Packing a backpack for hiking: tips and a packing list

What you wear on a day hike obviously depends on the region, the weather and the route. Remember that in the mountains it can cool down a lot in the evenings – even in summer.

• On an autumn hike in Switzerland you will undoubtedly be wearing hiking trousers and a thermal shirt. We also recommend a softshell jacket and a waterproof jacket as a third layer for rain showers. On summer hikes you probably won’t need a softshell jacket.

• Since you lose a lot of heat through your head, you should also pack a light cap for hiking at high altitude or in autumn.

• We recommend a rain cover for your backpack to keep your clothes dry.

On a hut-to-hut hike you usually only need a light sleeping bag – silk is a good option. If you are taking a tent, you should of course also pack a sleeping mat and a thick sleeping bag. This requires a backpack with a larger volume. Remember that it can get much cooler in the mountains at night.

Drink
Even if it’s tempting to save weight by drinking less, take at least one and a half to two litres of water with you for a day hike. Ideally, you should plan a route that allows you to fill up your bottle along the way. You can also take drinking water from streams if you have an integrated water filter. 

Hiking provisions 
Home-made muesli bars or Landjäger sausages: opinions differ when it comes to hiking provisions. It’s best to pack snacks that don’t add unnecessary weight – because of their high water content or packaging, for example. They should also be highly nutritious: things like nuts and seeds, dried meat, energy bars, whole grain bread with hard-boiled eggs and dried fruit are rich in proteins and slow carbohydrates. What’s important is variety: sugary foods provide a quick energy boost, but you’ll soon be hungry again. Don’t forget to start the day with a hearty meal. 

Just follow your nose? We’d recommend against it. If you are hiking with a traditional hiking map, a compass is a must. A GPS device, on the other hand, shows you your current position and altitude and can also emit an distress call signal in an emergency.  

If you’re relying on an app for navigation, keep in mind that you won’t always have reception in the mountains. You should also consider your smartphone’s battery life, especially in cold temperatures. So, just to be on the safe side, maybe pack a hiking map in your backpack, too. 

There are a few more items that you’ll be grateful for on a hike.  

• Lightweight, robust sunglasses or glacier goggles with a high level of protection are a must on any hike. 

• Folding or telescopic hiking poles are not just for older people: they relieve pressure on your joints, provide support and make useful aids on difficult sections such as traverses, river crossings or descents. Carbon hiking poles will help you cut down on weight a little. 

• A bag for your waste along the way. 

• Tissues or a little toilet paper. 

• Enough sun cream for multiple applications throughout the day. 

• A pocket knife. 

• A first aid kit: be sure to check that it’s complete before each tour.

And if there’s still space in your backpack: 

• a good pair of binoculars: these will help you to quickly find and observe wild animals and distant destinations. 

• A second pair of socks: you might not think of socks as emotionally charged objects. But swapping them for a fresh pair during a sweaty hike can make you surprisingly happy.