Having the right gear is the key to a successful hiking trip. thankfully, a number of stores across the country can help get you started.

The UAE and Oman have been fairly quick to catch on to their new-found statuses as hiking paradises, as have a number of stores and big outdoor brands, so you can now pick up all the equipment you need, whether you’re looking to escape the city and hit the foothills or are planning a week-long adventure. 

The absolute essentials are shorts or trousers and t-shirts – these should be sporty and made from a light, wicking material. If you’re likely to camp out, or make an early start to your day’s hike, a fleece could also be a good option. 

Sun & Sand Sports has branches in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah, and whether through its multi-brand superstores, or through the individual stores, it sells Timberland, Colombia and North Face, all of which should fit the bill. Trespass and Jack Wolfskin (both orlandosportsuae.com), in Dubai, can kit you out with the necessities, as can Adventure HQ, which stocks Sherpa and Berghaus outdoor clothing.

In reality, however, any comfortable sports clothing will do the trick and you may find some good deals to be had at the likes of Go Sport (in most the big malls) and Sports Direct. There are also plenty of outlet shops in the UAE that offer good quality, discounted items.

There are a few things you should definitely buy from proper outdoor clothing brands, such as a hat (or maybe even a pair of hats – a warm one for nights around the camp, and a wide-brimmed hat with SPF protection for once the sun comes up), a backpack and hiking boots.

You never know what unforeseen circumstances may pop up during a day or two of hiking, and carrying a tool for all eventualities would mean a 100 litre backpack and plenty of jangling. It’s this thinking, of course, that led to the invention of the Swiss Army Knife in the late 1800s. If you’d like one of these iconic bits of kit, Jashanmal stocks Swiss Army Knives by the original manufacturer, Victorinox, as well as other pocket knife gadgets, rescue tools and activity-specific timepieces. 

See Sports & Outdoor Equipment in the Buyers' Guide for more info.

If the Boot fits
Choosing the right footwear is key to how much you enjoy your hiking experience. The footwear experts at Adventure HQ give some pointers:

1. It’s good to do some research but try also to go in with an open mind. The shoes you want are often not the ones you need.
2. Even if know your size, the assistant should measure your feet precisely and look at the shape of your foot. Certain brands have characteristics that suit particular foot shapes.
3. Do you pronate, supinate or have a neutral stride? Do you need some stability in your sole?
4. Height is a factor. If you have a weak ankle or are likely to tackle some steeper, more technical terrain, a full height boot could be required. If you enjoy trail running, or just like to take on easier hikes, then a super light endurance trainer might do the trick. 
5. There’s no point getting the perfect shoes if you then put on the wrong pair of socks. Get some hiking specific socks, which feature a stocking-like liner. They wick sweat away from your feet and feature a double layer that reduces friction, reducing the likelihood of blisters. Here in the UAE, thermolite socks are ideal.

Choosing a backpack 

1. What size do you need? This depends on how long, on average, you’re likely to be hiking and the type of hikes you’ll be tackling. If you tend to head out for a few hours, then a 20L pack will be enough for water, a couple of snacks and your mobile phone. If you do long weekend hikes that require tents and significant supplies, then you’ll need at least an 80L pack.
2. Get a pack that fits. It sounds obvious, but all packs are different sizes and, although straps can be adjusted, some will mould perfectly with your back. Equally, different packs have different points for adjusting or internal structures to add rigidity. Remember, a backpack should not be worn high up on the shoulders but the weight should be taken through the hips and pelvis.
3. What access do you need? Do you want a pack that incorporates a water bladder, so that you can drink on the go? Should there be some pockets on the waist strap for easy access? Do you want everything to fit snugly into the pack, or do you prefer a pack with plenty of straps and bands for attaching equipment to the outside. Lots of pockets or few pockets?