Europe Trekking Packing List

Packing Advice

This packing list is just a recommended guideline for your reference. Everything is optional for you to choose from.
It’s best to leave all unnecessary valuables and jewelry at home.
The “Alps” includes the Dolomites, Tour du Mont Blanc, and the Summer Haute Route. People hiking the Camino do not need items marked with “(Alps)”.
The transferred luggage for the Dolomites is limited to 1 bag at 15kg/33lbs. If you are staying at a rifugio/mountain hut, luggage is only transferred to the next town, not to the hut.
The transferred luggage for the Tour du Mont Blanc and Haute Route is limited to 1 bag at 10kg/22lb, and the duffel needs to be without wheels.
The transferred luggage for the CAMINO is limited to 1 bag at 20kg/44lbs.
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Clothing

Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, hand-washable, and quick-drying, preferably moisture-wicking and non-cotton. Layers work best!

Long pants
Shorts
Short-sleeved shirts
Long-sleeved shirts
Undergarments, sports bra
Sweater, jacket, windbreaker
Rain jacket and/or rain poncho
Pajamas
Swimsuit and cover
Belt
Sun hat with brim and chin strap
Bandana (for dust, washing, etc.)

Cold Weather Clothing (Alps)

Fleece jacket/pullover
Waterproof/rain/shell pants
Light down jacket/second fleece
Lightweight gloves
Lightweight wool/fleece hat
Long underwear

Footwear

Your hiking boots will get dirty, wet, and muddy. Extra shoes are nice for relaxing in the evenings.

Hiking shoes — Sturdy, comfortable with notched rubber sole, preferably waterproof (heavier for the Alps, lighter for the Camino)
Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, closed toe, preferably waterproof
Tennis shoes, sandals, dressy shoes, and/or flip flops
Comfortable, breathable socks
Light hiking gaiters

Baggage

Suitcase/duffel for transport (1 bag at 15kg/33lbs for Alps / 1 bag at 20kg/44lbs for Camino)
Day pack with rain cover for you to carry (20L for the Camino / 34L for the Dolomites)
Waterproof/plastic bags for organizing gear and dirty clothing (ziplocs and garbage bags work)
Packing cube, compression bag, stuff sacks, toiletry bag, foldable shopping bag
Money belt, security pouch, document organizer
NOTE: A carry-on bag on most flights is limited to 22″ x 14″ x 9″.

Dolomites: For hut-to-hut trips with overnights in rifugios, your pack should be of a bigger capacity (35 to 50 liters), as you will be carrying more equipment and clothing. You can expect to carry from 6 to 12 kilograms (13-26 pounds) in your backpack during the hikes, when you consider rain gear, water, camera, clothing, snacks, and any extras.

Dorms in Huts (Alps)

Sleeping sheet
Small towel

Electronics

Store electronics in sealed waterproof bags. Remember to set the date and time on your cameras to local time.

Cell phone, cord, plug, headphones (check on international charges)
Headlamp or flashlight, extra batteries
GoPro, camera, video camera, SD cards, batteries, charger/power cord
Tripod (travel size), selfie-stick
Air Tags
Lens cleaning cloth
Electrical adapter

Toiletries

Hairbrush, comb, mirror, hair ties
Soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair gel
Shaving supplies
Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
Deodorant
Lotion
Sunscreen
Lip balm with sunscreen
Nail clippers, nail file, nail brush
Facial tissue, Toilet paper
Moist towelettes
Hand sanitizer
Q-tips
Sewing kit
Insect repellent
Small travel towel
Cosmetics, feminine products, travel jewelry

First Aid

You really only need one first aid kit in your travel group, so coordinate with your travel companions.

Prescription drugs
Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Aspirin
Band-aids/blister tape
Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment
Throat lozenges
Vitamins
Antihistamines
Melatonin or other sleep aid
Gauze bandages and tape
Diarrhea medicine (Imodium AD or similar), Ginger and Ginkgo can be helpful for stomach problems
Antibiotics (talk to doctor)

Documents

Passport (make sure it is valid > 6 months after the end of your trip)
Visas for all countries as necessary
Airline e-tickets (make sure name on ticket matches name on passport)
Copy of AWR travel itinerary
Travel insurance information + Medical insurance card
Document organizer
Make copies of passport, visas, drivers license, airline tickets/schedule, travel itinerary, credit cards (front and back), frequent flyer numbers, travel insurance, and emergency contact information. Leave a copy with someone at home and email them to yourself (or store in Cloud). Put copies of your travel itinerary in each checked bag.

Other

Cash (including some small bills, U.S. dollars must be new with no tears)
Credit cards (check for international fees)
Water bottle and Camelbak
Sunglasses, strap
Eyeglasses, contacts/case/solution
Binoculars
Pocket knife (put in checked luggage)
Notebook, lots of pens
Books, playing cards, games, crossword puzzles, frisbee, football, kite
Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
Duct tape (can be wrapped around water bottle)
Guide books, maps, language books
Small umbrella, particularly useful in the rainy season or even for sun shade
Gifts for guides
Steripen, water filter, or purification tablets

Packing for the flight

Passport, flight e-tickets, AWR travel itinerary
Books, magazines, e-reader, cards, games
Cell phone, headphones
Toiletries
Snacks
Water bottle (empty through security)
U-shaped neck pillow
Eye shades, ear plugs
Kleenex, wet wipes
Melatonin or other sleep aid
Compression socks
Prescription medicines / Daily vitamins