Trekking equipment: packing list and tips

Trekking takes you through secluded landscapes on foot for several days. You experience cool mornings and evenings, hot, windy or cloudy days and maybe rain or snow. And that’s exactly what makes it so difficult: you need to carry equipment for all weather conditions, but your backpack should remain as light as possible so as not to put too much strain on your back. As a guideline, if you’re new to trekking, you should not carry more than 15% of your body weight; if you’re experienced in trekking and are in good physical condition, your equipment can weigh up to 30% of your body weight.

Finding the best equipment for trekking therefore isn’t easy. The following overview will help you pack the right things and give you tips on what to bear in mind.

You can find a comprehensive packing list for all kinds of adventures here.

Luggage: backpack, toilet bag, packing bags

Backpack: Your backpack must be comfortable and fit you well. It mustn’t pinch or rub anywhere. The size depends on your trekking adventure; it will usually be 40–70 litres. Don’t choose a model that’s too big as it will tempt you to take more than you need. Individual compartments and pockets are handy for keeping things organised and finding them quickly.

• Ultralight models of 40-litre backpacks weigh around 850 grams; the lightest 70-litre models start from 1 kilogram. Even twice that is still OK.

Toilet bag: Avoid too large a toilet bag, as this will be bulky to store. Two smaller ones would be better. Find out how to pack your toilet bag cleverly here.

Packaging bags: Packing bags keep things organised and create space. Tip: Buy them in different colours and pack different items in them – one colour for tops and one for bottoms. Or one bag for long-sleeved clothes and a smaller one for short-sleeved items.

Sleeping: tent/bivy sack, sleeping mat, sleeping bag

Tent/bivy sack: A bivy sack is lighter than a tent, but in a tent you will enjoy more protection from the weather and some privacy. A tarp is also an option, but in harsh weather conditions you’re less protected than in a tent.

• Light one-person tents weigh about 1 kilogram; two-person tents are available from 1.4 kilograms.

• Lightweight bivy sacks weigh just below half a kilo.

• Tarps: There are many different models available: some can be fixed with a trekking pole, others on trees, and others you can set up using the poles included. Different models are better suited to different tours. However, a light version for one person should weigh less than half a kilo including poles.

Sleeping mat: Extreme trekkers only take a foam mat, cut at hip height so that only their upper body is padded and insulated, saving weight and space. But that’s a very radical option; you don’t have to do that yourself. Good sleep is important as it allows you to regain your strength and enjoy the trek, so we recommend an inflatable sleeping mat suitable for the expected temperatures.

• Inflatable sleeping mats start at about 400 grams.

Sleeping bag: Being cold at night is unpleasant, so choose a sleeping bag suitable for the expected minimum temperatures. On some colder nights, you can also wear a down jacket to sleep.

• How heavy a sleeping bag is depends heavily on the insulation performance. Generally speaking, the lower the specified minimum temperature, the heavier and more voluminous the sleeping bag. For nights where temperatures are around freezing, there are sleeping bags that weigh about 800 grams.

Food and drink

Camping stoves: Think about which fuel is most easily available during your trek.

• Lightweight stoves weigh less than 100 grams without a cartridge.

Waterproof matches: Because a hot tea warms you up particularly nicely when it’s raining.

Pan: If you want to cook, you’ll need a pan. If you only need hot water for trekking meals and coffee/tea, then a quick-heating system is better.

Cup/plate/cutlery: For minimalist packing, a fork and spoon in one is all you need. You can use it to eat food straight out of the pan or your trekking meal out of the bag. A cup can be used for drinking and eating, but a plate is not heavy and there are foldable models.

Trekking food and snacks: It’s best to pack exactly how much you eat each day – plus a little extra. Think carefully about what you should take with you and what you can buy along the way.

Water treatment and drinking bottle: Find out in advance how often you will have access to water and think about how much you need to carry at each stage. Don’t forget water for cooking and personal hygiene.

Clothing – take all the layers you need

Dress in layers: Directly on your skin after your underwear, wear thermal or Merino underwear as your first layer. The second layer should be insulating and warming, i.e. a fleece and/or down jacket and hiking trousers. The third and final layer protects you from wind and rain, i.e. a hardshell jacket and waterproof trousers. Tip: When you’re getting dressed for the first leg in the morning, don’t put on too much. After walking the first few metres you’ll get warmer, especially if you’re going uphill.

Poncho: Instead of a waterproof jacket and trousers, a poncho can also be a good idea, depending on the tour. Ponchos are especially practical and simple on technically easy routes and where there is frequent but only light rain.

Evening and sleepwear: For multi-day adventures, it’s worth packing a set of clothing for the evening and night. You should only wear these when you’re clean and relaxed, i.e. after swimming in the lake or having a quick wash in a stream. Tip: Clothes made of Merino have self-cleaning properties and stay fresh for a long time.

Cap and gloves: Keep your ears and fingers warm.

Gaiters: If you’re trekking through snow. Before your tour, make sure that the gaiters can be attached to your shoes.

Shoes

Trail running shoes are increasingly popular for trekking. They are comfortable, fast-drying and offer grip. However, trail running shoes do not support the ankles, and they also lack protection for the toes. Trail running shoes are a good choice for trekking through forests, hills and grasslands, while hiking boots are more suitable in the mountains. Finally, don’t forget padded hiking socks.

Sandals: When crossing rivers, only your sandals will get wet and your sturdy shoes will stay dry, plus the stones won’t hurt your feet. And changing your shoes in the evening can really do you good.

Spikes: For icy conditions, for example when everything is still frozen in the morning.

Hygiene

Standards of hygiene differ from person to person. Regardless of this, it’s important to take care of your body even after a long day. Athlete’s foot, cracked lips or an unpleasant body odour are souvenirs you don’t want to bring home.

Biodegradable soap: Everything can be washed with it – hair, skin, clothes, cutlery. Nevertheless, avoid washing directly in a body of water; move slightly away from the water to prevent the soap from getting into it.

Hairbrush, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste: There’s no question that these belong in the toilet bag.

Nail clippers: Don’t forget your toenails; they’ll be under more stress than usual.

Blister plasters: Hopefully not necessary with the right shoes and good socks, but better to have some with you just in case.

Sun cream: Take enough with you – it’s often difficult to find along the way.

Lip balm: You’ll probably breathe through your mouth more than usual because of the exertion. This dries out the lips, making them become brittle and cracked.

Insect spray: Find out about the situation where you’re trekking. One spray for your skin and one for your clothes may be worthwhile.

Safety

First aid kit: This is essential. The only exception is if you’re with an organised group and first aid is provided. Ask about that beforehand.

GPS device, map and compass: For orientation far from civilisation.

Power bank and solar panel: To keep your smartphone and GPS device fully powered.

Headlamp including spare batteries: It gets pitch black outside without any lights from civilisation. That’s why a headlamp is essential for cooking in the evening or going to the toilet at night.

Miscellaneous trekking equipment

Trekking poles: Hiking with trekking poles reduces the strain on the knee and leg muscles.

Multitool/pocket knife: For small repairs or for preparing food.

Sunglasses and hat: To keep you well protected from the sun.

Rubbish bags: It depends on the tour. If you’re trekking through pristine landscapes and feeding yourself for several days, more litter will accumulate than you probably think. But even if you’re hiking from one accommodation to another, you’ll collect the packaging waste from snacks, for example, during the day. You can collect everything in a rubbish bag/small plastic bag and dispose of it properly at the next opportunity.

In this video, Jordan will tell you which trekking equipment you mustn’t be without on your tour.