A list of the essential equipment you’ll need for a mountain trek

When you set off to spend several days in the mountains alone, you need to be ready for all possible situations: weather changes, rest time, meals, etc. Preparing your equipment is a very important part of your trek.
The main thing to remember is that your equipment must be:
- Resistant and reliable – it mustn’t let you down along the way.
- Lightweight and compact because  you’ll be carrying your bag and emptying/refilling it several times.
- Comfortable and secure  because you’ll be walking for a long time in varying weather conditions. The most difficult thing is to figure out what you need in terms of comfort and protection!

If this is your first time trekking in the mountains, it is best to make plans to sleep in a refuge. This reduces the amount of equipment you need to take with you and therefore makes your bag lighter.
Hygiene is a personal matter and some people are reluctant to go without a wash for several days. Therefore, if the refuge has showers, it can be a good option. It is important to note that most refuges require prior booking: make all the necessary arrangements before you set off!

Whatever you choose, one thing is for sure: you are going to have an unforgettable experience in the mountains!
In order to continue to enjoy the beauty of these natural areas in the long term,  it is everyone's duty to hike in a responsible manner.

Below is a list of the essential equipment you’ll need for a 4-day hike: change it to suit the levels of comfort that you’re used to, your specific needs, the duration of your trek and the weather conditions.

☐ Enough underwear
If you plan to wear the same underwear for several days, opt for Merino wool as it limits the smell of perspiration
☐ A breathable short-sleeved t-shirt to stay dry
☐ A pair of trousers and/or shorts (or zip-off trousers) depending on the weather forecast
☐ A Merino wool neck gaiter that you can also use as a  headband or a hat
☐ Waterproof boots with good grip and preferably with high tops
Although a little heavier than your usual trainers, high-top shoes provide better ankle support and safety.
☐ 2–4 pairs of long socks, so that your shoes don’t rub against your skin
When you are starting out, two pairs per day is a good amount. Why? Because if you hike in wet socks, you can guarantee you’ll come home with blisters! So plan to change your socks several times a day, and to dry your wet ones out on your backpack if it is hot.
☐ Flip-flops or other lightweight sandals.
Ideal for giving your feet some air after a long hike or for wearing in the shower at the refuge.

☐ A compact puffer jacket because at altitude it gets cool in the evening, even in the summer.
☐ A long-sleeved top
☐ A pair of warm, lightweight gloves for the evening or if it is forecast to be cold
☐ A  pair of leggings/tights if you get chilly in the evening, essential if you are planning to sleep in a bivouac
☐ Possibly a softshell jacket  and/or a  fleece if you are sensitive to the cold

☐ A waterproof jacket (hardshell) or a poncho in case it rains
☐ A pair of category 3 or 4 sunglasses
☐ A hat or cap
Although the neck gaiter offers some UV protection, a hat or cap has the advantage of not being too warm and offers extra protection if it has a visor.
☐ Possibly some waterproof gaiters for extra protection against the rain or morning dew.

Soft, durable and odour-resistant, Merino wool is suitable for trekking and can be worn all year round.

>> Are you planning to spend the night in a refuge? You will only need: a sleeping bag liner, also known as a "meat bag". Earplugs could also be very useful as you’ll be sleeping in shared dormitories and some people may snore loudly, which might keep you awake. Some refuges do not provide blankets or pillows, so check before you set off to make sure you have the right equipment (duvet, inflatable pillow, etc.).

>> Are you planning to spend the night in a bivouac? Before you set off, make sure that bivouacking is allowed in the area where you are going. In terms of equipment, you will mainly need things that are lightweight and compact:
☐ A tent
☐ A mattress
☐ A sleeping bag and possibly a sleeping bag liner for extra warmth
☐ Cooking equipment (stove, cooking pot, etc.) and freeze-dried meals
If you want to reduce the weight of your bag and not take anything to eat, some refuges allow you to bivouac on their grounds. So you could take a shower and eat a hot meal.

>> Are you planning to sleep under the stars? You will need:
☐ A mattress with a good R-value
☐ A duvet suitable for the temperatures expected during the night
☐ A bivvy bag to protect you from damp
☐ Optional: a tarp or tarp tent and poles in case of bad weather

For more details, read our article on the complete list of equipment to bring with you for your first bivouac. Also read our tips on how to make your first bivouac a success.

☐ A pair of walking poles
No, poles aren’t just for people with bad knees: they have many benefits for all hikers.
☐ A water bottle, and/or a water bag, so that you can carry about 2 litres per day per person (if you plan to bivouac, you should take an extra 2 litres)
If you like to drink cold water all year round, including summer, opt for a double-walled water bottle. Also, take the time to look for water points on your route where you can recharge!
☐ A cookset
☐ A compact gas stove
☐ A gas cartridge for stoves
☐ Dehydrated meals
☐ A headlamp so that you can move around a refuge discreetly, light up a bivouac or bring attention to yourself in case of danger
As an extra, you can also opt for a dynamo flashlight.

☐ Toilet paper, even if you plan to sleep in a refuge.
Toilet paper is used for everything on a trek. Ideally, opt for unbleached paper (i.e. not pink) and don’t leave it lying around once you’ve used it
☐ SPF50 sun cream
☐ Biodegradable solid soap/shampoo to avoid polluting the groundwater if you have a wash surrounded by nature
☐ A toothbrush and biodegradable toothpaste
☐ A towel, preferably a microfibre one because they are more compact
☐ A reusable survival blanket
☐ Sterile compresses and disinfectant for small wounds
☐ Plasters and blister plasters
☐ A repair kit
☐ Possibly: tweezers (for splinters), a mosquito repellent (if the area you are going to is high risk, but this is rarely the case at altitude), a tick-removal tool, sanitary products

Many hikers nowadays set off with their route on a smartphone. But if you prefer "unplugged" outings, you’ll need:
☐ A compass (practice using it before you set off)
☐ A map

Having both a map and a compass keeps you on the right path if ever the trail marking is sparse or not very clear, or if your smartphone runs out of battery. So these are two accessories to have on you "just in case" to avoid taking unwanted detours...

You should only take these accessories with you if you have space and/or a specific need for them.
☐ A water filter, a filtered water bottle and/or water purification tablets. Important if there aren’t any drinking water sources on your trail!
☐ A foam cushion, useful for protecting you from the dampness of the floor when eating or preparing the meal.
☐ An inflatable pillow: a luxury item, but one that many trekkers find it difficult to go without!