28 May 2012

Everything you need to know when packing for an alpine tour.

If you’ve ever planned an alpine tour over several days in summer, you know exactly what to expect at home before the tough part of the tour, the trek itself, has even begun: packing your bag.

This is a process which needs to be learned: what must I not forget, what can stay at home, where should I pack heavy objects and what will I need first of all? As everyone knows, this is only a small selection of questions you may ask yourself. If you need some assistance with this, then our checklist for an alpine tour will definitely prove helpful.

Checklist for a summer alpine tour over several days:

  • Backpack approx. 40 litres with a rain protection cover
  • Drinking bottle or bladder
  • Small snacks (e.g. muesli bars)
  • First aid kit
  • Glacier goggles
  • Suncream – at least SPF 20
  • Penknife
  • Hiking map / GPS device /compass
  • Mobile phone
  • Trekking poles

 

  • Money
  • ID (e.g. passport)
  • Medical insurance card

 

  • Alpine hiking boots (crampon-ready)
  • Hiking socks
  • Hiking pants
  • Functional underwear
  • Fleece jacket or pullover
  • Functional waterproof jacket
  • Waterproof overtrousers
  • Change of clothes/back-up pair of functional underwear
  • Warm hat/sun protection cap
  • Warm and thin gloves
  • Gaiter

 

Indispensable safety equipment for an alpine tour:

  • Helmet
  • Climbing harness
  • Two screwlock carabiners
  • Double rope, accessory cord, round slings
  • Safety devices
  • Crampon bindings
  • Ice axe

 

For staying in the hut:

  • Outdoor clothes
  • Sleeping bag liner
  • Slippers
  • Earplugs
  • Head torch
  • Wash bag with small hand towel
  • Toiletries
  • Medication kit
  • Tissues

 

TIP 1: Always place heavy objects in the backpack near to your back in order to create optimal load distribution and guarantee movement control.

TIP 2: Objects that will not be needed until arriving at the hut can be stored at the bottom of the backpack. At the hut you will have enough space to unpack your things and pack them again in an orderly fashion.

TIP 3: If the hut lacks provisions then you will need to bring your own. It’s best to pack these at the top so you can access them quickly.

 

We wish you all the best with your packing and have fun on your tour!