What to Bring: The Ultimate Multi-Day Hiking Packing List

Having mastered many many vertical meters of sweat and toil… and having enjoyed a gluttonous dinner, all I want is to rest my weary body in the mountain refuge’s dormitory. I grab my backpack only to find out that… I have left my sleeping bag behind! Of course, every hiker has different needs and preferences but there are some things you can’t leave home without. That’s why I have created my ultimate kit list for multi-day hut-to-hut hikes. You will find my list of essential hiking items below.

My Complete Multi-Day Hiking Packing List

This backpacking checklist is my tried-and-true guide to packing smart for overnight hiking trips:

• Medium-sized backpack (up to 40 liters gear capacity), including rain cover
• Lightweight sleeping bag
• Cash
• Water bottle/hydration reservoirs
• Knife
• Headlamp/flashlight
• First aid kit
• Garbage bag (to carry out trash)

• Hiking boots
• Rain jacket
• Rain pants
• Two pairs of socks
• Two sets of wicking underwear
• Two wicking shirts
• Insulation long-sleeve jacket (fleece, synthetic, down, merino wool)
• Trekking pants
• Hat or cap and thin gloves (liners)

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Topographic map
• Toiletry kit
• Quick-dry towel
• Snacks (e. g. fruit, energy bars)
• Cell phone (consider programming emergency numbers into your mobile phone)

Optional:

• Trekking poles
• Windproof jacket (e. g. soft shell)
• Emergency shelter/bivy
• Lightweight stuff sacks to keep everything organized
• Earplugs
• Alpinist Association Membership Card (members save on overnight stays at refuges and shelters)
• Blister treatments, tape
• Slippers
• Bandana or Buff
• Camera – to capture memories at one of Tirol’s photo-worthy locales, of mountaintop summits, of sunrise or sunset, of wildlife… :-)

Odor Resistance: Merino Wool
I use merino wool shirts and underwear because they’re light, comfortable and resist odors. Because of merino wool’s ability to effectively manage moisture, odor-causing bacteria don’t have the moist environment they need to thrive. You can wear merino wool during intense activity and over extended periods of time without having to worry about odor.

Refuges & Shelters – Opening Times
A huge number of mountain refuges and shelters provide a great night’s sleep in the mountains of Tirol and offer shelter in the event of bad weather: www.tyrol.com/refuges-shelters

Tour Suggestions
For great suggestions on hut-to-hut walks or long-distance hiking please visit Walking & Hiking in Tirol 

Have fun exploring the great outdoors!