Hiking and Trekking Gear in Cologne: Addresses and Tips

Cologne is best known for its cathedral, its carnival and its brewpub culture. Yet many people from Cologne head outdoors at the weekend: the Bergisches Land, the Eifel and the Siebengebirge are not far from the city, and the Rheinsteig and the Eifelsteig are also popular hiking destinations. Anyone planning such trips needs the right gear.

Good hiking and trekking gear makes the difference between a pleasant trip and a needlessly exhausting day: pinching boots, an ill-fitting rucksack or a leaky rain jacket quickly spoil the joy. With hiking boots and rucksacks in particular, it is worth trying them on in a specialist shop, as fit and comfort are hard to judge online.

On this page you will find five outdoor shops from our list of the best. You will find more addresses in our list Best Outdoor Clothing Shops in Cologne.

Outdoor Shops in Cologne

Globetrotter

You will find the shop Globetrotter in Cologne. The address is Breite Straße 118-120.

McTREK Outdoor Sports

The shop McTREK Outdoor Sports is at Siegburger Straße 227.

HUCKEPACKS ultralight outdoor equipment

Head to Franz-Liszt-Straße 6 for HUCKEPACKS ultralight outdoor equipment.

Jack Wolfskin Store

The Jack Wolfskin Store is on Minoritenstraße 2.

Mammut Store Breite Straße

You will find the Mammut Store Breite Straße at Breite Straße 159.

Tips for Buying Hiking Gear

Hiking Boots

It is best to try on hiking boots in the afternoon, when your feet are slightly swollen, and to bring the socks you will wear on the trail. The boot should fit snugly without pinching, and your heel should not slip as you walk. Walk a few steps in the shop, including downhill, to spot pressure points.

Rucksack

For day trips a small to medium-sized rucksack is enough; for multi-day trips a larger model with a hip belt makes sense. Ask the shop to show you how to adjust the rucksack, and try it out with weight in it.

Clothing

Outdoors, the layering principle has proved its worth: several thin layers that you can put on and take off depending on the weather. A rain jacket belongs in your pack on every trip, as the weather can change quickly.

Repair Instead of Buying New

High-quality gear lasts a long time if you look after it. Ask in the specialist shop whether boots can be resoled or jackets reproofed and repaired before you buy a replacement.

Conclusion

For a successful hike, the trip to a specialist shop is worth it. Take your time trying things on and ask for advice. Current opening hours and offers are available on the shops' websites.