[Mount Takao Packing Guide] Read This to Find Out What You Need!

Hiking shoes are one of the most important items for any hike.
Trail 1, the main route on Mount Takao, is relatively well maintained and easy to walk, so well-worn sneakers will probably be fine.
However, if you plan to hike any route other than Trail 1, please refer to the table below when choosing hiking shoes.

Since most visits to Mount Takao are day hikes, many people may think that an everyday backpack is enough.
However, if possible, we recommend buying one designed for hiking, as it is made to make walking in the mountains safer and more comfortable.
This is because it can make a big difference in how much strain your body feels and how much fatigue builds up during the hike.
The main points for choosing a backpack are as follows.
Before buying, it is even better to try it on and check the fit for yourself.

Mount Takao is not very high, and the hiking time is often short, but we still recommend bringing drinks with you.
Staying hydrated regularly is extremely important for enjoying a safe and comfortable hike.
If you are not careful, there is a risk of dehydration or heatstroke.
There are vending machines at the base of Mount Takao and along Trail 1, but if you are walking any route other than Trail 1, there is nowhere to buy drinks on the way, so be sure to bring your own.
The key points for preparing drinks are summarized below.

Mountain weather changes quickly, and even if the forecast says it will be sunny, sudden rain is not unusual.
If your body gets wet in the rain, there is also a risk of hypothermia depending on the season.
Use the points below as a guide and prepare rain gear just in case.

Bring a hat as well to protect yourself from the sun and UV rays.
It is also surprisingly useful for sudden rain and for helping prevent injuries if you fall.
The key points for choosing a hat are as follows.

There are trail markers posted at various points on Mount Takao, so as long as you stay on the hiking routes, you are unlikely to get lost.
Still, just in case, you should also download the Mount Takao map below to your smartphone.
The map also shows highlights, so walking with it should make your hike even more enjoyable.

Whenever you go hiking, the risk of injury or illness cannot be avoided.
Mount Takao is beginner-friendly, but it is still reassuring to prepare a first aid kit in case of emergency.
The table below summarizes items to prepare by category for your first aid kit.
Choose what you need, pack it compactly, and put it in a waterproof pouch or zip bag.
We recommend storing it somewhere easy to reach in your backpack.

Hiking burns far more energy than everyday life.
If you keep walking for a long time, your blood sugar level drops, and if left unchecked, your whole body can lose strength, leaving you in a state like a car running out of gas.
Trail snacks help prevent these risks and are also useful for recovery and refreshment.
When choosing them, the three main points are ease of carrying, ease of eating, and high calories, and it is also important to keep the amount reasonable while considering the balance of your overall gear.
Typical trail snacks include chocolate, nuts, jelly drinks, ramune candy, and salt tablets.

Some routes on Mount Takao have plenty of shade, but the sun can be strong at the summit and on open stretches of trail.
Continued exposure to strong UV rays can also drain your energy, so sunscreen is an essential item.
If there are so many types of sunscreen that the differences are hard to understand, we recommend focusing on the following three points.
If you have sensitive skin, low-irritation and fragrance-free products are a safe choice, and you should also check the ingredients to help prevent skin irritation.

If you are going to Mount Takao from fall through winter, you will also need to prepare cold-weather clothing because temperatures can get quite low.
The key points when choosing are strong wind resistance, such as an outer layer or down jacket, and something lightweight and compact.
Products from outdoor brands specializing in hiking are often designed with these needs in mind.
As needed, wearing gloves, a knit cap, a neck warmer, and thick socks will help keep your feet and neck warm and maintain warmth throughout your body.
In spring, an easy-to-remove zip-up hoodie is useful, while in summer, packing a thin long-sleeved layer in your backpack can come in handy.

UV rays get stronger as elevation increases, so sunglasses to protect your eyes are also an important item.
Sunglasses also help protect your eyes from sand, tree branches, and leaves, making your hike safer and more comfortable.
Please refer to the points below when choosing a pair.

In fall and winter, when daylight hours get shorter, it becomes dark very quickly as evening approaches.
After sunset, it is harder to see around you and temperatures drop, increasing the risk of injury and making it easier to feel uneasy.
Mount Takao is close to the city, but it is still reassuring to have a headlamp to protect yourself in case of unexpected trouble.
In particular, if your schedule means you will be descending after 3:00pm, you should consider it essential even for a day hike.
A smartphone is difficult to use as a substitute because its light source is insufficient, it occupies one hand, and it drains the battery.
The main points for choosing a headlamp are as follows.