The guide to best hiking practices

For several years now, and even more so since covid, more and more people have taken up mountain hiking, whether regularly or occasionally. It’s a great thing; mountain activity frees the mind and is also good for the body, but we regularly notice less positive things: incivilities, putting oneself in danger, poor preparation, sometimes tricky coexistence… In short, small things that are sometimes trivial, but which become annoying over time.

Here are therefore some rules of good conduct for hiking and mountain activities in general, as well as some tips to start hiking in the best way.

Choose a hike adapted to your physical and technical abilities

It may seem like a trivial piece of advice, but I often come across hikers struggling on the trails. So, either they are masochists (why not, after all everyone is free to make their own choices), or they have chosen a hike beyond their physical capabilities. Would it occur to you to climb Everest for your first outing? Okay, I’m exaggerating a bit… or maybe not. I have already encountered complete beginners, not at all trained, on the ascent of Buet. I think they still remember their climb.

Anyway, in the mountains we speak in elevation gain, that is to say the difference between the highest and the lowest altitude. Ideally, it would be better to speak in cumulative elevation gain, that is to say taking into account any intermediate descents and climbs (yes, in the mountains it doesn’t go straight up).

You should also take into account the technicality of the hike. Some hikes pass through somewhat exposed places (where falling is forbidden), near cliffs (be careful if you are afraid of heights), or may require the use of equipment in place (rope, chain, ladder).

Whether you are beginner or experienced hikers, there are hikes for all levels in Haute-Savoie. Find out beforehand to choose a hike suited to your level.

Prepare your itinerary and take precautions

You have found the ideal hike, now it’s time to prepare it properly. Look at the itinerary on a map or a hiking guide, find out about the current conditions (the guides’ and mountain leaders’ offices are very good advisers), write down the itinerary on a piece of paper that you will carry in your backpack, make a quick list of equipment and things to bring with you…

Inform someone of your itinerary and expected return time. This is true if you are in a group, and even more so if you hike alone (which I do not advise if you are not very experienced). Something I often practice when I go alone or lead a group is to leave a paper under the windshield wipers of my car, on which my itinerary and expected return time are indicated. And I also send a copy of this document to a close person. That way, in case of a problem, rescuers will have an idea of where I am.

At the last moment, check the local weather, and if in doubt, don’t go, you will do the hike on a more favorable day.

Equip yourself with the right gear

It can never be said enough, equipment is important in hiking, especially in the mountains. Forget hiking in flip-flops (yes, yes, you still see it too often), a fanny pack as a backpack, a clothesline for difficult passages… But on the other hand, don’t overload yourself either, you would regret it on the climb.

Hiking boots

It is probably the most essential equipment, unless you like to walk barefoot, but you will quickly see that it is not the best solution! Anyway, for hiking boots, take the time to choose well according to your practice. There are many specialized stores that can advise you, but if there is one piece of equipment you should not skimp on price-wise, it is boots. Just one piece of advice, even if it’s trendy, avoid low shoes, and even more trail shoes, especially if you don’t have a mountain foot. Prefer good high boots, your ankles will thank you 😉

Suitable clothing

I very often see people in shorts and t-shirts without any extra clothing: no fleece, no rainwear… You need to be aware that in the mountains the weather can change very quickly, and even if you start your hike in bright sunshine, it can quickly turn to rain or cold. Preparing clothing accordingly is therefore essential.

For the upper body, ideally a 3-layer system: 1 t-shirt (preferably technical material that wicks sweat much better), a fleece, and a rain jacket, ideally breathable like Gore-Tex (but for beginners a simple raincoat or poncho can do the job, even if it’s far from perfect).

For the lower body, hiking pants with detachable legs are perfect.

And of course, a cap will not be superfluous.

The backpack

Forget the canvas backpack from the 80s, there are now much more comfortable and adapted bags for all types of practices: small bags for an hour or two walk, day hiking bags, trekking backpacks…

For a day hike, a backpack with a capacity of 35 to 40 liters is ideal. Choose one with a waist belt and wide shoulder straps for more comfort while walking and to avoid back pain.

A water bottle

Hydration is essential in the mountains. Depending on the planned hike, there may not be any water, or it might not be drinkable (presence of herds upstream for example), so you need to bring a sufficient amount of water. You can use a bottle, or a camelbak (personally I find that more practical). Capacity minimum 1 liter.

Walking poles

Once a comfort accessory a few years ago, but quickly becoming a must-have, walking poles are a real plus for the hiker. They help to relieve the body from the weight carried on the ascent, and especially to protect the joints during descents, as well as improving stability if you don’t have a mountain foot. Prefer good quality poles, they will not break at the first difficulty.

Hiking accessories

Some useful accessories for any hiker: cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, a headlamp, a first aid kit (disinfectant, bandages, anti-inflammatory, elastic bandage, compeed etc.), a small knife, a GPS, etc.

The “bottom of the bag”

The “bottom of the bag” is a set of safety equipment that should always be in your bag, whatever the planned hike. It generally includes:

• a survival blanket
• cereal bars or any emergency calorie supply
• a rain jacket and a fleece
• a multi-purpose knife
• a whistle (useful to help potential rescuers locate you in case of problem)
• a map of the area and a compass (yes, the hiking app on your phone may not work)

Respect protected areas and prohibitions

Out of respect for nature and for your safety, stay on marked hiking trails, specially signposted for walkers. This will prevent you from trampling insects/plants, damaging the landscape and fragile natural spaces, and incidentally losing your way. Respect the prohibitions, they are not there just to annoy you.

Take your trash down with you

With the increase in mountain visits, there is also an increase in trash left by the trails, or sometimes roughly hidden behind rocks. Unlike at home, there is no garbage collection service in the mountains, marmots have other things to do (they already have chocolate bars to wrap)! So go hiking with a garbage bag at the bottom of your backpack, and take your trash down! The mountain is beautiful, make sure it stays that way.

Walking

Walking in the mountains inevitably impacts the environment; let’s look at some good practices to minimize it.

Walking on trails

Trails are usually the best route to take but it is useful to respect some rules:

• Do not walk beside the trail, this will promote erosion and harm vegetation.
• Do not shortcut curves, also for causes of erosion, runoff, and vegetation damage.
• Do not damage the soil and vegetation bordering trails with your walking poles.

Walking off trails

During your hikes you might need to go off trails (for a bathroom break, water resupply, etc.). In this case, try to reduce your impact on vegetation and soils as much as possible.

• Avoid trampling on vegetation or prefer areas with less fragile vegetation
• If possible, try to walk on “durable” and non-vegetal surfaces: rocks, sand, gravel, snow…
• If you hike in a group off-trails, don’t all walk exactly in the same place, this will reduce the impact of your passage.

Wildlife

• Do not feed the animals, even if they seem to beg (which is not actually the case). Human food is not necessarily good for their health.
• To avoid scaring local wildlife, limit noise and sudden movements. Avoid shouting for example, especially for children.
• Observe animals from afar, without trying to get too close (which would cause a rapid flight of these animals). This is even more important during certain periods: mating, nesting, winter…
• Do not leave your food and waste lying around.

Cultural heritage

In the same way as flora and fauna, it is important to respect mountain cultural heritage.

• Refrain from leaving any trace of your passage (engravings, added objects, graffiti, etc.).
• Do not take or move objects that are part of the cultural heritage.
• If you want a souvenir, rather take a photo in front of it!

Water

Bivouacs

In France bivouacking is regulated, even totally forbidden in some areas and tolerated in others. So please, find out and respect the regulations!

You have found an ideal bivouac spot, there is no prohibition, perfect, settle down, but respect some common sense rules:

• Set up your bivouac on durable surfaces (soil and vegetation).
• If there are places already clearly marked by previous bivouacs, use them, this will avoid spreading the impact to other areas.
• On the other hand, avoid lightly marked areas so that damaged vegetation can recover.
• At worst, prefer a place without prior impact that can recover more easily from your passage.
• You do not have a building permit, so do not dig the ground or build permanent structures.
• Set yourself up in a place where you won’t disturb wildlife.
• Set yourself up at least a hundred meters from water points.
• You are not at a seaside holiday club, so stay discreet.
• Of course, take all your trash with you.
• Restore your bivouac site before leaving

Fires

Of course, it is nice to gather around a fire in the evening at bivouac, but it is not always without impact.

• In some areas fires are totally prohibited, so find out first and if that is the case, abstain.
• If fires are allowed, don’t be reckless and evaluate the real risks: starting a fire when there is wind and very dry vegetation is not necessarily a good idea, even if there is no prohibition.
• Avoid making fires if wood is scarce in your area.
• Do not cut wood, use only dead wood. And preferably collected from different locations.
• Choose a place to make your fire that will have minimal impact on vegetation: an existing fire pit if there is one, or a new one on a durable soil and without nearby vegetation if possible.
• Of course, do not burn trash; bring it down with you.
• Before leaving, extinguish the fire, make sure no embers remain, and restore the site as best as possible.

Dogs

Many people like to hike with their dog, but there are some rules and good practices to respect.

• There are prohibitions and dogs are not allowed everywhere, especially in national parks, regional parks, reserves, and natural sites. In other places, they are accepted but must be kept on a leash. These prohibitions or restrictions are not there to annoy you, but to protect nature and local wildlife. So find out during the preparation of your hike.
• Control your dog and do not let it bother wild fauna or herds in alpine pastures. Even if your dog is very obedient, if it chases a marmot or a chamois, you will not be able to contain it.
• When approaching other hikers, keep your dog close to you, or better still, on a leash.
• As for your own needs, do not leave your animal’s droppings on the trails.
• Be careful near herds, there are often guardian dogs (often Great Pyrenees or Pyrenean shepherd dogs), and coexistence with your dog could be very delicate. These guardian dogs are there to protect the herd, so they are just doing their job. Therefore near a herd, keep your dog on a leash.

Orientation in the mountains

We haven’t talked about it but knowing how to orient yourself in the mountains is vital. Hiking trails are often very well marked, but it can happen that this marking is damaged, or that changes have been made without being reflected on the marks. That is why it is important to always have a map with you, to know how to read it, and to know at least some orientation techniques.

Current hiking applications are very good, but it is still useful to know how to find your way and orient yourself without them; your phone might run out of battery or have some other problem. You can consult our articles on mountain orientation to discover some basic or more advanced techniques.

Other mountain users

The mountain is a privileged and still somewhat preserved place; more and more people practice activities there, so it is essential to coexist intelligently and respect some good practices:

• Be courteous.
• Be discreet: you are not alone and other participants may appreciate the calm of the mountain.
• Try to educate others if you notice abnormal behavior, but always courteously, explaining the impact of their attitude. However, if you see someone intentionally leaving trash behind for example, you can drop diplomacy; there are jerks everywhere unfortunately!

Some practical advice

So, we have reviewed some main points about mountain hiking that will help you start this healthy activity for body and mind well, with a good choice of hiking boots. Here is a little summary:

• Choose a hike adapted to your level (physical and technical)
• Be well equipped
• Learn some basics of mountain orientation
• Prepare your hike and allow a margin of safety
• Check the forecast and, when in doubt, don’t go
• Take a sufficient quantity of water with you.
• Respect nature (fauna, flora, heritage…)
• Do not feed local wildlife: human food is not necessarily suitable for the animals you will encounter
• Stick as much as possible to marked trails
• Do not make fires
• Limit bivouacs
• If you hike with your dog, check if it is prohibited and preferably keep it on leash
• If you encounter a herd on your route, try to go around it, and be careful of guardian dogs
• Try to minimize your impact as much as possible
• Stay discreet
• Be courteous to other users and share these places

And above all, the most important thing, enjoy the mountains!

Happy hiking

Article mis à jour le 20 August 2026