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.
Print a copy of your reservation and place it inside your checked baggage for identification purposes while you are traveling.
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 Alps 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. For the Haute Route, 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 >>
AWR Gear Store >>

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Hut to Hut Trek
Packing List >>

Clothing

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

Long hiking pants (zip-off pants are very useful)
Hiking shorts
Short-sleeved hiking shirts
Long-sleeved hiking shirts
Evening pants and nice shirt for dinner/in-town
Underwear, sports bra
Sun hat with brim
Bandana (for dust, washing, etc.)
Belt
Pajamas
Swimsuit, coverup

Cold Weather Clothing

Fleece jacket/pullover
Rain jacket and/or rain poncho
Waterproof/rain/shell pants
Light down jacket/second fleece (Alps)
Lightweight gloves (Alps)
Lightweight wool/fleece hat (Alps)
Long underwear (Alps)

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)
Tennis shoes, sandals, dressy shoes, and/or flip flops
Comfortable, breathable socks
Light hiking gaiters

Baggage

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.

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)
Packing cube, stuff sacks, compression bag for organizing gear and dirty clothing — Reducing Plastic on Your Trip >>
Clear toiletry bag for airplane
Money belt/security pouch, document organizer
Fold up bag/pack
Make sure all your luggage has your contact information.

Dorms in Huts (Alps)

Sleeping sheet
Small towel

Electronics

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

Headlamp/flashlight, extra batteries
Cell phone, power cord, battery backup, headphones (Download Travel Apps)
Camera, lenses, memory disks, batteries, charger/power cord
GoPro/video camera, memory disks, batteries, charger/power cord
Kindle/iPad, power cord
Tripod (travel size)
Lens cleaning cloth
Watch/alarm clock
Electricity converter/adapter, multi-plug
Check with your cell phone provider for international use, or buy an unlocked cell phone with sim card locally.

Toiletries

Soap, shampoo, conditioner, gel
Hairbrush, comb, mirror
Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
Lotion
Deodorant
Shaving supplies
Nail clippers, nail file
Kleenex, toilet paper
Moist towelettes (handi-wipes)
Sunscreen
Lip balm with sunscreen
Hand sanitizer
Q-tips
Sewing kit
Small towel/washcloth
Insect repellent
Feminine products, cosmetics, hair binders

First Aid

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

Prescription medicines, Antibiotics (talk to doctor)
Vitamins
Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen/Aspirin
Diarrhea medicine (Imodium AD or similar)
Antihistamines
Melatonin, Acetazolamide, or other sleep aid
Throat lozenges
Bandaids/plasters
Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment
Gauze bandages and tape

Documents

Passport (make sure it is valid 6 months after your trip!)
Visas for all countries as necessary
Airline tickets, e-tickets (make sure name on ticket matches name on passport)
Copy of AWR travel itinerary
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 store in Cloud. Put copies of your travel itinerary in each checked bag.

Other

Cash (including some small bills, U.S. dollars must be newer and in good condition)
Credit cards, ATM card (check for international bank fees)
Trekking poles (collapsible)
Sunglasses, straps
Water bottles, Camelbak
Steripen/water filter/purification tablets
Pocketknife
Notebook, pens
Books, playing cards, games, crossword puzzles, frisbee, kite
Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, comfort foods
Duct tape (can be wrapped around water bottle)
Carabiners (for attaching things to your day pack or hanging things to dry)
Guide books, maps, language books
Binoculars
Small umbrella
Gifts for guides and people you meet
Banner/flag/sentimental item to hold up in an important place
Eyeglasses/contacts, case, solution

Packing for the flight

Passport, flight e-tickets, AWR travel itinerary
Cell phone, headphones, charger
Books, magazines, Kindle/iPad, cards, games
U-shaped neck pillow
Eye shades, ear plugs
Toiletries (3 ounces/container, 1 quart clear bag)
Snacks
Water bottle (empty through security)
Kleenex, wet wipes
Melatonin or other sleep aid
Prescription medicines / Daily vitamins