Day hiking in the Alps is something that is on many people’s bucket list. It is an activity that can be performed by anyone, regardless of previous experience and thanks to lots of different lengths of hiking trails, you can adapt the choice according to how fit you are and how much time you have. You can start from Austria, Italy or another chosen place, which means that you can also experience new places and cities in connection.
But for those of you who have not hiked before, there are some things to keep in mind. First of all, you should of course choose a hiking trail that suits you and your company. But it is also necessary that you have everything you need in the way of food and packaging, in order for your experience to be as rewarding as possible.
To make it easier for you, we have created a practical packing list for day hikes in the Alps.
Clothes and shoes
In addition to the clothes and shoes you wear, it is always smart to bring some extra clothes so that you can change if you get too hot or cold. Sweating and then walking around for a whole day with wet clothes can make you sick and does not contribute to a particularly fun experience.
According to Usaers.com, the most important thing to keep in mind is to wear clothes according to the weather and that you base your choice of shoes on the terrain that the chosen hiking trail has. It is necessary that you have a good grip where it is steep or gravelly, and that they are not too hot or awkward for the season. A pair of customized hiking boots gives you good comfort and the best grip, while protecting your ankles during the hike.
A few extra changes of shoes and clothes, will give you many benefits and if you get shoe chafing, your feet will also thank you. Also, do not forget to bring a pair of extra socks.
In addition to this, there are a few more things to think about and pack with you, to give your hiking trip the ultimate conditions.
Rain jacket
To be surprised by rain, when you do not have any protective clothing with you is not something you want to experience during a hiking trip. Today, there are lots of light and functional rain jackets to buy, which have good water pillars and rain protection. If it starts to rain during the trip, this will not be a problem at all if you have a packed rain jacket in your luggage.
Backpack with good comfort
It is important that everything you need to bring is packed in a customized and comfortable hiking backpack . There are lots of choices today and if you do not already have a backpack at home with good comfort, you should adjust your choice to how much you need to bring during the day hike. The amount can differ markedly, depending on which part of the year you hike, and how long the hiking trail you have chosen.
The backpack should sit close to the body and have a balanced weight and division that means that the weight does not weigh you down during the hike.
Clothes after weather
When choosing which clothes and shoes to wear and bring, remember to choose clothes according to the weather. If you are hiking during the colder months of the year, you will need to bring more equipment and accessories. Mittens and a hat are, among other things, an obvious choice.
2. Food and drink
Even though you may only have to hike during the day, you of course need to replenish your fluid and energy supply during the hike to be able to keep your spirits up. Which food and drink you need to bring depends entirely on what the party looks like and whether you prefer hot or cold meals.
Nutrition drink and water
Water is something that really needs to be prioritized and as long as there is no water to buy along the way, this should be included in copious amounts. For a little extra energy, you can mix in a little nutritional drink or juice in the water.
Freeze-dried food
If you choose to bring a gas stove, but do not want to carry heavy cans or do not have much space left in the hiking backpack for food, you will appreciate the choice of freeze-dried food that can be brought. The selection is large today and you can enjoy everything from chili with rice to tasty lentil tubes.
The big advantage of freeze-dried food is you only need to add water, which saves lots of space and especially weight in your bag.
In order for you to be able to replenish your energy supply, without having to stop or set up your gas stove, it is also good if you bring some form of energy bar, fresh berries or nuts, or perhaps a good fruit that you can eat quickly.
Gas stove
If you walk when it is cold outside, we recommend that you actually prioritize eating hot food, which then means that you also need to bring a gas stove. Gas stoves are not as awkward as you might think and can be packed in the backpack, or hooked on the outside. The development of compact gas kitchens is constantly advancing and for a day hike you do not need a large or advanced gas stove.
As long as water can be boiled, you can enjoy porridge, pasta or hot soup along the hiking trail. If it is cold outside, a gas stove also gives you a little extra heat and you can take one or a few cups of coffee when you are hungry.
Accessories and equipment
Depending on which hiking trail you go on, the list of necessary accessories and equipment can look very different. Maybe it’s very steep where you should go, so the party should be linked with a rope. Or maybe the hiking trail you are going to walk is usually very narrow so you should bring a knife?
We have listed some things below that should be included, no matter where you walk. In addition to this, you can pack with special equipment that makes it easier for you.
Patches and bandages
A day hike can cause both abrasions and minor injuries, which then means that you should always have a band-aid and bandage in case of an accident.
GPS or map
No matter how good the hiking trails are, fog or heavy rain can significantly limit visibility. Even more experienced hikers sometimes get lost and in order for you to be able to find your way back on the main trail, it is important that you bring some form of navigation equipment. This can be as simple as a custom app on your mobile, but if you do not have coverage, a map or separate GPS will be crucial.
You get the best hike if you have all the products that will enhance your experience, but also help you if something goes wrong. A planned hiking trip reduces the risk of an accident occurring and if you pack according to the weather and wind, you do not need to freeze or get too hot.
By following this packing list, you can focus your time and energy on other things!
