Gear Up: Best Hiking Equipment for Malta's Trails!
- Overland Malta
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Planning to hike in Malta? Whether you're tackling cliffside trails, countryside ridges, or coastal loops, having the right gear makes all the difference. Malta’s terrain is rugged, exposed, and full of surprises — but with the right setup, it’s pure adventure bliss.
Here's your no-nonsense hiking gear list, tested and approved for the Maltese Islands and beyond.
🎒 1. The Right Backpack
You don’t need a huge rucksack, but a 15–25L daypack is essential for carrying water, snacks, a light jacket, and your camera.
Top features to look for:
Lightweight & breathable
Chest strap for support
Side water bottle pockets
🛒 Recommended:
👣 2. Proper Hiking Footwear
Malta’s rocky paths and uneven terrain demand grippy, durable hiking shoes. In warmer months, opt for breathable low-tops. For winter or longer trails, mid-ankle boots offer more support.
What works best in Malta:
Lightweight hiking shoes with good grip
Trail runners (for experienced hikers)
Avoid smooth-soled trainers
🛒 Recommended:
📚 Related read: Top 5 Hiking Trails in Malta »
💧 3. Hydration Essentials
The sun hits hard in Malta, even in cooler months. Always carry at least 1.5–2L of water, and more in summer.
Your hydration options:
Reusable water bottles (BPA-free)
Hydration bladders for hands-free sipping
Electrolyte tablets for longer hikes
🛒 Recommended:
🧢 4. Sun Protection & Breathable Clothing
Most trails are exposed with no shade, so stay protected:
Lightweight long-sleeve tops (UPF rated)
Hiking hats with wide brims or neck flaps
Polarized sunglasses
Reef-safe sunscreen (especially near sea areas)
🛒 Recommended:
🔦 5. Safety & Navigation
Even in Malta, hikers get lost or stuck — especially near cliff edges, remote trails, or in foggy conditions.
✅ Pack these basics:
Offline GPS app (like Gaia or Organic Maps)
Headlamp or mini flashlight
Power bank
Whistle
First-aid kit
🛒 Recommended:
📚 Related read: Best GPS Devices for Overlanding & Hiking »
🥪 6. Snacks & Compact Fuel
For half-day hikes, you’ll want nutritious, high-energy snacks:
Protein bars
Trail mix
Rehydrated fruit
Reusable food containers
Optional: mini stove and coffee setup
🛒 Recommended:
🎥 7. Bonus: Adventure Media Gear
If you're capturing your hikes:
📸 Want to film your hikes like a pro? Follow us on YouTube »
🧭 Overland Malta’s Essentials Checklist
Gear Type | Our Must-Have Pick |
Daypack | |
Footwear | |
Water Carry | |
Sun Protection | |
Navigation | Garmin eTrex or smartphone + offline maps |
First-Aid | |
Fuel & Food |
🎯 Final Tips for Hiking in Malta
✅ Pack light but smart
✅ Always bring more water than you think you'll need
✅ Download your route before heading out
✅ Respect the terrain — and take only photos
🌿 Want to combine hiking with overlanding? Check out our Malta trails and adventure itineraries »
🛒 Shop Our Full Gear List
👉 Visit our full Recommended Gear Page: www.overlandmalta.com/overlandinggearguide
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. When you purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep our wheels turning and our boots on the trail. Thank you!
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