In a nutshell
- Planning a hiking vacation but not sure what to pack? We’ve got you covered with our complete hiking packing list — so you won’t forget a thing.
- We’ve put together two separate lists: one for a hiking vacation built around day hikes, and one for multi-day hikes — including camping and mountain hut options.
- The golden rule for any hiking trip: pack light. Every item on these lists earns its place — and we’ll tell you exactly what you can leave at home.
Hiking Packing List for Day Hikes
First up: our packing list for a hiking vacation built around day hikes. No overnight gear needed here — just the essentials to get you out on the trail and back safely.
Our day hike packing list as a pdf download
Hiking Clothes
- Hiking boots
- Hiking pants
- Hiking shirt
- Hiking socks
- Comfortable underwear
- Sports bra
- Hiking jacket
Weather-Dependent Hiking Clothes
- Warm jacket
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants
- Neck gaiter
- Gloves
- Beanie
- Hat/cap (sun protection)
Hiking Gear
- Hiking backpack
- Phone/camera
- Trekking poles
- Backpack rain cover
- Sunglasses
- Trail map (paper or digital)
Tech & First Aid
- First aid kit
- Sunscreen
- Bug repellent if needed
- Tissues
- Charging cable
- Portable charger
- Toilet paper
Food & Drinks
- Water bottle (at least 1 liter of water, up to 3 liters depending on the length of the hike)
- Alternative: Hydration bladder with drinking tube
- Snacks
Packing List for Multi-Day Hikes
When you’re heading out on a multi-day hike, you’ll need everything from the day hike list, plus quite a bit more — it’s all covered in the checklist below.
Here we’ll focus only on the extra gear you need beyond the day hike essentials.
Our multi-day hike packing list as a pdf download
Clothes for Multi-Day Hikes
- Extra hiking clothes
- Flip-flops
- Warm socks
- Evening clothes (long or short)
- Pajamas
- Swimsuit/bikini if needed
- Travel towel
- Extra underwear
- Extra socks
Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Razor
- Creams
- Tweezers
- Bug spray if needed
- Condoms
- Shampoo
- Travel-size laundry detergent
- Earplugs
- Tampons/pads
- Hairbrush & hair ties
Documents, Electronics & Practical Items
- Wallet (ID, credit card, cash, passport and vaccination record if needed)
- Phone charging cable
- Portable charger if needed
- Entertainment (book, puzzle book, cards)
Hiking gear if you're camping
- Tent + accessories
- Sleeping pad
- Sleeping bag
- Camp stove
- Small pot
- Gas canister
- Lighter
- Camping cutlery
- Small cup/mug
- Headlamp
- Clothesline
- Food provisions
- Trash bags
Hiking gear if you're staying in mountain huts
- Hut sleeping bag liner
- Trash bags
- Food provisions
General Packing Tips for Hiking Trips
One rule always applies when building your hiking packing list: less is more! You’re carrying all that weight on your shoulders the entire time, and it adds up fast. Skip anything you’re not sure you’ll use, and always go for the lightest clothing and gear you can find.
Packing Tips for Extreme Hikes
This hiking trip packing list is designed for normal climate conditions. If you’re planning hikes in the jungle, at extreme altitudes, or in snow, you’ll need to adjust your gear accordingly.
For these kinds of challenging hikes, we strongly recommend always checking with local experts about what you’ll need.
