Explore our wide range oftrekking and travel equipment all our trek accessories.
Preparing your trek: what accessories do you need?
CimAlp, a French company specialising in all outdoor and trekking activities since its founding in 1964, offers a range of trek accessories to help you get the most out of your activity and optimise your performance — always developing products at the cutting edge of technology with the utmost care. Follow our advice to find the essential accessories you need:
- Some trekking shoes suitable and comfortable: consider Gore-Tex for long walks and mountain treks
- A trek backpack comfortable and adapted to loads that are often heavier than on your regular hiking trips
- Some special travel and trek socks comfortable, resistant and suited to long walks
- The trek equipment essential for your next adventure: poles, sunglasses, hats, etc.
Here you'll find all the essential accessories to prepare your next trek and set off with the right gear: telescopic hiking poles, hiking socks and recovery socks, innovative and original belts, vacuum storage bags to optimise packing space in your pack, and care products.
Every item featured here has been developed with user comfort, built-to-last durability and practicality in mind. The materials used always reflect the latest technology and benefit from CimAlp's most recent innovations, offering users an ideal balance between cutting-edge quality and fair pricing.
Which backpack for trekking?
First, the capacity of the backpack depends on the length and intensity of your trek. For a day hiking trip, a 20 to 30 liters pack may be sufficient. For longer treks or with extra gear, a 40 to 60 liters pack may be needed. For multi-day treks in full self-sufficiency, a 60 liters or larger pack may be appropriate. Make sure the backpack fits your body shape well. The straps, abdominal belt and padded back panel should be comfortable and well adjusted to distribute the load evenly. The backpack should offer a practical storage system with sleeves and pockets to organise your gear.
Look for side pockets for a water bottle, zipper pockets for valuables, a top pocket for easy access to frequently used gear, and possibly pockets on the abdominal belt for storing small items. Some backpacks feature compression straps to keep contents in place, attachment straps for external equipment, straps for hiking poles, and more. Opt for a water-resistant backpack or one with an integrated rain cover to protect your belongings in wet conditions. Try to choose a lightweight backpack without compromising on durability and comfort.
What type of shoes should I wear for a trek?
If you plan to hike mainly on well-maintained trails, lightweight to mid-height hiking shoes offering good ankle support may be appropriate. For more technical treks or on rugged terrain, more built-to-last, high-cut hiking shoes are recommended for better support and protection. Also choose shoes that offer good cushioning and remain comfortable throughout the day. Make sure they match the shape of your foot and have no uncomfortable pressure points. Always prioritise waterproof or water-resistant shoes to keep your feet dry.
Make sure to choose shoes that allow good airflow and moisture management to keep your feet cool and prevent sweat build-up. Trekking shoes must have a built-to-last sole with good grip for optimal traction on various types of terrain, including slippery or rocky surfaces. Make sure to choose the right shoe size for a comfortable fit. It is recommended to try them on with the hiking socks you plan to wear during the trek.
How to choose trekking poles?
When choosing trekking poles, here are a few criteria to consider:
Trekking poles are generally made from aluminium or carbon fibre. Aluminium poles are more resistant, while carbon fibre poles are more lightweight. You can also choose between foldable or telescopic trekking poles. Foldable poles are more compact and easier to store, while telescopic poles offer more adjustment options depending on the desired length.
Make sure the trekking poles you choose have a solid and reliable locking system. The most common systems are lever locks, twist locks or click locks. Trekking pole handles can be made from foam, cork or rubber. Choose those that offer a good grip and remain comfortable during long periods of use. Some handles are also ergonomic to fit the shape of the hand. Wrist straps keep the poles secure in your hands. Make sure they are adjustable and comfortable, and can be easily detached when needed.
What is the best hydration system for trekking?
The choice of hydration system for trekking depends on your personal preferences and the conditions of your trek. Here are some common options:
- Water bottle: durable and easy to refill. You can opt for a stainless steel or aluminium water bottle.
- Hydration bladder: equipped with a tube that lets you drink without having to take the bottle out of your pack. hydration bladders offer convenient hydration and allow you to drink on the move.
- Flexible collapsible bottle: flexible collapsible bottles are compact and lightweight. They fold down and store easily when empty, which is practical for saving space in your backpack.
Good to know: You can bring water filters or water purification tablets, which are used to purify water from natural sources such as rivers, streams or lakes. They eliminate bacteria, parasites and contaminants to make water safe to drink. They can be integrated into a water bottle or used with a hydration bladder system.
To explore more of our trekking range, we have also put together selections of clothing based on the climate of your next travel destination as well as trek outfits based on the benefit you're looking for.