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.

women getting tying her shoes in mountain hut

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.

man hiking towards mountain hut
person using a powerbank

 

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

Top brands for your gear

Hiking shoes

Provide comfort, grip and protection against the rocky terrains in the mountains. Choose shoes you’re familiar with.

LOWA HOKA

Backpack

Essential to bring one that is designed to distribute weight evenly, making it easier to carry your water, food, and gear.

GREGORY Deuter

Rainwear

A shield against the elements. Mountain weather can change rapidly from a sunny day into rain storms in the afternoon.

Rab equipment Columbia Pinewood

Layers

Layers protect you against the fluctuating weather conditions in the mountains. Take at least three layers with you, a base-, mid-, and outer layer.

Columbia Rab equipment Pinewood

Water bottle or bag

Vital for staying hydrated and maintaining energy levels during your hike. Bring always at least 1.5 liters of water with you.

SIGG Nalgene

Socks

More than just for comfort, the right socks prevent blisters, wick moisture, and provide cushioning over long distances.

Injinji Darn Tough

Sleeping gear

It is mandatory to bring your own sleeping bag or liner in mountain huts. Not only comfy, also much cleaner!

Rab equipment Therm-a-Rest

First aid kit

A compact lifesaver, equipped for treating minor injuries so they don’t turn into major emergencies.

Ortovox First Aid Kits

Hiking poles

Assist in maintaining balance, reduce knee strain on descents, energy saving and help you get up that mountain.

Leki Poles Black Diamond

Powerbank

There isn’t always electricity in mountain huts, so bring one to keep navigation and communication lines open at all times. Carrying it is a small effort for big advantages.

Xtorm Xtorm solar

Navigation

Keeps you on the trail without using your phone so you can save battery. We always recommend bringing at least a watch for navigation.

Polar Garmin

Headlamp

Crucial because there’s limited energy at most of the mountain huts and after 10 PM, most generators shut off. Also great for early mornings.

Petzl Black Diamond

 

Complete hut-to-hut hiking gear list

Essentials

  • Hiking shoes
  • Backpack with rain cover
  • Clothing: T-shirt, fleece jacket, down jacket, shorts, long pants, base layers (an underlayer, for example, of merino wool), underwear, and hiking socks
  • Rainwear: (hardshell) jacket and pants
  • Quick-drying towel
  • Hiking poles
  • Water bottle or sack
  • Cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen
  • Power bank
  • Water (at least 1.5 liters)
  • Water filter
  • Food: energy-rich food (nuts, chocolate, energy bars, muesli balls, wraps)
  • First aid kit with emergency blanket
  • Roll of small garbage bags – good for packing out trash and keeping gear dry
  • Headlamp
  • Gloves & hat (for colder conditions & high elevations)
  • Personal hygiene stuff (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo etc.)
  • Personal stuff (mobile, passport etc.)
  • Pocket knife

For in the mountain hut

  • Sleeping bag or liner (mandatory)
  • Pillowcase (mandatory)
  • Ear plugs (highly recommended)
  • Flip flops (optional)
  • Card game (optional)
  • Membership card of an Alpine Association for discount (optional)
  • Cash (advised)

For navigation

  • GPS watch
  • Map of the area
  • Navigation app on your mobile (Alltrails, Komoot, Hiiker, Outdooractive) – with offline function

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.

 

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