I pack these things on multi-day (usually 3-5 days) hiking trips to the Alps or other “serious” mountains where I usually stay in serviced mountain huts with occasional bivouacking in shelters. It is rare that I camp though as it is mostly forbidden in the Alps.

  • Backpack: The North Face Terra 45l - comfy but not waterproof, needs a rain cover. Also not extensible at the top.
  • Hiking boots: Lowa Vantage GTX - not the best boots of my life but does the job up to 3000+ meters in summer and works OK in winter conditions too. Size 44 1/2, one size bigger than my street shoes.
  • Sleeping bag: Freetime Micropak 800D - mixed synthetic and dawn for 3C/-2C/-18C, 0.8kg. For me the comfort zone ends somewhere around 7C. Only carry this if bivouacking or staying in unserviced mountain huts.
  • Sleeping bag liner: aka. Hüttenschlafsack - when only staying in serviced huts.
  • Hydration bag: Deuter Streamer 2l - not the best fit for my backpack but does the job.
  • Hiking socks: 3 pairs, mid-length, mostly synthetic or mixed with wool.
  • T-shirts: 3 synthetic ones.
  • Pants: Zajo Argon II softshell pants for weather below 10C, somewhat waterproof. Or The North Face zip-off pants for warm weather, or to change into in huts.
  • Base layer pants: synthetic - in case it gets cold, or for sleeping.
  • Belt: Generic synthetic straps with plastic buckles.
  • Underwear: 3 pieces of synthetic trunk briefs, nothing fancy.
  • Gloves: light gloves for 5C to -5C and rainproof covers - I use my cycling shoes on these hikes.
  • Baseball cap: a black cap from Vaude - should choose a bright color next time.
  • Hat: Vaude cycling cap for cold and windy weather, fits under the baseball cap.
  • Buff: 66 North in case it gets really cold.
  • Light sweater: Dare2B synthetic sweater.
  • Warm sweater: Meru synthetic sweater.
  • Rain jacket: from Jack Wolfskin, needs to be replaced as it is only waterproof for 15 minutes.
  • Rainproof pants: from Decathlon, same problem, will be replaced.
  • Flipflops: to wear in huts, or on transportation.
  • Toothbrush: cut short to fit in a small Ziploc bag.
  • Tooth paste: in a travel tube that I regularly refill.
  • Soap: a small piece of bar soap.
  • Sunscreen: 50 SPF in a 50ml bottle.
  • Roll-on deo: “portable shower”, 25ml travel deo from DM.
  • Wet wipes: 10 piece travel pack.
  • Tissues: 2-3 per day, can also serve as toilet paper.
  • Lip scrubs: Labello 20 SPF.
  • Razor: when I feel like shaving.
  • Hand disinfectant: better than not washing hands, in a refillable 30ml bottle.
  • FFP2/3 mask: when travelling in bug season.
  • Pocket knife: Victorinox Swiss Army - Knife, can opener, bottle opener and tweezers are essential (the latter for removing ticks).
  • Spork: Light My Fire Titanium - broke too many of the plastic version.
  • Water purifier: Microups tabs - For emergencies if drinking from lakes or rivers is the only option.
  • Salt: 10g - Just in case.
  • Small foldable backpack: Decathlon Kalenji - for small detour hikes or transporting the boots when not hiking.
  • Emergency blanket: for various cold or wet incidents.
  • Towel: Sea to Summit Dry Lite microfibre towel, medium size.
  • Earplugs: Pluggerz SleepSleep Uni-Fit - I’m a very shallow sleeper.
  • Eye mask: Did I say I am a shallow sleeper?
  • Headlamp: Petzl Actic Core with Petzl Core battery - Chargeable via USB, also takes regular AAA batteries.
  • Batteries: 3 x AAA non-rechargeable batteries in case the ones in the headlamp die.
  • Documents: ID, credit card, debit card, plenty of cash (many huts are cash-only), health insurance card, organ donor card, emergency contacts on paper, driver’s license.
  • Phone: iPhone 13 mini with offline maps downloaded in OsmAnd.
  • Emergency contacts on the phone: I have at least two contacts anyone can call from my phone without unlocking it.
  • Music, podcasts: saved offline on my iPhone for entertainment while travelling or in huts. I also have a white noise track in case earplugs are not enough like someone snoring next to me.
  • Battery pack: Hama PD10HD 100000mAh - Can charge the phone at least twice.
  • Charging cables: iPhone lightning cable, mini USB A cable for the lamp.
  • Charger: iPhone USB A charger (EU) version - Small and can charge all the gadgets.
  • Repair kit: zip ties, a piece of duct tape, rubber bands, small rope, needle and floss.
  • Medical kit: Paracetamol for fiber and pain, activated carbon for stomach problems, wound plasters, blister plasters. I should also buy a small dose of wound disinfectant.
  • Earphones: Sennheiser MP50 - White noise can help tuning out souds of nature - with 3.5mm jack to Lightning converter (fuck Apple for ditching the jack).
  • Glasses: I’m short sighted, can’t see anything without them.
  • Microfiber cloth: for cleaning my glasses.
  • Contact lenses: currently Acuvue Oasys 1-Day with HydraLuxe - I am experimenting with daily contact lenses so that I can wear sunglasses.
  • Eye drops: Gelone 10ml - for rewetting while wearing contacts.
  • Sunglasses: Rockrider (Decathlon) XC 100 with blue lens.
  • Compass: for finding my way in fog when the phone died. Should also carry a paper map, which I usually don’t.
  • Hiking poles: Komperdell Tribulaun - makes me faster uphill, engages my upper body and protects my bad knees downhill.
  • Stuff sacks: Sea to Summit (6L, 15L) - Large for clothes, small for accessories, plus a few small ones.
  • Pocket stove: from Esbit, with fuel cubes - cookware is optional, not needed when staying in serviced huts.
  • Metal mug: 400ml, cooks tea, coffee or one portion of noodles.
  • Piece of aluminium foil: to cover the mug or wrap things.
  • Lighter: for the stove or making fire.
  • Tea bags, instant coffee, dehydrated milk: to get a kick or have a nice herbal tea before going to bed.
  • Small textile napkin: for cooking, eating and cleaning cookware.
  • Food: highly depends on where I am staying. When possible, I eat dinner and breakfast at the huts.
  • Ziploc bags: 1l size - in case I need to pack something.
  • Ebook reader: Kindle Paperwhite with padded case - For falling asleep or train rides - I broke my kindle recently and have no replacement yet. Books on the phone or newspapers that I can throw away do the job as well.

When my trips involve long train trips or flights, I also have a MacBook 12” Retina (2017) that only weighs 0.92kg and is OK for getting some work done.