Packing for a hut to hut hike in the Alps can feel daunting – take too much, and you’ll struggle with the weight; take too little, and you might miss essentials. This guide breaks down exactly what to pack (and what to leave behind) so you can hike comfortably and confidently. There’s also a free printable packing list at the end of the post to make packing even easier.
Staying in mountain huts means you can pack light and focus on the essentials, but mountain weather is unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for all conditions
Here’s your complete guide for packing for a three to six day Alpine adventure.
Pack Weight vs Body Weight: Why Less is More
When it comes to hut hiking in the Alps, your pack weight can make or break your adventure. A general rule of thumb is that your backpack should weigh around 10–20% of your body weight for maximum comfort on steep ascents and descents. For example, if you weigh 70 kg, aim to keep your pack under 10.5 kg, including water and snacks.
This rule applies to kids as well, but with extra caution. Since children are still growing and developing, their bodies are more susceptible to strain and injury from carrying heavy loads. Experts recommend that kids carry no more than 10–15% of their body weight, and for younger or smaller children, it’s better to aim for the lower end of this range.
For example, if a child weighs 30 kg, their pack should ideally weigh no more than 3–4 kg, including water.
Here are some tips for packing light for kids:
- Share the Load: Adults should carry communal items like snacks, first aid kits, and maps, allowing kids to carry only their essentials.
- Focus on Comfort: Prioritise lightweight, well-fitted backpacks.
- Adjust for the Route: On more challenging hikes with more elevation gain, reduce their load even further to keep the experience positive, especially if it’s their first time hiking or they’re very young. Reducing whinging and making it enjoyable is key!
By keeping packs light and manageable, you’ll help kids enjoy the hike without unnecessary fatigue, setting them up for a lifetime of outdoor adventures.
For both adults and kids, carrying as little weight as possible is essential for preserving energy, protecting your joints, and reducing fatigue, especially over multiple days. Focus on packing only what you truly need and taking advantage of the amenities in mountain huts – you won’t need sleeping bags or camping stoves!
Prioritise lightweight, versatile gear to keep your pack manageable and your adventure enjoyable.
SportPursuit: Affordable outdoor gear
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Should you click on a link to purchase, it is at no extra cost to you, but I receive a small commission.
I buy a lot of my outdoor gear at SportPursuit, a UK online retail platform offering exclusive discounts on a wide range of quality sports and outdoor brands. By becoming a free member, you can access daily deals with savings of up to 70% on products for activities such as hiking and cycling (and more). SportPursuit’s unique model allows brands to clear excess inventory at a discount while giving customers access to high-quality gear at unbeatable prices. The only downside is that stock and size options can sometimes be limited, and delivery times may be longer for certain items. However, this is always clearly indicated for each product at the time of ordering, so you know what to expect.
If you decide to sign up for SportPursuit using my link, I’ll receive a £5 credit when you make your first purchase. It’s a nice bonus, but please know that I would never recommend anything I don’t personally use and trust. I genuinely believe SportPursuit offers fantastic value for outdoor gear, and it’s been my go-to for many of my own hiking essentials.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links. Should you click on a link to purchase, it is at no extra cost to you, but I receive a small commission, which helps to support this blog!
Clothing
Moisture-wicking t-shirts
- Pack 2 – 3 lightweight, breathable tops to stay cool during the hike and to change into for the evenings. I find a mix of Merino wool (I like SuperNatural The Essential T-shirt, and all Isobaa products) and quick-drying synthetic fabrics (like the Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail T-shirt), in both long and short sleeves, ticks all the boxes for comfort and practicality.
Shorts, leggings, or hiking trousers
- I always pack a pair of zip off hiking trousers – these are super versatile as you can turn them into shorts when you’re hot, but zip on the trouser portion for cooler days or evenings – and you can change your mind throughout the day without having to get changed! I wear Alpkit’s Teleki Zip lightweight zip-off walking trousers. I pack a second pair of running shorts (or thin hiking leggings if the forecast is cool) as well.
I’m wearing an Isobaa merino t-shirt and Alpkit’s Teleki Zip lightweight zip-off walking trousers
Wearing Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail T-shirt
and Flyte running shorts
Insulating layers
- A mid to heavy weight merino hoodie (I love the Icebreaker Quantum III Merino Jacket), a thin fleece layer or a down gilet is perfect for chilly mornings, and a lightweight insulated synthetic or down jacket is brilliant for cold days when you stop or the late afternoon when you’ve arrived at your hut and the sun drops behind the mountains (I have a couple of different down items from Fjern, which is a SportPursuit own brand, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them for value and functionality).
Sleepwear
- I don’t pack actual pyjamas, but I do pack a merino t-shirt and a pair of (ancient – so I can’t link them!) thermal base layer shorts that I use as nightwear. I store these in a dry bag within my main pack – it’s a really good idea to keep your sleepwear dry. However, if it was freezing cold, or if other items were wet, I would wear my sleepwear during the day if I needed to (not on it’s own!) – a good example of versatile clothing that can be repurposed if necessary.
Waterproof layers
- No hut hiking packing list is complete without reliable waterproofs. I bring a lightweight waterproof jacket – the Montane Pac Plus GTX Jacket – (which gets lots of use – also as a windproof layer) and rain trousers (which get very little use but I still pack them for an extra layer of warmth just in case). They don’t take up much space but could be a lifesaver when the weather takes a turn.
Comfortable hiking footwear
- Your boots or trail shoes are your best friend on the trail. Make sure they’re well worn in to avoid blisters. I wear the Salomon Quest 4 GTX hiking boots. I prefer boots for the ankle support, but choose what you’re most comfortable in.
Hiking socks
- Pack 3 pairs of moisture wicking quick-drying socks (SmartWool merino socks are my go-to) to keep your feet happy and blister-free. Socks are the only item that I aim to change each day (to avoid blisters and sore feet), but for longer hikes I’d rinse socks and dry them overnight or re-wear a pair that had been well aired out. At the first sign of a hotspot on your feet, treat it with a blister plaster like Compeed.
Sun protection
- The sun at altitude can be intense, so pack a good hat or cap, sunglasses, and high factor sunscreen.
Gloves, warm hat, and buff
- Small but mighty! Lightweight gloves, a warm hat, and a buff make a huge difference when the temperature dips.
Hut shoes
- All mountain huts will ask you to remove your boots and leave them in racks near the front door. Some provide crocs for you to use indoors, but many don’t, so you’ll need to bring some secondary indoor footwear, the lighter the better. Crocs are good as they’re light and warm with socks, but they’re quite bulky to carry. Flip flops or sandals are also fine.
Lightweight backpack (30–45L)
- Choose a comfortable, well-fitted backpack, with a rain cover, with enough capacity for your essentials. Before setting off, make sure everything fits, including 1.5L of water. I have an older version of this Lowe Alpine backpack. It’s still going strong after many years! I would love to try this lightweight Decathlon backpack next!
- The kids have been using Decathlon’s 28 litre kids’ hiking backpack for years, and it’s been brilliant. It offers fantastic value, is perfectly sized, and fits everything they need for the trail. The only drawback is that the hip belt doesn’t provide much support, which becomes noticeable as the load gets heavier. When they’re ready to carry more weight, we’ll look to upgrade to a more supportive option like the Deuter Fox 40 or the Osprey Ace 38 or Osprey Ace 50.
Gear
Sleeping bag liner
- Mountain huts usually provide blankets, but your own lightweight sleeping bag liner is usually mandatory. It also adds warmth and ensures cleanliness. I have this lightweight silk liner from Alpkit, but this is also a good option from Decathlon.
Water bottle or bladder
- Carry at least 1.5L of water daily. Refill stations can be sparse on some trails – some mountain huts – especially in the Dolomites – don’t even offer potable tap water (but you can buy bottled), so plan accordingly.
Trekking poles
- These are optional, but can be a game-changer for steep ascents, descents, and protecting your knees. These are my poles of choice as they’re compact and lightweight.
Headtorch and multi-tool / pen knife
- A headtorch is essential for navigating dark dormitories or late-night toilet trips. I rate this tiny one from Decathlon. A multi-tool or small knife is always handy, even if it’s just for cutting up your lunch!
Map and / or guide book
- Even if you’re navigating electronically using a GPS app like Komoot, it’s a good idea to have a paper back up.
First Aid Kit
- Pack basic supplies like a foil blanket, bandages and plasters, antiseptic wipes and cream, tweezers, pain relief, electrolyte tablets and blister plasters.
- Decathlon do a good line in ready made first aid kits – this one is a good starting point.
- Also pack any personal prescription medications (in labelled containers).
- Whistle: In case of an emergency where you need to signal for help.
- Duct Tape (wrap a length around an old credit card): Multi-use, including first aid fixes.
- Hand Sanitiser: To keep hands clean before treating injuries.
Emergency Shelter
- This is a lightweight, compact piece of gear designed to provide temporary protection from the elements in unexpected situations, such as severe weather, injury, or unplanned overnight stays. Its primary purpose is to help hikers stay warm, dry, and safe until they can resume their journey or be rescued. It’s not a must-have, but I do carry a lightweight 2-person one (which I’ve never used – yet!) as it could make a huge difference in an emergency situation. If you’re starting to hike regularly in the mountains, it’s a worthwhile investment.
Toiletries and Personal Care
Travel-sized toiletries
- Pack only the essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, a small bar of soap, a small flannel. I also have a tiny sewing kit in my toiletries!
Extra small quick-dry towel
- Perfect for showers or an impromptu swim in one of those impossibly blue Alpine lakes. This one is great. Go for as small as you can manage with!
Other Essentials
Navigation Tools
- A reliable GPS device – e.g. your phone with a GPS app like Komoot with the route downloaded offline – or a map and compass is a must, particularly for remote routes.
Cash and ID and Alpine Club membership card
- Many huts only accept cash, so bring enough Euros for meals, drinks, and snacks. Don’t forget your ID, as some huts may require it.
Snacks
- Keep your energy up with trail snacks. I’m partial to haribo and trail mix, but pack whatever fuels your adventures.
Earplugs and eye mask
- Hut dormitories can be lively places, so earplugs and an eye mask are a lifesaver for a good night’s sleep.
Phone, charging cable and power bank
- Don’t forget your phone for navigation and photos. A portable power bank is a must for recharging on longer trips. The Anker Zolo is my favourite, as it is fairly small, but has a large capacity and charges quickly with its integrated charging cable. Electricity is not always available in the mountain huts. If your phone is also your navigation device, you don’t want it running out of battery!
Playing cards or lightweight games
- Have a read of our 10 favourite family travel games for lightweight adventures!
Kindle / audiobooks
- When we’re hiking with the kids, we purposefully don’t make the hiking days too long, as the elevation and terrain can make even a short hike fairly challenging. Therefore we often have some spare time in the afternoons once we’ve arrived at our overnight stop. A lightweight Kindle loaded with books (and / or audiobooks) is useful to have in those scenarios. Our kids have the Amazon Kindle Kids, which has access to loads of free kids books and audiobooks.
- I also rate the Pogs kids’ headphones (they need to be bluetooth compatible to connect with the Kindle), as they have unique maximum volume technology, and are foldable for easy carrying. Our kids love listening to audiobooks in their downtime in beautiful locations!
Final thoughts
Packing light while staying prepared is an art, but with a bit of thought, you can strike the perfect balance. Take advantage of the facilities at the mountain huts, prioritise versatile gear, and always be ready for changeable alpine weather.
If you have any questions about packing, planning your route, or preparing for your trip, feel free to get in touch – I’m always happy to help!
Happy hiking!
Further Reading:
- A beginner’s guide to mountain huts: Essential tips for first-timers
- My top 5 hut to hut hiking routes in the Alps:
- 3 Day Hiking Itinerary in France: A Challenging Adventure from Modane to Briançon on the GR5 (not suitable for kids – this one is strenuous!)
- Austria hut hikes with kids: A family adventure in the Lienz Dolomites
- A Perfect First Hut to Hut Hike in the Dolomites with Kids
- Dolomites hut hiking with kids: 3 nights through the Rosengarten
- 2 night hut to hut hike in Austria: Around the Bischofsmütze (this one’s a child-free one too)
