The Europe Packing Guide for Hikers
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When I think about hiking, I often think of the scene in the Gilmore Girls reboot where Lorelei decides she’s going to “Do Wild,” or go on a hiking adventure as a form of self-discovery. At the trailhead, when she spots other female hikers attempting the trail made famous in Cheryl Strayed's memoir, several of the women ask her if she’s doing the book or the movie.
The major distinction? Those doing the book don’t throw their shoe into the abyss.
I rewatched this scene recently because I thought there was also a reference to Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert’s own memoir of going through a difficult period by leaving everyday life and attempting to learn something from travel and exploration. (I was wrong - it’s not actually mentioned - just an association made between two similar books.)
The other thing I had forgotten was the physical comedy Lorelei displays the night before beginning her hike, and the countless attempts she makes to repack her backpack. She’s got a lot in there: a tent, a stove for cooking and boiling water, layers upon layers of clothing.
Maybe this is why Americans don’t go hiking on their European vacations as much as they should: There’s way too much to carry!
Luckily, hiking is a little bit easier in Europe than it usually is in North America.
What to Pack for Hiking in Europe
I’m going to explain everything you need to pack for a hiking vacation in Europe, but first, let’s go over the differences.
Differences between Hiking in USA and Europe
A lot of the differences between Europe and the USA come down to geography: bountiful intercity railway connections are more common in Europe because the distances between cities is not as great as it is in the United States, for example.
It’s a similar story with hiking terrain.
Hiking is a great way to discover the Alps in summer.
In Europe, there is a lot less “true wilderness” than we have in America.
Europe is home to more than 500 national parks, but these are typically smaller than their American counterparts. Private landowners in Europe are more generous with the use of their private lands, though, and the “freedom to roam” ethos is popular throughout the continent.
Those looking for a more vast wilderness experience will find it in the northern reaches of Scandinavian countries like Norway, Sweden, and Finland.
But it’s a different story in the more densely populated countries of Western and Central Europe, where lots of hiking trails are within an hour’s drive of cities and towns.
Due to this closer proximity of hiking areas to cities, many of the trails are frequently used. The result is twofold:
one, the trails are more manicured and less likely to be obscured by overgrowth, and
two, a whole network of mountain huts and inns have popped up to cater to hikers on these more populated trails.
Alpe de Susi, one of my favorite hikes in the Italian Dolomites.
Many multi-day hikes in Europe will include an overnight stay at such a mountain hut or inn, rather than outdoor camping.
In fact, in many parts of Europe, dispersed camping is illegal, though many hard-core hikers say that these laws are lax and rarely enforced.
What does that mean for your packing list?
No tent, no cooking stove, and a lot less food and trail snacks since the next mountain hut is just a few kilometers away!
Footwear to Pack for Hiking in Europe
Before I began hiking, I thought that I needed a fancy pair of hiking boots.
I was obsessed with the idea of buying those beautiful red-laced, leather Danner boots that Reese Witherspoon wears in the film version of Wild.
But the price tag felt a bit steep for me, a “hobby hiker” at best.
I didn’t want to spend a few hundred dollars on a pair of hiking boots that would spend most of the year in the closet.
Luckily, there are affordable hiking boots out there. Columbia makes great options depending on your fit preference, like these low-top hiking boots or these high-top hiking boots.
Keen also offers a reliable hiking boot at a hobbyist’s price.
Traditional hiking boots are an investment for whatever terrain you might encounter.
Traditional hiking boots take up a lot of precious luggage space, though.
Since I only travel through Europe with a carry-on, I decided to pack a pair of trail running shoes rather than hiking boots.
Trail running shoes are just as good as hiking boots in most summer and shoulder season weather.
They’re more lightweight than hiking boots, and easier to pack in luggage.
Salomon’s Speedcross model is consistently ranked as one of the best trail running shoes for women, and these Saucony Peregrines are a good choice, too.
(Psst! Check out my list of the Best Hiking Tours in Europe here.)
Hiking sandals are a great choice for summer hikes and those with wet terrain.
Though I’ve personally never worn hiking sandals, they are a great choice for summer hikes and those hikes where you might encounter water.
The two hiking sandal models that I see everywhere are the Chaco Z/Cloud and the Teva Hurricane.
If you opt for a pair of hiking boots or trail runners, though, don’t forget to pack a good pair of hiking socks. Those by Darn Tough receive a strong endorsement from serious hikers, who appreciate their durability and comfort.
Clothing to Pack for Hiking in Europe
I usually go hiking in summer, or the milder parts of the shoulder seasons, spring and fall.
During this ideal window for hiking, the necessary base clothing consists of a moisture wicking shirt or tank top and quick drying shorts or pants. I like these Eddie Bauer shorts for a more tailored look, and these Columbia shorts for a more sporty, but not bulky, look.
The common advice for hikers is to always pack layers. My favorite is a long sleeve shirt with built-in UV protection, like this one from Lululemon. I usually always pop this on once I’m safe within the shaded confines of a forest, where the temperatures are a little cooler but the bugs are certainly more plentiful.
If you enjoy forest hikes like me, then be sure to pack layers like long sleeves and a lightweight jacket for the change in temperatures at elevation.
Two other must-haves: a hat to protect yourself from the sun and a lightweight rain jacket.
Most times I just pack a baseball hat for forest hikes, but a UV-protection hat with a wider brim is better if you’ll be out in open plateaus or extra-long, un-forested hikes. (Baseball hats are my go-to because of my long hair, and I love this hiking hat for the same ponytail-friendly construction.)
I like a classic black lightweight rain jacket. Black always compliments whatever else you’re wearing. This jacket is similar to the one that I use, and it does double duty in protecting you from summer rain showers and adding warmth at higher elevations.
Mountain Gear to Pack for Hiking in Europe
After years of being a serial overpacker, I now try to pack light in all things. This includes the hiking supplies I pack for a day on the trail.
First things first: I start with a small backpack.
I can get tired of carrying weight on my back rather quickly, so to head off the problem of overpacking from the start, I carry a small travel backpack rather than a proper hiking backpack.
It still has space for all the things I need to carry, but rather than remaining half-full (half-empty?) ever after I’ve added my essentials, it is pretty much full with just the basics.
This stops me from adding things that I don’t really need.
If you’re shopping for a mini hiking backpack, note that they are often given derogatory sounding names like daypack or commuter backpack.
Ignore this!
I am here to assure you that a small pack is possible and in fact advisable. It keeps you from overpacking, and it won’t tire you out or cause fatigue the way that a large backpack will.
I like this North Face backpack, which is very similar in size to mine, as well as this collapsible backpack from Osprey. (It’s a little bit on the bigger side, too, if you don’t trust yourself to pack superlight.)
The only other thing I would advise against are single-strap models. They’re comfortable at first but the asymmetrical weight distribution could lead to fatigue after a few hours, or at least to an annoying afternoon of constant shoulder-switching.
Yes to the trekking poles. No to the huge hiking pack.
Another piece of mountain gear you will no doubt encounter while hiking in Europe?
Hiking poles or trekking poles.
Trekking poles are very popular in Europe, and not just on the trails. You’ll see folks using them all over Europe, but especially in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy. I always wonder if they’re just completing a long hike, or if they simply enjoy the support for longer walks.
Either way, I find them to be a great bit of gear for long hikes or those with steep elevation gains.
Unfortunately, hiking trekking poles can only be packed into checked luggage when you fly abroad. If you’ve only packed a carry-on and have your heart set on trekking poles though, most mountain hotels have a few to offer from guests who have left them behind.
I created this downloadable ⬇️ Packing Checklist ⬇️ that you can snag right now.
It helps you plan what you’ll pack, and then keeps you organized as you cross things off once they’ve been packed.
Supplies to Pack for Hiking in Europe
Ok, now that we’ve got suitable mountain gear, and a great hiking backpack, what goes in it?
Well, a good insulated water bottle, of course.
The holy trinity of outdoor survival for a pale-skinned, sweet skin baddie like myself: high SPF sunscreen, bug repellent, and an SPF lip balm is also a must.
I would highly recommend that you carry some kind of first aid kit with you.
It doesn’t need to be big, but should include things like band-aids, disinfectant wipes, and sting relief.
I’m not the most first-aid minded person and packed this sort of on a lark the first time I went hiking.
But if 100% came in handy when some sort of bug landed on my ear and I cut myself (with my own watch!) while swatting it away.
The truth is, even tiny scrapes and cuts can feel like a BIG DEAL when you are out in the middle of nature, with a several hour hike to the next stop. This first aid kit is similar to the one that I had - just a small tin with the essentials.
Don’t forget to grab a trail map before you head out for a hike.
Navigation is also a critical part of any hike.
Be sure to carry a reliable and updated trail map with you on all hikes. You can get these at your mountain hotel or the visitor’s center near the trailhead.
I would also recommend downloading a GPS-enabled hiking app, like AllTrails.
Its user-generated hiking trails can give you ideas on which routes to tackle based on how long they take, their start and end points, their difficulty, and what you’ll see along the way.
I will never pass up an opportunity to buy snacks, and hiking is a great excuse to pack cereal bars or fresh fruit.
Remember to pack cash!
In Europe, it’s common to eat major meals during the day at a mountain inn that offers a full kitchen. I’ve also come across charming mountainside honor bars offering bottles of local wine, a few clean glasses, and a wine cork. You pick a bottle, add the suggested price into the till, and then enjoy the wine.
Is there a more European way to go hiking that with a glass of wine in hand?
Hiking is one of the best ways to discover Europe.
But a lot of folks just stick to the city.
This is probably the case for you, too, and it’s what makes packing for a European hiking trip such a challenge: a hiking vacation in Europe is never solely a hiking vacation. You’re in Europe, after all, so why not see some big cities as well?
The trick is to pack as light as possible, and only take the absolute essentials you’ll need on the trails.
It’s also a good idea to be in touch with your hotel if you’re staying close to hiking trails. They can advise you on what to bring and what to leave behind.
I hope this helps you enjoy Europe’s natural beauty. 🖤