Equipment list

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Equipment list for mountain and alpine hiking

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Equipment list

Basic equipment for mountain and alpine hiking

Which essential items do you need in your backpack for a mountain or alpine hike?

Hikers often burden themselves with unnecessary weight out of fear of leaving something important behind. But a backpack that feels lightweight in the morning can end up being nightmarishly heavy after a hike lasting several hours. That's why it's smart to limit yourself to the essentials to avoid unnecessary weight and to use a packing list as your checklist. Use the SAC equipment list to ensure that you are perfectly prepared for your next hiking tour.

Technical equipment

Tour-appropriate backpack (one day/multi-day tour 20-40 litres)
Sturdy hiking boots with good quality, treaded soles
Telescopic poles / hiking poles
Swisstopo maps, hiking maps
Smartphone with pre-installed map and REGA air rescue apps, extra power bank
Headlamp with replacement batteries
*Compass or GPS with tracker
*Binoculars
*Lightweight ice axe (for granular spring snow)

General equipment

Wind- and weather-proof jacket (Gore-Tex!)
Suitable hiking trousers, shorts
Fleece layer or sweater
Sun protection (sunglasses, sun cream, peaked cap, lip protection)
Change of light underwear if required
Hut sleeping bag (for overnight hut stay)
First aid kit, space blanket
Lunch, drinks, pocket knife
Cash, SAC membership cards (if available)
*Warm cap and / or headband, gloves
*Umbrella, rain cover for backpack

Good to know

Weather conditions can deteriorate suddenly in the mountains; this should not be underestimated and requires experience!
Make sure your hiking boots still have good treads.
A well-stocked first aid kit is useful for treating more challenging injuries.

*optional; dependent on the season, weather and the hike’s degree of difficulty.