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However, a few restrictions apply: the sticks should not be used on
rocks and ice or on very steep paths and slopes because the hiker can
easily lose balance and stumble. Walking poles should not be used
either as an aid on hilly terrain or on a steep descent. It is not advisable
to carry the telescopic sticks between the straps of the rucksack
because the hiker can easily become stuck.
The rucksack should not be too large. If it is, it can cause the hiker
problems along the route – after all, the rucksack should not hinder
the walk. A medium-sized backpack and a small bag are sufficient to
carry the most important items:
- a form of identification
- mobile phone (is very useful and has already helped save the
lives of numerous accident victims. Reception conditions do
however vary)
- membership card of the Alpine Association (to receive a
discount at the mountain huts)
- maps and guides
- ball point pen and maybe a notebook
- pocket knife
- bottle
- compass and altimeter
- camera
- common medicines such as painkillers, vitamin C supplements,
mineral salts, plasters, gauze and bandages, a clinical thermometer
etc. as well as all those small items which contribute
to your safety and that your own experience in the mountains
recommends.
The following items should also be included:
- a change of underwear
- stockings or socks
- handkerchiefs
- synthetic sheet (sold in many shelters)
- lightweight sleeping-bag for emergencies (ones weighing about
200g can be found for a reasonable price in shops)
- protection against the rain (raincoats tend to be used less nowadays,
rather a small umbrella which, however, must be robust
enough to resist strong gusts of wind),
- comfortable shoes to wear in the mountain hut
- waterproof mountain cap made of cotton (if possible choose a
legionnaire-style cap made from UV-rated polycotton which
offers UV-protection and covers the ears and neck).
- in some cases it is also advisable to take a light rope about 20m
long and a few carabiners.
On the fixed rope route, helmet, carabiners and a climbing harness
are compulsory and the hiker should always have them in his
rucksack. Ice-climbing crampons should also always be included.
Light mountaineering crampons or crampon points that help over
difficult terrain can be found in shops.
For the Dolomites “Alta Via” n. 2, the hiker does not require a
rope, but it can be an advantage when one must overcome several
significant obstacles such as rocky terrain or snowfields or simply
when someone in difficulty needs help. If one is in a group of hikers,
everyone can take turns carrying the rope.
Lovers of the alpine mountains can experience the beauty of the
mountains by spending a memorable night in a tent, wrapped up
in a warm sleeping bag, sometimes cradled to sleep by the gentle
sound of the raindrops falling on the tent.
Important: always remember to take sufficient water provisions
and a daily food ration, which can be bought in the huts.
Markings
Along all the routes, the hiker can find three types of signs at all
the main points:
a) a red triangle with the number of the “Alta Via”; although this
sign is less common than the following;
b) a marking consisting of red-white-red horizontal stripes with a
number written on the white stripe. Occasionally, you can find a
red or white-red marking;
12 FROM BRIXEN TO FELTRE THE DOLOMITES “ALTA VIA” N.2 13