Packing list for hiking - Everything you need for your next trip

Hiking in nature is often pure balm for the soul. It's a chance to truly enjoy the wonderful environment around you. Plus, you recharge with energy and have the opportunity to discover new views. Whether you're planning a day trip or a longer adventure in the mountains, packing is crucial. In this guide, you'll get a complete packing list for your next hike. This packing list will help you feel secure, whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker.

Packing list for hiking during different seasons: what to consider

Whether you're heading out for a hike in spring, summer, autumn, or winter, planning your packing is crucial. Each of the four seasons presents its own unique challenges. In this section, we'll help you prepare the right packing list, covering everything from sunny summer treks to snow-covered winter adventures. After all, there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes!

Packing list for spring hikes

Spring is a wonderful time to get out into nature. Feel the excitement as the sun warms you and the birds chirp in the crisp spring air. However, hiking in spring can be a bit tricky as temperatures and weather can change rapidly. One second to the next, the air can turn chilly and the sky can open up. When planning your spring hike, the layering principle is your best friend. By dressing in multiple layers, you can easily adjust your body temperature to changing weather.

Here are some items that are extra important to pack for a successful spring hike:

- Extra socks: a dry pair can save the day if your shoes get wet

- Water bottle: No matter how long a trip you plan, it's always good to have a bottle of water with you. Is it cold outside? Then a thermos with a hot drink is worth its weight in gold.

- Shell clothes: Even if the sun is shining, the wind can feel cold. With a thin, windproof and water-resistant jacket, you'll be prepared for sudden weather changes.

- Cap: When a beanie feels too warm, a cap is a good alternative. Plus, it helps protect your face from the sun.

- Sunscreen: The sun can be strong even in early spring, so don't forget to protect your skin and reapply sunscreen during your hike.

- Gaiters: Protects your shoes and pants from mud and wet trails.

- Smal towel: If it's raining or wet, it can be nice to be able to dry both your hands and feet.

Packing list for summer hikes

During the summer, temperatures are often warmer. Therefore, we recommend packing airy, breathable clothing. Opt for shorts and T-shirts made from technical materials like polyester, nylon, or merino wool. These materials help to wick away moisture and dry quickly. Try to avoid cotton garments, as cotton tends to get wet easily and dries slowly.

Tip! With our InsectSafe garments, you'll keep mosquitoes, ticks, and other irritating critters away.

So, what do you actually need to pack for a successful summer hike? Here are the answers:

- Water bottle: When hiking in warmer temperatures, it's extra important to hydrate

- Mosquito or insects nets: An effective protection against irritating gnats and mosquitoes.

- Sunscreen: In the summer, the sun is strong, so it's important to reapply sunscreen throughout the day.

- Cap: A cap helps protect your face from the sun.

- Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the sun.

- Shell jacket: Good to have close at hand if the weather should change.

Packing list for autumn hikes

Beautiful colors, crisp air, and chilly mornings make autumn a fantastic time for hiking. But just like spring, autumn can bring unpredictable weather, so it's important to pack correctly. So what do you actually need to pack for a successful autumn hike? Here are the answers:

- Extra socks: Should you happen to step in a puddle, extra socks can save both your feet and your mood.

- Rain gear: When the weather changes, it's nice to have rain gear close at hand.

- Beanie & gloves: Protect both your head and hands from the cold.

- Thermos with hot drink: When the weather is chilly, nothing warms you up better than a hot drink.

- Extra layers: Sun, rain, and snow. The weather can change drastically during autumn, so it's good to be prepared with extra protective layers.

- Power bank: In chilly conditions, your phone's battery drains faster.

- Headlamp or flashlight: Autumn evenings are both dark and long.

- Scarf: Perfect for protecting your neck from chilly winds.

Packing list for winter hikes

If you're heading out for a hike during the coldest months of the year, it's extra important to keep the layering principle in mind when you pack. Even if you feel warm while hiking, it's easy to get cold when you stop. Therefore, it's crucial to have reinforcements like an insulating jacket or fleece vest to keep you warm during breaks.

Here are some items that are extra important to pack for a successful winter hike:

- Extra socks: Good for when the cold hits or if your feet get wet.

- Thermos with hot drink: Helps you keep your spirits and warmth up.

- Beanies & gloves: During chilly days, it's important to protect your entire body.

- Scarf: Perfect for protecting your neck from chilly winds.

- Sit pad: When you're stopping for a fika break, it's good not to sit directly on the cold ground.

- Power bank: In chilly conditions, your phone's battery drains faster.

- Headlamp or flashlight: Autumn evenings are both dark and long.

Packing for a day hike or weekend trek

The next step is to adapt your packing based on how long you'll be away. In this section, we'll go through what you need for shorter hikes, everything from a day trip to an overnight stay in nature.

Packing list for a day hike

Planning just to be out for the day? Then it's important to bring the essentials without carrying too much. We recommend choosing a smaller backpack. Below you'll find a checklist of what might be good to pack when you're going to be out for the day.

- Water: Even on shorter hikes, it's important to hydrate your body. Remember to bring extra water on warm days.

- Snacks: Energy bars, fruit, nuts, or sandwiches are perfect as snacks for your hiking trip.

- First aid kit (mini): Plasters, blister plasters, wound wipes, and a painkiller are always good to be prepared with.

- Weather adapted layered clothing: Make sure to adjust your choice of clothing based on the season.

Packing list for a two-to-three day hike

Are you also longing to wake up to birdsong in the forest? An overnight stay in nature can be the perfect way for many to relax. If you're staying overnight, it's important to pack smart to bring the essentials without overpacking. But with the right gear, we can promise your hiking trip in the forest will be comfortable, safe, and memorable. Below you'll find a checklist of what might be good to pack when you're staying overnight.

- Tent: Depending on how and where you'll be spending the night, it might be important to bring a tent.

- Sleeping pad + sleeping bag: If you're staying overnight in a tent or under a wind shelter, don't forget to bring a sleeping bag and sleeping pad.

- Flashlight: Evenings in the forest get dark quickly, so extra lighting is good to have.

- Multi-tool or small knife: Practical for potential cooking.

- Camping stove + fuel: Perfect for preparing simple dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

- Toiletries kit: You'll be well-prepared with toilet paper, hand sanitizer, a toothbrush, and toothpaste.

- Trash bag: Don't forget to take your trash home.

- Power bank: Good for charging your phone.

Tips for packing smart and light

To make your hike both lighter and more comfortable, it's smart to pack thoughtfully. Here are some tips that make a big difference:

- Pack according to the layering principle: With several thin garments, you avoid getting unnecessarily cold or sweaty. Think base layer, insulating layer, and protective shell layer

- Use waterproof dry bags: European weather can change quickly. With waterproof bags, you protect your clothes, electronics, and sleeping bag from unexpected rain.

- Distribute weight evenly in your backpack: Place heavy items close to your back and in the middle of the pack, this relieves strain on your back and hips. Test your packed backpack at home and adjust it to your body and balance.

- Think multi-functional: Save weight by packing items that serve multiple purposes

Common questions qbout packing for hikes

Find solutions to your most common queries here.

What should you bring on a hike?

The most important things to bring on your hike are functional clothing, following the layering principle. You'll also need comfortable hiking boots, a water bottle, snacks, a first-aid kit, and a power bank. Remember to adjust your packing based on the weather, season, and how long you plan to be away.

How many changes of clothes are needed?

That, of course, depends on how long you plan to be away. Generally, 1-2 changes of underwear and socks are usually enough, along with one extra mid-layer. We recommend focusing on functional clothing that dries quickly. This way, you can use the same clothes for several days in a row instead of packing a lot of changes.

How much food should I pack?

The amount of food you need to pack depends on how long you'll be away and if you plan to buy food along the way. We recommend aiming for 2500-3500 calories per day, distributed among breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. To keep your spirits and energy up throughout the hike, it's good to focus on energy-rich foods. Nuts, bars, and freeze-dried meals are easy to pack. It's also a good idea to pack an extra day's worth of rations as a reserve.