Packing list for multi-day hikes with a tent: here’s the equipment you need

For a multi-day hike in the mountains, you need the right equipment in your backpack. To stay safe on the go, don’t carry unnecessary weight and keep everything you need for a great time outside with you. Here, you can find a packing list for a multi-day hike when overnighting in a tent. You can also rent some of them from us.

Multi-day tour in the mountains – the equipment

Backpack: For a hike lasting several days, where you’ll be sleeping in a tent, you’ll need a 40 to 60-litre backpack. Make sure you have enough space for your equipment, but don’t carry a big, half-empty backpack through the mountains, because having a lot of space will tempt you into packing more than you need.

Tent: You can usually save on weight with tents. Larger ones offer more comfort, but are also heavier. Think carefully about which one you want to pack for your multi-day tour.

Sleeping bag: Remember that it’s more cool at night at altitude compared to the lowland. A warm sleeping bag is therefore also necessary in summer.

Sleeping mat: An R-value of 3 or 4 is a good choice in Switzerland and will keep you warm even on cool mountain nights.

Cooker, lighter, camping cookery set: Want to cook on the go? A gas stove will serve you well, while a petrol stove works more reliably in very cold temperatures. Wood-burning stoves are particularly light. However, it’s difficult to find wood above the tree line, and you should avoid them if there’s a risk of forest fires. Wrap the lighter in something waterproof so it won’t be damaged in rain, or take stormproof and waterproof matches with you.

First aid kit: Every adventure should include a first aid kit. Before setting off, check that the set is complete and that the medication has not expired.

Water filter: Expect to drink about two litres of water per day – in very hot temperatures or if you want to cook, you’ll need more. Before the multi-day tour, find out where you can refill water or filter it from a flowing body of water.

Pocket knife: Whether you're preparing food, repairing something or carving to pass the time – a pocket knife is always handy.

Headlamp: Whether you’re starting early in the morning while it’s still dark, are putting away some last things in the tent in the evening or you have to go out for a short time at night, a headlamp should be in your backpack for every multi-day tour.

Refreshments: Multi-day hikes require a lot of energy. Make sure you pack enough snacks and food. It might help you to plan your meals based on calories. For an adult, an average day of hiking adds around 2,000 additional calories. For a multi-day tour, it can be 3,000 calories or more. In addition to your main meals, bars, nuts and dried fruits can give you a quick burst of energy.

Waterproof jacket: The weather forecast may bode well, but a waterproof jacket to protect you from wind and weather is still a must on every hike.

Down jacket: It gets chilly in the mountains in the evening, even in summer. Wear a down jacket and enjoy the night while warmly wrapped up.

Sun hat, cap, snood: A sun hat prevents sunburn and heat stroke, while a cap keeps your ears warm. A snood will warm your neck, but can also be worn as a headband or cap.

Hiking clothing: They should be comfortable and lightweight, but also hard-wearing if you’re in rocky terrain. Clothing made from Merino wool is ideal for multi-day hikes. It’s breathable and anti-odour, so you can wear it for several days.

Hiking socks: Well-fitting hiking socks cushion your feet and protect them from pressure points and blisters.

Hiking poles: They help you to use your whole body when hiking. With hiking poles, you reduce strain on your leg muscles and joints and use your arms more. This means your legs get tired less quickly – perfect for a multi-day tour.

Seat mat: Maybe it’s a luxury item, but it’s nice to have a warm, dry seat, especially in the evenings when it gets cold.

Hiking boots: The most important item for every hike. Hiking boots provide support and stable footing. On a multi-day tour, it’s best to wear hiking boots that are already broken in.

Map, compass, GPS device: You don’t need it all – even having a map on your smartphone helps a lot. But remember that you won’t always have reception in the mountains and probably won’t be able to charge your device. Pack a powerbank to be safe.

Backpack packing techniques and weight distribution

With the right packaging technique, a backpack will feel lighter, even when holding the same weight. It’s most important to pack heavy items such as your camping tent as close to your back as possible. Lighter equipment such as clothing or a sleeping bag can be stored further down or somewhat away from your back. Little things like gloves and knitted caps should be placed at the top.

Snacks, a waterproof jacket and a water bottle should always be handy – the side pockets work well for this. The packed backpack should not weigh more than 20% of your body weight; if you hike frequently, it can be as much as 25%.

Bivouacking: the most important rules

There are some rules to follow when camping in the mountains. For example, you can’t pitch your tent just anywhere. Here are the most important tips for bivouacking.