Packing list for hut tours – tips for the right equipment

If you’re staying in huts overnight, you don’t really need more or different clothing for multi-day hikes than you do for a one-day hike. More underwear, a change of T-shirt; apart from that, you also need to be prepared for any weather. You may need an extra layer such as a down jacket and gloves, depending on how high the tour takes you.

Your backpack should have a volume of around 30 to 50 litres for a multi-day hike. In the video, Transa's Sina reveals what she brings along on every hut tour.

Clothing – equipment for overnight stays in a hut

Most serviced huts provide hut slippers, so you don’t have to bring them yourself. However, hut sleeping bags are mandatory in most huts. Inlets come in a variety of materials. Silk inlets are slightly lighter than cotton, but they are usually a little more expensive, too. They are generally small and don’t take up much space in your backpack. Huts will sometimes also rent out sleeping bags. Ask in advance if you don’t want to carry an inlet yourself.

You don’t need a change of clothes for a one-day hike. For a multi-day hut tour, on the other hand, it’s worth packing some light trousers or leggings for the evenings and/or sleeping. You should also pack a change of socks and underwear. A clean T-shirt may take a little more space, but you’ll probably feel more comfortable in the evenings. And if you’re out and about for several days, you’ll probably want to put on a fresh shirt for the day.

Tip: merino wool clothing has an antibacterial effect – a protein molecule in the wool breaks down odour-causing bacteria. This reduces the development of unpleasant odours, allowing you to wear the garment for several days.

Equipment tips for a hut hike

In the video you’ll find lots of tips on the equipment you need for a hut hike. Here are a few more products to keep you safe and happy on a hut hike.

Earplugs: in most huts you sleep with others in the same room, often in bunk beds. The person in the bed above you might need the toilet; someone else might feel hot and take off their sweater in the middle of the night; and perhaps the person next to you just doesn’t sleep well. If you’re easily woken by noise, make sure to pack some earplugs. And perhaps bring some along for your roommates if you snore yourself.

Powerbank: you probably won’t always have reception, but you’ll still occasionally reach for your smartphone to take a photo or use a navigation app while on a hike. Not every hut has enough electricity for everyone to charge their devices. Ask in advance and, if in doubt, pack a compact powerbank.

Plastic bag for waste: you’ll accumulate a significant amount of rubbish from picnics or snacks after just one day. Take a plastic bag with you to collect the rubbish. Many huts don’t allow you to leave your waste behind, so you end up carrying it with you. Leave all packaging at home if possible.

Cash: not all huts accept card or Twint payments. You can often find this information on the hut websites. If they don’t, bring along a little cash to be on the safe side.

First aid kit: a must on every hike. Remember to replenish the kit if you have used something.

Entertainment: most huts have games and playing cards. However, if you want to play a particular card game, it’s better to bring it along. The same applies to books.

Self-catering hut: this is the equipment you need

If you are planning a hike over several days staying in self-catering huts, you usually need to prepare a little more. Check beforehand how to access the hut; is the key stored in a box with a numerical code, or do you have to pick up the key somewhere in the valley?

Be sure to find out about the equipment available at the hut before your hike. Are there cooking facilities? Where’s the nearest water source? And if the hut has running water, is it potable? Is there toilet paper? Do you need to collect wood for cooking or bring matches for a gas stove? And, of course, you have to pack enough food, because you’ll be preparing your meals yourself.