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Packing lists

Packing lists

Our pros explain how to pack your backpack correctly

The same rule applies to any trip: take as little as possible – but as much as necessary!

 
Together with the certified mountain guides from the Association of German Mountain and Ski Guides, from the OASE Alpin Centre and from jdav, we have amassed a wealth of experience that we can share with you in the form of packing lists. Please note that all weights are only recommendations and may deviate. In general, one can assume:  the higher quality the equipment, the lighter it is.

Packing list for your trail running backpack

Your packing essentials

+ Minimum 2 bottles (500 ml each) of water and/or ISO, or a 1-litre bladder (during the planning stage check if there are huts or water sources for refills along the route - check our recipes for trail running here)
+ Energy bars/gels/snacks – depending on what you like (check your tolerance beforehand, and don’t experiment with new bars or gels for the first time on longer runs)
+ Small ultralight first aid kit, incl. survival blanket
+ Small packable rain jacket
+ Change of shirt and headwear, depending on weather
+ Trail running poles, if necessary
+ Cell phone (fully charged, switched on, with waterproof protection)
+ Safety whistle

+ Keys, money, ID

Essentials on your body

+ Headwear depending on the season (e.g. cap, headband, beanie, Buff)
+ Sunglasses
+ GPS watch
+ Gloves in cold conditions
+ Trail running shoes, suited to the terrain and weather

+ Technical clothing according to the weather: shirt/top, running shorts/skirt and socks  – short or long, depending on the season

Any optional ‘like to have’ items (depending on weather, time of day, personal preference)

+ Extra water (bladder)
+ Paper/analogue map
+ UV protection: sun cream
+ Salt  magnesium tablets
+ Headlamp
+ Spare socks
+ Rain pants
+ Warm jacket
+ Gaiters
+ Spikes
+ Gloves

Packing list for an alpine tour

Before the alpine tour: choosing the right rucksack

If you want to make your way over impassable steep slopes, icy glaciers and gaping crevasses to the longed-for summit, you should consider in advance exactly what equipment is required for such an undertaking. This is why choosing the right rucksack plays an enormously important role, especially for alpine tours. The deuter alpine touring rucksacks are the ideal companions here, as they are perfectly adapted to the needs of mountaineers in the high mountains and combine high carrying comfort with optimized weight and a secure fit.

Our tip: Are you unsure about the right backpack size? As a guideline, a 35-liter rucksack packed with a maximum of 10 kg of equipment is completely sufficient for a two-day high-altitude tour.

The most important equipment for your next high-altitude tour at a glance:

  • Indispensable: the basics
  • The right clothing
  • Important climbing equipment for alpine tours
  • Must-haves for overnight stays in mountain huts or bivouacs

These basics should definitely be on your packing list for your next high-altitude tour

The basic equipment that you should definitely have in your rucksack for a high-altitude tour is not too different from the items that should definitely be on your packing list for a normal multi-day hike. In addition to sufficient provisions, make sure you have enough water with you.

Our tip: With a deuter hydration bladder, you save a lot of space in your backpack and don't even have to stop to drink. We explain how to pack your rucksack correctly in a separate article.

The basics for your alpine tour:

+ topographic map & compass (alternatively: GPS device)
+ cell phone & charger
+ first aid kit (incl. rescue blanket)
+ blister plaster
+ sun protection (sun cream + lip balm with UV protection)
+ Cash & ID (DAV ID, if available)
+ Drinking bottle or hydration bladder (at least 1.5 liters)
+ provisions (energy bars, nuts, dried fruit or similar)
+ small bin bag
+ handkerchiefs

Well equipped for the summit: the right clothing for alpine tours

Long live the onion principle! Especially on strenuous climbing tours in the high mountains, the individual layers of clothing ensure that you can react flexibly to the external weather conditions and arrive at the summit warm and dry. Even if you will of course be wearing most of the items of clothing listed here directly on your body and not in your rucksack, it is worth taking another look at this packing list to make sure you don't leave your hat, scarf or gloves at home.

Our tip: Don't underestimate the importance of glacier goggles for your alpine tour! If you don't wear adequate protection, the strong UV radiation near the summit can lead to corneal burns.

The right clothing for your alpine tour:

+ glacier goggles
+ waterproof gloves
+ functional socks
+ (Conditionally) crampon-proof mountain boots
+ hat & scarf or neckerchief
+ waterproof hard shell jacket (rain protection)
+ Insulation jacket (e.g. down jacket)
+ softshell jacket or fleece sweater (midlayer)
+ functional underwear (e.g. made from merino wool)
+ touring pants with windproof and waterproof cover
Optional:
+ gaiters (depending on weather conditions)

Safety first: You should have this climbing equipment with you on your alpine tour

Challenging climbing passages along glacier fields and steep rock faces are an integral part of every alpine tour. The following applies here: The safety of the climbers has top priority! That's why you should double-check whether you really have the climbing equipment on the packing list below.

Our tip: Make a conscious effort to put together the safety-relevant equipment for your alpine tour, because a lot doesn't always help a lot. In fact, a backpack that is too full will only slow you down unnecessarily and can itself become a safety risk. As a rule of thumb, you should only take equipment with you that you really know how to use correctly in an emergency.

Important climbing equipment for alpine tours:

+ helmet
+ crampons
+ ice axe
+ alpine touring harness or climbing harness
+ headlamp
+ HMS carabiner (at least 1 piece)
+ screw carabiners (at least 2 pieces)
+ Rope cords (3 pieces, each 1 m, 3 m and 5 m long)
+ webbing slings (1-2 pieces, each 120 cm and 60 cm long)
+ ice screws (2 per rope team)
+ Abseil eights or tubes
+ half rope (impregnated and 30 m, 40 m or 50 m long depending on the tour)
+ crevasse rescue set
Optional:
+ Express slings & mobile belays (clamping wedges and clamping devices depending on the tour)
+ touring poles or telescopic poles (if required)

Hut or bivouac? Your packing list for overnight stays during the alpine tour

Whether for a short two-day alpine tour or for longer climbing trips in the mountains, you should make sure that you have packed the most important basic equipment for a night in the mountains so that you can recover at night from the exertions of the day. Of course, it also depends on whether you want to spend your nights in a mountain hut or in a bivouac.

Our tip: If your rucksack allows it in terms of space and weight, you should always be prepared for a night in a bivouac, even if you have only planned to spend the night in a hut. This is because the weather conditions in the high mountains can change unexpectedly at any time, forcing you to take refuge in a makeshift bivouac.

Packing list for overnight stays in huts:

+ comfortable change of clothes (trousers, underwear, T-shirt, thin jacket, socks)
+ hut shoes
+ sleeping bag
+ wash bag (with toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shower gel and possibly travel detergent)
+ small outdoor towel
Optional:

+ earplugs

Packing list for bivouac:

+ shovel
+ bivouac sack
+ sleeping mat
+ sleeping bag
+ gas stove & outdoor lighter
+ trekking food or ready meals

Get off to a good start - final tips for your high-altitude tour

A high-altitude tour should be well planned and prepared, as the challenging climbing sections over glaciers, firn and ice can only be mastered with the right equipment. However, the exertions of the tour are quickly forgotten with the unique view from the summit! Nevertheless, you should be aware that a high-altitude tour will place significantly higher physical and mental demands on you than a classic hike. A good basic level of fitness, a high level of surefootedness and, above all, theoretical knowledge about how to recognize and deal with potentially dangerous situations are therefore essential for a successful alpine tour, in addition to a well-thought-out packing list. For this reason, it is worthwhile, especially for beginners, to complete a theoretical introductory course before the first tour or to take part in a guided alpine tour with an experienced mountain guide.

Packing list for a day ski tour

On the body

+ Functional underwear and socks
+ Functional jacket
+ Ski touring pants
+ ski touring boots
+ touring skis
+ Telescopic poles with snow poles
+ AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER
+ hat
+ Thin gloves

+ Backpack, about 26-34 liters

Indispensable

+ Changeable shirt (short/long sleeve)
+ Waterproof and windproof jacket
+ Warm down jacket
+ Warm gloves
+ Avalanche probe
+ Avalanche shovel with handle
+ Bivouac sack
+ First aid kit with personal medication
+ Thermos flask with tea
+ snack
+ crampons
+ climbing skins
+ ski helmet
+ ski goggles
+ SPF 50 sunscreen with lip balm
+ sunglasses
+ ID, cash, EC card, plastic bag
+ Smartphone incl. emergency numbers and altimeter

+ Small flashlight / headlamp

Recommendable

+ Nuts, dried fruit, bars as required
+ handkerchiefs
+ pocket knife
Without mountain guide
+ maps
+ Ski touring guide

+ GPS

Optional

+ hydration bladder, thermo bag, tube insulator, 1 liter of water
+ camera
+ repair kit: cable ties, wire, skin glue, wax
+ DAV Snowcard
+ power bank
+ Pullover / fleece

Packing list for a multi-day ski tour

On the body

+ Ski and snowshoe equipment
+ Functional ski touring pants
+ Functional shirt
+ Functional jacket or vest
+ Hat
+ Light gloves
+ Avalanche transceiver, batteries must be checked before the tour!

+ Backpack

Indispensable

+ probe
+ shovel
+ crampons
+ long change shirt
+ long underpants
+ Ski socks to change into
+ Water and windproof jacket
+ Waterproof and windproof trousers (overtrousers)
+ Thick gloves (change of gloves)
+ Hat or headband
+ Cap or buff
+ SPF 50 sun cream with lip balm
+ Sunglasses / glacier goggles, preferably self-tinting
+ Drinking bag or bladder
+ Thermos flask
+ Minimum 1 liter of liquid (depending on the tour)
+ Electrolyte/magnesium tablets (tubes)
+ Nuts, dried fruit, bars as required
+ First aid kit M
+ bladder pflaster
+ Headache tablets
+ ID, cash, EC card, plastic bag
+ Hut sleeping bag
+ Wash bag (travel shower gel, toothbrush/paste, small functional towel, handkerchiefs, earplugs)
+ headlamp

+ cell phone with emergency numbers

Recommendable

+ ski goggles
+ multitool
+ Repair kit (screwdriver, cable ties, tape etc.)
+ pack sack

+ lunch box

Without mountain guide

+ Snowcard
+ maps
+ tour guide
+ altimeter
+ compass
+ GPS
+ bivouac sack
+ expert tip

+ seat cream

Optional

+ snack
+ Sweater / fleece
+ wax (ski tour)
+ gaiters (snowshoe tour)
+ photo and /bag

+ spare batteries

Additional equipment for glacier crossings without a mountain guide

+ Rope: depending on tour 35 / 50 meters
+ Climbing harness
+ Lockable carabiners, 2 pieces
+ Prusik slings: 4m x Ø 6mm, of which 2 pieces
+ webbing sling
+ 2 ice screws
+ ice axe
+ Crampons
+ Depending on the tour: wedges + friends

Packing list for crossing the Alps

The essentials on the list: Clothing & backpack for crossing the Alps

1. The backpack

Before you can pack your rucksack, you need a hiking rucksack suitable for multi-day hut-to-hut hikes such as your Alpine crossing. Hans recommends the larger models from the deuter Futura series: the Futura Pro 36 as a unisex model or the Futura Pro 34 SL as a women's version.

This backpack is a comfortable and robust companion that offers many well thought-out details and enough space for multi-day hikes. At 36 or 34 liters, the Futura model is the right backpack size for a six to eight-day crossing of the Alps. When buying, make sure that the rucksack is equipped with a well-ventilated back system, plenty of separate storage options and a hiking pole holder. Ask a sports retailer to help you adjust the backpack.

Our tip: It's not just what you pack in your rucksack for crossing the Alps that is important, but also how: heavy luggage should be carried close to your body's center of gravity. You can find detailed instructions in our guide "Packing your rucksack correctly".

 

2. Change & hut clothing

The basic equipment for every Alpine crossing includes the right clothing. Look for functional sportswear that is as light as possible and packs down small. Dress appropriately for the weather at the start of your tour. You should wear at least ankle-high hiking boots with a treaded sole, functional hiking trousers and a sports shirt, as well as telescopic hiking poles. You can also attach these to your rucksack if you are not using them. The rest is packed in the rucksack. As always: as little as possible, as much as necessary. Underwear and socks, a change of trousers and T-shirt, sweater and light hut shoes are best stowed in the main compartment of the rucksack. Don't forget a hut sleeping bag - this is compulsory in almost all mountain huts and is always hygienic.

Expert tip: Mountain hiking guide Hans swears by pack sacks for packing: "Pack sacks make it much easier to organize your rucksack. Everything I don't need until the evening at the hut goes into a bag. Even the hut sleeping bag fits in there."

Crossing the Alps on foot: pack weather & sun protection

3. Sun protection

At best, bright sunshine awaits you on every stage. Protection from the rays is therefore essential. Because be careful: the high-altitude sun is aggressive and is often underestimated in combination with light winds. Therefore, always choose sun cream and lip protection with a higher sun protection factor than you would normally use. Sunglasses and a hat are also a must on tour. Pack these in a side pocket of your rucksack.

4. Rain protection and warm clothing

In the mountains and especially on a multi-day crossing of the Alps, changes in the weather are to be expected at any time. That's why a full rain cover consisting of a rain jacket and trousers should be in your luggage even when the sun is shining. The Futura is well protected at all times thanks to the integrated rain cover. You should also think about an additional insulating sweater, thin gloves, a headband or a hat. Pack these items in the front pocket or side pocket of your rucksack so that they are easily accessible.

Expert tip: "In addition to rainwear, an umbrella is a must in my rucksack," says Hans. "When buying, you should look for a lightweight but very sturdy trekking umbrella."

5. First aid & medication

A mountain accident can often be the end of your Alpine crossing. However, minor injuries such as knocked knees and hands after a fall can be treated well on the way - with the right equipment. A well-equipped first aid kit is therefore a must. It is also advisable to pack painkillers and personal medication. If the going gets tough, a rescue blanket, bivouac sack and a cell phone with emergency numbers stored in it are essential.

Expert tip: "Listen to your body and don't force yourself. Of course, you often have to overcome your inner bastard in the morning, but walking shouldn't be painful," advises the experienced mountain hiking guide. "Small warm-up and stretching exercises in the morning stimulate your circulation and prevent injuries".

6. Laundry

What about showering in the mountains? Resources such as water and electricity are always limited in mountain huts and should therefore be valued and used sparingly. You can usually get a hot shower by inserting a coin - then you have hot water for a few minutes. You should pack a small wash bag for personal hygiene, e.g. the super-light Wash Bag Tour I or simply a plastic zip bag. Include a travel shower gel or small bar of soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, a small functional towel, a small tube of hand wash and most importantly: earplugs!

Expert tip: "When it comes to personal hygiene, you have to limit yourself compared to everyday life: a hairdryer or even styling products have no place on the mountain. We've seen it all before!" states Hans.

Must not be missing on the hike or on the Alpine crossing

7. Water & provisions

When hiking from hut to hut, you will be served a hearty mountaineering meal and breakfast by the host in the evening. This is usually included in the price of the overnight stay and cannot be canceled. Advantage: You don't have to carry so much if you only have to take a small snack with you. Plan in advance when you can replenish your supplies at a supermarket in the valley. Hard cheese and sausage, boiled eggs, bread, bananas and apples are recommended as provisions. Make sure you take enough fresh tap water with you for each stage. A hydration system can be found in every good hiking rucksack and saves you the hassle of taking your rucksack off and on. Your water is always to hand via the drinking tube.

Expert tip: "Energy bars save space and weight and still provide enough power for a midday snack," says Hans and warns: "Never fill up your hydration bladder from streams! These are often contaminated with cow dung, even if the water looks temptingly pure. Only drink water from the tap in the hut."

Orientation & safety: the last items on your Alpine crossing packing list

8. Navigation aids

Where am I coming from, where am I going? A map and a hiking guide are a must on your tour. A compass or GPS device will help you find your way. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the devices and the individual stages before setting off on your crossing of the Alps. It is best to practise finding your way with a map and compass at home.

Expert tip: "Plan each stage the evening before using your hiking guide and the map. That way, you won't be dependent on the signs on the route and will know what to expect the next day," recommends Hans. "Always try to keep your bearings on the way so that you know where you are at all times - this is not only important in an emergency to call mountain rescue."

9. Electronic devices

Electronics include not only your smartphone with emergency numbers, but also the right charging cable. Spare batteries for your GPS device are advisable and a headlamp is essential, as it is often pitch dark at night in the dormitory and in and around the hut.

Expert tip: Hans reveals his personal insider tip: "If I need a bit of peace and quiet at the hut in the evening, I always have my e-reader with me."

10. Valuables

For weight reasons, you should not take your entire wallet with you. ID, cash and debit card are enough! Put everything in a lightweight touring wallet or a plastic zip bag. An old-fashioned but extremely practical option is a chest pouch, which you can also wear on your body while you sleep.

Expert tip: "In the huts, only cash is king. So always carry enough cash with you."

We wish you lots of fun on your tour!

Packing list for a snowshoe tour

On the body

+ Ski and snowshoe equipment
+ Functional ski touring pants
+ Functional shirt
+ Functional jacket or vest
+ Hat
+ Light gloves
+ Avalanche transceiver, batteries must be checked before the tour!

+ Backpack

Indispensable

+ probe
+ shovel
+ crampons (ski tour)
+ long change of shirt
+ Thick gloves (change of gloves)
+ Water and windproof jacket
+ Water and windproof trousers
+ SPF 30 sun cream with lip balm
+ Sunglasses or glacier goggles, preferably self-tinting
+ Drinking bottle or bladder with at least 1 liter of liquid (depending on the tour)
+ Electrolyte/magnesium tablets
+ First aid kit S incl. rescue blanket
+ Bladder pflaster
+ Headache tablets
+ ID, cash, EC card, plastic bag
+ headlamp

+ Cell phone with emergency numbers

Recommendable

+ Nuts, bars as required
+ ski goggles
+ gaiters (snowshoes)
+ ski wax (ski tour)
+ repair kit (screwdriver, cable ties, tape etc.)
+ pack sack
Without mountain guide
+ map material
+ Tour guide
+ altimeter
+ compass

+ GPS

Expert tip

+ multitool

Optional

+ Snack, if no hut is planned along the way
+ Sweater / fleece
+ anti-slip spray
+ photo and /bag
+ change of hat

Packing list for a multi-day bike tour

 

On the body

+ Long jersey / arm warmers
+ pants / leg warmers / knee warmers
+ Windstopper jacket / vest
+ gloves
+ helmet
+ bike shoes
+ socks
+ Sunglasses, preferably self-tinting

+ backpack

Indispensable

+ Long jersey (spare jersey) / arm warmers
+ Long trousers (spare trousers) / knee warmers / leg warmers
+ Windstopper jacket / vest
+ Rain hardshell jacket
+ rain pants
+ Cap / Buff / Headband
+ Long cycling gloves
+ sun cream
+ hydration bladder with at least 1 liter of liquid (depending on the tour)
+ Electrolyte/magnesium tablets (tubes)
+ Energy supply: power gel, muesli, dried fruit, nuts, bars, as required
+ First aid kit M (with rescue blanket)
+ Personal medication
+ Headache tablets

+ Multitool

Tools:
- Spare inner tube
- hand pump
- repair kit
- Brake pads
- Spare bolts
- Cable ties

- Luster clamp (makeshift for repairing shift cables)

Tools, if not already integrated in the multitool:
- Tire lever
- Chain lock
- Spoke wrench
+ ID, cash, EC card, plastic bag
+ Wash bag (travel shower gel, toothbrush/paste, small functional towel, handkerchiefs, earplugs)

+ Sleeping bag if necessary

Recommendable

+ underpants
+ undershirt
+ Spare socks/shoe liners
+ Light pants
+ Hut shoes
+ T-shirt
+ washing powder
+ Lubricant, adhesive tape
+ pen

+ lighting

Without bike guide
+ Bike guide map
+ compass
+ GPS
+ headlamp
+ shock pump
+ Cell phone with emergency numbers

+ bivy sack

Expert tip

+ seat cream

Optional

+ Snack, if no hut is planned along the way
+ Sweater / fleece
+ photo and /bag
+ spare batteries (light, photo etc.)

Packing list for a via ferrata

 

On the body

+ Functional trousers
+ Functional shirt
+ Functional jacket or vest
+ Ankle-height hiking boots with treaded soles

+ Backpack

Indispensable

+ climbing harness
+ via ferrata set
+ Via ferrata gloves
+ Lockable carabiner
+ Climbing helmet
+ Short change shirt
+ Water and windproof jacket
+ Water and windproof pants
+ Hat or headband
+ SPF 30 sun cream with lip balm
+ First aid kit M
+ blister plaster
+ headache tablets
+ Drinking bottle or bladder with at least 1 liter of liquid (depending on the tour)
+ electrolyte/magnesium tablet
+ Nuts, dried fruit, bars as required
+ ID, cash, EC card, plastic bag
+ headlamp

+ cell phone with emergency numbers

Recommendable

+ Sunglasses
+ Short functional pants
+ webbing sling
+ Climbing shoes (depending on the route)

+ multitool

Without mountain guide
+ Tour description, possibly copied from a book
+ compass
+ GPS
+ short safety rope

+ bivouac sack

Expert tip

+ Foldable poles

Optional

+ Snack, if no hut is planned along the way
+ Sweater / fleece
+ photo and /bag

Packing list for a trekking tour

 

IN GENERAL, FOR ANY TREK:

Take only what you need – and nothing you don’t need! Together with state certified mountain guides from the German Association of Mountain and Ski Guides, we’ve compiled packing lists and some well-earned top tips. Please note that all weights are only intended as a guide and may vary. As a general rule, the higher quality the equipment, the more lightweight it will be. Have fun on your adventures!

ON HUT TREKKING

INDISPENSABLE

Weight
Trekking backpack 35 - 60 liters 1900 g
Change shirt short sleeve & long sleeve 350 g
Waterproof and windproof jacket 500 g
Waterproof and windproof trousers 300 g
short functional pants 200 g
Long underpants 170 g
3 x underpants, socks 250 g
Cap or headband 60 g
Cap or Buff 60 g
Thin gloves 50 g
Sunscreen from SPF 30 & lip balm 60 g
Sunglasses, preferably self-tinting 30 g
Drinking bottle or bladder with at least 1 liter of liquid
(depending on the tour)
1190 g
Dried fruit, nuts, bars as required 200 g
Electrolyte / magnesium tablets 50 g
First aid kit (medium) with personal medication 310 g
Blister plasters, headache tablets 40 g
ID, cash, EC card 40 g
Hut sleeping bag 250 g
Wash bag with toiletries 160 g
Large functional towel 150 g
Headlamp 80 g
Cell phone with emergency numbers 130 g
   
APPROXIMATE TOTAL WEIGHT
"INDISPENSABLE" (INCL. backpack)
6,53 kg

RECOMMENDED

 
Snack as required 200 g
Sweater / Fleece 400 g
Camera and /bag 310 g
Leichte Hose 200 g
T-shirt for hut (cotton) 170 g
Hut shoes 180 g
Pocket knife 100 g
Plastic bags (for protective clothing etc.) 20 g
Spare batteries (headlamp, GPS etc.) 60 g
Telescopic poles 460 g
Via ferrata or mountaineering equipment
(depending on the tour)
1500 g
   
APPROXIMATE TOTAL WEIGHT
"RECOMMENDED"
3,6 kg

WITHOUT MOUNTAIN GUIDE

 
Topographic map 100 g
Tour descriptions 100 g
Altimeter / compass and GPS 300 g
Bivouac sack 280 g
   
APPROXIMATE TOTAL WEIGHT
"WITHOUT MOUNTAIN GUIDE"
0,80 kg

TOTAL WEIGHT (REFERENCE VALUE)

10,9 kg

 

ON TENT TREKKING

INDISPENSABLE

(IN ADDITION TO HUT TREKKING)
Weight
2-person tent with pegs 2000 g
Sleeping bag (temperature range adapted to the time of travel) 1200 g
Sleeping mat 800 g
Stove with pot 700 g
Stove fuel 450 g
Water filter 200 g
1 x bag lunch / day 125 g
Muesli / day 100 g
Tea, coffee, milk powder / day 25 g
Cup / plate / cutlery 250 g
Lighter / kindling 50 g
Folding shovel 300 g
Toilet paper / tissues 100 g
   
APPROXIMATE TOTAL WEIGHT
(INCL. backpack)
6,4 kg

TOTAL WEIGHT (REFERENCE VALUE)

17,3 kg

 

Packing list for a day hike

The most important thing first: it's the backpack that counts

No matter how much or little you end up taking with you on your hike - with the wrong backpack, even the lightest luggage will feel like it weighs tons after a while. That's why choosing the right hiking backpack is the most important prerequisite for a successful day trip. The well-designed hiking backpacks from deuter are true all-rounders in the backcountry and will literally take a huge load off your shoulders. The many practical functions such as the integrated rain cover, the ventilated back section or the clever side pockets make your deuter backpack an indispensable outdoor companion - and at the same time offer you enough space for all the important items on your packing list.

From the list to your rucksack - you should have this with you on your day trip!

  • The basic equipment for hikers
    Food & drink for on the go
    The right clothing
    Dos & don'ts when hiking
    Packing list to tick off

 

The basic equipment for hikers on day trips

Blister plasters, a change of shirt or sun cream really are among the absolute basics that you should have in your rucksack on your day hike. Especially if your feet are not yet very experienced hikers, blister plasters often turn out to be a real secret weapon and a mood saver. A first aid kit should also be at the top of your packing list, especially if you are going hiking in the mountains. And in winter, it's also important to take sun protection with you! In addition to sun cream with a high sun protection factor (at least SPF 30), this also includes sunglasses and protective headgear. And nothing beats the good feeling of finally being able to slip into a dry change of shirt after a long day's tour! Sufficient food and drink, a pocket knife, a hiking map, a small bin bag, enough cash, your ID, your cell phone and tissues are also must-haves on every day tour.

 

Hiking is better when you're well energized: food and drink should be on every packing list

In addition to the hiking basics mentioned above for day hikes, you should of course also include sufficient provisions on your packing list, as an empty stomach doesn't like walking. High-energy, quick-to-eat snacks such as muesli bars, dried fruit, cookies or nuts are particularly useful here. For a particularly quick energy boost, you can also add glucose to your packing list for your next day trip. Sandwiches, hard-boiled eggs or fresh fruit (apples, mandarins, etc.) are also suitable refreshments for hungry hikers. Basically, you can choose the provisions to suit your taste - however, you should make sure that you only take food with you that won't make too much of a mess on the way (or in your rucksack)!

It is also important that you take enough to drink as well as enough food. This is especially true for day trips in summer. In addition to plenty of water, you can also reach for isotonic sports drinks or fruit juice spritzers as refreshing thirst quenchers. Instead of loading your rucksack with bottles, simply fill your drink of choice into a practical deuter hydration bladder, which some of the deuter hiking rucksacks are equipped with. This saves space in your rucksack and you can take a sip at any time while running.

 

The right clothing for your day trip

Opinions differ when it comes to changing clothes: while some people take half their closet with them on a day trip, for others even a change of socks is too much of a burden. It is therefore important to find the right balance and, above all, to pack with the weather in mind. For a hike in sunny 30°C weather in July, you can certainly leave the extra sweater off your packing list with a clear conscience - but for an autumn day hike in mid-October, things would look different again. As a general rule, you should always have a change of shirt with you, because no matter what time of year you plan your day tour, you will definitely work up a sweat. A thin rain jacket and a change of socks should also be on every packing list. If you pack your rucksack correctly, these items will fit easily into your hiking rucksack without overloading it.

 

For experienced hikers & those who want to become one: the dos & don'ts when hiking

In addition to the equipment listed so far, which should be on every packing list for day hikes, there are also some things that you can safely leave at home before the hike. For example, unfortunately you often see people hiking in sandals or flip-flops - but even though these shoes are certainly comfortable to wear, especially in summer, they definitely don't belong on your packing list or in your rucksack. They are completely unsuitable for hiking and even pose a high risk of injury! You should also leave devices that could potentially disturb other people or the wildlife around you, such as portable speakers, off your packing list. Instead, consciously listen to the different sounds around you or enjoy the silence of nature. You should also think carefully about whether you really want to take bulky or particularly heavy items such as camera tripods with you on your hike. After all, the well-known motto always applies: "as little as possible, as much as necessary".

 

In a nutshell: this should be on the packing list for your next day trip

+ First aid kit & blister plasters
+ Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen with at least SPF 30, headgear)
+ Cash & ID
+ cell phone
+ hiking map
+ handkerchiefs
+ small garbage bag
+ provisions (nuts, bars, fruit etc.)
+ drinks (water, isotonic sports drinks, etc.)
+ change of shirt
+ rain jacket & 1 pair of change socks (+ possibly additional change of clothes, depending on the weather!)
+ pocket knife

Packing list for a multi-day hike

On the body

+ Ankle-high hiking boots with treaded soles
+ Functional hiking trousers
+ Functional shirt
+ Functional jacket or vest

+ Backpack

Indispensable

+ Changeable short-sleeved shirt
+ Change shirt long sleeve
+ 1-2 underpants short/long
+ functional socks
+ Waterproof and windproof jacket
+ Waterproof and windproof pants
+ Hat or headband
+ Cap or buff
+ Thin gloves
+ Short functional trousers
+ SPF 30 sun cream with lip balm
+ Sunglasses, preferably self-tinting
+ Drinking bottle or bladder with at least 1 liter of liquid (depending on the tour)
+ Electrolyte/magnesium tablets (tubes)
+ Muesli, dried fruit, nuts, bars as required
+ First aid kit M with blister plasters and personal medication incl. rescue blanket
+ ID, cash, EC card, plastic bag
+ Sleeping bag
+ Wash bag (travel shower gel, toothbrush/paste, small functional towel, handkerchiefs, earplugs)
+ Small flashlight (ideal: headlamp)

+ Cell phone with emergency numbers

Recommendable

+ Telescopic poles
+ pocket knife
+ Light pants
+ T-shirt for hut (cotton)
+ Hut shoes

+ Plastic bag (for light sneakers, hut shoes, protective underwear, etc.)

Without mountain guide
+ map material
+ Hiking guide, tour descriptions
+ compass
+ GPS
+ bivouac sack

Packing list for hut tours & multi-day hikes

It doesn't have to be the Way of St. James: Multi-day & hut tours are also a great experience for hikers with less experience. Admittedly: You should already have a few day hikes under your belt to be able to assess your own fitness level and know what you're getting yourself into. Are you planning your first multi-day hiking tour or are you packing your rucksack for the tenth time for a hut tour? We'll give you the perfect packing list to tick off and tell you how you can save weight and what doesn't belong in your hiking rucksack.

Plan your multi-day tour & shorten your packing list

You should note the following:

  • Where do you spend the night? Does every day end at the hut, do you sometimes spend the night in a tent or do you also stay in one or two inns? Where can you pitch your tent?
  • Are there any restaurants, shelters or shops along the route? Where can you fill up your drinking water?
  • What obstacles do you have to overcome? Are there via ferratas, rough paths, glaciers or snow on the route?
  • Is it a busy hiking route or a remote region?
  • What is the climate like at this time of year? Will it be very cold at night or are the temperatures moderate? Will it perhaps even be very warm during the day?

The more you know about your multi-day tour, the more relaxed the hike will be and the packing list can be shortened considerably. As you are out in nature, you should also plan for the unpredictable: sudden changes in the weather, even though the forecast shows sunshine and 20 degrees, "detours" or longer hiking times than planned and no cell phone reception will only ruin your hut tour if you are not properly prepared.

Our packing list for hut hiking & other multi-day tours

Regardless of whether you are planning a hut tour or want to be completely self-sufficient: Certain things always belong on the packing list for multi-day tours. The second part of our list contains equipment that you only need if your stage destinations are hiking huts or if you are hiking with a tent. We explain how to pack your rucksack correctly in a separate guide.

The universal packing list for multi-day tours:

 

  • Clothing:
    •     a pair of hiking boots
    •     a pair of slippers, slippers or sandals for the evening
    •     functional shirt & shirt
    •     fleece pullover or jacket
    •     Hiking pants with zip-off function
    •     jogging pants
    •     Rain jacket & rain trousers or rain cape
    •     Jacket (depending on climate)
    •     Hiking socks & change of underwear
    •     Scarf, hat, gloves (depending on climate)
    •     Swimsuit (depending on climate)

 

  • Equipment:
    •     Water bottle or hydration bladder
    •     Sunglasses (glacier goggles if necessary)
    •     Headlamp or flashlight
    •     bin bag
    •     pocket knife
    •     armor tape
    •     compass
    •     Toiletry bag (travel size, biodegradable soap)
    •     Microfiber towel
    •     Handkerchiefs or toilet paper
    •     Hand sanitizer gel
    •     Small tube detergent
    •     First-aid kit: (blister) plasters, sun cream, first-aid kit, painkillers, ointment, insect repellent, tick tweezers
    •     ID card, health insurance card, DAV membership card, vaccination card, EC card, cash
    •     Hiking map
    •     Cell phone, (camera)
    •     Food (depending on the tour, snacks for on the way or dinner)
    •     Magnesium tablets and electrolyte solutions


Packing list for hut tours

  • Hut sleeping bag
  • Earplugs & sleeping mask
  • deck of cards or similar
  • Sufficient cash
  • charging cable


Packing list for hiking multi-day tours with tent

 

  •     Sleeping bag (take the night-time temperature into account)
  •     Tent or bivouac
  •     sleeping mat
  •     Gas stove & pot
  •     Cutlery, plate, cup
  •     Lighters (more than one)
  •     Power bank for cell phone
  •     Washing up liquid


Optional (depending on the route)

  •     Water filter
  •     GPS/SOS device
  •     Climbing or glacier equipment
  •     Hiking poles
  •     Emergency bivouac sack

 

This should not end up in your rucksack on hut tours

Both beginners and seasoned multi-day hikers often make the mistake of packing too much. This means unnecessary weight on your back, but is sometimes unavoidable.

However, there are some things you can definitely leave at home:

  • Alcohol and drugs: Not only can intoxication be dangerous in the great outdoors, but a hangover the next day is not a good way to start the day.
  • Camping chairs: Some people swear by a foldable seat cushion for short breaks when it's cold or wet. However, camping chairs are superfluous ballast.
  • Music box: No matter how tempting it may be, loud music has no place in the great outdoors. You can also listen to your favorite songs or the podcast in the evening with headphones.
  • Jeans: Are work trousers ideal for a hiking tour? Wrong! Jeans and other cotton clothing soak up water, dry slowly and quickly lead to hypothermia when wet. Special functional clothing made from breathable materials such as polyester, blended fabrics or merino wool is the better choice.
  • Unhealthy & perishable food: Sweets and fast food make you feel unfit and cause your blood sugar to go on a rollercoaster. They offer hardly any minerals and nutrients. Fresh but perishable foods such as milk, meat and fish, fruit and vegetables won't last longer than two days in your rucksack. Eat the perishable and heavy items first. Nuts, protein bars, crispbread and dried fruit always work.

 

Perfectly equipped for your hiking adventure

In addition to good planning and a well thought-out hut tour packing list, creativity is also required for multi-day hikes. Try to use everything you have with you in different situations. A large cup can also serve as a muesli bowl, special all-round soaps can be used as washing-up liquid, detergent, shower gel and shampoo all in one, the camera in your smartphone might be enough for a few great shots. Armor tape is suitable for everything anyway.

You should share your equipment with your companions. If there are five of you, not everyone needs their own compass and a fully stocked first-aid kit. Create the packing list together and make sure that everyone carries a similar amount. Alternatively, you can rotate the rucksacks if they fit more than one person. This way, everyone has a little more to carry, but can also relax from time to time. However, the heavier rucksack should not exceed the comfort weight.

Packing list for a city trip

Before ticking off the packing list for your city trip: suitcase or backpack?

You don't need much for a long weekend. Even for city trips of up to a week, travelers like to use smaller pieces of luggage, because suitcases or backpacks with hand luggage dimensions save time and money: no extra charge for luggage and no waiting time at baggage check-in. It is important that you reduce your packing list to the essential items and check the airline's hand luggage regulations. However, this also raises the question: suitcase or backpack? We explain the advantages and disadvantages of each piece of luggage.

 

City trip with suitcase: store your luggage neatly

A suitcase is particularly suitable for your city trip if you don't want to do without anything on your packing list: the fifth pair of trousers, the second travel guide and the third pair of shoes can accompany you on your trip. Pack your clothes neatly and clearly so that you can quickly find your favorite shirt. If your suitcase is equipped with wheels, you can pull its weight without any effort. However, this only applies to firm roads and paths. In addition, you only have one hand free on the way to your city trip.

Travelers who want to combine the tidiness of a suitcase with the carrying comfort of a backpack should opt for trolleys with a backpack function. Thanks to the large airport, you can comfortably pull your travel bag with wheels behind you. On the way to your hotel, simply shoulder it. This leaves both hands free for navigation.

 

City trip with a backpack: light weight despite a long packing list

Travel backpacks are a good alternative to suitcases. They are available in many sizes so that you can easily accommodate the contents of your city trip packing list. When fully packed, they are lighter than wheeled suitcases and offer you more room to maneuver up to the maximum weight. Packing a backpack correctly is not rocket science. But a backpack also has advantages for everyone else: You have both hands free when traveling and don't have to worry about theft.

 

Our packing tips: What should be on every city trip packing list?

 

clothes & shoes

The first thing to go in your suitcase or bag is, of course, your clothes. Bear in mind that you might need a change of clothes, because if you want to go out for a fancy meal in the evening, you might need to change your shirt from the day. You should also base your choice of clothes on the weather forecast. If you are unsure exactly how warm it will be, an onion look is recommended. In addition to clothes, your packing list for a city trip should also include comfortable shoes, as walking is the best way to experience the flair of big cities.

 

hygiene & health

You might not hope it, but during the course of your city trip you might still suffer a minor injury or two - even if it's just a blister. In such cases, a blister plaster is worth its weight in gold. Also pack at least medication for pain, diarrhea, disinfectant and ointment. Mosquito sprays also belong on a packing list for a city trip in summer. It's best to pack everything in a small bag and stow it next to your toiletry bag, which should include cream, wet wipes, feminine hygiene products, deodorant, sunscreen and shower gel. Some accommodations also require you to bring your own towel.

charging cable, passport & co: Finances & security

Find out in advance about the conditions at your destination: for some cities, such as Amsterdam, a credit card is recommended. Nevertheless, your packing list for the short trip should include cash in case there are complications with your cards. If you need to block them after a theft, you will need the telephone number of your bank. That's why this is on the packing list for your city trip. Don't forget IDs such as your passport or health insurance card and booking confirmations. In case your smartphone supplements or replaces a printed travel guide, remember your charging cable or a power bank.

 

Other items

People who wear glasses rarely forget their glasses - but sunglasses often end up in a dark chest of drawers. An umbrella, books and a daypack for day trips should also be on your packing list for city trips. Earplugs and a sleeping mask can also ensure a good night's sleep.

 

In a nutshell: a concise packing list for your city trip

+ Change of clothes
+ Comfortable shoes
+ first-aid kit
+ toiletry bag
+ towel
+ Sun protection (sunglasses, sun cream, hat)
+ Cash & credit card (including bank phone number)
+ Cell phone & charger
+ Travel guide/maps
+ ID card
+ booking confirmation
+ handbag/daypack
+ Umbrella & rain jacket
+ earplugs & sleeping mask