Mountain Holiday Packing List

Lake Garda, Italy. Image courtesy of Italian State Tourist Board.

Planning mountain walking budget holidays?  Whatever your mountain destination, the best walking holidays happen when you plan and prepare well.

Smart travel planning starts with a comprehensive mountain holiday packing list.

KEEN Voyageur mid hiking boots. Photo credit: KEEN.

Here are 10 Items For Your Mountain Holiday Packing List:

1. Hiking Boots:  Invest in good fitting, comfortable hiking boots with solid ankle support and water resistant uppers and sole. Our latest favorite summer hiking boot is KEEN’s Voyageur Mid (above) which has lots of ventilation, a waterproof barrier and durable outsole for valley to mountaintop walks.

2. Backpack:  Fit a good quality, waterproof backpack to your body type and backpacking needs.

3. Gore-Tex jacket and pants: Bring waterproof Gore-Tex jacket and pants which will keep you dry and breathe in wet conditions. Our favorite Gore-Tex mountain wear brand is Arc’teryx.

4. Quick dry clothing layers: When choosing your clothing layers, stick to quick dry clothing that will wick away perspiration and keep you dry.

5.  Warm, wool sweater:  Mountain weather is unpredictable and can change quickly.  In high mountain regions, snow storms can happen year-round.  A warm, wool sweater is a must-have.

6. Reusable water bottle with filter: Take a reusable water bottle with a filter to keep yourself hydrated. Research a portable water purification system like Steripen.

7. First aid kit: Pack a complete first aid kit that suits the level of your mountain walk.  For a new destination, find out the common health issues.

8. Hiking socks:  A thick, wool hiking sock will keep your feet warm and comfortable.  Smart Wool and Bridgedale hiking socks are brands we like.

9. GPS, hiking map and compass: Study the mountain region where you’ll be walking.  Make sure you pack a GPS device, hiking map and compass.

10. High energy food: Bring foods such as protein/power bars, trail mix and chocolate.