Hut-to-hut hiking gear list

Looking for inspiration for what to bring on your next hut-to-hut hiking trail? We’ve got you! Here you’ll find a list of all the gear you need when you’re preparing for a multi-day tour from mountain hut to mountain hut. The great thing about hut-to-hut hiking is that you don’t need to take so much because the mountain huts provide you with food and shelter. As always, add more specific items that are important for the hut-to-hut hike you choose.

• Most important items
• Recommendations and brands
• Complete hut-to-hut hiking gear list

Hiking from hut to hut is a magical experience. Staying up there, high above the treeline with other hikers in a mountain hut, is a must-do for all hikers. To make your next hut-to-hut hike more comfy, bring some items that are not essential but make hiking more enjoyable. Consider bringing an item or two that’s not just for during the hike but also for the evening in the mountain hut. You can think of an e-reader, journal, card game, a book with unsolvable Sudoku puzzles, or something else. Make it more fun! Most mountain huts also usually have a game corner where you can grab a fun game to play with your friends or other hikers.

You’ll find the full hut-to-hut gear list if you scroll down a bit more. We’ve outlined a few items that are the most important. If you click on the links, you’ll be redirected to the brands we recommend and to the most trusted outdoor gear shops where you can buy the gear.

Most important items for hut-to-hut hiking

These are essentials for your next long-distance trail. It’s not much, but each item is necessary. Always choose to invest in the right quality gear when you have the chance. It’s more sustainable and keeps you safe on the trail.

• Hiking shoes – sturdy & comfy with a good grip
• Backpack – 30-50 liters
• Sleeping bag or liner and pillow case – mandatory in mountain huts
• Rainwear – preferably a hardshell jacket
• Clothing – layers & socks
• Food – energy bars, nuts & chocolate for example
• Water bottle or bag – carry at least 1.5L with you
• First aid kit – for emergencies
• Hiking poles – to support your knees
• Power bank – when there are no outlets nearby
• Headlamp – for late evenings
• Trash bag – Leave No Trace
• Cash – for payments in the mountain huts
• Sun protection – sunglasses and sunscreen
• GPS device – for navigation
• Topographic map of the region

As with every gear list, add specific items that are important for the trail you choose and the circumstances you’re hiking in. For example, if your hut-to-hut hiking trail crosses a glacier, always bring proper gear and know how to use it. Think of ropes, helmets, ice axes, crampons, climbing harnesses, and other specific gear to cross glaciers and ensure your safety. Always book a mountain guide when you’re not familiar with these alpine glacier crossings.