Summer, sun, summit bliss - are you planning your next big trekking tour and don't want to forget anything? Then you've come to the right place. With our ultimate packing list, you'll master every stage - whether it's a leisurely hut tour or a challenging multi-day tour with a tent. Read on and pack smart!
Table of contents
What belongs on a basic trekking packing list?
What clothing do you really need for trekking?
First aid and hygiene: what should not be missing?
Electronics and navigation: What do you really need?
Our packing list to print out: Always have everything you
you need!
Depending on the tour: How do you adapt your packing list?
Ultralight trekking: How do you effectively save weight?
What belongs on a basic trekking packing list?
A well thought-out trekking packing list is essential, regardless of whether you are planning a hut tour or a multi-day tent tour. The right equipment makes the difference between enjoyment and stress.
Basic equipment: Every packing list always includes sturdy hiking boots, weatherproof clothing (rain jacket, rain trousers), rucksack, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and a first aid kit. A headlamp, sufficient food and drinking water are also essential. This equipment is essential for every tour.
Depending on the tour: Hut tours require less equipment - you can leave out the tent and cooking set. When trekking with a tent, both should of course be on your packing list.
Your own packing list: Create your packing list systematically as a checklist. Divide it into categories: Clothing, sleeping, cooking, safety. This way you have everything under control and nothing is left at home.
Less is often more - a well-planned packing list saves weight and nerves.
What clothing do you really need for trekking?
The right clothing is crucial for comfort and safety when trekking. With the tried and tested onion principle, you can adapt flexibly to changing weather conditions and always stay at a comfortable temperature.
The onion principle means wearing several layers on top of each other, which you can put on or take off depending on the temperature. This means you'll never be too warm or too cold. A combination of base layer, warming layer (e.g. down jacket) and waterproof outer jacket works in almost any climate.
Which material makes sense when? This table will help you:
|
Material |
Characteristics |
When is it suitable? |
|
Merino wool |
Natural, odor-inhibiting, moisture-regulating |
Ideal as a base layer in cold and changeable weather |
|
Synthetics |
Quick-drying, lightweight, usually cheaper than merino |
Good for intensive activities & humid climates |
|
Down |
Extremely light & warm, compressible, not waterproof |
Perfect for dry cold conditions - e.g. down jacket in winter |
|
Softshell |
Breathable, wind-repellent, slightly water-repellent |
Good choice for cool, dry weather |
|
Hardshell |
100% waterproof, windproof, robust |
Mandatory in heavy rain - e.g. rain jacket, rain trousers |
Plan rain protection
Whether it's a sudden shower or hours of rain: a waterproof rain jacket and rain trousers belong on every packing list. Make sure that both are really waterproof - this will save you stress later on.
Practical items of clothing
Versatile items such as zip-up trousers that you can turn into shorts when it's hot, or a lightweight down jacket that takes up little space but provides plenty of warmth, are particularly practical. Combine your equipment and clothing cleverly - that way you'll be equipped for any weather!
First aid and hygiene: what shouldn't be missing?
A well-stocked first aid kit is a must when trekking. In addition to plasters and disinfectants, it should also contain painkillers, sterile compresses and blister plasters to quickly treat typical injuries and ailments on the move.
You should also opt for practical and lightweight items when it comes to hygiene. A small toothbrush, some toothpaste and wet wipes are usually sufficient and save valuable space in your rucksack.
For emergencies with equipment and clothing, duct tape is a real all-rounder - it repairs tears or holes quickly and reliably. Make sure you use robust quality for such critical items so that you can rely on your equipment when you're out and about.
Electronics and navigation: what do you really need?
The right electronics are crucial for your trekking tour - especially when it comes to navigation. Modern aids offer various advantages, but also have their limitations:
|
Navigation equipment |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
GPS device |
Precise navigation, independent of the mobile network |
Heavier weight, limited battery life |
|
Smartphone apps |
Versatile, often free, easy to use |
Battery drains quickly, dependent on mobile network |
|
Map & compass |
No power required, very reliable |
Requires practice and experience |
In addition to navigation, a good headlamp is essential. Ideally, you should have a main lamp plus a second one as a backup so that you are safe even in the dark or in poor conditions.
You should take robust power banks with sufficient capacity to power your devices. When buying electronics, it is important to pay attention to quality, weather resistance and durability.
Print out our packing list: Always have everything you need with you!
We have put together a practical packing list for you so that you don't forget anything on your long-distance hike. You can easily download this printable packing list and have it to hand at all times.
The packing list makes packing easier and clearer - so you can keep an eye on all your important equipment. Our checklist also serves as a quick guide so that you don't forget any important items.
Trekking packing list to print out
Depending on the tour: how do you adapt your packing list?
Your packing list should always be adapted to your route and the local conditions - depending on the tour, the destination and the climate.
On a hut tour or a tour with permanent accommodation, you often need less equipment: you can usually leave a tent, sleeping mat or cooking equipment at home. For a tent tour in remote areas, on the other hand, you will need everything you need for sleeping and cooking.
Here is a brief overview to help you keep track:
|
Equipment |
Hut tour |
Tent tour |
|
Overnight stay |
Sleeping bag / hut shoes, often bedding available |
Tent, sleeping mat, warm sleeping bag |
|
Cooking & food |
Often half board or kitchen available, only snacks necessary |
Stove, gas canister, pot, dishes, full rations |
|
Luggage weight |
Lighter, as less equipment required |
Heavier due to tent, cooking set & food |
|
Safety & comfort |
Less dependent on the weather, fixed accommodation |
More freedom, but pack weatherproof & robust |
|
Extras |
Cash for hut, possibly hut sleeping bag |
Tarp, spare pegs, repair kit |
|
Flexibility |
Route often firmly planned (reservations) |
More flexible camping possible, more personal responsibility |
The time of year also plays a role: lighter clothing is often sufficient in summer, whereas you should plan warm clothing and weatherproof equipment for an Alpine crossing or tours in cooler regions.
If you are traveling for several days at a time, you need enough food, spare clothing and well thought-out logistics. For multi-day tours, it is important to save weight without sacrificing safety and comfort.
Ultralight trekking: how do you effectively save weight?
Ultralight trekking means traveling with as little as possible - without sacrificing safety. If you pack ultralight, you protect your back and joints, cover longer distances in a more relaxed manner and enjoy more freedom.
The basic idea: every item is scrutinized - do you really need it? The aim is to reduce the overall weight to the lightest possible minimum without sacrificing important functions. This means you can travel ultra-light but still be well equipped.
Saving weight made easy:
- Replace heavy items with ultra-light alternatives (e.g. lightweight rucksack, titanium cutlery)
- Avoid duplicate items
- Remove unnecessary packaging
- Plan provisions precisely for each day to avoid surpluses
- Avoid "nice-to-have" items - only take what you really need
Pack multifunctionally
Go for equipment that fulfills several purposes:
A trekking pole can also serve as a tent pole, a buff as a hat or scarf, a sleeping mat as a seat pad at the same time. This way you can save weight and still remain flexible.
Know your limits
Ultralight does not always have priority: in very cold regions, on high alpine routes or in extremely changeable weather, reliability counts for more than minimum weight. Safety and comfort should never be sacrificed in favor of a few grams less!
Key points summarized
✅ Systematic planning: A well-thought-out trekking packing list is the basis for every successful tour.
✅ Individual adaptation: Always adapt your packing list to the specific requirements of your route, the climate and the season.
✅ Weight vs. comfort: Find the right balance between the lightest possible luggage and the necessary comfort on the trail.
✅ Quality pays off: Invest in high-quality, robust equipment - this increases safety and saves costs in the long term.
✅ Gain experience: You learn with every tour and can continue to optimize your packing list.
✅ Good preparation: Careful planning and preparation are crucial for a relaxed and successful trekking tour.
