Overview

• The latest advice stresses honest route planning tied to fitness, with distance, elevation and mountain forecasts checked before setting out and tours aborted if storms develop.
• Sturdy, well-fitting boots are highlighted as essential because slips, trips and catches rank among the leading causes of hiking accidents.
• Recommended kit includes functional layers, a rain jacket and a daypack stocked with water and snacks, with pack weight kept below roughly a quarter of body weight and regular breaks planned on longer routes.
• Guides urge carrying a map plus a fully charged phone and powerbank for navigation and emergencies, and traveling in a small group or sharing your route and return time when hiking alone.
• Watson reports a recent increase in Alpine rescues, citing roughly 20% more operations in Italy than recent averages, reinforcing calls for caution.