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A nature experience combined with a certain level of comfort? Then a hut-to-hut hike in the mountains is just the thing! Traditionally, the hike usually lasts several days, is divided into predetermined stages and each night is spent in a different hut.
In addition to the right clothing, suitable footwear and other outdoor equipment, the following is particularly important: a backpack that is comfortable to carry, properly packed and filled with the things you need for a hut hike. After all, anything unnecessary is additional ballast on the ascent and is better left at home.
To make your hut hike an unforgettable outdoor adventure, there are a few things you should bear in mind. In this blog post, including a handy packing list, you can find out more about the following topics:
- Where do you want to go?
- The right backpack – everything should go in it!
- Packing List:
- How to pack my backpack for best carrying comfort?
- What else is important?
WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO?
- Choose a route that suits your fitness level
- Determine the daily stages and huts
- Book any overnight accommodation in huts in advance (especially in the high season)
- Check the weather forecast for the planned period carefully
- Look at the route in advance on a map or digitally (e.g. OpenStreetMap or Google Maps. Komoot, for example, offers the option of planning multi-day tours)
As we all know, the journey is the reward. With this view, however, the goal can be at the very end. Photo: Sport Conrad
THE RIGHT BACKPACK – EVERYTHING SHOULD GO IN IT!
It is important to choose the right backpack. Is a small backpack with a packing volume of approx. 21-30 liters enough for you because you only take a small amount with you to the hut and don’t want to carry a heavy load? Or would you prefer a large backpack with a packing volume of approx. 31-40 liters, which offers enough space for a change of clothes, for example?
You should also check whether your backpack already has an integrated rain cover. If this is not the case, you should definitely get one, as it can often rain unexpectedly and heavily in the mountains.
We have put together a packing list below that you can use as a rough guide. Depending on your mood, you can take additional items with you and leave others at home.
PACKING LIST
Clothing and equipment – so that you arrive dry and safe
- Gaiters: There can often still be snow in spring, especially on north-facing slopes. Gaiters provide waterproof protection when crossing snow fields. They are attached to the boot with a sole strap.
- Crampons: In hard snow, the Grödel can simply be pulled over the shoe and thus offers better grip and more safety.
- Hiking poles: They make ascents and descents easier, take the strain off your joints and save energy. They also make it much easier to negotiate snowfields.
- Sunglasses: Due to the altitude, you are often exposed to very strong UV radiation all day long in the mountains. These sunglasses reliably protect your eyes.
Food & drink – For refreshment in between
Make sure you have enough water with you on every tour! Photo: Bluewater Sweden / Unsplash
The energy boosters on every tour:
- Drinking bottle & bottle bag: With a matching bottle bag, the drinking bottle can be conveniently attached to the outside of the backpack. This means you always have it to hand and don’t have to rummage around in your backpack – perfect for drinking while walking without stopping.
- Purifier bottle: It’s worth having a modern filtration bottle with you just in case. It ensures that you have a reliable supply of clean water on the go – a real safety factor, especially on longer or remote routes.
- Hydration bladder (hydration pack): If you’re looking for comfort, go for a hydration system. The drinking tube attached to the rucksack allows you to drink at any time during the hike – without having to stop.
- Insulated bottle: Whether it’s tea or another hot drink, a well-insulated bottle will keep you warm from the inside on chilly days. A soothing companion for breaks with a view.
- Lunch box: Your provisions are safely and neatly packed in a sturdy, resealable lunch box. It not only protects your food, but also helps you to avoid waste – for the sake of the environment.
- Energy bars: A few energy bars or a handful of nuts belong in every hiking backpack. They quickly give you new strength and are ideal little energy boosters for in between.
Well supplied on tour: With snacks and plenty of water in your backpack, you can enjoy every meter of altitude. Photo: Sport Conrad
Sleeping – Well rested on tour
- Small pillow: For extra comfort when sleeping – especially pleasant in simply equipped huts
- Sleeping bag: In many huts, a hut sleeping bag is sufficient as blankets are provided. Find out in advance whether you also need a warmer sleeping bag.
- Sleeping bag liners: Lightweight, compact and hygienic: The sleeping bag liners serves as a washable inlay and improves the warmth of the sleeping area. It is a must in many huts!
- Sitpad: Lightweight, small and super practical – so you can always sit comfortably on the go or in the hut, no matter where.
Emergency/essentials – Ready for any eventuality
Suddenly getting caught in the rain is half as bad if you have your rain jacket with you. Photo: Sport Conrad
- First aid kit: A must in every backpack! Contains bandages, tweezers and instructions for wound care. Don’t forget your personal medication.
- Headlamp: Ideal for late arrivals, night hikes or for reading in the dormitory. The red light mode protects the sleep of others.
- Washbag: Toothbrush, soap, shampoo & co – everything you need for your hygiene belongs in your washbag.
- Towel: In huts, bring your own. Microfiber towels are particularly practical: light, compact and quick-drying.
- Packing sack: Reliably protects clothing, technology or documents from moisture and dirt – especially in the rain or in damp hut camps.
- Sports watch: Modern GPS watches offer an altimeter, compass, barometer and often weather data – a real all-rounder for on the move.
- Compass: Classic, but tried and tested: When technology fails, the analog compass helps with orientation – especially in confusing terrain.
- Multitool: Whether cutting, screwing or opening bottles – a compact multitool is always useful for small repairs on the go and should never be missing.
- Sunscreen: UV protection is also essential in the mountains. Ideally waterproof and with a high sun protection factor.
- Bivy bag: A bivy bag is essential in an emergency. If the worst comes to the worst, it can save lives and can even be converted into a stretcher for injured people.
- Food and drink: Make sure you always have enough liquid and (high-energy) snacks with you!
Tip: Lightweight luggage is very helpful on hut tours. It is worth investing in a light-weight version of individual items of equipment. Although these are often a little more expensive, they save a lot of weight – and make the ascent and the entire tour much more pleasant.
HOW TO PACK MY BACKPACK FOR BEST CARRYING COMFORT?
A properly packed backpack makes every ascent easier. Photo: Sport Conrad
Packing your backpack correctly – short & crisp
- Place heavy items close to the back, in the middle (e.g. water, provisions).
- Lightweight items on the outside and at the bottom (e.g. sleeping bag, clothing).
- Keep frequently used items close at hand in lid or side pockets (e.g. rain jacket, snacks, map).
- Balance the weight evenly to avoid unbalance.
- Compress & secure so that nothing wobbles or slips.
We have put together a detailed guide to packing your backpack in this blog post.
WHAT ELSE IS IMPORTANT?
- Inform family/friends about your tour and the planned route so that they know approximately where you are in an emergency.
Take a charged cell phone, cash and your passport/insurance card with you. - DAV/ÖAV membership card (if available).
- Don’t forget your first aid kit.
- With the SOS-EU-ALP app, you can quickly and easily notify the rescue services. GPS coordinates and contact details are transmitted directly.
- Be fair and cancel reserved hut bookings early if necessary!
Ideally, only go on tour with well-worn shoes and suitable socks to avoid blisters and pain.
You can download our packing list here.
Are you interested? How about topics like these:
→ Tips and tricks: Hiking with kids
→ Hiking from head to toe: Everything you need for your next trek