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Lighten Up! Most of our hut-to-hut hikes and inn-to-inn hikes are not luggage supported, but carrying a pack does not have to be a total bummer. In fact there are real advantages to carrying a reasonable amount of weight. Hiking without vehicle support can heighten your sense of self-reliance and feeling of connection with the countryside and people around you, not to mention it is kinder on the environment. Plus, carrying some weight in a well-constructed backpack and using proper hiking techniques can provide for better conditioning. And you won’t have to think twice about that mid-day gelato or blueberry tart for desert!
Many outdoor gear companies are now making the move toward lightweight and ultra-lightweight equipment and clothing. Now more than ever, it’s possible to keep the weight of your pack and its contents down. New synthetics provide for lighter weights in clothing and the need for fewer items. Upgrading your gear may be an investment, but it is well worth spending 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!
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. Below is a sample-packing list geared toward keeping your pack as light as possible. Packs should weight between 15 – 25 lbs.
Extra luggage not needed on the trip will meet you at the end of the hike.
Backpacks: A good place to start lightening your load is with your backpack. An ultra-light pack can cut your overall pack weight down by as much as 4 lbs. And a lighter pack means you can use lighter-weight hiking boots.
A pack size of 38 – 54 liters or 2,300 – 3,500 cubic inches should be adequate. A comfortable, well-fitting and well-designed pack with a good hip belt is essential. When selecting a pack, be sure it allows easy access to a camera, water bottle and lunch. There are many good packs. Kelty, Dana Designs, Osprey, Mountainsmith, REI, EMS and LL Bean all make great mid-sized packs.
Ultra light packs, which we strongly recommend, include Go Lite, Gregory, and Granite Gear. They all make packs that weigh around 2 lbs. that will comfortably carry all the things you will need.
If you have luggage transfer each day or nearly each day you will need a good, sturdy small- to medium-sized pack that can comfortably hold everything you will need to carry for the day(s): for example water up to 3 liters, rain gear, a sweater/jacket, lunch/snack items, maps, first aid kit and other personal items. A good hip belt is important even for a day pack as this will help take some of the strain off your shoulders. Many new small- to mid-sized packs have pockets for hydration systems built right in and other pockets that are easily accessed.
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 LL Bean, REI, EMS, should be able to help you.
Rain gear: We cannot over emphasize enough the importance or good rain gear, tops and bottoms. While we recommend Gore-Tex type rain gear, Marmot and Patagonia make lightweight rain gear using other waterproofing treatments. The Go Lite brand makes lightweight rain gear both tops and bottoms.
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.
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 waterproof pack liner, a large plastic bag such as a trash compacter bag, or zip-lock bags inside your pack as well as 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 lightweight 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.
It’s all the little extra optional items you throw in at the last minute that add up and will get you in the end. Every extra you can eliminate will make you a happier hiker at the end of the day.
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 rain gear and comfortable hiking boots. Having the appropriate clothing and gear will add to your enjoyment, comfort, and safety.