Our trekking gear list contains everything you need for your trek where you’ll be staying in mountain huts.

It can also be intimidating knowing what to pack for a long-distance trek, especially if you’re carrying everything yourself and you’re equally concerned about having the essentials, and the weight of carrying it.

Note: On some trips like our Self Guided Tour du Mont Blanc luggage transfer is available.

On other trekking tours like the Walker’s Haute Route and our Dolomites hiking tours; Alta Via 1 and Seiser Alm to Rosengarten and Val Gardena & Alpe di Siusi, or Gran Paradiso hiking tour, it’s not available, so this is something to consider if it’s your first trek or if you’re concerned about carrying all your own gear.

Recommended Reading: Trekking: How to Choose a Trek That You´ll Love

When I first laid everything out on my bed and tried to stuff it in my backpack, a third of it didn’t fit. The next attempt, I managed to get it closed, but just barely.

After strapping it up and staggering a few steps, I quickly realized that if I was having a hard time making it across my bedroom, I had no chance of making it 160km across mountain passes every day.

So I reduced it again. I can’t emphasize how important it is to pack your trekking gear in advance and see if you can carry your backpack. It’s also a great idea to do some practice hikes with the equivalent weight of what you plan to bring with you. Not only will your back and shoulders thank you, but it will also help build the muscles that you need.

How to Use this Trekking Gear List

This trekking gear list is geared at treks that are 5- 12 days long where you’ll be staying in mountain huts.

If you plan to sleep in a tent, of course, you would need camping gear. You’d also need to decide whether you would be cooking your own food or eating at a nearby refuge.

It also assumes that you will be carrying your own backpack. You’ll likely need a 55- 60-L backpack. If you pack really light you can get away with a 45-litre backpack, which I’ve used on some trips.

Trekking Gear List: Clothing

Base layer: for wicking sweat off your skin. I LOVE Merino wool as a base layer because it repels ordor but quick-drying polyester will also work and is cheaper. Never wear cotton, you’ll be too hot or too cold.

Your base layer can be a merino wool t-shirt or long sleeve shirt that’s loose enough that you can push the sleeves up if it gets too hot. And you can actually wear your Merino wool shirt multiple days without washing it and it really doesn’t smell, wicks away moisture and dries quickly. It’s also really soft on the skin.

Two shirts is enough if they have sleeves that you can roll up. Otherwise bring two long sleeve and one t-shirt in your trekking packing list.

Mid-layer: this is for insulating and helps your body retain heat. I always bring a lightweight fleece, even in summer, since temperatures can drop very quickly. You’ll likely also wear it in the evenings if you go outside the mountain huts, as the nights do get chilly in the Alps.

Outer layer: this is a shell with a hood to protect you from wind and rain. There’s a good chance that it will rain at least once while you’re trekking. Weather can change quickly, and it can often be cold and windy in the French and Swiss Alps.

Waterproof Pants: As mentioned, it will likely rain on your trekking tour, so bring a lightweight pair that doesn’t take up much room.

Convertible Hiking Pants: These are my favourite essential item of hiking gear. They are full length pants that zip off at either just below the knee and/or also zip off above the knee, turning them into shorts, depending on the style.

I almost never hike in regular shorts. These are much more practical should the weather change as it very likely while you’re trekking. Plus, then you only have to pack one pair, making your load lighter.

Long Underwear: You only need these if you’re hiking Europe in June or September. A thin pair made from Merino wool that easily fit under your convertible hiking pants will do the trick.

Hiking Socks: Socks are one item you don’t want to cheap out on. A good pair of socks will help prevent blisters by wicking the moisture away. They’ll also help regulate your foot temperature.

All it takes it getting a bad blister once for you to be convinced of the value of a good pair of socks. Trust me, don’t learn the hard way. Bring 2 pairs of hiking socks, and another regular pair of socks for wearing in the evenings in the mountain huts.

Dry Bag: For your electronics and passport. Note, even if you have chosen the luggage transfer option, you’re legally required to have your passport with you at all times (or EU ID if you’re an EU citizen).

You only need the following three items if you’re trekking tour in Europe is in June or September.

Light Gloves: As it can be cold in the mornings in June and September, and sometimes throughout the day in June and September bring a thin pair of gloves to keep your hands warm.

Neck Warmer/Buff: This is an optional item in your trekking packing list, but I find it really useful and carry a thin one when I’m hiking, even in summer.

Merino Beanie: When hiking in the French and Swiss Alps in June and September it can be cool in the mornings so I recommend bringing a Merino wool beanie that’s moisture wicking since hiking Europe will make you sweat even if it is cold.

You can see all these clothing gear list here.

Trekking Gear Essentials

Hiking Poles: While these are technically an optional item on your trekking packing list, I highly recommend them for multi-day hikes since they significantly reduce the load from your joints, especially when hiking downhill.

Plus, studies show that they reduce muscle soreness (something you’ll definitely have after hiking for multiple days in a row) and reduce recovery time.

Look for anti-shock (to absorb more of the impact) & retractable hiking poles so that you can carry them on your backpack when you’re not using them.

Hiking Boots: You’ll want to invest in a good pair of hiking boots. Your feet will thank you for it. I always buy a 1/2 to 1 size bigger, since your feet swell after a day of hiking. I recommend trying them on near the end of a day, when your feet are already swollen.

Since you’ll be hiking multiple days in a row, I recommend hiking boots over hiking shoes for extra support and because you’ll be less likely to sprain an ankle.

Be sure you break in your hiking boots well before your trekking adventure begins to prevent blisters.

Hiking Backpack: 20-30L is fine if you’ve chosen the luggage transfer option. Otherwise, I’d recommend 45-60L if you’re carrying everything yourself but staying in mountain huts. Look for one that has a built-in rain cover. It will fit better than if you buy one separately.

Also, buy one that has space between the pack and your back to prevent back sweat. It can be uncomfortable and can have a huge impact on your body temperature. Check for more tips on how to choose the right hiking backpack. I’m a big fan of Osprey and Deuter backpacks.

Gaiters: You don’t need gaiters if you’re trekking in Europe in July or August, but they do come in handy if you’re doing it early season in June or mid-September when there’s likely to be snow at the higher altitudes.

Quick Dry Underwear: Bring 3 pairs of quick-dry underwear. By being quick dry, you save space by not having to bring so many pairs.

Sports Bra: Obviously, this one is for women only. Ladies take care of your girls while staying comfortable and look for one that’s breathable and quick drying to prevent uncomfortable moisture from building up.

I’d recommend bringing 2 sports bra, plus 1 more for wearing in the mountain huts after hiking.

Baseball/Suncap: You definitely don’t want to get sunstroke while hiking so bring some kind of hat that will protect you from the sun.

You can see all these trekking gear essentials here.

Trekking Gear List: After Hiking Clothing

Indoor Shoes: Mountain huts do not allow regular shoes in certain areas or at all in the hut. Bring a pair of flip flops, slippers, or another pair of comfortable shoes that don’t take up much room to be worn indoors only. Some, but not all mountain huts will provide these.

Casual Shirt/Pants For Hanging Out in the Mountain Hut: Comfortable shirt and pair of casual pants or leggings. You’ll wear these after hiking and having dinner in the mountain huts. You can also wear your hiking clothes if you have enough extras, but you’ll definitely want clean ones. And allow time for drying as well.

Sleeping Bag Liner: A sleeping bag liner serves as a barrier between you and the blankets. It can be very thin, like a sheet. Don’t worry about being cold since the mountain huts provide blankets, and some will provide a pillow. Bring this even if you’re staying in private rooms since some but not all accommodations provide linens.

You can see all these after hiking clothing here.

Food and Snacks to Pack for Your Trekking Tour

Bring nutritious snacks that don’t squish easily. Nuts and dried fruit are good choices. Crackers and wafers get crushed easy and chocolate melts. If you crave something sweet, then gummy bears are a better choice than chocolate since they don’t melt.

If you have any food allergies, like me, I’m Celiac so can’t eat any gluten, then bring a few extra snacks in case the mountain huts aren’t able to accommodate your allergy or forget, as happened to me on a couple of occasions.

Note: Breakfast and dinner are both served in mountain huts in the Alps. Some huts give you the option to purchase a to-go lunch. The other option is to bring more food or plan to stop at one of the mountain huts (when available) en route for lunch. If you choose the last option, prepare to do more route planning so that you don’t end up eating lunch at 10:00 am or 4:00 pm.

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Staying Hydrated When Trekking

Water Bladder/Water Reservoir: I prefer hiking with this since I find I drink more, preventing dehydration and can hike and drink at the same time without having to stop and break my pace. I recommend a 3-L one if your trekking TMB.

Water Bottle: You can just use water bottles to hike, or a combination of a water bottle and a water bladder (my preference), but always have at least 2 water sources in case one leaks and you find yourself without water.

Electrolyte Tablets/Powder: These stay in my First-Aid kit and I’ll frequently use it when hiking in hot weather as a preventive measure. If you feel light-headed, dizzy, or have low blood pressure, these can make you feel better in a flash.

You can see all these hydration gear here.

Miscellaneous Stuff to Pack for Your Trek

Due to COVID, at some mountain huts, you’ll also need to wear a face mask whenever you enter/leave your accommodation or are walking around. You don’t need to wear it once you’re sitting at your table.

You should also bring hand sanitizer. Many accommodations will provide this and ask you to sanitize your hands before entering but it’s still a good idea to bring your own. 

Compeed Blister Cushions: I think Compeed is the best blister treatment on the market! I always carry a few in my backpack.

Plastic Bags: You have two choices, either bury your #2 business, or carry out your used toilet paper. Yes, it’s stinky and gross, but do it anyway.

Quick-Dry Towel: Most mountain huts don’t provide towels, so you need one you can dry off with after a shower, and use to dry your face.

Universal Travel Adapter: You’ll need an adapter that works in Europe and that has multiple outlets. Outlets are in short supply in the mountain huts, so choose one allows you to charge multiple devices at the same time – i.e. yours and your hiking buddy.

Mini First Aid Kit: For day hikes you probably don’t need a full-size First Aid Kit. I use a mini one which has the basics. Find out more about what should be in your First Aid Kit.

Toilet Paper: If you’ve ever been without toilet paper while hiking and had a #2 bathroom emergency, you’ll understand why you should always bring a roll with you.

Basic Toiletries: Toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc, but try to keep it light and pack in a water resistant packing cube to prevent leakages.

Head Lamp & Batteries: I always carry a headlamp in my backpack. While the trekking tour in Europe is well marked and it’s unlikely that you’ll need it while hiking, you may need it in the mountain hut if you have to get up and go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

Travel Laundry Soap: Hand washing your clothing during your trek means you won’t have to bring as much and will lighten your pack. Look for biodegradable detergent to reduce your environmental impact on the fragile Alps.

Travel and trip cancellation insurance: As soon as your accommodations and hiking tour have been confirmed, I recommend purchasing Travel and trip cancellation insurance right away.

I recommend HeyMondo(and you’ll get a 5% discount for being a Monkeys and Mountains reader) since it includes mountain rescue and repatriation insurance which are required and not covered by all insurance policies.

Also, unlike many insurance policies, it also covers pandemics in case we ever find ourselves in a situation like we had a few years ago. Check out their site for the specific details, as not everything is included.

You can see all these miscellaneous stuff to pack here.

Recommended Reading: The Best Hiking Boots for Men

Money When Trekking

Many mountain huts do not accept credit cards so be sure to bring enough cash with you. You can expect to pay €12 – €15 for a packed lunch from the mountain huts in the Alps. You’ll also need money for drinks at your hut. If you’re trekking route has optional transfers, plan for this as well in case you want to take a lift or a bus to shorten your hike. Plus it’s a good idea to bring extra cash as a contingency.

Documents

In Europe, it’s required by law that you carry identification with you. If you’re a European citizen identification will do. If you’re not European, you must carry your passport with you.

Optional Items to Pack for Your Trek

Smart Phone: If you’re doing one of our trekking tours in Europe, you’ll need one to download your tour and the GPS tracks. Even if you’re going on your own, and not doing one of our tours, I highly recommend downloading the GPS tracks of your day hike into a hiking app such as AllTrails, Gaia, or Mapy, before you go hiking to ensure that you don’t get lost.

While you can bring another GPS device, I prefer a smartphone since you can also use it to take photos of your hike.

The following items are optional but I find make staying in mountain huts much more pleasurable.

Kindle Fire: If you like to read then bring your Kindle and pre-load with books (like my book Dating Tips for Women with Advice From Cats 😉 since wifi in the mountain huts may not be strong enough to download a good.

Card Game: You’ll likely find yourself with time to relax after hiking when you arrive at the mountain hut each day. Bring a card game or other game that doesn’t take up much space. Also invite other hikers to play. It’s a great way to connect.

Small Massage Ball: I highly recommend bringing a small one that you can use on your feet, aching shoulders, and legs. It doesn’t take up much room and feels soooo good.

Muscle-Soreness Relief Cream: If you’re prone to muscle soreness or haven’t done many multi-day hikes before, then consider bringing something to help relieve sore muscles.

Garmin

Solar charger

Eye mask & ear plugs

You can see all these trekking items here.

Now, what you’ll need will vary from trek to trek and the climate and conditions, but you’ve got all the essentials and can accordingly.

Trekking Gear List: What To Pack When You’re Staying in Mountain Huts