Be Well Prepared
The checklist below is provided to help hikers doing a self-guided trek for the first-time on their own. Although it might be not precise in detail it still covers a sufficient amount of necessities that should be brought along on a normal inn-to-inn walking holiday (snow conditions and extreme hiking tours not taken into consideration though). Most suppliers of unguided treks and mountainous hut-to-hut walks provide equipment checklist when sending the necessary information for each trek. However in case you find yourself without such pre-departure information and still not sure what to take with you, you can send this checklist to your agent and ask him to tick what would be necessary for your particular vacation.
Remember that you hike without a guide in unknown areas and any shortage or absence of certain items could expose you on a serious danger. Walk prepared and you will enjoy your holiday!
Equipment Checklist
- 30-35 or 60-70 Litre rucksack with waterproof liner
- 100% waterproof and breathable jacket with hood (not a cape)
- 100% waterproof trousers or over-trousers
- Comfortable 3-season walking boots with good ankle support
- Comfortable walking socks
- Walking poles
- Shorts
- Short or long sleeve wicking shirt
- Gaiters
- Sleeping bag liner (for some hut overnights in the the high Alps)
- Closed cell foam sleeping mat or self inflating mat
- Fleece windstopper jacket
- Complete change of clothes
- Light sandals
- Warm hat and gloves
- Water container
- Survival bag and whistle
- Personal first aid kit
- Personal medicines
- Water purifying tablets
- Torch or headlamp with spare batteries
- Small plastic sandwich box
- Thermos flask for hot drink
- Insect repellent
- Map and compass
- Roadbook/route notes
- Sun hat (+ neck cover)
- Sun glasses
- Sun cream
- Lip balm
- Camera (with spare batteries), binoculars
- Towel (big and small ones)
- Soap, gel sanitizer
- Ear plugs (for overnights in shared dorms in huts only)
- Overnight items and toiletries
- Tooth brush and toothpaste
- Toilet paper and small plastic trowel
- Plastic or stainless steel bowl and mug
- Spoon
- Fork
- Knife
- Cell phone
- GPS (with spare batteries)
- Lighter (or sealed matches)
- Packed lunch/snacks