Beautiful hiking trails await you all over the world, from 1-day hikes to hut tours to multi-week trekking adventures! But once the route is chosen, the same question often arises: What do I need to pack for my hike?

In this post, we reveal what belongs in your hiking backpack. In addition to our packing list for hiking, there are also a few practical packing tips - so that you can plunge into your next hiking adventure perfectly prepared!

This is the perfect packing list for your next hiking adventure!

Hiking packing list: general packing tips beforehand

Before you get started on your packing list for your next hike, we want to give you a few practical hiking packing tips - because even the best hiking packing list won't help if you pack incorrectly!

When packing your hiking backpack, it's important to pack larger and heavier items towards the bottom. This includes your sleeping bag* and sleeping pad*, as well as items you don't need to have handy, such as your gas stove*.

Also, make sure you pack these items against the back of your backpack, as close to your back as possible. If you pack heavy items to the front instead, this will cause your backpack to pull you backwards and downwards. This will cause you to lose your balance and use unnecessary force while hiking.

On the other hand, you should pack light and smaller items upwards. In particular, your rain jacket* should always be within reach, so pack it at the end so that it is at the top of your pack. Your water bottle belongs in the side pocket, so you can always take a sip of water. Your hiking poles* are also attached to the side or outside of your backpack if you are not using them at the time.

To save space in your backpack, you can roll your clothes instead of folding them. Packing cubes, which you can get in different sizes, provide more order in your hiking backpack.

Packing list hiking: This is what you need to pack for a day hike!

A day hike can be leisurely and last a few hours, or it can take you up to a peak and push you to your limits - either way, with our hiking packing list and tips, you'll be perfectly equipped for your one-day hike!

Here's what you need to consider when choosing your hiking backpack

For a day trip, you only need a small hiking backpack. It should be light and made of water-repellent, robust materials. Hiking backpacks with a volume between 15 and 30 liters are best suited.

Make sure that the backpack, in addition to a large main compartment, also offers at least one smaller compartment. In addition, it is practical if it also offers compartments on the outside of the sides and attachment options, such as for your hiking poles. In addition, it is a great advantage if you get a hiking backpack with a rain cover.

But the most important thing is that your hiking backpack fits you perfectly and is adjusted to you - you should be able to carry it even fully packed without pressure and pain. It's best to invest in a hiking backpack with wide padded hip and shoulder straps, as well as a sternum strap: this ensures better weight distribution and relieves the strain on your back, which is especially noticeable when carrying a lot of luggage.

In addition, backpack models that leave your back free are good: so you sweat less on your back and hike much more relaxed!

Reading tip: You can find even more practical hiking backpack tips here!

Packing list hiking day trip: This must be in your backpack for a 1-day hike!

What to pack in your backpack for a day hike depends on the exact route and duration of the hike. You need to ask yourself the following questions before packing your hiking backpack for a day hike:

• Are you only going for a few hours, or do you plan to hike all day from early morning to late evening?
• Will you pass huts along the way where you can stop and seek shelter?
• Are there any drinking water sources along the way?
• Does the trail lead through easy terrain or is it an alpine hike with via ferrata and glacier crossing?

Take enough drinking water and food with you on your day hike!

The length of your hike and whether there are huts to stop at and sources of drinking water along the way will determine how much food you need to bring for your hike: from one to several liters of drinking water, from a few snacks such as fruit, nuts or granola bars, to real meals.

Think about additional equipment for your hike through alpine terrain

The terrain and the exact route will determine what additional equipment you will need to take with you on your hike: in addition to trekking poles, an alpine hike may also require a climbing or glacier set in your hiking backpack.

If there are no shelters on your trail, you should also think about an emergency bivouac* and a first aid kit including a warming blanket, because the most important thing when hiking is your safety!

That's why you should always have enough cash with you

Regardless of the route and duration of your hike, you should always take important documents with you, such as your ID card, your health insurance card. You should also pack enough cash, because you can't pay with a debit or credit card at most huts.

You should also take your smartphone* with you when you go hiking, preferably fully charged and equipped with a few practical hiking apps*. They will not only show you the way, but also tell you the current weather conditions and whether rain clouds are coming.

Reading tip: You can find even more practical hiking tips here!

Packing list hiking day trip:

• Cash
• important documents
• smartphone
• sunglasses
• water bottle
• pocket knife*
• plaster
• sunscreen
• high energy snacks
• fleece (sweater or jacket)*
• light rain jacket* & pants* if necessary
• hiking poles* if necessary
• headlamp* if necessary
• hiking map if necessary

Packing list hiking: This is what you need to pack for a hut tour!

A hut tour is a great experience: You hike several days from hut to hut and experience not only beautiful sunrises in the mountains, but also unforgettable hut evenings with strangers who quickly become your friends. You can go quite comfortable hut tours or hike to remote huts, one thing is for sure: The beer always tastes better at the hut!

This is what your touring backpack must offer for a hut hike
For a hut hike you need a larger hiking backpack than for day hikes, hiking backpacks with a volume of 30 to 50 liters are perfect. Your touring backpack should meet all the criteria as your normal hiking backpack, but also offer additional compartments such as a bottom and lid compartment.

Packing list hiking hut tour: This must be in your backpack for a hut hike!

On a hut hike you are on the road for several days and spend the night as well as have breakfast and dinner in a hut. Compared to a day hike, you also need to pack clothes, toiletries and snacks, and a hut sleeping bag* is a must on every hut!

Get yourself some functional clothes and dress according to the onion principle. This way you save on clothing and are optimally prepared for all weather conditions: If you are cold, put on another layer, and if you are too warm, simply take off a layer.

Reading tip: How to Dress Properly for Hiking!

For your time at the hut you should also pack a change of clothes, such as comfortable jogging pants or leggings. Because you are not allowed to wear hiking shoes in huts - but your feet will be grateful too!

Packing list hiking hut tour: Documents

• Id card / passport
• Vaccination card / Health insurance card
• Driver's license / International driver's license
• DAV membership card / hiking map
• Cash / credit card

Packing list hiking hut tour: clothes (for 5 days)

• 1x pair of sturdy hiking shoes*
• 1x pair of sandals or hut shoes* (for changing in the evening)
• 1x T-shirt or shirt (for changing in the evening)
• 2x functional shirts or shirts* (depending on the season)
• 1x fleece* (sweater or jacket)
• 1x hiking pants with zip-off function* or hiking leggings*
• 1x jogging pants or leggings (for changing in the evening)
• 1x light rain jacket* & pants*
• 1x light down jacket*
• 3x pair of hiking socks*
• 1x pair of normal or wool socks* (for changing in the evening)
• 1x multifunctional scarf*
• 1x cap or hat & gloves
• (functional) underwear & sports bra*

Packing list hiking hut tour: equipment & useful items

• 2x water bottles
• 1x sunglasses
• 1x headlamp*
• 1x pocket knife*
• 1x garbage bag
• 1x pair of hiking sticks*
• 1x rain cover for the backpack
• 1x medium microfiber towel*
• 1x hut sleeping bag*

Packing list hiking hut tour: Cosmetics & Hygiene

• toothbrush & toothpaste
• biodegradable soap
• dry shampoo or baby powder
• deodorant spray or roller
• hairbrush & hair elastic

Packing List Hiking Hut Tour: Mini First Aid Kit

• Plaster & blister plaster
• Sunscreen
• Mosquito repellent
• Painkillers
• Remedy against diarrhea
• wound disinfectant & ointment
• individual medicines

Packing list hiking: This is what you need to pack for a trekking tour!

A trekking tour is a real hiking adventure: You will hike through remote areas, provide for yourself for the most part and usually spend the night in your tent. Whether for several days or weeks, whether on a long-distance hiking trail, in the mountains or on a pilgrimage, whether all alone or with friends, on a trekking tour you get closer to yourself and are sure to have some exciting stories to tell afterwards!

This is what your hiking backpack must offer for a trekking tour
If you're only hiking with a tent for a few days, a touring backpack of 40 to 50 liters is usually enough for your trekking adventure. If, on the other hand, you are going to be on foot for several weeks, you will need a proper trekking backpack with a volume of 50 to 60 liters.

Packing list hiking trekking tour: This must be in your backpack on a trekking tour!

Since you are usually completely self-sufficient on a trekking tour, in addition to your clothes and your usual hiking gear, you also need to take enough food and cooking utensils such as a gas stove, matches, a bowl and a spoon.

In addition to high-energy snacks like granola bars, dried fruit or nuts, you should also pack special dry meals for your trek. These are fortified with extra nutrients and can be prepared with hot water.

In addition, a tent* belongs in your trekking backpack, as well as a sleeping mat* and a sleeping bag*, so that you are warm and comfortable at night! If you don't come across drinking water sources during your trekking tour, take an additional water filter with you.

In case of emergency, a GPS or SOS device and a first aid kit with a warming blanket should also be in your trekking backpack!

Packing list hiking trekking tour: Additional equipment for a hike with tent

• 1x tent*
• 1x sleeping bag*
• 1x sleeping mat*
• 1x gas stove*
• 1x pot
• 1x bowl
• 1x spoon
• 1x lighter or pack of matches
• 1x GPS / SOS device
• 1x first aid kit with warming blanket
• 1x water filter* if necessary

Hiking packing list: This is what you need to pack for a via ferrata!

Via ferratas are not uncommon, especially on difficult hiking routes. So that you don't slip at dizzying heights or on steep slopes, you should pack a climbing set in your hiking backpack. In more dangerous places, a helmet and a climbing harness are also mandatory!

Packing list hiking via ferrata: Additional equipment for via ferratas

• helmet
• Climbing harness or seat harness
• via ferrata set

Hiking packing list: This is what you need to pack for a glacier crossing!

It can happen that you have to cross glaciers when hiking in high alpine terrain. For this icy adventure you need additional equipment to protect you when crossing the glacier. This also includes a glacier set, which should consist of at least one to two locking and two to three normal carabiners per person, as well as two cords and a sling.

Packing list hiking glacier tour: Additional equipment for a glacier crossing

• Helmet
• Glacier goggles
• Sunscreen SPF 50+
• Trekking poles* & bivy sack*
• Compass & altimeter
• Crampons with frontal jaws
• Ice axe & ice screws
• Glacier set & climbing harness
• Hat & gloves

With this hiking packing list your hiking adventure can finally start!

Whether for one or several days, whether from hut to hut or with tent, a hike is always an unforgettable experience and with our packing list you are perfectly equipped for your next hiking adventures!

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