Alpine tours: how mountain guide Angelina packs her backpack

When mountain guide Angelina packs her backpack for an Alpine tour, it’s like a game of Tetris: there’s a place for everything, from her first aid kit to her headlamp, abseiling equipment and silk sleeping bag. This is especially important on an Alpine tour. Why? Because the weight needs to stay equally distributed across your backpack even if, say, you move your crampons from your back to your feet while en route.

A foam splint to support a broken bone in an emergency is also crucial. You won’t really be surprised that Ohropax ear plugs, gloves and expresses are key parts of her kit, but it’s a different story for gardening gloves and paper maps. In the video, the experienced mountain guide explains what she takes with her on every Alpine tour.

Packing for an Alpine tour – tips from a mountain guide

On an Alpine tour, packing your backpack correctly makes it easier to carry. Plus, it boosts your safety because you always know where your first aid kit or smartphone is in an emergency.

Food and drink on your tour

Your equipment isn’t the only thing you should take on your tour: you’ll need something to eat and drink as well. Depending on the altitude and temperatures during your trip, you should make sure that your water doesn’t freeze. Drinking systems with a tube on the outside of your backpack are particularly vulnerable, with water in the tube or mouthpiece freezing the quickest. Ideally, take a thermos bottle with you. It’s not light, but the extra weight is worth it – especially when it’s cold.

Another benefit of taking a bottle, rather than a hydration pack, is that it forces you to take breaks. Use the time to look into the distance and see if the weather’s changing.

In terms of food, plan your packing list with precision. Will you be passing a hut? Is the hut open? If it is, you’ll probably only need snacks while en route, which helps keep your backpack light.