Trekking Packing List: What to Pack for a Multi-Day Trek

This list is for multi-day treks where you carry your own pack from one night's stop to the next: the Alps hut to hut, the Pyrenees, Patagonia, or teahouse routes in Nepal. It assumes you sleep in huts, refuges or lodges rather than a tent.

The goal is a pack that is light enough to enjoy and complete enough that nothing small ruins a day. Tick things off as you go, and cross out anything your route doesn't need.

Before you pack

Weigh your packed bag at home, then take one more thing out. Every gram is carried every day.
Break in your boots on several long walks before the trip. New boots cause most trek-ending blisters.
Pack in layers, not bulk: thin layers you can add and remove beat one thick jacket.
Keep tomorrow's snacks, map and waterproof at the top of the pack, not the bottom.

Pack and carrying

Backpack, 35–45 litres, with a hip belt that fits you
Waterproof pack liner or rubble sack inside the pack
Rain cover for the pack
2–3 small dry bags to keep clothes and electronics apart
Trekking poles (useful on long descents)

Footwear

Broken-in walking boots or trail shoes
Light camp shoes or sandals for the evening
Gaiters for snow, scree or wet ground (route dependent)

Sleeping

Sleeping-bag liner (most huts and refuges ask for one)
Sleeping bag if your huts or lodges don't provide blankets
Earplugs and an eye mask for shared dormitories

Water and food

Bottles or a hydration bladder holding at least 2 litres
Water filter or purification tablets
Trail snacks for each day: nuts, bars, dried fruit
Electrolyte tablets or powder
Small lightweight mug or cup

Navigation and safety

Paper map of the route in a waterproof case
Phone with offline maps downloaded before you leave
Compass, and know how to use it with your map
Head torch plus spare batteries
Whistle (many pack chest straps have one built in)
Emergency foil blanket
Personal first-aid kit
Blister kit: plasters, tape and blister dressings

Sun and weather

Sunscreen, high factor
Lip balm with sun protection
Sunglasses, with good wrap-around protection for snow or altitude

Documents and money

Passport or ID
Trekking permits, if your route needs them
Travel insurance details that cover trekking at your route's altitude
Hut or lodge booking confirmations
Cash in small notes (many huts don't take cards)
Bank card

Electronics

Phone and charging cable
Power bank, charged
Plug adapter for the country
Camera and spare battery (optional)

Wash kit

Toothbrush and small toothpaste
Travel towel, quick-drying
Hand sanitiser
Toilet paper and small bags to carry it out
Biodegradable soap
Any personal medication, with a copy of the prescription

Trekking packing list