Long-distance trail gear list

Not sure what to bring for your next long-distance trail? It can be hard to find the right gear list. We’ve got you! Here you’ll find a list with all the gear you need for a multi-day hike. Whether you’re hiking the Kungsleden, Tour du Mont Blanc, or Fishermen’s Trail: “light is right” is the name of the game for this list. However, this is not an ultralight gear list. If you’re seeking ultralight gear, consider our thru-hiking gear list. This page focuses on the necessary items to complete your long-distance trail safely. Add more specific items that are important for the trail you choose.

Most important items
Our recommendations
Complete long-distance trail gear list
Additional gear for camping

flat lay of navigational items To make your next long-distance trail more comfy, bring some items that are not essential but make hiking more enjoyable for you (and maybe your hiking buddies). Consider items that you won’t just during the hike but also for the evening in the mountain hut, hostel, or tent. You can think of an e-reader, journal, card game, book with unsolvable Sudoku puzzles, or something else. Make it more fun!

Best store for your long-distance trail gear

Find all outdoor gear for your next long-distance trail whether it’s the Tour du Mont Blanc or the West Highland Way, this is the most popular store for your gear.

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

Most important items

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

Hiking shoes – sturdy & comfy with a good grip
Backpack – 40-60 liters
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 the late evenings
Trash bag – Leave No Trace
Cash – always handy, especially at mountain huts
Sun protection – sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat
GPS device – for navigation

Top brands for your gear

Hiking shoes

Good hiking shoes provide comfort, grip, and protection against rugged terrains, ensuring safety during your long-distance trails.

LOWA HOKA

Backpack

Essential for all the gear you bring, designed to distribute weight evenly, making it easier to transport water, food, and gear.

GREGORY BACH Equipment

Rainwear

A shield against the elements, because even when the weather looks good in the morning, it can always switch up on you.

Rab equipment Columbia

Layers

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

Rab equipment Pinewood

Water bottle

Vital for staying hydrated and maintaining energy levels during your hike. Always take 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

First aid kit

A compact lifesaver, equipped to ensure minor setbacks don’t turn into major emergencies on the trail. Also great for helping others.

Ortovox First Aid Kits

Hiking poles

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

LEKI Black Diamond

Powerbank

An lifeline for keeping navigation and communication lines open at all times. Carrying one is a small effort for big advantages.

Xtorm Xtorm solar

Navigation device

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

A headlamp is crucial for early morning, longer days and evenings, and for when you’re racing against sunset on trail.

Petzl Black Diamond

Sun protection

Sun protection is not only sunglasses but can also be sunscreen and a sun hoody to keep you cool and safe on the trail.

UVEX sunglasses Goodr sunglasses

Lightweight tent

Your shelter night after night during all kinds of weather conditions. Go lightweight or ultralight.

BACH Tents MSR

Sleeping bag

Choose something that will keep you warm in colder conditions but is still breathable.

BACH Sleeping Bags Therm-a-Rest

Sleeping pad

Gives you comfort and keeping you warm while you’re cowboy camping or in your lightweight tent.

BACH Sleeping Pads Therm-a-Rest

Complete long-distance trail 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 an emergency blanket
Roll with small garbage bags
Headlamp
Gloves & hat (for colder conditions & high elevations)
Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo etc.)
Personal items (mobile, passport, cash etc.)
Pocket knife

For navigation

GPS watch
Map of the area
Navigation app on your mobile (Alltrails, Komoot, Hiiker, Outdooractive)

For camping

Lightweight tent with a footprint (groundsheet)
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Inflatable pillow
Cooking gear (stove, pan, spork, lighter)
Freeze-dried meals
Water filter or purification tablets
Sitting pad

As for every gear list, add specific items that are important for the trail you choose and the circumstances you’re hiking in. Think of insect-repellent, crampons, ice axes, microspikes, and other specific hiking gear to ensure your safety. If you’re hiking from hut to hut, view our extensive hut-to-hut hiking gear list here.

Best store for your long-distance gear