A trek or long hiking trip requires careful preparation, and to make sure you don't forget anything, nothing beats a checklist. It helps you review exactly what you need to bring without unnecessarily weighing down your pack. Here is the essential trekking gear list to take with you for a stress-free travel experience.
Finding the right balance in your backpack
On your first trek, it can be tempting to pack a large amount of gear "just in case". However, this weighs down your pack and can quickly become a burden. The goal is to find the right balance between what you genuinely need and what can be left behind. Optimising the total pack weight is a key factor in ensuring your comfort throughout the route.
Before you head off, run through your kit using this complete checklist to make sure you're only taking what you need. If some items are listed in the plural (like t-shirts), adjust the quantity based on the length of your trek. Plan to wash your clothes along the way to keep your pack lightweight.
Reducing the weight of your pack also comes down to choosing lightweight gear and quality compact equipment.
Trek gear checklist
Basic gear
- Walking shoes : A good pair of built-to-last, comfortable hiking shoes is essential for varied terrain.
- Hiking socks: Pack suitable socks to prevent blisters and ensure optimal comfort.
- Breathable first-layer clothing: Quick-drying T-shirts and shirts. Avoid cotton, which absorbs too much moisture. Opt for merino wool or technical fabrics.
- Large trekking backpack : Opt for a lightweight, ergonomic backpack model suited to your height and the length of the trek. A capacity of 50 to 70L is generally needed. Choose a comfortable carrying system that distributes the load optimally.
- Trousers (2): Choose a lightweight, resistant hiking Trousers model designed for the mountains.
- Waterproof jacket: Lightweight and effective for protection in the rain.
- Overtrousers or rain trousers: Useful for protecting your legs from rain or mud.
- Swiss Army knife : Handy in a variety of situations (meal preparation, repairs...).
- Sun cream: Protecting yourself from the sun is essential, even on cloudy days.
- Sleeping bag liner (bivvy bag): For added comfort and hygiene during a bivvy.
- Wash bag: For personal hygiene (toothbrush, small glove, soap, nail file...).
- Biodegradable soap: To respect the environment during personal hygiene.
- Rain cover: To protect your backpack in the event of rain.
- Water bottle or hydration system: Make sure you have a good water supply. Allow 2 to 3L of water per day of walking.
- Map: For navigation.
- Compass and curvimeter: Essential tools for navigating your routes and distances.
- Emergency blanket: Useful in an emergency.
- GPS: If you're planning on tackling challenging or unmarked terrain.
- Headlamp: Essential for visibility outdoors after dark. Bring a spare battery.
- First aid kit : Remember to include antiseptics, gauze pads, blister plasters for your feet, painkillers, etc.
- Lighter: Always useful for lighting a fire or in any emergency situation.
- Toilet paper : Always keep a supply.
- Notepad and pen: For taking notes or leaving messages.
- Water filter or micro-pur tablets: To purify water when you're out in the field.
- Hiking poles: Help reduce fatigue and improve balance.
- Waterproof or compactable pouches: To protect your belongings from moisture.
- Topo guide or guidebook: A great companion for navigating and discovering routes.
Fully self-sufficient bivvy gear
If you're heading out fully self-sufficient with a bivvy rather than staying in a mountain hut, add these items to your trek kit:
- Food: Prepare energy-boosting meals, freeze-dried food or snacks to keep you going all day.
- Camping stove: Lets you prepare your meals out in the wild.
- Mess kit and cutlery: Preferably lightweight and compact.
- Sleeping bag: Choose a model suited to the expected temperature.
- Sleeping mat: For added comfort and insulation during the night.
- Lightweight tent or Tarp: A simple, effective shelter for sleeping dry.
- Mosquito net: Ideal if you're heading to an area with a high mosquito population.
Gear for hiking at altitude or in cold weather
To prepare for a high-mountain trek in cold or high-altitude areas, remember to pack:
- Warm clothing : Fleece jacket and breathable thermal base layer. In very cold conditions, pack a warm, compactable down jacket.
- Beanie: To protect your head from the cold.
- Neck warmer: Effectively shields against wind and cold.
- Gloves: Pack Gloves suited to cold temperatures and waterproof in case of snow.
- Thermos: Handy for keeping your drinks warm.
- Warm fleece Trousers: Ensures essential thermal insulation during cool evenings or bivvies.
Trekking in warm weather
If you're heading to warm regions, pack the following in your hiking kit:
- Hat or cap: To protect your head from the sun.
- Shorts or bermuda shorts: More breathable, suited to high temperatures.
- Mosquito-repellent clothing: For protection against bites.
- Sunglasses: To protect your eyes from UV rays.
Useful accessories not to forget for a trek
A few items that can also come in very handy on a hike:
- Plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- Rubbish bag: For carrying out your waste.
- Soft flask with bite valve: Handy for drinking on the move. A filtered water bottle can also come in useful depending on the region.
- Spare Laces: In case your Laces break.
- Needle and thread: For repairing your gear when needed.
- Gaiters: Protect your legs and shoes from the elements.
- Towel: For drying off after a swim or when washing.
- Contact lenses or spare glasses: In case of loss or trouble with your regular sunglasses.
- Anti-theft pouch and document holder: To keep your important belongings safe.
- Power bank : For recharging your smartphone or torch.
- Tick remover: A recommended accessory for reducing the risk of contracting Lyme disease.
- Camera: To capture the scenery forever!
This list can be adapted based on your destination, experience and the specific weather conditions of your trek. Always make sure you're well informed about local conditions before setting off and adjust your hiking gear accordingly. You're now ready to head out well equipped and with complete peace of mind to explore the hills and valleys!
