Ultimate Trekking Kit List: What’s in the Pack?

Trekking has its own challenges compared to hiking or backpacking. Whereas everything you need for a day hike is necessary for a trek, the opposite is not true. Whilst, some of the gear used for backpacking and hostelling is common, it’s rare you have to carry your backpack around a city all day. This is where trekking really appeals to me carrying all the equipment and clothing you need for multiple days on your back. Minimal and lightweight packing is essential because any extra weight will feel double when tired and climbing a mountain pass. This Trekking Kit List will share items in the Hiking Kit List and Hostelling Kit List posts.

This Trekking Kit List was first developed before doing the Nepal Annapurna Circuit in 2022. I read many different blogs to get inspiration and compare what were crucial kit for some and optional for other backpackers. There are different types of trekking which depends on the accommodation. Using Hostels, Mountain Huts or Teahouses means there is no need to carry camping equipment. And if meals are included or brought from the accommodation, then cooking equipment is also not needed. It’s a balance between weight vs costs because using a tent and cooking independently is much cheaper than a dorm/room. Bringing your own food supplies, stove and pots/pans will be cheaper than paying for meals but all of this extra weight adds up on top of the Trekking Kit List below. The kit that is essential is highlighted in italics for clarity.

My approach is to buy lighter gear as weight accumulates quickly with cheaper gear. And every extra 1kg feels like double when climbing! Also, purchasing higher quality equipment will last longer before replacing it. Ideally, find kit that is versatile and compact as space in your backpack becomes precious. Remember that your pack will always be heaviest at the start with food and items being used up and don’t forget that water can add another 2-3kg at the start of the day. Buying souvenirs is fun but I tend to wait until the trekking is done unless it’s small and doesn’t weigh loads. On average my pack weight is around 12kg usually but has been as heavy as 14kg at the start. The general rule of thumb is: don’t carry more than 20% of your body weight.

Disclaimer – NONE of the product links on this hiking kit list are affiliated with this post. They are linked to the Kit supplier’s website where possible for your convenience. Therefore, it’s best to shop around to find a bargain and the lowest price in your region.

Trekking Kit List: Checklist

Essential Equipment

• Backpack – Osprey Atmos 50 AG
  The main kit for trekking is your backpack and finding the right size and features for you is key. Depending on the length of your trek and what accommodation/meals are chosen will influence the capacity needed. I decided on 50 litres as it would hold everything for up to 2 weeks and minimize overpacking. After weeks of research, the Osprey Atmos had glowing reviews for the Anti-Gravity system which is incredibly effective.
• Hydration Bladder – Gregory 3D 3L Bladder
  I prefer a bladder to a water bottle due to the easier hydration on the trail and is lighter than a metal 2L bottle. Naturally, a bladder lasts longer even if it can warm up quicker than a bottle. Recently, I upgraded to the Gregory 3D Hydro 3 litres for more capacity, better valve control and easier cleaning.
• Sleeping Bag – Rab Alpine 800 Sleeping Bag
  This sleeping excels in cold and winter conditions up the mountains. It is not the lightest or most compact but for a 4 season sleeping bag, it’s great. I have brought a Sea to Summit compression sack to help store it.
• Sleeping Bag Liner – Rab Silk Ascent
  Unfortunately, the Rab Silk Sleeping bag liner is not available with the replacement being a cotton liner. The silk adds a few degrees of additional warmth and a silky texture. I often pack this for trips away instead of a sleeping bag or for a hostelling trip.
• First Aid Kit – Life Systems Trekker
  Luckily I have never used a 1st Aid Kit much so this compact kit sits in the backpack bottom. It includes a space blanket, bandages, scissors, plasters, medicine, burns and blister plasters. Ultimately, it’s worth one person in a hiking group having a 1st Aid kit just in case.
• Hiking Poles – Leki Makula AS
  These Lekis have soft anti-shock suspension to absorb the force, comfortable grips and a good locking system. They aren’t too lightweight vs Carbon Fibre poles but are reliable and collapse telescopically. With the additional weight when trekking, poles help when descending and pull you up the steep bits. I would recommend buying rubber tips as they add another level of absorption and grip on rocks and trails.
• Carabiners – Petzl Attache
  A recent addition from my climbing kit bag that hangs off my Osprey so I can a cap quickly on the trail. It works in combo with a Sling too. Either a snap gate or screw gate carabiner can help with camping and clipping light items on too.
• Sunglasses – Prescription or Goodr OG Running Sunglasses
  I always pack in sunglasses to help with the increased UV levels when hiking. My choice is dependent on whether I’m wearing contact lenses or not. I use the Goodr sunglasses without a prescription when wearing contacts; they have a great stable fit and look great.
• Head torch – Petzl Tikkina
  Especially for sunrise or night-time hikes, this compact 300-lumen single-banded headtorch with great battery life has saved me on a few pitch-black trails.
• Pen-knife – Victorinox Swiss Card Lite
  Similarly to the 1st Aid kit, it is not used very often but is a handy tool to carry. It has a torch, pen, scissors, knife and tweezers. Occasionally, I use a Victorinox Hiker Swiss Army Knife as it has a screwdriver, a larger blade, a saw and a better bottle opener. However, it does weigh more than the Card Lite.
• Packing Cubes – Osprey Ultralight Packing Cube Set
  These have been a game-changer for me! Buying the Osprey cubes meant I had better clothing organisation and general backpack weight distribution. You can fit a surprising amount into the cubes thanks to the 40D Nylon and J-Zip. Personally, the largest packs trousers and jumpers, the medium cube fits tops and T-shirts and the smallest for underwear.
• Toiletries Organiser – Osprey Ultralight Zip Organiser
  My latest addition is a proper toiletries and small item organiser. This is replacing using a clear plastic airport security bag and has some nifty features such as a detachable mirror and see-through pouch.
• Collapsible Daypack – Osprey Ultralight Dry Stuff Sack
  I brought this collapsible backpack to have a bag for day trips and around cities instead of carrying the Atmos 50 everywhere. Being a dry sack, it’s 100% waterproof and has 20L storage while packing down to the size of an apple. I appreciate the chest strap which helps when hiking on the trail and the front zip pocket.
• Microfibre towel – Mountain Warehouse Microfibre Medium Towel
  Normal cotton towels are not efficient when trekking and take up too much space. Microfibre towels are great at compacting down and drying off very fast.
• Passport – it’s pretty difficult to leave a country or enter another without a passport so don’t forget it!
• Maps – For Alta Via 4, I used Kompass maps to help with the Path numbers. Alternatively, I download AllTrail (premium subscription required) and use GPS to track location and navigate.

Optional Equipment

• Sling – Mammut 120cm Sling
  Due to a trekking experience where a sling was very useful in escaping a sticky situation and helped avoid any injuries; this item has been added and acts like a looped rope.
• Via Ferrata Lanyard – Petzl Scorpio Vertigo Lanyard
  For Via Ferrata adventures, this Petzl lanyard is rated as one of the best and most affordable.
• Climbing Harness – Black Diamond Momentum
  I got this hardness as part of the Black Diamond Momentum climbing package which offers the climbing essentials for an attractive price especially if you’re looking to do rope climbing or bouldering too.
• Climbing Helmet – Petzl Meteor
  I was torn between the Black Diamond Half Dome and Petzl Meteor, and chose the Petzl due to it being lighter, better ventilation and comfier. I found a bargain which got it cheaper than the Half Dome too.
• Mountain Gloves – Mountain Equipment Guide
  These are especially useful if you will be in freezing conditions or at higher altitudes thanks to the fleece lining and thick layers. They have good dexterity to use poles still.
• Neck Gaiter – Peak Performance (Similar Columbia Fleece Gaiter)
  I bought this Peak Performance Neck Gaiter in Copenhagen in winter because it was uncomfortably cold and this turned out to keep the Baltic breeze from my neck and has joined me on many treks since.
• Crampons – I bought these in Nepal on the Annapurna trail for around £10 and they definitely came in handy on the snow-covered Thorong La Pass and made running down snow very fun.

Trekking Kit List: Clothing

• Shoes – La Sportiva TX4 Approach Shoes
  Simply the best-engineered shoes I own! I love these approach shoes and have never been let down by them. Amazing on rock, Gore-tex waterproofing, great lace system, incredibly comfortable and looks fantastic too. Whether it’s approach shoes or traditional boots, having hiking footwear is a MUST. Ideally, a Vibram sole to help with grip and protect your soles.
• Hut Slippers – Rab Cirrus Hut Slippers
  I have tried using sandals or sliders as my 2nd shoes but the down hut slippers are much cosier and grippier. They compact well to fit next to the sleeping bag and I have had multiple people compliment them.
• Waterproof Jacket – Arc’teryx Beta AR
  Having recently replaced my North Face Apex Flex Gore-Tex jacket, the Arc’teryx is an expensive upgrade but worth the investment so far. The Beta AR is a lightweight, packable, highly versatile GORE-TEX PRO shell with a hybrid construction. For any hiking, a good quality waterproof is essential as the mountains are unpredictable.
• Hiking Trousers – Montane Terra Route
  For years I only wore shorts for hiking but these Montane trousers changed my opinion. They offer comfortable, robust and lightweight trousers that can handle what the mountain throws at it. Perfect for walking, hiking and rock scrambling. Plus the DWR coating beats off light rain but is not fully waterproof.
• Hiking Shorts – Patagonia Quandry Shorts
  I picked these up in Vancouver and are my favourite hiking shorts as are super lightweight and have great zipped pockets.
• Waterproof Trousers – Montane Dynamo
  Less essential than a Jacket but they can stop you from having wet legs. I prefer to wear pull-over trousers instead of fully waterproof trousers next to the skin. These Montanes are super lightweight, breathable, packable waterproof trousers.
• Mid Layer– Arc’teryx Proton Lightweight Hoody
  The key to comfortable hiking is layers and a good mid-layer helps you manage heat and the weather. For years I used Trespass micro-fleeces as these were light and warm then a North Face full zip fleece jacket. Now this Arc’teryx has a synthetic down with a water-resistant outer and the comfiest inner lining! It’s designed to be a lightweight, insulated, air-permeable softshell for summer alpine and rock climbing and my go-to outer!
• Jumper – Arc’teryx Rho LT Zip Neck
  This replaced my much cheaper Trespass fleece as a multi-purpose top that offers warmth and breathability. Even though it is designed for low-output activities, I find it comes well for hiking and trekking. I often wear this Arc’teryx or a Patagonia crew jumper when in the accommodation or camp to keep warm in the evening.
• Down Jacket – Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket
  The lightweight down jacket balances warmth and packability perfectly. I mainly use it for cold hiking days or cool evenings. It fits very well and has a great clean look for casual outfits.
• Hiking Tops – Peak Performance Longsleeve
  It’s easy to overpack on tops and my advice is to take 3 then rotate and wash on the trail when you can. I always take my long-sleeved Peak Performance and 2 lightweight moisture-wicking t-shirts.
• Cotton T-Shirts – Patagonia Long Sleeve P-6 Logo Responsibili-Tee®
  After a day of hiking in sweat clothes, it’s refreshing to change into a comfy and warm top. Also much nicer to wear in airports or on transport than hiking tops.
• Cap – Ciele Athletics ALZCap
  I recommend a hat or baseball cap to help keep the sun off your face or neck. I like the Ciele hats because of the high breathability, UV protection, foldability and clean design.
• Gloves – Montane Power Stretch Pro
  Even in summer, it can get cold in the mountains if the wind picks up or at higher elevations. Gloves also help when using hiking poles too.
• Buff – Trespass Neck warmer
  A versatile item which can act as a neck warmer, bandana, wristband, balaclava or cap.
• Hiking Socks – Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks
  My go-to hiking socks are Smartwool because the Merino wool structure helps breathability, prevents blisters and provides a good level of cushion without your feet overheating when trekking.
• Sock Liner – Smartwool Hike Classic Edition Zero Cushion Liner Crew Socks
  I brought sock liners just before trekking in Nepal and despite the additional thickness and slight warmth, they prevented me from having any blisters over the 180km length.
• Underwear – Boxers
• Base Layers – Icebreaker Merino Wool 260 Long Sleeve, Icebreaker Merino Wool 200 Leggings (Optional)
  Synthetic base layers are fine for sports but when the conditions get tough, you’ll be grateful you invested in Merino wool. These Merino base layers are a lifesaver when the temperature plummets below freezing!
• Beanie –Fjallraven Vardag Classic Beanie
  A beanie is a must as well as a cap as it can cool off very quickly when the sun sets and evening approaches. I used this beanie to keep my head warm when hiking and has a classic look

Trekking Kit List: Technology

• Camera – Fujifilm X-T30 Mirrorless (Optional)
  For years, I used my phone as my primary camera with some incredible photos from Nepal and Canada. However, I’ve recently enjoyed using a Mirrorless camera to capture my travels. The Fujifilm X-T30 is a fantastic compact travel camera that I use with a 15-45mm lens.
• Spare Batteries – Homesuit NP-W126/ NP-W126S Battery 1400mah and Dual USB Charger (Optional)
  In comparison, one disadvantage of Mirrorless cameras vs DSLR cameras is the reduced battery life so it’s worth keeping an extra battery with you to swap out.
• Tripod – Joby GorrilaPod 1K Kit (Optional)
  I haven’t used this small flexible tripod much on my adventures but it is super light and takes up little space.
• Power Bank – Anker 325
  You never know when you might need a charger to top up a phone, watch or camera. It adds some weight but the Anker can give 4 full charges. A smaller 1 charge powerband would be better with a heavy backpack.
• Phone – I love hiking to escape technology and be out in nature. But let’s be honest, it’s unlikely we will be leaving our phones at home for a whole day. My main uses on a day hike are for the camera, emergency calls and for checking transport to and from the trailhead.
• Headphones – Jabra Elite Active 75t (upgraded to Elite 8 Active)
  Originally, I brought these primarily for running but these wireless noise-cancelling earbuds come with me everywhere. For trekking, they have a small case which holds multiple full recharges and are handy when on planes, buses or wanting some downtime in the evening.
• Smart GPS Watch – Garmin Venu 2
  I have been converted to a smartwatch thanks to the activity tracking and health stats features. The Venu 2 combined an active watch with lifestyle. The battery easily lasts a few days when using GPS for 7/8 hours a day to track the trek.
• Bluetooth Speaker – TRIBIT StormBox Micro 2 Portable Speaker (Optional)
  I don’t tend to use my Bluetooth speaker much when trekking as prefer to use my headphones but it’s good when you have a small group with some music in the evenings (not when hiking on the trail)
• Adapter, Charger and USB Cables – Most likely, I take a European 2-pin plug which has worked in Nepal and Canada too. A Universal plug would be useful too and I always take my Fast Charger for my phone which I can plug a USB-C or USB-B cable into depending on the device.

Trekking Kit List: Food & Drink

• Lunch – When trekking, lunch can be outsourced to huts or carried to save some money. In the Dolomite, I brought a baguette, falafel and spread along with some crisps to last me a few days before trying to restock. The pen-knife is great for food prep and with no need to bring separate cutlery and utensils.
• Energy Bars & Gels – Nature Valley bars are my go-to snack and I have tried MyProtein bars to give additional Protein on the trail. I usually carry an enegy gel in an emergency if a boost is needed. Fruit and nuts in a small container are another good way to keep your energy up.
• Hydration Tablets and Water – I use High 5 Zero electrolyte tablets in the Hydration Bladder to maintain hydration throughout the day. I tend to drink 2 litres on average a day but more at higher altitudes. to minimize the risk of Altitude sickness.
• Spork – Sea to Summit Delta: A cheap and well-made plastic spork with a different design that has a knife on the handle instead of the side of the fork element.
• Metal Camping Mug – Toaks Titanium Camping Mug (Optional): This is more of a camping item but always useful to have a mug on the trail. This lightweight metal mug is strong and has a clever handle.

Trekking Kit List: Miscellaneous

Trekking Kit List: Packing Tips

Having a well-thought-out backpack will make life easier on the trail. My advice is to divide your pack into sections. I use the lower section as my sleeping compartment to store the sleeping bags, hut slippers, and sleeping bag liners. On Alta Via 4, I kept the climbing helmet, harness and lanyard in the bottom section for quick access.
Tip – For long haul travel, I put my hiking poles in my Osprey on each side to give it strength and with the handles facing downwards.

Next, I keep the less needed items such as 1st Aid Kit, power bank, and optional gear. The Hydration bladder when full will expand and take up some space so is worth packing early on. Afterwards, I put the clothing packing cubes in with the Down jacket, beanies, gloves, and caps on the sides. I next put the food, snacks and mug on top along with the toiletries bag. I usually put the microfibre towel, mid-layer jacket and camera on top and finally a waterproof at the top for quick access.

Finally, in the top zipped cover, I keep key items such as a headtorch, pen knife, important docs, spork, tape, and headphones. On the Osprey Atmos 50L, there are hip pockets, I tend to keep my wallet, phone and snacks inside. And the Kangaroo pouch holds my collapsible backpack, food and sun cream usually. This trekking kit list does not include camping gear and I will post an updated list later this year after my trip to Patagonia.

Final Thoughts

This trekking kit list does not include any camping gear and that list will be shared after my Patagonia Trek in November. And this list is male-orientated so I have not included any specific items for women; the Canada Road Trip Post will include more gender-specific kit lists.

What is the must-bring kit for you on a multi-day through hike or trek? Is there anything I could add to the trekking kit list? Please comment below with suggestions and share with fellow backpackers!