Five essentials you will need for a day in the mountains this summer

Take a look at our guide of the must have items for a day at altitude in the alps!

Chamonix offers so many activities along the valley floor, from canyoning and rafting to tennis and bike rides along the river. But a summer vacation in the alps would not be complete without a day (or two) at altitude. 

This is our guide to the must have essentials for your day up the mountains. Whether you decide to take the cable car up and go for a more leisurely walk or are planning to hike your way to the top you do not want to leave your chalet without these essential items. 

1, Lightweight Weather Resistant Jacket

Our top pick for adults would have to Arc'teryx BETA SL Hybrid GOR-TEX® all round mountain jacket. Light weight, packable and designed for diverse activities and conditions. This jacket will keep you protected from wind, rain while still keeping cool with underarm ventilation zips and a super light finish. Available in a variety of colours, retailing from €380 at www.arcteryx.com/fr/en

 

For the kids we love the Norrona falketind GORE-TEX® jacket. Versatile for use in all weathers and most importantly durable. Available in light blue, dark blue, and red. Retailing from €349 at www.norrona.com/en-GB

2. The ultimate hiking boot

The Salamon X ULTRA 3 MID GORE-TEX® boot is the perfect all mountain hiking boot. Available in men's, women's and children's sizes and styles the whole family can be comfortable in the knowledge they have the ultimate mountain footwear. This boot is great uphill but really shines on a tricky decent even in the wet! Available at Salamon 

Mens retailing from €160

Womens retailing from €160

Junior retailing from €110

 

3. First-aid equipment

We love 'Adventure Medical Kit's' ultra-light and water tight first aid kits and would not leave for a day on the mountain without one. Their medical kit  .9 is perfect for a family alpine adventure with all the essential medical supplier. Hopefully you won't need to use any of them but being prepared is a must when exploring the any mountainous environment. Retailing from £44.99 at www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk

4. Sun protection

When we talk about sun protection we don't just mean sunscreen although this is a great place to start. Did you know that the potency of the UV rays increases with altitude? 4% for every 305 meters above sea level. Meaning it is crucial to wear a sun cream with high protection. We recommend a factor 50 which is also labelled water resistant. 

For a day in the mountains protecting your eyes and your head from the sun is just as important (if not more important) than when you're at the beach! Take a look at the Adventure Junkies reviews into the best hiking hats of 2018 here.

''COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR BORA BORA BOONEY II SUN HAT'' - Our top pick, this hat is easily packable, one size fits all, waterproof and sunproof!

5. Chef prepared picnic that the whole family will enjoy!

When you stay in one of Amaozn Creek's Luxury Chalets you have the chance to add a private chef to your booking. You can simply let us know your catering requirements and we will put a bespoke dining experience together, to perfectly complement the luxurious experience of a vacation with Amazon Creek. Designed to suit your needs. Take the hassle out of preparing for a day in the mountains by havikng your very own private chef prepare the perfect family pic-nic. 

Images courtesy of:

Arc'yterx, NorronaSalamon, Ultralight Outdoor Gear, Columbia