SUMMER PACKING LIST

Preparing for a hut-to-hut tour requires careful planning of your equipment and clothing to best tackle the challenges of the trail while ensuring comfort and safety throughout the hike. The following list covers everything you’ll need for a summer tour, taking into account the variable conditions of mountain weather and the need to travel light yet fully equipped. Before setting off, make sure to adjust the list according to your personal needs and the specifics of the route you plan to take.

BACKPACK

A backpack for a hut-to-hut tour should be designed to provide comfort, stability, and practicality during long hikes. The first thing to consider is the backpack capacity. 30-35 liters is a good size for a 2-3 day tour, but for longer itineraries, it's better to opt for a 45-50-liter backpack with a maximum weight of around 8 kilograms (excluding water). However, it’s important that it’s not too large to avoid carrying unnecessary weight.
The backpack should have a padded waist belt and adjustable shoulder straps to better fit the body, improve weight distribution, and reduce the risk of back pain. A good ventilation system on the back helps reduce sweating and improve breathability, which is particularly useful during long walks on hot summer days. It's also important that the backpack has a waterproof coating or includes an integrated rain cover to protect the contents in case of rain. Once you've chosen your travel companion, it’s now crucial to organize all your gear properly using all available compartments.

CLOTHING

For a hut-to-hut tour, you’ll need several spare clothing items, but don’t overload your backpack: in the huts, you'll have the chance to wash smaller items like socks, t-shirts, and underwear, which need to be changed frequently. When selecting clothing for a multi-day tour, the key is to keep your body dry, warm, and protected while considering weight and functionality. The winning solution is layering to create a clothing system that can adapt to varying weather conditions and allow you to easily regulate your body temperature.

- WATERPROOF AND WINDPROOF JACKET: a waterproof and windproof jacket is a must for any hut-to-hut tour, even in summer. The mountains are unpredictable, subject to rapid weather changes. In summer, temperatures can range from 5 to 25 degrees at 2,000 meters of altitude, but even on the clearest days, disturbances and subsequent drops in temperature are always possible. The ideal solution? A summer waterproof jacket with a breathable membrane, paired with a removable inner layer, like fleece, to be prepared for anything without sacrificing practicality.
- FLEECE: a fleece jacket is perfect for cooler evenings at the hut, when you want to enjoy the fresh air or watch the sunset. Fleece fabric has properties similar to wool, trapping air to keep the body warm and dry. It’s the perfect mid-layer between the t-shirt and jacket.
- T-SHIRTS: a sufficient number of t-shirts (two or three) will be enough for the entire tour: one to wear during the hike, a clean one to wear at the hut in the evening, and a spare one, in case you can't wash the one you've worn or if it doesn't dry overnight. It’s also a good idea to bring a long-sleeve shirt, for a warmer option if needed, though it's not essential. We recommend synthetic fabrics that allow the skin to breathe, are lightweight, and dry quickly. Avoid cotton, as it’s heavier, retains moisture, and doesn’t dry quickly. A cotton t-shirt can be a good option once you're at the hut as a comfortable change for the night.
- PANTS: pants should be comfortable, functional, and breathable, and preferably quick-drying and abrasion-resistant. We recommend avoiding shorts. 
- THERMAL UNDERWEAR: if you're planning a hut-to-hut tour in mid-summer, you probably won’t need thermal underwear. However, if temperatures drop unexpectedly, you’ll be prepared. Thermal underwear is highly recommended at the beginning of the season (June) and at the end (September-October), when temperatures are lower, and there's a chance of snow at higher altitudes.
- SOCKS: it’s best to choose technical fabric socks. These are designed to minimize rubbing and blister formation, fit snugly on the foot, and most importantly, dry quickly. Two or three pairs of socks will be sufficient, preferably long ones.
- WATERPROOF CLOTHING: waterproof clothing is essential during a hut-to-hut tour, even in the summer, as the Alps’ warmer months, like July and August, are often characterized by afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Even if the forecast is good, rain may suddenly appear. The most practical solution is a poncho that covers the backpack, preferably with a hood and zipper or buttons. In case of heavy rain, it can be combined with waterproof pants.
- EXTRAS: a hat, gloves, neck warmer, and earband can be useful in june or september/october. In the hottest summer months, we recommend a bandana or cap to protect your head from sun exposure.

SHOES

Choosing the right footwear should never be underestimated. You’ll be walking many kilometers each day on uneven terrain, with varying temperatures and weather conditions: your shoes will be the most important piece of your equipment. For a hut-to-hut trek, we highly recommend high hiking boots that cover the ankle to protect it from potential injuries. The sole should be soft and flexible to absorb shocks and prevent them from being transferred to your legs with every step, and the outer material should be waterproof (preferably Gore-Tex, with a Vibram sole). If you're buying new boots and don’t already have a pair, wear them several times before your trip to break them in and allow the inner fabric and sole to adapt to the shape of your foot. This small precaution will help reduce the risk of blisters.

- LIGHT SHOES: You can bring lighter, clean shoes to wear at the hut, such as sandals or slippers.

WATER BOTTLE

For a multi-day tour, a 2-liter water bottle is generally the best choice, as it provides enough water for the entire day without being bulky. When choosing a water bottle, it’s important to consider both practicality and durability. Stainless steel or aluminum bottles are very sturdy and safe, don’t alter the taste of the water, but may be heavier compared to other options. BPA-free plastic bottles, on the other hand, are lightweight and easy to carry, but tend to be less durable and might retain odors if not properly cleaned. Another lighter alternative is the "camel bag," a plastic bladder (typically 2L capacity) with a long straw. It’s often used by athletes running in the mountains, as it provides the convenience of constant hydration without the need to stop.

SLEEPING LINER

If you’re doing a hut-to-hut tour, it’s necessary to bring a sleeping liner, which is explicitly required by the hut staff for hygiene reasons. The huts provide pillows and blankets.

PERSONAL HYGIENE ITEMS

All huts provide the basic hygiene essentials as required by regulations. However, you’ll need to bring your own personal items, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, wet wipes, and some toilet paper. Wet wipes are particularly useful when a shower isn’t available, such as during times of water scarcity or in locations with limited water supplies. It’s also recommended to bring a towel, regardless of the type of accommodation in the huts. Microfiber towels are the best choice: lightweight, compact, and quick-drying

OTHER ACCESSORIES

- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen with an appropriate UV protection level
- Lip balm with UV protection
- First aid kit and medications
- Mobile phone and charger
- Power bank
- Headlamp
- Multi-tool knife
- Camera
- Snacks
- Earplugs
- Crampons or microspikes, gaiters (trails on shaded slopes may be icy in June, September, and October)
-Cash in local currency – many huts do not accept credit cards

MANDATORY TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT

Mountaineering equipment is only required for specific tours and is not necessary for hut-to-hut hiking tours.
- Via ferrata kit, harness, and helmet (provided by Campo Base for all guided tours that include via ferrata routes)
- Mountaineering equipment (provided by Campo Base for all guided tours that include glacier crossings)
- Crampons (mandatory for the Stelvio tour – available for rent on-site)