The ultimate hiking packing list

Below is my personal list for packing for overnight hiking and photography trips, recommended for our workshops! Some workshops require more or less, see footnotes for details.

General Tips

Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable and we should always be prepared for all weather circumstances. Merino wool is also preferable over cotton in almost all circumstances as it dries faster and breathes better, this can be crucial if you find yourself in the rain or wind!

Clothing

  • Hiking boots or trail runners, whichever you are most comfortable wearing. Make sure they’re worn in, there is nothing worse than blisters from a brand new pair of boots on a multi-day trek!

  • Thermal base layers. While it may not be cold enough to need these, it can get quite chilly in the higher alpine and is better to be warm.

  • Fleece layer jacket or pullover

  • Warm down jacket, one that can be packed down small is very convenient

  • Windbreaker / Goretex rain jacket

  • Rain pants (optional)

  • Hiking pants or leggings

  • Hiking shorts

  • Hiking tops

  • Woollen hiking socks

  • Woollen beanie

  • Cap or bucket hat

  • Buff (optional, but is excellent to keep the sun off your neck and when wet and cool you down)

  • Thin gloves (these will be very useful for cooler sunset/sunrise or astro photography)

  • Merino underwear

  • Bathers for lake dips

  • Casual clothing for towns

  • Sandals. Sometimes it is fantastic to be able to change to your own Birkenstocks or Teva sandals in the huts after a day of hiking in boots. Otherwise crocs or sandals are often provided in huts (boots are not allowed to be worn inside)

Equipment

  • Day pack for hiking and overnight hikes, approximately 30L suffices. We won’t be away from the vehicles or civilisation for more than 1 night at a time, so larger multi-day packs are not required.

  • Duffel bag to store items not being taken overnight on the hikes. Please no large, hard suitcases (for space in vehicles).

  • Sleeping bag liner and pillow case. This is mandatory for the overnight hikes in huts where linen is not provided on the beds.

  • Camping pillow

  • Headlamp + spare batteries

  • Sunglasses

  • SPF 30-50 sunscreen

  • Eye mask and ear plugs (we share dorm rooms, I highly recommend!)

  • Small first aid kit

  • Personal medical kit

  • Personal hygiene products (small containers is best for hiking to reduce weight!)

  • Fast-drying small towel

  • Water bottle or camel pack. Tap water is drinkable and places to refill are very frequent.

  • Your favourite snacks

  • Your camera equipment

  • Spare batteries and SD cards

  • Book or E-Reader

  • External Hard drive

  • Laptop (optional)

  • Universal plugs and chargers

  • Portable battery (suggested)