9 мая 2025
How to pack for the mountains: a detailed guide to clothing, footwear and equipment:
FROM DOCUMENTS TO EQUIPMENT
When going to the mountains, it is important not only to have an adventurous spirit, but also to choose the right equipment. Good clothes and shoes are not only comfortable, but also safe. Especially if you are going with us to Scandinavia or the Alps, where the weather likes to surprise. In this article, we will tell you how to put together a basic set - from budget to advanced level.
Traveling to the mountains, whether it's trekking in Norway or a day trip to the Dolomites, requires careful preparation. This checklist will help you pack everything you need and avoid unpleasant surprises.
1. DOCUMENTS AND IMPORTANT PAPERWORK WHEN PLANNING A TRIP TO THE MOUNTAINS
Lifehack: Take photos of all important documents and store copies on your phone and in the cloud
• Passport (check the expiration date, usually all countries require a passport valid for at least 6 months)
• Medical insurance with coverage for active recreation (including mountain hikes, focus on the type of walks (up to 3000 meters or higher)
• Visa (if required)
• Tickets, vouchers, reservations (if traveling independently)
• Contact details of the guide, group, emergency services
• Printed itinerary or saved in offline access
• Medical insurance with coverage for active recreation (including mountain hikes, focus on the type of walks (up to 3000 meters or higher)
• Visa (if required)
• Tickets, vouchers, reservations (if traveling independently)
• Contact details of the guide, group, emergency services
• Printed itinerary or saved in offline access
2. CLOTHING FOR HIKING IN THE MOUNTAINS
Layering is the key to a comfortable mountain hike.
When heading to the mountains, especially in changeable weather, it is important to adhere to the principle of layering. This is a versatile approach that allows you to easily adapt to changes in temperature and physical activity level.
When heading to the mountains, especially in changeable weather, it is important to adhere to the principle of layering. This is a versatile approach that allows you to easily adapt to changes in temperature and physical activity level.
What is included in the basic clothing scheme for the mountains:
Even in good weather, a raincoat or membrane jacket should definitely be in your backpack. Precipitation in the mountains can start suddenly, and it is important to protect not only yourself, but also equipment, clothing, and documents.
- Base layer: thermal underwear or a synthetic T-shirt that wicks away moisture.
- Middle layer: fleece jacket or lightweight insulation.
- Top layer: water- and windproof jacket (preferably membrane)
- Raincoat or poncho
Even in good weather, a raincoat or membrane jacket should definitely be in your backpack. Precipitation in the mountains can start suddenly, and it is important to protect not only yourself, but also equipment, clothing, and documents.
LET'S LOOK AT ALL THE TRACKING LAYERS IN A LITTLE MORE DETAIL WITH EXAMPLES FROM DIFFERENT PRICE SEGMENTS:
Base layer (thermal underwear, T-shirts)
• Decathlon: Forclaz 500 Warm (winter) or Techwool (summer, merino).
• Middle segment: Icebreaker, Smartwool, Aclima — merino wool, perfectly regulates heat and does not smell.
• Premium: Norrona, Ortovox, Aclima WoolNet — for those who walk a lot and value comfort in any conditions.
Middle layer (fleece, insulation)
• Budget: Forclaz 100 or 200 — lightweight fleeces.
• Middle segment: Patagonia R1, Mammut, The North Face — warmth, compactness, durability.
• Down jackets and insulated jackets: Uniqlo Ultra Light Down (for the start), Rab, Mountain Equipment, Arcteryx Cerium — for cold nights and snowy days.
Top layer (membrane jacket or pants)
• Budget: Decathlon MH500 Rain, Forclaz Travel 500 — protection from rain for 2-3 hours, enough for short hikes.
• Middle segment: Marmot PreCip, Columbia OutDry, The North Face DryVent.
• Premium: Arcteryx Beta LT, Norrona Falketind, Rab Kangri GTX — top membrane, can withstand hours of rain and strong wind.
Pants
• In summer: lightweight trekking pants (Forclaz 500, Salewa Pedroc, Fjällräven Abisko).
• In the rain: membrane pants (Decathlon, Rab, Montane).
Raincoat/Poncho: It should be in your backpack even if rain is not forecast.
• Budget: Decathlon
• Medium: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil, Ferrino
• Premium: membrane caps from Rab, Montbell
• Decathlon: Forclaz 500 Warm (winter) or Techwool (summer, merino).
• Middle segment: Icebreaker, Smartwool, Aclima — merino wool, perfectly regulates heat and does not smell.
• Premium: Norrona, Ortovox, Aclima WoolNet — for those who walk a lot and value comfort in any conditions.
Middle layer (fleece, insulation)
• Budget: Forclaz 100 or 200 — lightweight fleeces.
• Middle segment: Patagonia R1, Mammut, The North Face — warmth, compactness, durability.
• Down jackets and insulated jackets: Uniqlo Ultra Light Down (for the start), Rab, Mountain Equipment, Arcteryx Cerium — for cold nights and snowy days.
Top layer (membrane jacket or pants)
• Budget: Decathlon MH500 Rain, Forclaz Travel 500 — protection from rain for 2-3 hours, enough for short hikes.
• Middle segment: Marmot PreCip, Columbia OutDry, The North Face DryVent.
• Premium: Arcteryx Beta LT, Norrona Falketind, Rab Kangri GTX — top membrane, can withstand hours of rain and strong wind.
Pants
• In summer: lightweight trekking pants (Forclaz 500, Salewa Pedroc, Fjällräven Abisko).
• In the rain: membrane pants (Decathlon, Rab, Montane).
Raincoat/Poncho: It should be in your backpack even if rain is not forecast.
• Budget: Decathlon
• Medium: Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil, Ferrino
• Premium: membrane caps from Rab, Montbell
BRANDS ARE NOT THE MAIN THING. THE MAIN THING IS THE PRINCIPLE.
Whatever brand you use, the main thing in the mountains is to layer and choose equipment according to the weather.
Yes, there are legendary brands like Arc'teryx, Salewa, La Sportiva, or Salomon — and they are cool. But if you don’t go to the mountains often, you don’t have to start with top brands.
Budget manufacturers like Decathlon, Columbia or Alpine Pro also make decent things that:
• keep you warm,
• breathe,
• wick away moisture,
• protect from rain and wind.
It’s not the name on the tag that’s important, but that:
• you’re warm,
• dry,
• and comfortable to move.
Follow the three-layer principle (base, insulating, protective) — and you’re already 90% ready for most hikes. And with experience, if you feel like you want more, you can buy more advanced things.
Budget manufacturers like Decathlon, Columbia or Alpine Pro also make decent things that:
• keep you warm,
• breathe,
• wick away moisture,
• protect from rain and wind.
It’s not the name on the tag that’s important, but that:
• you’re warm,
• dry,
• and comfortable to move.
Follow the three-layer principle (base, insulating, protective) — and you’re already 90% ready for most hikes. And with experience, if you feel like you want more, you can buy more advanced things.
WE ARE GOING TO THE MOUNTAINS: ADDITIONAL, BUT VERY IMPORTANT!
- Hat, buff, gloves - are a must in Scandinavia and the Alps at any time of year.
- Sunglasses
- Headgear: Panama hat
- Trekking poles: help your knees and relieve your feet. We have described in detail how to choose the right trekking poles in this article
3. TREKKING SHOES.
SELECTING BOOTS FOR A HIKING IN THE MOUNTAINS
Choosing footwear is one of the most important steps in preparing for trekking. The right trekking boots will provide stability, cushioning, and moisture protection.
Below are some examples of different price segments:
Budget (up to €100)
• Decathlon: Forclaz Trek 100
• Quechua, Hi-Tec — suitable for easy treks and dry conditions.
Mid-range (€100–€200)
• Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX — a great choice for those who want lightweight but reliable Gore-Tex boots. Stable on slippery surfaces, suitable for most routes.
• Also good: Salewa Alp Trainer, Scarpa Mojito Hike, La Sportiva TX Hike Mid GTX.
Premium (€200 and up)
• Salomon Quest 4 GTX — reliable, versatile boots for long treks and difficult terrain.
• Arcteryx, Zamberlan, La Sportiva Trango — top-notch cushioning, excellent protection and comfort.
Important: Boots should fit well and be slightly worn in before the hike. We wrote more about how to choose boots in this article
Also, don't forget that for a comfortable trip, it's better to have two pairs of shoes, for example, light sneakers or sandals, depending on where you're going.
Budget (up to €100)
• Decathlon: Forclaz Trek 100
• Quechua, Hi-Tec — suitable for easy treks and dry conditions.
Mid-range (€100–€200)
• Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX — a great choice for those who want lightweight but reliable Gore-Tex boots. Stable on slippery surfaces, suitable for most routes.
• Also good: Salewa Alp Trainer, Scarpa Mojito Hike, La Sportiva TX Hike Mid GTX.
Premium (€200 and up)
• Salomon Quest 4 GTX — reliable, versatile boots for long treks and difficult terrain.
• Arcteryx, Zamberlan, La Sportiva Trango — top-notch cushioning, excellent protection and comfort.
Important: Boots should fit well and be slightly worn in before the hike. We wrote more about how to choose boots in this article
Also, don't forget that for a comfortable trip, it's better to have two pairs of shoes, for example, light sneakers or sandals, depending on where you're going.
4. PACKING A FIRST AID KIT FOR A MOUNTAIN HIKING
When hiking in the mountains, it is better to be prepared for anything. Even if the route seems easy, it is important to have a basic first aid kit with you.
What should be in a first aid kit for a mountain hike:
• Blister and antibacterial plasters (in different sizes)
• Antiseptic (spray or wipes)
• Painkiller (ibuprofen, paracetamol)
• Allergy medications (cetirizine, Suprastin)
• Tablets for an upset stomach
• Personal medications, if taken regularly
• Elastic bandage, sterile wipes
• Sunscreen (SPF 30-50), lip balm
• Insect repellent (especially for Scandinavia)
Tip: the first aid kit should be waterproof and easily accessible in the backpack.
• Blister and antibacterial plasters (in different sizes)
• Antiseptic (spray or wipes)
• Painkiller (ibuprofen, paracetamol)
• Allergy medications (cetirizine, Suprastin)
• Tablets for an upset stomach
• Personal medications, if taken regularly
• Elastic bandage, sterile wipes
• Sunscreen (SPF 30-50), lip balm
• Insect repellent (especially for Scandinavia)
Tip: the first aid kit should be waterproof and easily accessible in the backpack.
5. SUN PROTECTION IN THE MOUNTAINS
Even if you don't feel the heat, ultraviolet light always works. So don't forget about protection: it's health, comfort, and less risk of ruining your hike with burns.
Many people think that if it’s cool or cloudy outside, you don’t have to use sunscreen. But in the mountains, everything works differently. Here’s why sun protection in the mountains is a must, even on a cloudy day:
1. The higher you go, the stronger the ultraviolet radiation
With each kilometer of altitude, the level of UV radiation increases by about 10–12%. That is, at an altitude of 2,000 meters, the sun “burns” 20–25% more than at sea level, even if you don’t feel it.
2. Clouds don’t save you
Ultraviolet rays easily pass through clouds. Therefore, you can get sunburned even in cloudy weather, especially if you move around in the open all day.
3. Snow and rocks reflect light
Snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays, while rocks and water reflect about 20–30%. This increases the impact of the sun, especially on the face and neck. That’s why climbers often wear buffs, glasses, and caps even in winter.
4. Lips, nose, ears - under attack
These are the most vulnerable areas, which often get sunburned first. Therefore, hygienic lipstick with SPF, a Panama hat or cap, glasses frames closed, ears and nose lubricated with cream.
What to take with you for sun protection:
• Cream with SPF 30-50 (preferably waterproof and odorless, so as not to attract insects)
• Lipstick with SPF
• Sunglasses with a UV400 filter (preferably sports, with side protection)
• Panama hat or cap (ideally - with neck protection)
• Lightweight long-sleeved shirt
1. The higher you go, the stronger the ultraviolet radiation
With each kilometer of altitude, the level of UV radiation increases by about 10–12%. That is, at an altitude of 2,000 meters, the sun “burns” 20–25% more than at sea level, even if you don’t feel it.
2. Clouds don’t save you
Ultraviolet rays easily pass through clouds. Therefore, you can get sunburned even in cloudy weather, especially if you move around in the open all day.
3. Snow and rocks reflect light
Snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays, while rocks and water reflect about 20–30%. This increases the impact of the sun, especially on the face and neck. That’s why climbers often wear buffs, glasses, and caps even in winter.
4. Lips, nose, ears - under attack
These are the most vulnerable areas, which often get sunburned first. Therefore, hygienic lipstick with SPF, a Panama hat or cap, glasses frames closed, ears and nose lubricated with cream.
What to take with you for sun protection:
• Cream with SPF 30-50 (preferably waterproof and odorless, so as not to attract insects)
• Lipstick with SPF
• Sunglasses with a UV400 filter (preferably sports, with side protection)
• Panama hat or cap (ideally - with neck protection)
• Lightweight long-sleeved shirt
6. HIKING IN SCANDINAVIA AND ITALY - WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE IN EQUIPMENT
It is better to take more warm clothes in the summer than to freeze at altitude.
Scandinavia (Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Finland):
The weather is cool, damp, and changes quickly.
• Required:
• 2.5–3L membrane
• Insulated clothing even in summer
• Waterproof footwear
• Gloves, hat
• It is better to take clothing with merino or synthetic materials, which keep you warm even when wet.
Italy (Alps, Dolomites):
The weather is warmer and drier, but sudden showers and wind are possible.
• Required:
• Light jacket or membrane
• Sunscreen and sun hat
• Comfortable, breathable trousers
• Sunglasses
The weather is cool, damp, and changes quickly.
• Required:
• 2.5–3L membrane
• Insulated clothing even in summer
• Waterproof footwear
• Gloves, hat
• It is better to take clothing with merino or synthetic materials, which keep you warm even when wet.
Italy (Alps, Dolomites):
The weather is warmer and drier, but sudden showers and wind are possible.
• Required:
• Light jacket or membrane
• Sunscreen and sun hat
• Comfortable, breathable trousers
• Sunglasses
If you are not sure, write to us. We will tell you what to take for your trip. We often test equipment in real conditions and are ready to share our experience. The main thing is not to be afraid and move forward.
Норвегия, жди меня!
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