Discover our wide range oftrek and travel equipment all our dedicated 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 adventures — always developing products at the cutting edge of technology, crafted with care. Follow our advice to find the essential accessories you need:
- Some Trek shoes suitable and comfortable: think Gore-Tex® for long walks and mountain treks
- A trek backpack comfortable and adapted to the heavier loads you often carry compared to your regular hikes
- Some specialist travel and trek socks comfortable, resistant and suited to long walks
- The trek equipment you need for your next adventure: poles, sunglasses, hats, etc.
Here you'll find all the essential accessories to prepare your next trek and head out with the right kit: telescopic hiking poles, hiking socks and recovery socks, innovative and original belts, vacuum compression bags to optimise packing in your rucksack, and care products.
Every item in this range has been developed with user comfort, durability and practicality in mind. The materials used are always cutting-edge and benefit from CimAlp's latest developments, offering users an ideal balance between top-quality performance and reasonable prices.
Which backpack for trekking?
To start, the capacity of your backpack depends on the duration and intensity of your trek. For a day hike, a 20 to 30 liters pack may be sufficient. For longer treks or with additional gear, a 40 to 60 liters pack may be necessary. For multi-day treks in full autonomy, a 60 liters or larger pack may be appropriate. Make sure the backpack fits your body shape well. The straps, hip 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 compartments 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 optionally hip belt pockets for storing small items. Some backpacks have compression straps to keep the contents in place, attachment straps for external equipment, straps for hiking poles, etc. Go 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 with good ankle support may be suitable. For more technical treks or rough terrain, more robust, high-cut hiking shoes are recommended for better support and protection. Also choose shoes that offer good cushioning and all-day comfort. Make sure they match the shape of your foot and have no uncomfortable pressure points. Always opt for waterproof or water-resistant shoes to keep your feet dry.
Make sure to choose shoes that allow good airflow and moisture wicking 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 different types of terrain, including slippery or rocky surfaces. Make sure you 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 do I choose trek 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 lighter. 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, rotary locks or click locks. Trekking pole grips can be made from foam, cork or rubber. Choose ones that offer a good grip and comfort during long periods of use. Some grips 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 fill. You can opt for a stainless steel or aluminium water bottle.
- Hydration bladder: Fitted with a tube that lets you drink without taking the bottle out of your pack. Hydration bladders offer convenient hydration and allow you to drink on the move.
- Collapsible soft flask: Collapsible soft flasks are compact and lightweight. They fold and pack away easily when empty, which is handy 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 drinkable. They can be integrated into a water bottle or used with a hydration bladder system.
To explore more of our trekking range, we've also put together selections of clothing based on the climate of your next trip as well as Trek outfits based on the benefit you're looking for.