What to Pack on a Hiking Trip to the Alps

Your Boots

There used to be a solitary thing known as a hiking boot. It was leather, had a stiff sole, and, at the very least, covered your ankles. Nowadays, a wide range of options are considered appropriate for hiking. These options range from a lightweight trail running shoe to a heavy full-shank mountaineering boot. The right boot for your Alps hiking trip most likely falls somewhere in the middle. 

Local alpine clubs maintain the trails of the Alps but this doesn’t mean they are paved gravel tracks. You will have dusty sections, some slippery roots, and passages that are a little rough and rocky. If you get some wet weather, you can have mud too. The sole of your boot is your interface with this complex terrain, so when choosing a boot, the sole is where you should look first. Look for a sole with reasonably large lugs made from a quality rubber such as Vibram. 

If you have been using lightweight trail running style shoes or boots already and love them, great, but the Alps isn’t the place to see if the new lightest shoe ever made is as good as they say. We find that medium-weight trekking shoes or boots work best for multi-day trekking. As for ankle height, we feel this is a personal choice. A high ankle will give you more support, that’s for sure. So, if you are worried about rolling an ankle, factor that in when making your choice.

Whatever you choose, wear them extensively before getting on the plane. This also goes for those who have a pair of boots that they have been wearing for years and are in the cupboard waiting for their next adventure. It’s very common for the sole to fall right off an old trusty pair of boots two days into a two-week trip, so if they are on their last legs, it is probably time for them to retire.

Clothing

Base Layer

In hot or cold weather, a good-quality, moisture-wicking and close-fitting base layer is an excellent foundation for staying comfortable while you hike through the high mountains. Synthetic or merino wool fabrics are best. Cotton, on the other hand, tends to get wet and stay wet. It drains heat away from your body when the temps are cold and makes hot days sweatier than they need be.

Mid Layer 

The purpose of a mid-layer is to hold warmth by trapping air around the body. Typically, mid-layers are fleece or thick wool but more recently, synthetic technology has been able to replicate those heat-trapping qualities at a fraction of the weight. We recommend you get your mid-layers with a full or half zip, as it can be an easy body temperature quick fix throughout your day just by opening and closing it. 

Outer Layer

There are two types of outer layers that you may need in the Alps: a shell and an insulating layer. 

As we have discussed above, your raingear is a vital piece of kit when trekking in the Alps. This rainproof and windproof shell goes everywhere with you when hiking in the Alps. 

An insulating layer such as a down jacket can also be an invaluable companion. It won’t be needed out on the trail every day during the hiking season but there are few better feelings than sitting in a warm puffy jacket on an alpine terrace as the sun goes down drinking a beer or wine after a great day hiking.

Other Clothing to Bring for the Trail

You will also need to pack a few long and short-sleeved shirts, long and short pants, gloves, sunglasses, a few pairs of good hiking socks, and two hats–one warm and one for the sun.