Alps Trekking Packing List
Notes
- Wrap clothing in waterproof plastic bags.
- In your pack, take along water bottles, sunglasses, camera, and appropriate summer clothing (see below).
- Bring extra batteries for any electronic equipments.
- Bring essential gear such as hiking boots in your carry on bag.
Clothing for Hike
Outerlayer should be water proof but breathable – goretex of softshell outerlayers are recommended. Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying. No cotton!
You will need also clothes for before and after your tour — casual clothing of your choice.
- Long pants (1)
- Shorts (1)
- Short-sleeved shirts (2-3)
- Long-sleeved shirts (1)
- Undergarments
- Sport bras for women
- Hat with brim / cap
- Bandana (for dust, washing, etc.)
Cold Weather Clothing
- Long underwear (1)
- Gloves (1)
- Wool or pile hat (1)
- Fleece jacket or wool sweater (1)
- Light down jacket (1)
- Waterproof windbreaker shell jacket (1)
- Rain pants (1)
- Poncho, if no rain cover for pack (1)
Footwear
Be sure to break in your hiking boots before the hike!
- Hiking boots, preferrably warm, waterproof, and with ankle-support — not too light and not too heavy (1)
- Tennis shoes or sandals for lounging in the evening (1)
- Hiking socks (2-3)
- Sock liners to wick away moisture (1-2)
- Gaiters (1)
Sleeping
- Sleeping sack (cotton or silk) – huts are equipped with pillows and blankets
Baggage
- Backpack (40L or larger) with rain cover
- Waterproof plastic bags for storing clothing and gear (ziplocks are great)
- Extra bag for items that you do not take on the trek
Other
- Spork
- Pocket knife
- Sunglasses with straps
- Eyeglasses, contacts, solution
- Binoculars (optional)
- Notebook, pencil and pen
- Playing cards, games, books (optional)
- Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
- Duct tape
- Matches or lighter
- Trekking or ski poles
- Energy bars (also nice to share with other hikers
- Cash, travelers checks, credit cards (including some small bills, U.S. dollars must be newer than 2006 with no tears)
- Guide books, maps, language books
- Small umbrella
- Salt, pepper for bland food, flavoring for coffee
- Banner/flag/sentimental item to hold up in an important place, santa hats for your holiday photo
- 2-3 Water bottles/ or Camelback and Thermos
- Huts will boil water or and provide warm tea for you along the route.
- Additional water is available for purchase.
- To prevent water from freezing on cold days, keep your water and tube inside your jacket or pack. For Camelbacks, bring insulated tubes and blow air back into the bladder after each sip. Drink often!
- Gatorade or other drink mix (optional).
Electronics
Store electronics in sealed water-proof bags (double bagged if possible).
- Headlamp or flashlight, extra batteries
- Camera, lenses, memory disks, batteries, charger/power cord
- Video camera, memory disks, batteries, charger/power cord
- Tripod (travel size)
- GoPro, memory disks, batteries, charger/power cord
- Lens cleaning cloth
- Cell phone (3-band GSM)
ToileTries
- Travel towel
- Soap
- Shampoo, conditioner, hair gel
- Hairbrush, comb, mirror, hair ties
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Deoterant
- Moist towelettes (handi-wipes)
- Hand sanitizer
- Lotion (Badger foot balm is also helpful)
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Small towel and washcloth
- Toilet paper
- Facial tissue
- Shaving supplies
- Nail clippers, nail file, nail brush
- Insect repellent
- Q-tips
- Sewing kit
- Feminine products
- Cosmetics
First Aid
Your guide will carry a first aid kit, but it is recommended that you bring one first aid kit in your travel group for certain personal items.
- Ibuprofin, Aceteminophen, or Aspirin
- Bandaids/plasters
- Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment
- Gauze bandages and tape
- Throat losenges
- Vitamins
- Diahrea medicine
- Antihistemines
- Ace bandage
- Melatonin or other sleep aid
- Antibiotics (talk to doctor)
- Prescription drugs (talk to doctor)