The Ultimate Packing Checklist for Mountain Trips

Between the great outdoors and craving for adventure, you can’t go wrong with a vacation in mountains. However, there is one pesky thing standing between you and your adventurous journey; it’s packing.

Although packing may seem a daunting task, it is a necessary evil. Whenever I plan to jet off on a mountain trip, I begin with jotting down a packing checklist.

Otherwise, I’ll forget some important stuff!

If you are just like me and looking for an easy solution to tackle packing, this checklist will come in handy and make your getaways easy and fun.

1. Packing and organization

The first thing you need to begin with packing is an appropriately sized, durable backpack with multiple compartments to sort all your gear separately. Your pack shouldn’t be too small or too big. It should be suitable enough to fit everything inside without leaving too much extra space.

Instead of stacking your gear on top of each other, arrange your clothes vertically. This way you can see everything you have packed without unpacking.

2. Clothing

Always choose versatile and low-maintenance articles of clothing when packing. These five important factors will help you choose the most suitable pieces of clothing for your mountain trip:

• Comfortable and easy to carry while exploring nature and the city.

• Perfect for cool or warm weather

• Conceals spills and stains

• Easy to pack compactly

• Mixes and matches well with other clothing

Versatility goes for accessories as well. Most of the cabins you will visit during your trekking trip are equipped with washers and dryers. So packing an outfit for every day of your stay won’t be necessary. Doing one load of laundry on vacation will save you a lot of packing hassle.

3. Footwear

Packing two pairs of shoes will be more than enough! Take along shoes appropriate to your activity, like tennis shoes for daywear and hiking boots for hiking. A leather duffel bag will be handy to carry your shoes. Moreover, a pair of shoes with good cushioning will be the best choice! You will likely spend most of your time walking on a trekking trip. Keep extra shoelaces- in care yours break- and moleskin to prevent blisters.

4. Cooking essentials

When it comes to cookware, there are several materials to pick from. Choose an ultra-light backpacking cookware set so that carrying it doesn’t become a pain. A backpacking stove is also a must! It is a versatile and compact item to take along on your to your trekking trip.

5. Camping gear

For those enthusiasts who enjoy the great outdoors, camping is a bucket list item. Sleeping under the twinkling stars in the towering mountains is an indescribable feeling.

If you are ready for adventure and planning to set up a camp, make sure to reserve your camping spot beforehand.

After you have secured a perfect spot use this packing list to round up all your camping gear:

• Backpacking tent

• Hiking poles

• Sleeping bag

• Map or compass

• Multi-tool

• Rope, carabineer, and sacks for a bear bag

6. Gadgets and tech

Take along your DSLR to capture the adventurous and beautiful moments of your life. Use electronics to digitize items you might need with features and apps on your phone. You should also limit yourself to two or three gadgets or electronic devices due to the risk of damaging or losing these expensive items. Bring along more compact and less valuable gadgets instead of your computer.

7. Other accessories

You won’t need most of them, but once in a while these accessories can save a day.

• Headlamps are always a good fail-proof to take along.

• Sunglasses are a must for a long sunny day, they also serve as a good windbreaker when it's snowy or dusty.

• Sometimes those icy lakes seem a little more inviting in scorching sunlight. Don’t forget to take your swimsuit along.

• Map and compass to track your location.

• You will be truly thankful for this if any of your clothing rips apart on the first day of your hiking.

What's in your packing list for a mountain trip?

This sums up my packing list. It covers a wide range of items. But you know your travel preferences better. Use this ultimate trekking list as a starting point and add or remove items as required to create your packing checklist. Once you are done, get down to packing and gear up for a mountain trip!