What to look for when we go hiking?

Hiking is not the same as an easy walk or hike in the woods, as it has serious and important rules that, if not followed, can easily lead to problems.

Principles you should always respect:

The first and most important principle is to respect nature and appreciate the forest we are currently hiking in.
Never make a sound.
Don't throw your eyes away.
Let's not harm living things.
Do not damage forest objects created by others.

Existence of appropriate equipment

It is important that whether you are planning a longer or shorter tour, we have the right equipment.

1. What to look for when choosing shoes?
When hiking, we primarily use our feet, so the proper “use” of it is most important, so the first step is to choose the right footwear for this purpose. This can be a short or high-heeled hiking shoe, or a walking or running shoe specifically developed for forest terrain.

2. What to look for when choosing socks?
It is always a good idea to wear socks that are even thicker in summer, which have breath ability, so they are easy to ventilate and always extend beyond the sole of the shoe. In winter, in addition to hiking boots, a snowshoe can also be suitable for the purpose, but even in this case, be careful to put on socks that are as thick as possible so that you can still easily move your toes.

3. What kind of hiking clothing should we choose?
Like footwear, it is important what clothes we wear for hiking. Always choose an outfit that is made of elastic material and we can move around easily. The main consideration is to have fun in the outfit we are currently hiking. Hard, denim, tight, knitted garments are not suitable for this purpose. Always make sure to dress in layers because this will make it easier for your body to ventilate.
For underwear, a thin, body-fitting top is recommended, which easily wicks away sweat towards the middle layer.
The middle layer is the thermal insulation layer, so a sweater made of polar or thermo material is recommended.
The upper / outer layer also has a minimal thermal insulation function, but here its role against wind, rain and solar radiation is essential.
It always comes in handy if we have a raincoat, in case of a longer hike change underwear.
In summer, it is advisable to bring an extra sweater, because the weather in the Mátra can change in a matter of seconds, the air can suddenly cool down by 10-15 degrees. In winter, it is advisable to supplement the hiking equipment with a hat, gloves, scarf, possibly a ski mask or face shield.
It is definitely recommended for the more timid or insecure.

What should I take with me on the tour?

It is important to always have the right amount of liquid in the backpack (this is 2 l of water in summer, 1-1.5 l of tea in winter), food (sandwiches, chocolate, glucose, fruit), bandage, disinfectant, sticking plaster and medicines..

Never go into the woods without a map and a phone with maximum battery charge, the energy level of which should not be depleted during the hike using the internet or other functions.

Tip: Even if you don't have a map, you should download a phone application before the tour or buy a tourist map with local coverage at many tourist points in the Mátra.

Golden rules that can save lives

Never deviate from the marked path, if you get lost or have an accident, contact the emergency number 112 immediately.
If you encounter a wild animal, stay calm, back off, don’t try to make contact with the wild, cold-blooded, quietly move away from the animal, or climb up a nearby tree until the wild stays away. Occasionally, however, it can also help to make noise in order for the beast to avoid us.
Before the tour, in any case, we consider our skills and experience, find out about possible weather, measure the time, and if it is too late, do not plan a long tour, or choose only a route that we think we are able to follow or if we are not sure, ask for help from professionals.

General Forest Law

The forest can be used by everyone with the knowledge and observance of the general forest law, which informs foresters about the rules of staying in the forest. You should always read this before you go on a hike, what, how, for how long you should do it in the woods, stay there, light a fire, etc. More information: www.egererdo.hu

EMERGENCY CALL: 112

Tour information