Gear for Hut-to-hut walking in Europe

This is the second post in a series by Bogong owner Neil about the Why, Where and How of hiking in the European Alps. See also:

Neil's Gear List

CLOTHING
Long pants quick dry
Shorts quick dry
Long sleeve shirt
Short sleeve hut shirt non odour
Thermal top & long johns
Windpro Fleece or Synthetic (Primaloft or similar) Filled Jkt
T-shirt for sleeping
Rainjacket
Overpants
2 x thick socks
1 x thin socks for use at huts
Undies
Gloves - powerstretch or similar
Sunhat
Sunglasses
Beanie
Boots
Gaiters
Sandals or runners

EQUIPMENT
45 Litre pack
Water bottle or bladder
Map & compass and waterproof mapcase
Trekking poles
Sleeping sheet with integrated pillow case
Sunscreen & lip balm
Bathroom kit. Keep it simple
Travel Towel
First aid with emergency gear including foil blanket or bivy sack, whistle and medications
Water purification tablets
Loo paper with trowel
Hand sanitiser
Pegless clothes line 
Torch or headlamp
Book or e Reader
Camera & spare batteries or charger 
Mini tripod
Wrist Altimeter
Mobile phone & charger
Waterproof stuff sacks
100% waterproof soft cases for electronic devices 
 

OPTIONAL
Binoculars
Small English/German dictionery
Mini crampons 

Topo Maps of Europe
A detailed topographic map is essential

Wrist Altimeter
In steep terrain like Europe an altimeter is very useful

Hiker using poles
Everyone in Europe uses poles. Good for balance on steep downhills and can be essential for getting across snow patches

 

Waterproof pouches
The weather can get wet so waterproof pouches to protect electronic equipment are essential

Amazing track in the Julian Alps, Slovenia

What equipment do you need for hut to hut walking in the European alps? Not much, is the answer. The whole point about hiking in these mountains is that you can do multiday walks without the huge backpack of the Australian bushwalker. No need for a tent, sleeping bag, cooking gear or days worth of food or a large 70 litre pack. Therefore you can walk faster and more freely. To the left is a list of what I take personally for this type of walking whether it be 7 days or much longer. There are some items on this list that you may wish to leave off such as mini tripod, book, phone, sandals, even trekking poles. However, rest assured - if it is not on this list you don't need it.

By far the most important item of equipment is a robust, comfortable pair of walking boots. The walking surfaces vary enormously from vehicular tracks to steep and rocky trails. Leather walking boots such as the Asolo TPS 520 are excellent but in my opinion the best boots for walking in Europe are lighter boots that have a good midsole such as the Asolo Fugitive or Finder.

Your pack should be in the 35 to 45 litre category. All you need to carry is your hiking clothes, a change for the hut and some extra bits and pieces. Your pack should weigh no more than 8 to 10 kg. Obviously it is more efficient to walk with someone else where a number of items are shared such as First Aid, map, phone etc. The huts often have a selection of board games and cards but if travelling alone a book is essential. It is not necessary to take technical equipment such as crampons, ice axes, harnesses etc for normal walks. But be mindful that this is a high alpine environment and the walker is responsible for their own safety. If in doubt about the route ahead consult with the hut warden who is usually only too happy to assist.
Hiking in the Stubai Alps
The Mont Sentinel is the perfect pack for hut to hut walking 

Spare footwear can be eliminated if you wish because the huts supply scuffs to wear inside (wearing boots inside the huts is not allowed) but I have always preferred to take my own. If you are happy to wear footwear that has seen many other feet you can save weight here. Also I find having a proper pair of sandals or runners allows you to go on short jaunts around the hut without the need to put your boots back on. The huts usually have a boot room somewhere near the entrance. This doubles as a drying room which will normally operate in wet weather.

A torch is essential as some huts switch off the power late in the evening and a sleeping sheet is mandatory. The huts always supply pillows and blankets or doonas but you must have your own sheet.

Most important of all is to have a good hiking map. Much more important than a guide book in my view. Luckily Bogong stocks a range of European maps so you can plan before you go. In such vertical terrain the most useful navigational aid is a wrist altimeter. I own a Suunto Vector and it is has accompanied me on many thousands of kilometres throughout these mountains. The modern day equivalent is a Coros Watch. I strongly recommend that you get a device like this.
Mountain sheep in Switzerland  
For bad weather have a good coat - like this Swiss mountain sheep

All clothing should be quick dry. I find it best to have one shirt which I walk in every day and change into a second one when I arrive at the hut after a quick cleanup. The walking shirt can be rinsed out if necessary for the next day's walk. I prefer a long sleeve shirt personally as it gives both sun protection on sunny days as well as more protection in windy weather. A good set of rain gear is essential as like all mountain areas protracted periods of wet weather can occur and they work as wind proofs when required.

I have listed mini crampons or microspikes as optional. Snow can of course fall and freeze in these mountains at any time but I do not ordinarily carry crampons. However at times they would have been useful and on a few occasions essential. Obviously snow is more likely earlier in the season in June and early July and from September onwards. It is up to the individual to assess the season, conditions and route.

I have put a phone on the gear list and I consider this mainly as a safety item. Mobile coverage is common even in the mountains in Europe, particularly as you get to high points during the day. Huts never have public phones but usually have a connected phone that can be used in an emergency and they will usually happily ring the next hut to book if required. Note power points to charge electronic devices are often at an absolute premium in huts.

Water purification tablets should be carried. In the higher mountains I have found water to be fine to drink but if you need to access water in the lower meadows you will readily observe cows, sheep and goats are sharing your environment and prudence would suggest that you should treat the water. I have had one bout of gastro from such a source and this was certainly one too many.

Check out the blog All About Walking in Austria to find out about walking in this amazing country.

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