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Sample Packing List

Hut-to-Hut and Inn-to-Inn Hikes

What to Bring:

Most of our hut-to-hut hikes and inn-to-inn hikes are not van supported. Extra luggage not needed on the trip will meet you at the end of the hike. Below is some information about what you need to bring. This list has been carefully considered and we feel that it will cover all eventualities. As you can see it doesn’t add up to all that much. We are happy to put you in touch with past participants who will tell you of their experiences.

The beauty of the European style of hiking is that it is not necessary to carry camping gear and provisions. Essentially, all you need to carry is your clothes and lunch items. The following is a sample-packing list geared toward keeping your pack as light as possible. Packs should weight about 15 – 25 lbs.

Though we encourage you to pack as light as possible, don't skimp on the essentials. To be prepared for cold and/or inclement weather we cannot emphasize enough the need for warm clothes, good raingear and comfortable hiking boots. Having the appropriate clothing and gear will add to your enjoyment, comfort, and safety.

Equipment and Special Items

Hiking Boots: We recommend that you choose your boots carefully, as your feet will be your main source of transportation. Your boots should fit well and be well broken in. If your feet are happy, you will be happy.

Merrell, Asolo, Lowa, and Salomon are companies that make quality hiking boots in both leather and fabric. Any outdoor store including L.L. Bean, REI, EMS, should be able to help you.

Raingear: We cannot over emphasize enough the importance or good raingear, tops and bottoms. While we recommend Gore-Tex type raingear, Marmot and Patagonia make lightweight raingear using other waterproofing treatments. The “Go Lite” brand makes lightweight raingear both tops and bottoms.

Backpacks: The trend now in packs is more toward ultra-light designs. Go Lite, Gregory, and Granite Gear all make packs that weigh around 2 lbs. themselves and that will carry between 20 and 30 lbs. of gear comfortably. A pack size of 35 - 54 liters or 2,300 - 3,500 cubic inches should be adequate. Kelty, Dana Designs, Osprey, Mountainsmith, REI, EMS and LL Bean all make great mid-sized packs as well.

Walking Sticks: Walking sticks are very useful. They add a third point of contact helping with balance and take some of the strain off your knees on descents. Leki is a popular brand name.

Packing List

Though we always hope for warm and sunny weather it can be cold and rainy/snowy in July and August too. Temperatures can range from 32 at night to 80 during the day. To be prepared for rain, it's a good idea to pack your clothes in a plastic bag or zip-lock bags inside your pack or use a waterproof pack cover. Backpacks are not waterproof.

When selecting clothing think about dual-purpose clothes and about layering for warmth and keeping dry. It is better to have several layers you can take off and put on one at a time versus one heavy layer.

A word about cotton: When cotton gets damp/sweaty/wet not only does it becomes heavy and takes forever to dry, more significantly, it draws warmth from your body. It has no insulating properties. On a long cold rainy day, wet cotton next to your body is not only uncomfortable it can cause hypothermia.

Fleece and synthetic fabrics on the other hand are light Wt and retain their insulating qualities. They keep you warm even when wet and dry quickly. There are many excellent synthetic fabrics known by many different names: fleece, PolarTec, Synchilla, Polar fleece, Capilene, bergelene, Coolmax, polypro, Supplex, Dryline etc. and come in many weights and styles. Any reputable gear store will carry a good selection.

Do not substitute cotton long underwear, sweatshirts or sweatpants for fleece, synthetic or wool sweaters, pants, or long underwear.

The Essentials

Specialized gear:

• 1 Pack – approximately 3,000 cubic inches or 40 liters.
• 1 pair Hiking Boots
• 1 pair Walking Sticks (optional)

Clothing:

• 1 set raingear – tops and bottoms.
• 1 pair mid-weight long underwear – tops and bottoms.
• 1 lightweight fleece sweater or fleece vest.
• 1 mid-weight fleece sweater.
• 1-2 pair synthetic hiking shorts.
• 1-2 T-shirts - Coolmax or similar.
• 1 pair long pants – Ex Officio makes lightweight pants/shorts good for towns and trails.
• 1 long sleeve Shirt.
• 2-3 pair hiking socks – Smartwool or similar.
• 1 pair extra shoes for wear at end of day and in town. Tevas or similar
• 1 pair warm hat and mittens/gloves.
• 1 sun hat.

Other Gear:

• 2 liter water bottle or Camelback (hydration system).
• Sun screen and sun glasses
• Jackknife
• Bandana
• Small towel or sport towel, for use in the refuges.
• Small flashlight. Handy for all trips
• Personal toilet articles: toothbrush/paste, soap and tissues; think in small, travel size amounts, shampoo works well for washing too.
• Woolite or similar for hand washing clothes

Optional Items:

• Camera and lots of film
• Ear plugs for use in the refuges/hotels
• Sleeping sheet (refuges only)
• Travel umbrella
• Journal
• Book
• Small Tupperware container for lunch items.
• Bathing suit

Final Tips: It’s all the little extra optional items that you throw in that add up and will get you in the end. In the final analysis, when packing think about what you need, not so much as about what you want.

It’s worth it to spend a little more for gear that functions well and for gear that you like. If you like it, you’ll use it and if it functions well, you’ll like using it.

DISTANT JOURNEYS
P.O. Box 1211, Camden, Maine 04843-1211
tel: 888-845-5781, fax: 207-236-0972
Contact us!
journeys@distantjourneys.com
www.distantjourneys.com