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What to Wear and Bring: Preparation Tips for Comfort

9 min read • All Levels • May 2026

Proper gear makes all the difference. Here's exactly what clothing, footwear, and supplies work best on these trails, including why walking poles actually help your knees.

Close-up of hiking boots on rocky trail with walking poles, surrounded by green vegetation
Jiří Novotný
Jiří Novotný
Senior Outdoor Activities Specialist

Senior outdoor activities specialist with 16 years' experience designing and leading accessible hiking programs in Český ráj for older adults.

Footwear: The Foundation of Your Comfort

Your shoes matter more than you'd think. Not fancy hiking boots that cost 150 euros — just solid, broken-in footwear with good grip and ankle support. We're talking about shoes you've already worn for a few months, ones that don't give you blisters on day one.

The sandstone trails in Český ráj get slippery, especially after rain or in shaded areas where moss grows. You'll want something with real traction on the sole. Hiking shoes (not boots) work perfectly — they're lighter than full boots but offer way more support than sneakers. Look for shoes with reinforced sides because the rocky terrain puts pressure on your ankles constantly.

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What Actually Works: Mid-height hiking shoes, worn in beforehand, with thick soles and side reinforcement. Bring a second pair of socks — trust us on this.

One thing nobody tells you: bring an extra pair of socks. Even on dry days, you'll want to swap them out halfway through. Your feet spend hours in the same shoes, and fresh socks make an enormous difference in how you feel for the rest of the walk.

Pair of well-worn hiking shoes with thick tread and reinforced sides on rocky trail surface
Person wearing layered hiking clothing including light jacket, moisture-wicking base layer, and hiking pants on trail

Layers: The Smart Strategy

Forget heavy jackets. The best approach is layering — it's not complicated, just smart. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer (merino wool or synthetic), add a light fleece or sweater, and bring a wind-resistant outer layer that you can stuff in your backpack.

Weather in Český ráj changes fast. You might start cool in the morning, warm up by mid-morning, then hit shade and wind around afternoon. With layers, you're prepared for all of it. You can peel off or add as needed without overheating or getting chilled.

Cotton doesn't work for this. It holds moisture and makes you feel clammy. Stick with synthetic or wool — they dry fast and keep you comfortable even when damp.

Walking Poles: Not Optional

This is where we get specific. Walking poles genuinely reduce stress on your knees, especially on downhill sections. You're not just "using a cane" — poles distribute your body weight across four contact points instead of two legs.

Studies consistently show that trekking poles reduce knee impact by about 25 percent. That's significant when you're descending rocky terrain for hours. Plus, they improve balance on uneven ground. If you've had any knee issues, poles aren't optional — they're essential.

Get adjustable poles so you can lengthen them going downhill and shorten them going uphill. Fixed-length poles will throw off your rhythm. Lightweight aluminum works fine — you don't need expensive carbon fiber. Just make sure they have wrist straps that actually fit your wrists.

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Test the Height: When standing upright, your elbows should bend at roughly 90 degrees. Adjust before you leave home.
Pair of lightweight trekking poles with wrist straps leaning against rocks on hiking trail
Hiking backpack contents including water bottle, trail snacks, first aid kit, and sun protection laid out on outdoor surface

What Goes in Your Backpack

Water is non-negotiable. Bring at least 1.5 liters, more if it's warm. Dehydration sneaks up on you — by the time you feel thirsty, you're already dehydrated. Drink regularly, not just when you're parched.

Pack snacks with actual calories. Nuts, energy bars, dried fruit, or cheese and crackers. Don't skip this thinking "we're only hiking for 3 hours." Your body burns energy constantly on uneven terrain, and hitting a wall halfway through isn't fun for anyone.

Sunscreen (SPF 30 minimum), a small first aid kit, and a basic map matter. You don't need an enormous pack — something in the 15-20 liter range is plenty. The backpack itself should have good shoulder straps and a padded hip belt so weight sits on your hips, not your shoulders.

Include a lightweight rain jacket, even if the forecast looks clear. Český ráj weather is unpredictable. One person getting caught in unexpected rain can affect the whole group's experience.

The Real Difference

Here's what we've learned from 16 years of leading these walks: the people who enjoy themselves aren't the ones in fancy gear. They're the ones wearing broken-in shoes, layers they can adjust, walking poles that work for their body, and snacks in their backpack. Simple stuff, but it works.

Your comfort determines whether you're actually present on the trail — enjoying the rock formations, the forest, the company — or just focused on sore knees and blisters. Good preparation isn't boring. It's what lets you forget about your gear and actually experience Český ráj the way it's meant to be experienced.

Information Notice

This article provides educational information about gear selection and hiking preparation. Individual needs vary based on age, fitness level, medical history, and trail conditions. If you have existing knee issues, joint problems, or other health concerns, consult with a healthcare provider before starting any hiking program. Trail conditions, weather, and accessibility change seasonally — always check current conditions before visiting.