Packing List for 4- Days of Mountaineering in the Alps

Are you planning a trip to the Alps to do some mountaineering? This is exactly what I packed for four days of mountaineering in the Austrian and Slovenian Alps. This list covers spring, fall, and summer conditions in the high alpine.

Clothes

1. Lightweight Hiking Pants– 2 Pairs- My favorites are the Kuhl hiking pants and the REI hiking pants.
2. Rain Pants– I like these Patagonia Rain Pants
3. Climbing Pants– Topanga makes the best Climbing Pants on the market, perfect for a mountain trek like this
4. Base Layer– I prefer these, as they are comfy and lightweight
5. Shirts– 2 Quick Dry shirts, one button-up
6. Wool Socks– I have three pairs of socks for hiking, my favorite is from the brand Darn Tough. I also have one large pair of wool socks for sleeping and relaxing in the hut.
7. Chaco Slides– used for relaxing in the hut after a long day, lightweight, indestructible.
8. Merino wool mid-layer– I like this one from The North Face, can be worn alone or paired with other layers
9. Sun Hoodie– For those hot days when you don’t want to be sunburnt in the Alps.

Fun Fact: UV increases by 1 for every 1000 feet of elevation gain.

1. Down Jacket– This one from Patagonia is my go-to for every adventure, a must-bring.
2.  Gore-Tex Shell Jacket– This one from Kuiu is amazing. It keeps you dry in snow, rain, or hail and vents well.
3. Leather Gloves-These ones from Kinco do the trick for me. They’re cheap, warm, and very durable.
4. Face Buff-A lightweight buff on your face is a game-changer. Keeping your face from getting wind burnt and sunburnt.
5. Sunglasses-Get some huge sunglasses that make you look like you know what you’re doing. That’s what I did.
6. Beanie– for the coldest mornings, a nice beanie is essential.
7. Gaiters are a very underrated piece of gear for hikers. Gaiters keep your legs dry and protect them from rocks and brush. They also ensure that your crampons don’t get caught in shoe laces or excess paint.
8. Hiking Boots-I use the Crispi Nevada GTX. These are really expensive but so worth it. You want a sturdy and warm boot; mountaineering-style boots are preferred. Make sure that your boots fit with your crampons.

Technical Gear

(I’m not that good at climbing, but this worked for me. Most of my gear is from Black Diamond but I think that you should get different gear if you are going to get serious about mountaineering. Modify your list to what you know how to use.)

1. Climbing Harness– Used to rope up and complete the Via Ferrata sections on your climb. Essential.
2. Via Ferrata– This is very helpful for the via ferrata portions of the expedition. It is easy to use and lightweight. Everyone should have this.
3. ATC– Used to repel with rope. Could be used for lots of things.
4. Alpine Draws- Here are my favorites
5. 12 cm Quickdraws– here are my favorite
6. Personal Anchor– secure yourself to an anchor or the Via Ferrata for a break.
7. 30m Mountaineering Rope– Optional for this climb but if you are not comfortable doing technical climbs with crampons you should rope up.
8. Lots of Carabiners– These are my favorites. Carry a generous amount. So many uses.
9. Ice Axe– I like the black diamond Raven 70cm, solid tool. Get the leash for it too.
10. Crampons– I have these generic Black Diamond crampons, but if you have mountaineering or ski boots, get crampons specifically made for them. The crampons I linked will fit most boots.
11. Helmet– You should be wearing a helmet to protect you from falling debris during the climb. I like this helmet.
12. Headlamp- Essential, for starting early in the day or pulling a late one.

Camera Gear

1. 2000s Camcorder– for funny blogs or nature shots, the battery lasts forever. Don’t drain your phone battery.
2. Insta 360 x4– Great pictures, great videos, ideal for solo travelers. Get the invisible selfie stick.
3. GoPro Hero 11– To get that sick climbing first-person POV you have always wanted. (check out my Instagram to see the POV video from this trip)
4. Power Banks- There is no power in the huts. Use one power bank to charge your phone. Bring an extra to charge cameras.

Camping Gear

1. Down Quilt– best quilt on the market, very lovely for the huts since they often aren’t heated. No need to bring a sleeping mat.
2. Packable Pillow – I like this one because it’s lightweight; most of it comes down to personal preference with pillows.
3. Stove- like the MSR Pocket Rocket because it’s indestructible and lightweight.
4. Pot– Bring a pot to boil water in for hot drinks and meals if you are staying in the winter rooms. If you are in the huts, they will have hot water and meals.
5. Dehydrated meals– I like the Peak Meals because they are quick and high in protein. I bought most of my food for the trip at the local grocery store.

Pro Tip: You can’t fly with propane canisters so buy them once you arrive at the nearest city to the trailhead.

Hygiene

1. Toothpaste/Toothbrush- Use the small travel sets to save weight and space.
2. Lotion- Always good for sunburns and to keep your skin from cracking.
3.  Chapstick– Your lips get chapped 10 times faster in the mountains.
4. Aquafor– Good for preventing parts of your face from getting chapped.
5. Sunscreen- DO NOT FORGET SUNSCREEN on a mountain trek with snow, you will have a terrible burn after.
6. Gold Bond powder- Can be used for basically anything, great for your feet after a long day in the hiking boots.
7. Black Label Supplements-If you want to feel energized and hydrated during your trek through the alps without the crash, use Black Label Supplements Pure Power and Pure Hydration. These are both essential supplements for the mountains. Use code: SCOTT at checkout for 15% off your next order.

This is a comprehensive list of what I brought on my four-day spring trek through the Alps. It should be modified to your specific needs and level of comfort. Don’t use this as your only resource for packing,