Packing list: Day hikes

A day hike is any walking tour where you don’t take all your gear with you, but instead come back to your starting point in the evening. It’s important that you take the equipment you need for one day (without an overnight stay) with you.

Clothing

Sport shirt (short or long sleeves)
Walking socks
Walking boots
Walking trousers / Zip-off trousers
Fleece jacket or jumper
Hardshell jacket / waterproof trousers
Softshell jacket

You should always have these with you, too

Backpack 20-30l
First-aid kit incl. survival blanket and blister plasters
Any personal medications required
Phone with emergency numbers
Map and compass, walking guide books
Head torch
Cash
Any relevant club membership cards
Water bottle and enough water, minimum 1.5l
Pocket knife / multi-tool
Provisions (nuts, bars)
Small garbage bag
ID
GPS device

Optional (depending on the season and the tour)

Hardshell trousers
Beanie
Cap / Buff (neck warmer)
Spare sport shirt
Sun hat or headband
Sunglasses / glacier glasses
Sun protection SPF 30
Sun protection for your lips
Gloves / thin gloves
Adjustable trekking poles
Rain cover for your backpack

If there’s space left in your backpack

Insulated jacket for resting at the summit
Camera
Watch
Binoculars
Snow spikes and/or gaiters (depending on the season and altitude)
Tissues
Tick tweezers
Lighter
Small seat cushion

What might be the biggest advantage of day hikes: mistakes in equipment planning are only a nuisance for one day and can be remedied relatively easily. You should still definitely have a few essentials with you that are necessary for the tour. Everything else then falls into the category of “personal preference” and “habits”.