What to Bring: The Ultimate Multi-Day Hiking Packing List

This backpacking checklist is my tried-and-true guide to packing smart for overnight hiking trips.

Here is a packing list with the most important items so that you will be well-prepared for (almost) all eventualities:

• Medium-sized backpack (up to 40 liters capacity), including rain cover
• Lightweight sleeping bag
• Cash
• Water bottle/hydration reservoirs
• Knife
• Headlamp/flashlight
• First aid kit
• Rubbish bag (to take any waste with you)

• Hiking boots
• Rain jacket
• Rain trousers
• Two pairs of socks
• Two sets of wicking underwear
• Two wicking shirts
• Insulation long-sleeve jacket (fleece, synthetic, down, merino wool)
• Trekking trousers
• Hat or cap and thin gloves (liners)

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Topographic map
• Toiletry kit
• Quick-dry towel
• Snacks (fruit, energy bars, etc.)
• Mobile phone (consider saving emergency numbers into your mobile phone)

Optional:

• Trekking poles
• Windproof jacket (soft shell)
• Emergency shelter/bivvy sack
• Lightweight bags to keep everything organised
• Earplugs
• Alpinist Association membership card (members receive a discount on overnight stays at huts and shelters)
• Blister treatments, tape
• Slippers
• Bandana or buff
• Camera – to capture mountain summits, sunrises and sunsets, or wildlife… :-)

Stay fresh and fragrant with merino wool

Merino wool shirts and underwear are light, comfortable and can be worn for several days in a row without developing an unpleasant odour. Thanks to merino wool’s ability to effectively manage moisture, odour-causing bacteria don’t have the moist environment they need to thrive. You can wear merino wool during intense activity and over extended periods of time without having to worry about washing it.