Want to experience the great outdoors without compromising on comfort? Then a mountain hut trek is for you! Typically, the hike lasts several days, is divided into pre-determined stages, and you spend each night in a different hut.
As well as the right clothing, footwear and other outdoor equipment, one thing is particularly important: a backpack that is comfortable to carry, properly packed and filled with the things you need for a hut-to-hut trek. Anything unnecessary will weigh you down during the climb and is best left at home.
To make your hut-to-hut trek an unforgettable outdoor adventure, there are a few things you should keep in mind. In this blog post, including a handy packing list, you can find out more about the following topics:
- Where should I go?
- The right backpack – make sure it fits
- Packing List:
- Emergency/Essentials
- How do I pack my backpack for maximum comfort?
- What else is essential?
WHERE should the trek GO?
- Choose a route that suits your fitness level
- Determine daily stages and huts
- Reserve accommodation in advance (especially in high season)
- Check the weather forecast for the intended period
- Preview the route on a map or digitally (e.g. OpenStreetMap or Google Maps). KOMOOT, for example, also allows you to plan multi-day trips.
THE RIGHT BACKPACK – for everything!
It is essential to choose the right rucksack. Is a small backpack with around 21-30 litres of capacity enough for you because you’re only taking a few things with you to the hut and don’t want to carry anything heavy? Or would you rather have a large backpack with around 31-40 litres of capacity, so you can carry more clothes, for example?
You should also check whether your backpack already has an integrated rain cover. If not, you should definitely get one, as it can often rain unexpectedly and heavily in the mountains.
Below is a packing list that you can use as a rough guide. Depending on your mood, you may want to take some things with you and leave others at home.
PACKING LIST
Clothing and equipment – to arrive dry and safe
There can be snow in spring, especially on the northern slopes. Gaiters provide waterproof protection when crossing snow fields. They are attached to the boot with a sole strap.
When the snow is hard, you can simply pull the spikes over your boot’s sole for better grip and safety.
They make climbing up and down easier, take the strain off your joints and save energy. They also make it easier to cross snow fields.
Because of the altitude, you are regularly exposed to strong UV rays all day long in the mountains. These sunglasses will protect your eyes.
Food & Drink – For refreshment in between
Make sure you carry enough water on every trip! Image ©GRAYL
Drinking Bottle & Bottle Holder
The water bottle can be attached to the outside of the rucksack using the bottle holder. This saves you having to search for the bottle in your pack and allows you to drink on the move.
If you choose to use a hydration system instead of a water bottle, you do not have to stop to drink. You can use the tube attached to your backpack to drink as you go.
Modern filter bottles are useful in emergencies. They ensure that you always have clean water.
Thermos Bottle
If it’s getting cold, tea, and other hot drinks will keep you warm
Each snack and provision is well-packed and resealable. They also help reduce waste and protect the environment.
You should take a few bars with you on every hike. They give you strength and energy. Nuts are also a popular snack.
This is a great way to keep the summit booze close at hand.
Sleep – well rested for the trek
For extra comfort when sleeping in the hut.
In most huts, a hut sleeping bag is sufficient, as blankets are provided as a warming layer. Find out before the trip if you need a warm sleeping bag or not!
A hut sleeping bag is thinner than a normal sleeping bag. Its main purpose is hygienic, as it acts as a liner for the sleeping bag, increasing its warmth. It can be washed separately and serves as a kind of hygienic cover in huts.
This means you can always sit comfortably and enjoy your snack wherever you are.
Emergency/Essentials—Ready for anything
Suddenly being caught in the rain is only half as bad if you have your raincoat.
A first aid kit is a must-have on any trek! It contains bandages, tweezers and instructions on how to give first aid. If you need any special medication, make sure you bring it with you.
Perfect for a night hike or reading a book in bed. There is even a special light mode for this so as not to disturb sleepers.
Toiletries
(Toiletry bag, toothbrush and toothpaste, liquid soap and shampoo). To help you feel fresh after a hard day’s walking and a night in the hut.
Everyone must bring their own towel to the hut. Microfibre towels are ideal, as they dry quickly and are compact.
Protects equipment, especially electrical equipment, from moisture and dirt.
Your faithful companion that does it all: the GPS sports watch is an altimeter, barometer, compass and weather station.
If you’re having trouble finding your way, a compass is essential for navigation and survival in extreme conditions.
Whether you need to make a snack, open a bottle or make a repair, the multi-tool is a must-have on every hut trip!
Sun cream
Protect yourself from UV radiation.
Tip: It can make sense to buy one or two items from the hut packing list in a lightweight version. This will be more expensive, but it will reduce the weight you have to carry and make the ascent, and therefore the whole trek, more enjoyable.
Food
Make sure you always have enough fluids and (high-energy) snacks with you!
The bivouac bag is essential in an emergency. It can save lives and even be used as a stretcher for the injured.
HOW DO I PACK MY BACKPACK FOR maximum COMFORT?
A properly packed backpack will make every climb easier.
- Lid → Maps, snacks, smartphone, money, identity card, small items
- Sides and top → Drink, food, compressible items
- Center → Clothing
- Bottom → (Hut) sleeping bag, pillow
- Outside (Strap) → Seat cushion
For more information on how to pack your rucksack, check out this blog post.
WHAT ELSE IS IMPORTANT?
- Inform family/friends about your trip and how you plan to get there, so they know where you are in case of an emergency.
- Take a charged mobile phone, cash, and your passport/insurance card.
- DAV/ÖAV membership card (if you have one).
- Don’t forget your first aid kit.
- With the SOS-EU-ALP app you can quickly and easily notify the rescue team. GPS coordinates and contact details are sent directly.
- Be fair and cancel reserved hut bookings early if necessary!
- Ideally, you should only set off in well-worn shoes and socks to avoid blisters and pain.
You can download our packing list here:
Are you interested in other related articles? We have some more for you:
→ Backpack Guide: How to pack the right way
→ Tips and tricks for hiking with kids
→ Hiking and Trekking Essentials: All you need for your next tour