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.
• Reducing Plastic on Your Trip >>
• More Packing Advice >>

Printable PDF Hut to Hut Trek Packing List >>

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 10kg/22lbs for Alps / 15kg/33lbs for Dolomites/ 1 bag at 20kg/44lbs for Camino)
• Day pack with rain cover for you to carry (20L for the Camino / 30-40L for the Dolomites/Alps)
• 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

Printable PDF Hut to Hut Trek Packing List >>