What do you really need for a multi-day hike/crossing the Alps? Here's my packing list

Are you planning a multi-day hike or even a complete crossing of the Alps? Then a well-thought-out packing list is your most important companion. In the mountains, every gram counts – and yet you can't leave anything behind.

Too much or too little – that is always the question that divides opinions.

I remember when we were backpacking through Thailand. I packed a pair of underwear for each day, while my friend only packed two : one to wear and one to wash. "Eeeeewwww," I thought back then. Now I only take three pairs of underwear on a multi-day hike.

Here a video of me packing for our alpine Crossing - you don't need much …

Another vivid memory is when we dropped off friends at the train station who wanted to hike the GR 20 in Corsica. Their backpacks were so heavy they could barely lift them. A few days later, they returned – with blisters on their feet and shoulder and back pain. A year later, they set off again, this time with backpacks ten kilos lighter.

What is the maximum weight of your backpack for a multi-day hike?

As a general rule, the backpack should not weigh more than 25-30% of your body weight.

In my case, that would be about 15 kilos. I try to stay well under 10 kilos without water.

Packing list for multi-day hikes

My tip: Shared suffering is half the suffering:

If you're traveling with several people, you can also share some things. This applies not only to heavy items like a tent and cooking utensils, but also to things like a first aid kit, deodorant, shampoo, etc.

My tip: Better safe than sorry:

I pack my things in my backpack in a thick plastic bag. Especially with tech and a change of clothes, it can be fatal if they get wet.

My packing list for multi-day hikes with overnight stays in huts:

Hiking backpack with rain cover - I have the FUTURA PRO JAYPACK - 36 l with removable photo box

Trekking poles - Especially when your backpack is heavy, you should do your bones a favor and take the pressure off them.

hut sleeping bag

Clothes:

1 pair of well-worn hiking boots

3 pairs of socks - I am a big fan of merino wool. It doesn't smell even if it's been worn for a few days.

3 pairs of underpants

2 sports bras

1 pair of hiking pants

1 hiking shorts

1 long-sleeved shirt - merino wool

1 T-shirt - merino wool

1 softshell jacket

1 down jacket

1 hat or buff

1 pair of gloves

1 pair of rain pants

1 wind and rainproof jacket with at least 20,000 mm water column, 3 layers

1 set of light long underwear that I can wear to sleep in or under my long hiking clothes in an emergency.

needle and thread

Duck tape

Sun protection

cap

sunglasses

Sunscreen

Sunblock for the Lippe

Hygiene & Pharmacy

small, light towel (I don't like microfiber, so I use a thin cotton towel)

toothbrush

small toothpaste, or solid toothpaste

Shampoo soap (I cut off as much of the soap as I need for the hike; the soap also serves as my shower gel and laundry detergent.)

Solid conditioner (I can't do without it in my home. Again, I only take as much as I need.)

Pack of blister plasters

Roll of toilet paper (my two-underpants buddy even takes out the carton first)

2 pairs of earplugs (very important for overnight stays in huts!)

Deodorant

1 first aid kit

rescue blanket

Signal whistle (I have it on my backpack)

Catering

1l water bottle that I can also fill with tea.

Water filter with drinking bladder - so I can drink from a stream in an emergency.

Chlorine tablets for emergencies, in case you can't get clean water.

1 Swiss Army knife (including can opener)

Garbage bag, rubber bands and clips

Nuts (I always take enough to last a few days. You can usually buy more somewhere.)

Magnesium tablets (I can't live without them. Otherwise I get cramps)

Orientation/Communication & Photo Equipment

Smartphone/mobile phone with charging cable and app. Download the route in advance.

Headlamp/flashlight

possibly power bank

Camera in waterproof bag

Memory cards and charging cables

Camera cloth

Money & ID

(I always take photos of all documents before traveling and email them to myself, my fellow travelers, or my boyfriend, so I have everything digitally in case of an emergency.)

cash

EC and credit card

identity card

health insurance card

Alpine Club membership card

Additional packing list if you want to camp and have to cater for yourself:

Tent

sleeping bag

ISO mat,

cooker

Bowl/Plate

Pot

Groffel - I have a plastic combo spoon/knife and fork

lighter

sufficient food

thin rope/clothesline

Extra equipment

Of course, depending on the hike, there's additional equipment that's essential. For example, on the Otter Trail in South Africa, you'll definitely need a survival bag so you can "float" your backpack across the river. Is there a lot of snow ? Then you should pack crampons . When hiking in Canada , you'll obviously need bear spray and possibly a bear-proof canister or ropes for hanging things. You can find tips for hiking and camping in Canada here .