Hut trip packing list » what gear & equipment you really need
The duration and difficulty of your tour determine how much you need to bring
Before you start packing, it's worth taking a look at the logistics first. What you bring – and how much of it – depends primarily on the length and difficulty of your chosen route. For a single overnight stay at a hut, you can often get away with less gear, while multi-day trips require significantly more planning.
Weather also plays a crucial role: Even in summer, higher elevations can get surprisingly cold – especially in the evening or during sudden weather changes. Good preparation will save you from nasty surprises later on.
To stay organized, ask yourself these questions before packing:
How long will your hut-to-hut hike last?
How much elevation gain/mileage are you planning on covering (per day)?
Are there food options along the route, like restaurants or lodges?
How challenging is the route?
What does the weather forecast look like?
How big should your backpack be for a hut-to-hut trip?
Your backpack is your most trusted companion on your way to the mountain hut – so choose carefully. For a hut-to-hut trip with just one overnight stay, a hiking backpack with 25-30 liters capacity is usually sufficient. If you're planning a multi-day trip, you'll want a model with 35-40 liters capacity. However, keep an eye on your pack weight – less is definitely more! To avoid carrying unnecessary weight, make sure your fully loaded pack doesn't exceed 18-22 pounds. Especially on long or strenuous hikes, too much weight can quickly become a burden – literally.
Pro tip: It's not just about the size of your backpack, but also about how you pack . So when getting ready make sure that all essential items you'll frequently need – e.g. snacks, rain gear, etc. – are at the very top for quick and easy access.
The right clothing: versatile, functional, and weather-resistant
When you’re on the trail, adequate gear is key – especially when weather conditions are unpredictable. The tried-and-tested layering system helps you to adapt to temperature and weather changes in an instant. Important: Remember to pack enough extra clothing to stay dry and comfortable, even in changing weather conditions or after sweat-inducing stretches along the way.
Here's a list of clothing essentials you won’t want to miss on your trip:
Baselayer
The bottom layer, worn directly against your skin, keeps you dry by wicking moisture away from your body. Make sure to choose quick-drying materials like synthetic fibers, merino wool, or blends.
Breathable functional underwear (depending on the season/temperature)
Warming leggings
Lightweight t-shirts
Comfortable hiking pants or shorts
Midlayer (insulation)
The middle layer provides additional warmth and helps regulate your body temperature.
Insulation jacket for cooler conditions
Soft fleece jacket
Outer layer (weather protection)
The final outermost layer will give you optimum protection against the wind, rain, and snow.
Protective rain jacket
Waterproof pants for rainy days
Functional windbreaker
Other important clothing items
Whether you actually need all these extra clothing items depends entirely on the weather conditions during your trip.
Hat or headband to protect yourself against the cold
Warm gloves
Hiking socks (note: make sure to take enough pairs to change)
Performance scarf for wind and cold
Gear & equipment – the must-haves
Even though you should avoid packing more than you need, there definitely are some items you simply can't do without. These are lightweight, don't take up much space, and can be worth their weight in gold in case of emergencies. Here’s a list of the key items:
Travel-sized toiletries: A toothbrush, miniature toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, biodegradable soap, deodorant, and a microfiber towel (several for longer trips) will do the trick.
A compact first aid kit containing bandages, blister patches, pain killers, disinfectant, tape, and personal medications – so you're fully equipped to deal with any situation.
Headlamp or flashlight: An absolute must if you're starting early or arriving at dusk.
Sunglasses & sunscreen: Even on cloudy days, UV radiation is intense in the mountains – so good protection is a must (ideally SPF 50).
Pocket knife or multi-tool: Whether for snacks, repairs, or emergencies – a small, versatile toolkit will always come in handy.
Sleeping bag: For overnight stays at the hut, a lightweight sleeping bag that works for the typical regional temperatures will do the trick. For added comfort, you can also bring a cotton inlay.
Power bank: Keeps your smartphone or GPS device alive when there's no outlet in reach – especially important on longer hut-to-hut hikes.
Earplugs: With multiple people sleeping in the same room, the hut can get quite noisy – whether from snoring or other sounds. Earplugs are a small but extremely useful addition to help you drift off into restful sleep.
Snacks & food for the trail
To sustain your energy during the climb, you need to ensure a high enough calorie intake – ideally by means of lightweight, non-perishable foods that can be quickly accessed. Especially on long trail sections, it's vital to sustain your body with a boost of new energy at regular intervals. These options work particularly well:
Energy or granola bars to provide important carbohydrates
Sandwiches, depending on the length of the trail section
Nuts and dried fruits – nutritious and easy to grab
Fruit with firm skin (like apples) that won't get easily crushed
And most importantly: plenty of water (about 16-32 oz per hour). Pro tip: flexible containers like hydration bladders make drinking on the trail a whole lot easier.
Proper preparation for an unforgettable hut-to-hut adventure
Thoughtful planning is the key to a successful hut trip. From the right clothing to food and equipment – once you’ve got all the essentials sorted, you can fully focus on unwinding and enjoying nature's beauty. For more hiking inspiration, make sure to check out our Mammut Stories & Guides featuring useful tips and tricks, interviews and fascinating articles.