Summer hiking gear list
Are you going from cabin to cabin in the mountains this summer and wondering what to pack in your backpack? Here are DNT's tips on what you need to bring on your summer trip.
When packing for the trip in the summer mountains, you must first and foremost think about where and when you will go. Remember that even in the middle of summer, sleet and snow can occur in the high mountains.
Seasons
In spring and autumn, the conditions in the mountains can easily become wintry - in autumn it is common to have snowfall from 1000-1200 meters altitude. Then it is important to bring enough hot change.
In the forest, you can get by with less equipment and it does not have to be of as good quality as in the mountains. The same applies in areas along the coast that are sheltered from the most severe weather.
Apparel
- Rainwear (jacket and trousers)
- Thin windbreaker and hiking pants (with good moisture transport)
- Underwear in wool/wool blend + extra change
- Socks with a lot of wool and a good fit + extra change of clothes
- Wool sweater/jacket or thin down jacket
- Extra hat
- Wool mittens or other mittens/mittens that are warm even when wet
- Light indoor shoes/indoor clothing
- Mountain boots and preferably gaiters
- Shorts and t-shirt (wool/synthetic fibres) if warm weather is forecast
Read more: Tips and advice on how to choose the right hiking shoes and hiking boots (Alfa shoes)
Equipment
- Backpack with the right volume for contents
- Waterproof bag that fits inside the backpack (possibly rain cover on the outside of the backpack)
- Linen bag (possibly light sleeping bag)
- First aid kits with blister plasters and sports tape
- Toiletries (only necessary) and a small/light towel
- Some toilet paper and an extra garbage bag
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent/mosquito net
- Map, compass and map folder, possibly GPS
- Multi-tool + duct tape
- Matches/Lighter
- Small headlamp/flashlight
- Food and drinks for the trip
- Money/cards
- DNT key
- Membership card in DNT (you can easily download this digitally)
- Provisions if you are going to visit unmanned cabins
Such equipment weighs a total of 7-12 kg. Only bring the things you need for the trip, so that the backpack does not become too heavy.
Tip
- Light indoor clothing should be clothing that is also suitable for hiking. With two sweaters, you have one for a trip and the other for use inside the cabin. Rinse/wash wool underwear and socks if necessary when you arrive at the cabin, then the clothes have time to dry until the next day.
- Thin windbreakers are more comfortable to wear than rainwear/shell jackets when it's just windy.
- Also consider bringing a light/thin sleeping pad and an emergency bivouac/survival bag in aluminum for extra safety.
- Feel free to bring GPS, but not as a substitute for a map and compass.
- Charge the battery on your mobile phone before the trip, and save the battery along the way. Remember that large parts of the mountain are without coverage.
- Always carry a reflective vest for use in emergencies
Packing lists
Whether you are going on a summer trip, winter trip, summit trip or day trip, it can be useful to have tips on what you should bring in your backpack. Here you will find all our recommended packing lists.