PACKING LIST FOR A HIKING TRIP
GEAR
Do you always forget something when you go hiking? Then it is a good idea to draw up a packing list for yourself to ensure that you take everything you need with you. After all, you want to be well prepared and have peace of mind when hiking in the mountains. After all, it is mainly for the peace and quiet that you will set off to enjoy the breathtaking views. Walking along ravines, looking out over the high peaks and green valleys, every hike has its own charm. To enjoy it as much as possible, these 10 items should not be missing in your backpack.
1. Hiking gear
Before you throw your backpack around your shoulders and hit the road, make sure you're well dressed for all those miles on foot. The most important thing are your hiking shoes. Depending on the area and difficulty of the hike, you should choose the right shoes. For versatile trail running and hiking I use the Salomon Supercross 4 shoes which are a good choice, especially for those who don’t need high protection of their anckles on their footwear. These shoes provide excellent grip and comfort for varying terrains.
Furthermore, take the appropriate clothing with you. Not too much of course, but the absolute necessities. Think in layers so that you are prepared for all weather types. So wear quick-drying underwear and t-shirts. For a perfect mix of comfort and sun protection, the Fjällräven Abisko hoodie is an excellent pick, no need for sunscreen with this hoodie on. Pair it with the Patagonia Terrebonne joggers, which are lightweight, packable, and ideal for hot weather while keeping you warm enough if it cools down. Don’t forget essentials like good socks, a mackintosh, and a fleece layer for colder moments. Lastly, always pack sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun's glare.
The backpack
Finally, of course, the backpack itself. Before you start packing, it’s essential to choose the right backpack for your trip. A backpack that’s too big often tempts you to overpack, leading to unnecessary weight. For hiking trips where you don’t need to carry a tent or sleeping bag, a smaller, more streamlined backpack is ideal. This helps limit the number of items you bring and keeps your load manageable.
For ultimate versatility and customization, the Atom Packs Prospector is a standout choice. This rugged yet lightweight backpack is fully customizable, allowing you to tailor the specs and colors to your specific needs. Whether it’s adding extra storage or adjusting the features for a perfect fit, the Prospector ensures you can haul everything you need without compromising on comfort or durability.
Also, consider the backpack’s weather resistance. Is it waterproof, or will you need a rain cover for heavy rain? In case of the Prospector their is no need for extra weather protection since it is fully made of water resistant materials. Additionally, check for features like straps for securing walking poles, lightweight yet invaluable tools you might not think you need until you do. With the right backpack, your hiking experience becomes not just manageable but truly enjoyable.
2. Eating, eating and more eating
In ‘normal’ life, we have become used to always having everything available around us. There is always the opportunity to snack, eat or drink somewhere. Therefore, we are no longer used to preparing for the scarcity of these things. However, on a trek through the mountains, you will have to prepare for some scarcity. Even though you will come across mountain huts or small villages along the way where you can buy something. Nevertheless, it is wise to always take more food with you than you think you will need when you are out in the wilderness. No matter how often you have the opportunity to buy something along the way, there is always a chance that you will end up empty-handed. Therefore, take a good look at your route and see if you can use a food supply.
But what do you take as a reserve? Take at least (depending on the route) two litres of water in a drink or thermos bottle. Bring some isotonic powder to quickly replenish the nutrients in your body when needed. Furthermore, take things with you that are light, nutritious and can easily last a little longer. Such as nuts, (dried) fruit, bars and chocolate (but not for hot days of course ;). Put everything in a lunch bag or drum.
3. Navigation
Now that your hiking equipment is complete and you’ve brought enough food to survive, you can start your mountain adventure. Or wait… you need to know where you’re going, of course. Planning the route is an important part of your preparation, you can use online tools to do this. I like to use the German app Komoot to plan all my hikes. After all, walking in the mountains on your own sounds cool but is usually not such a good idea. So make sure that your route is loaded into a navigation system, for example a Garmin system.
But remember that the batteries of a navigation system can run out and you don’t want to be dependent on it. So always take the old-fashioned map and compass with you. They can be a matter of life and death.
4. Think about your safety
When you are on the road, anything can happen. Often, help and facilities are far away and you want to be able to help yourself. Therefore, take the necessary precautions so that you are not caught unaware in case of an accident. Take materials with you that can help you out, but that you hopefully will never need.
Start with a first-aid kit that contains different types of plasters, bandages and other items to help you deal with minor injuries. A rescue blanket to keep yourself or a travelling companion warm after an accident. But also more specific attributes such as blister plasters that you will definitely need on a hike of several days. A pair of pliers and a deet to protect you against any vermin you might come across on your way. And sports tape that can prevent injuries or reduce their impact.
But think about your safety also to the functioning of all materials that you bring, if something breaks it is very useful to have attributes with which you can make small repairs. So take some tie-wraps and duct tape with you so that you always have a temporary solution and can continue hiking, even if your equipment is a little rusty.
5. Take good care of yourself during the trip
Those who set off into the countryside for several days have a little less reason to value their personal hygiene. Nevertheless, it is nice to leave the mountain hut refreshed every day and to be able to start your tour fresh and ready for the next day. Therefore, think of everything you need for your personal hygiene during your trip. This list should contain everything that you normally put in your toiletry bag, but with a few extras. For example, a roll of toilet paper that can come in handy when you need it in the middle of the wilderness, or some sun cream to protect your skin when it is exposed to the sun all day.
6. Extra energy is always welcome
A hut trip is a whole experience in which you make new memories at every moment. Views that you will never forget and efforts that you can always relive. But you don’t want to stop there, the memories are even more vivid when they can be captured, so bring your camera. And make sure it always has a full battery by using a powerbank that always provides you with a little extra energy. By the way, also in case your mobile phone could use some power.
The RealPower PB-20000PD+ powerbank is an excellent choice for this. It serves as a compact yet powerful energy supplier with a 20,000 mAh capacity. With USB Type-C PD capabilities, it even allows you to charge notebooks on the go. Its Rapid Charge and Power Delivery features ensure extremely short charging times for your smartphone, tablet, and more.
Want to know more about my camera setup? Read more information in another blog.
7. Identify yourself
To be able to start your hike, it is very useful if you can also arrive at the starting point of your hike. You will often be travelling abroad on a trek of several days, so you should not forget your identification. Take your passport with you and make a copy of it just to be sure. Also remember your driving licence in case you need to drive a car to the starting point of your trek. And remember your health insurance and vaccination card. And if you’re going to be really exotic, you will of course need a visa for your adventure!
8. Be able to pay in several ways
Nowadays you pay almost always and everywhere with your credit or debit card, but on an adventure in the mountains you might only be able to get by with contact money. Think about using your credit card before you leave so you can always pay for extra food on the way.
9. What do you need for your overnight stay?
On a multi-day hut trek through the mountains, your accommodation is fixed in advance. You stay in a hut in the mountains, usually in a dormitory with several people. But mountain huts are not hotels, so you need to take some things with you to prepare for your overnight stay, as you can’t just expect everything to be provided. Bedding is one of the things that won’t always be there, so take a sleeping bag, sheet bag, travel pillow, and pillowcase with you. This will ensure you have comfortable nights in between strenuous hiking days, as rest is very important.
However, if your hike includes camping along the way, you'll need additional gear to ensure a good night’s sleep under the stars. For shelter, I recommend the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 tent. It's ultralight, compact, and built for adventures, offering features like an awning-style vestibule and easy setup with the TipLok Tent Buckle™. To ensure you sleep comfortably, pair it with the Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated sleeping pad. This superlight, three-season pad is insulated for warmth, packs down small, and includes a high-volume inflation sack for easy setup. Together, they provide a reliable, lightweight setup for camping during your hike.
Because you’ll be staying in a dormitory with several people or sharing campgrounds (unless you camp in the wilderness), it’s wise to bring some items to make your stay more comfortable and respectful of others. Think of a headlamp or torch, which allows you to make light when leaving early without disturbing others. Earplugs are another great addition, helping you sleep soundly even if a neighbor snores. Also, bring clothes to sleep in and a rubbish bag to separate dirty clothes from clean ones. These small details can make a big difference in your overall experience.
10. There is always something extra
You can always use more things during a hut trip. But some things you only put in your backpack at the very last moment, things that are ‘nice to have’ but are not on top of your packing list. Stuff you can use well but will not easily miss. Binoculars can be nice to have but you don’t necessarily miss them if they are left at home. Just like, for example, a seat cover, which can be replaced by your rain jacket.
THE PACKING LIST
HIKING EQUIPEMENT
Backpack 20 to 40 litres (incl. rain cover)
Mountain shoes: shoes in category A, B, BC, C depending on the severity of the tour and your preference.
Spare laces
Walking sticks (telescopic)
Sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
Clothing (layers)
Rain jacket or hardshell
Rain trousers
FOOD AND DRINKS
Water (at least 2 litres)
Drink or thermos flask (or hydration bag)
Isotonic powder bags
Energy bars (or other sports foods rich in carbohydrates)
Dried fruit and nuts
Lunch (in durable lunch bag or box)
Spork (fork and spoon in one)
SAFETY EQUIPEMENT
First aid kit
Whistle
Rescue blanket
Blister plasters
Tick tweezers
Medicines
Deet
Sports tape
Tie-wraps and Duct tape (for any emergency repairs)
List of phone numbers of family and rescue services (ICE numbers) in your phone
NAVIGATION
GPX file on your walking computer or telephone (not instead of map and compass)
Compass
Watch with altimeter
Topographical map 1 on 25:000
ENERGY
NIGHT EQUIPEMENT
Shoes or slippers
Sleeping bag or sheet
Pillowcase
Headlamp or torch
Small towel (ideal microfibre cloth: small, light and dries quickly)
Earplugs
Rubbish bag
Clothing to sleep in
IDENTIFICATION
Valid passport, ID or driving licence
Copy of passport, ID or driving licence
Visa (if required)
Medication or vaccination passport
Health insurance certificate
Travel insurance (for mountain activities)
TOILETRIES
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Shaving kit
Deodorant
Tissues
Glasses or contact lenses with liquid
Toilet paper
Sanitary towels
Tampons (for ladies)
Sunscreen factor 30 or 50
Lip balm
Hand gel
PAYMENT POSSIBILITIES
Cash
Bank card and/or Credit card
EXTRAS
Matches or a lighter
Water filter
Binoculars
Pocket knife
Seat cover