else where and when you’re hiking.
- Check how to get to your destination and if there are any problems along the way
Comfort
The items on this list are not essential, however, they are still important to guarantee overall well-being and I highly recommend considering them. Some items are optional but will contribute to your overall experience (e.g. a camera).
- Sun protective hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Trekking poles
- Moisture-wicking underwear
- Extra clothes
- Products for personal hygiene
- Insect repellent
- Camera
- Binoculars
Survival Kit
I’ve included a few survival items because they actually do come in handy quite often. E.g. if your hiking shoes should unexpectedly break, with duct tape you can stabilize them enough to return to your base camp/car.
- Swiss Army Knife
- Duct Tape
- Headlamp
- Lighter
- Two-way Radio
- Whistle
Summer Checklist for Hiking – Conclusion
This checklist is a good starting point for most hikers, especially if you’re planning to go hiking during summer in Italy. Obviously, the list can be adapted, according to your own personal needs, the kind of hike you’re planning, and common sense.
Especially with heatwaves becoming more severe, you should also make sure you start your hikes very early and that there will be shelter along the way, to avoid exposure to the sun during peak hours altogether. Good planning is everything!
When in doubt, travel with a more experienced hiker or contact a professional hiking guide for your next outdoor adventure.
If you plan to travel to Rome, or near Rome, you might want to consider taking a look at the best hiking trails in Lazio.
Useful links
Park Locator:
Weather stations:
Risk Reports:
Avalanche risks:
Real-time map of bolts of lightning:
Map:
- http://openstreetmap.org (This is a generic map. Please study the official cartography of the park/trail you’re planning to visit. You can find some free online/offline maps using the Park Locator)
Traffic News:
What do you think about my summer checklist for hiking in Italy? If you have suggestions or want to leave feedback, I’d love to hear from you! Get in touch here.
0 Comments