How to pack properly for your next hut tour
The route is planned, the sleeping accommodation is reserved, and anticipation is growing. There is just one question left: What goes in the backpack?
For a hut tour, the rule is: You need enough to be prepared for changing weather and unexpected situations. At the same time, you carry every additional gram uphill over many meters of elevation gain.
The key is not to pack for every conceivable situation, but to take exactly what suits your tour.
Your tour determines your packing list
Before opening your backpack, you should first look at the route. One night in a staffed hut requires different equipment than a multi-day tour through high-alpine terrain.
- Ask yourself the following questions before packing:
- How many days will I be away?
- How many meters of elevation gain and kilometers are involved each day?
- How challenging and exposed is the route?
- What weather conditions should I expect?
- Is the hut staffed?
- Are there food and water stops along the way?
- Do I need technical equipment?
Also check directly with the hut what is available on-site. Hut slippers, towels, charging options, and payment methods vary from hut to hut.
What backpack size do I need?
For a hut tour with one overnight stay, a backpack of around 25 to 30 liters is usually sufficient. For multi-day tours, 35 to 40 liters may be suitable.
A larger backpack does not automatically mean more comfort, however. On the contrary: Extra space is usually filled as well.
So choose a backpack that fits well and offers enough space for the necessary equipment. The hip belt and shoulder straps should be easy to adjust so that the weight is distributed as comfortably as possible.
And remember: Less weight means more energy for the tour itself.
Clothing: Flexible rather than excessive
In the mountains, temperatures and weather can change within a short time. You will warm up during the ascent, wind can blow at the summit, and temperatures drop noticeably in the evening outside the hut.
Instead of packing several complete outfits, it is best to rely on functional layers that can be combined flexibly.
R5 Base Layer: Start dry and stay dry
The base layer sits directly against your skin and wicks moisture away. Pack a quick-drying technical shirt or a merino wool shirt.
For multi-day tours, one additional change of shirt is often enough. You do not need a completely new outfit for every day.
Cotton is less suitable for strenuous stages. It retains moisture, dries slowly, and can quickly leave you feeling cold during a break.
R4 Mid Layer: Warmth for breaks and evenings in mountain huts
A lightweight mid layer belongs in your backpack even in summer. Stretch fleece or a lightweight insulated jacket keeps you comfortably warm during cool starts, longer breaks, and in the evening.
Put on the warming layer before you get cold. Especially after a strenuous ascent, the body quickly loses heat during a break.
R2 Softshell: Protection from wind and during movement
A softshell is ideal for dry, windy conditions. It protects you from getting chilled while remaining breathable and offering plenty of freedom of movement.
Depending on the weather, you can wear it directly over the base layer or together with a lightweight mid layer.
R1 Hardshell: Ready for changing weather
A waterproof jacket belongs in your backpack on practically every hut tour. Even if the sun is shining in the morning, the weather can change quickly at higher elevations.
The hardshell should be lightweight, packable, and easy to reach. If the forecast is uncertain or rain is expected to last longer, also pack waterproof overtrousers.
These clothes belong in your backpack
Adjust your selection to the season, altitude, and weather forecast:
- an additional base layer or a dry change of shirt
- a lightweight mid layer
- a softshell or wind-resistant jacket
- a waterproof hardshell
- rain pants, if needed
- lightweight clothes for the hut
- fresh underwear
- an extra pair of hiking socks
- a lightweight hat or headband
- thin gloves
- a cap or sun hat
A tried-and-tested tip: Pack your hut clothing in a waterproof bag. That way, you are guaranteed to have something dry to put on in the evening.
What do I need for an overnight stay?
A mountain hut is not a hotel. The comfort is more basic, space is limited, and not everything is available at all times.
You should bring these things:
- a lightweight hut or travel sleeping bag
- comfortable clothes for sleeping
- earplugs
- a headlamp
- a small microfiber towel
- toothbrush and small tube of toothpaste
- personal hygiene items
- personal medication
- cash and a bank card
- ID card and, if needed, SAC membership card
- smartphone and a compact power bank
Many huts provide hut slippers. It is best to check this before your tour. The same applies to showers, power outlets, and the option to pay by card.
Safety and navigation
Even on what seems like an easy hut tour, the situation can change. Fog, thunderstorms, old snowfields, or taking a wrong turn can turn a leisurely hike into a serious challenge.
The basic equipment should therefore include:
- smartphone with offline map and saved route
- power bank
- small first-aid kit
- blister plasters and tape
- emergency blanket
- Sunglasses
- sunscreen and lip balm
- headlamp
- pocket knife or small multi-tool
- enough drinks and snacks
Depending on the route, you may also need trekking poles, microspikes, crampons, an ice axe, helmet, climbing harness, or other technical equipment. However, such gear should only go in your backpack if it suits the tour and you can use it safely.
Also tell someone about your planned route and your expected return. Don’t rely on having mobile reception throughout the entire route.
Food: Enough energy, minimal bulk
At staffed huts, you can generally get dinner and breakfast. You still need enough energy for the trail.
Good options include:
- Nuts and dried fruit
- Energy or granola bars
- Sandwiches
- Cheese or dried meat
- Durable fruit
- Electrolytes for long, warm stages
How much water you need depends on the duration, temperatures, exertion, and opportunities to refill. Before setting out, check whether you can reliably refill your water along the way.
How to pack your backpack properly
It’s not just what you take with you, but also where you pack it, that makes a difference.
Heavy items should be packed as close to your back as possible. Lightweight and rarely needed items can be stored lower down. Anything you need quickly on the trail should go at the top or in an outside pocket.
These include in particular:
- Rain jacket
- Warm layer
- Snacks
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- First-aid kit
- Map and smartphone
Use small packing cubes to separate clothing, toiletries, and electronics. This helps you find everything faster and protects delicate items from moisture.
Three common packing mistakes
1. Taking a new outfit for every day:
On a hut-to-hut hike, not every item of clothing needs to be fresh every day. Functional materials can be worn multiple times and dry quickly. A dry spare shirt and fresh socks are more useful than several complete outfits.
2. Storing your rain jacket at the very bottom:
When the weather turns, your weather protection needs to be immediately accessible. Always pack your hardshell so you can pull it out in just a few steps.
3. Packing only the evening before:
When packing under time pressure, people often take too much or forget important little things. Lay out your gear well in advance and check each item against the planned route.
Carry less. Experience more.
A good packing list gives you peace of mind without weighing you down unnecessarily. Every item in your backpack should serve a clear purpose and suit your tour.
With lightweight, versatile layers that can be combined in many ways, you’re prepared for strenuous climbs, cool evenings at the hut, and sudden changes in the weather.
This leaves more energy for what a hut-to-hut hike is really about: the trail, the views, and the feeling of arriving exactly where you want to be at the end of the day.
