What to Actually Pack for Fantastic Hiking in Europe Now
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WHEN I THINK ABOUT HIKING, I OFTEN THINK OF THE SCENE IN THE GILMORE GIRLS REBOOT WHERE LORELEI DECIDES SHE’S GOING TO “DO WILD,” OR GO ON A HIKING ADVENTURE AS A FORM OF SELF-DISCOVERY.
At the trailhead, she spots other female hikers inspired by the famous Cheryl Strayed memoir.
And the women keep asking Lorelei if she’s “doing the book or the movie.”
(The major distinction? Those “doing the book” don’t throw their shoe over the side of the mountain in frustration. 😆 )
The episode is also amusing for the physical comedy Lorelei displays the night before beginning her hike, with her countless attempts at repacking her hiking backpack.
She’s got a lot in there: a tent, a stove for cooking and boiling water, layers upon layers of clothing.
BUT THIS VERSION OF HIKING IS UNIQUE TO THE AMERICAN WEST — IT’S HONESTLY A LOT EASIER TO GO HIKING IN EUROPE, AND YOU DON’T NEED TO PACK NEARLY AS MUCH STUFF.
If you’re curious about adding a day or two of hiking during your next visit to Europe, this list details all the things you’ll need to pack!
What To Actually Pack For Fantastic Hiking In Europe Now
Hiking Differences Between Europe and the USA
A LOT OF THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HIKING IN EUROPE VS. THE USA COME DOWN TO GEOGRAPHY.
For starters, there is a lot less “true wilderness” in Europe than in America.
Europe is home to more than 500 national parks, but these are typically smaller than their American counterparts.
Private landowners in Europe are more generous with the use of their private lands, though, and the “freedom to roam” ethos is popular throughout the continent.
Those looking for a more vast wilderness experience will find it in the northern reaches of Scandinavian countries like Norway, Sweden, and Finland.
But it’s a different story in the more densely populated countries of Western and Central Europe, where lots of hiking trails are within an hour’s drive of cities and towns.
I’ll admit that huge backpacks full of camping gear scared me off of hiking when I lived in the United States.
But here in Europe, hiking trails are highly accessible, and it’s easy to go on day hikes with just a few essentials.
DUE TO THIS CLOSER PROXIMITY OF HIKING AREAS TO CITIES, MANY OF THE TRAILS ARE FREQUENTLY USED.
This results in:
trails that are more manicured and less likely to be obscured by overgrowth, and
a whole network of mountain huts and inns that have popped up to cater to hikers on these more populated trails.
Many multi-day hikes in Europe will include an overnight stay at such a mountain hut or inn, rather than outdoor camping.
In fact, in many parts of Europe, dispersed camping is illegal, though many hard-core hikers say that these laws are lax and rarely enforced.
What does all this mean for your packing list?
NO TENT, NO COOKING STOVE, AND A LOT LESS FOOD AND TRAIL SNACKS SINCE THE NEXT MOUNTAIN HUT IS JUST A FEW KILOMETERS AWAY!
Footwear to Pack for Hiking in Europe
Trail running shoes
Low-top hiking boots
High-top hiking boots
Hiking sandals
Hiking socks
Before I began hiking, I thought that I needed a fancy pair of hiking boots.
I was obsessed with the idea of buying those beautiful red-laced, leather Danner boots that Reese Witherspoon wears in the film version of Wild.
But the price tag felt a bit steep for me, a “hobby hiker” at best.
I DIDN’T WANT TO SPEND A FEW HUNDRED DOLLARS ON A PAIR OF HIKING BOOTS THAT WOULD SPEND MOST OF THE YEAR IN THE CLOSET.
Luckily, there are affordable hiking boots out there — Columbia makes great options depending on your fit preference, like these low-top hiking boots or these high-top hiking boots.
Traditional hiking boots take up a lot of precious luggage space, though.
Traditional hiking boots and reliable and sturdy, but can take up precious room in your suitcase.
Trail running shoes are oftentimes just as good as boots, but are more lightweight and easier to pack in luggage.
Since I usually travel through Europe with a carry-on, I decided to pack a pair of trail running shoes rather than hiking boots.
Trail running shoes are just as good as hiking boots in most summer and shoulder season weather.
They’re more lightweight than hiking boots, and easier to pack in luggage.
Salomon’s Speedcross model is consistently ranked as one of the best trail running shoes for women, and these Saucony Peregrines are a good choice, too.
HIKING SANDALS ARE ANOTHER GREAT CHOICE FOR SUMMER HIKES AND THOSE TRAILS WHERE YOU MIGHT ENCOUNTER WATER.
The two hiking sandal models that I see everywhere are the Chaco Z/Cloud and the Teva Hurricane.
If you opt for a pair of hiking boots or trail runners, though, don’t forget to pack a good pair of hiking socks.
These by Darn Tough receive a strong endorsement from serious hikers, who appreciate their durability and comfort.
Clothing to Pack for Hiking in Europe
Moisture-wicking tank tops or shirts
Quick-dry hiking shorts
Lightweight hiking pants
Long-sleeve shirt with UV protection
Lightweight rain jacket
Sun hat or UV protection hat
Baseball hat
Packable insulated jacket for shoulder season hikes
Sports bra and breathable undergarments
I usually go hiking in summer, or the milder parts of the shoulder seasons, spring and fall.
During this ideal window for hiking, the necessary base clothing consists of a moisture wicking shirt or tank top and quick drying shorts or pants.
I like these Columbia shorts for a more tailored look, and these Columbia shorts for a more sporty, but not bulky, look.
THE COMMON ADVICE FOR HIKERS IS TO ALWAYS PACK LAYERS.
My favorite is a long sleeve shirt with built-in UV protection, like this one from Arc'teryx.
You can’t go wrong with a sporty pair of shorts and a t-shirt, along with some layers like a light jacket in case of cooler weather.
The crowning accessory of any good hiking outfit is a good hat to block the sun while you’re out in the open.
I usually always pop this on once I’m safe within the shaded confines of a forest, where the temperatures are a little cooler but the bugs are certainly more plentiful.
Two other must-haves: a hat to protect yourself from the sun and a lightweight rain jacket.
Most times I just pack a baseball hat for forest hikes, but a UV-protection hat with a wider brim is better if you’ll be out in open plateaus or extra-long, unforested hikes.
I like a classic black lightweight rain jacket, since black always compliments whatever else you’re wearing.
THIS JACKET IS SIMILAR TO THE ONE THAT I USE, AND IT DOES DOUBLE DUTY IN PROTECTING YOU FROM SUMMER RAIN SHOWERS AND ADDING WARMTH AT HIGHER ELEVATIONS.
(Psst! Check out my list of the Best Hiking Tours in Europe here.)
Mountain Gear to Pack for Hiking in Europe
Small travel backpack or daypack
Collapsible or compact backpack
Trekking poles
After years of being a serial overpacker, I now try to pack light in all things — including hiking supplies for a day on the trail.
FIRST THINGS FIRST: I START WITH A SMALL BACKPACK.
I can get tired of carrying weight on my back rather quickly, so I head off the problem of overpacking from the start by carrying a small travel backpack rather than a proper hiking backpack.
It still has space for all the things I need to carry, but rather than remaining half-full (half-empty?) ever after I’ve added my essentials, it is pretty much full with just the basics.
This stops me from adding things that I don’t really need.
If you’re shopping for a mini hiking backpack, note that they are often given derogatory sounding names like daypack or commuter backpack.
Ignore this!
I AM HERE TO ASSURE YOU THAT A SMALL PACK IS POSSIBLE AND IN FACT ADVISABLE.
It keeps you from overpacking, and it won’t tire you out or cause fatigue the way that a large backpack will.
I like this collapsible backpack from Osprey, which is easy to pack in your carry-on luggage and is similar in size to mine.
If you need a little more space or plan on doing a multi-day hike, this model from Osprey is roomier and includes a hip belt for better weight distribution.
A small backpack is your best accessories for hiking in Europe.
The added stability of trekking poles makes them essential gear, too.
THE ONLY OTHER THING I WOULD ADVISE AGAINST ARE SINGLE-STRAP MODELS.
They’re comfortable at first, but the asymmetrical weight distribution could lead to fatigue after a few hours, or at least to an annoying afternoon of constant shoulder-switching.
Another piece of mountain gear you’ll no doubt encounter while hiking in Europe are hiking poles or trekking poles.
Trekking poles are very popular in Europe, and not just on the trails.
You’ll see folks using them all over Europe, but especially in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy.
They’re not just for show, either — trekking poles help reduce impact on your knees during descents and can even increase calorie burn by engaging your upper body as you hike.
I FIND THEM TO BE A GREAT BIT OF GEAR FOR LONG HIKES OR THOSE WITH STEEP ELEVATION GAINS.
This pair of collapsible hiking poles packs easily in daypacks and luggage, too.
Trail Supplies to Pack for Hiking in Europe
Insulated water bottle
High SPF sunscreen
SPF lip balm
Bug repellent
Compact first aid kit
Trail map
Hiking GPS or app
Snacks (cereal bars, fruit)
Cash
Phone charger or backup battery
OK, NOW THAT WE’VE GOT SUITABLE MOUNTAIN GEAR, AND A GREAT HIKING BACKPACK, WHAT GOES IN IT?
Well, a good insulated water bottle, of course.
The holy trinity of outdoor survival for a pale-skinned, sweet blooded gal like myself: high SPF sunscreen, bug repellent, and an SPF lip balm is also a must.
I would highly recommend that you carry some kind of first aid kit with you.
It doesn’t need to be big, but should include things like band-aids, disinfectant wipes, and sting relief.
I’m not the most first-aid minded person and packed this sort of on a lark the first time I went hiking.
But if 100% came in handy when some sort of bug landed on my ear and I cut myself (with my own watch!) while swatting it away.
The truth is, even tiny scrapes and cuts can feel like a BIG DEAL when you are out in the middle of nature, with a several hour hike to the next stop.
THIS FIRST AID KIT IS SIMILAR TO THE ONE THAT I HAD - JUST A SMALL TIN WITH THE ESSENTIALS.
A good insulated water bottle is a must for any type of day hiking.
I also like to read trail reviews on apps like AllTrails before I set out.
Navigation is also a critical part of any hike.
Be sure to carry a reliable and updated trail map with you on all hikes — you can get these at your mountain hotel or the visitor’s center near the trailhead.
I would also recommend downloading a GPS-enabled hiking app, like AllTrails.
Its user-generated hiking trails can give you ideas on which routes to tackle based on how long they take, their start and end points, their difficulty, and what you’ll see along the way.
I will never pass up an opportunity to buy snacks, and hiking is a great excuse to pack cereal bars or fresh fruit.
REMEMBER TO PACK CASH!
In Europe, it’s common to eat major meals during the day at a mountain inn that offers a full kitchen.
I’ve also come across charming mountainside honor bars offering bottles of local wine, a few clean glasses, and a wine cork.
You pick a bottle, add the suggested price into the till, and then enjoy the wine.
Is there a more European way to go hiking than with a glass of wine in hand?
Conclusion
Hiking is one of the best ways to discover Europe, but packing for it can be a bit of a nightmare.
THAT’S BECAUSE A HIKING VACATION IN EUROPE IS RARELY JUST A HIKING VACATION.
You’re in Europe, and you want to see big cities as well as nature and mountains.
The trick, though, is to pack as light as possible, and only take the absolute essentials you’ll need on the hiking trails.
Next stop, Europe’s unmatched natural beauty!
Happy trails,
Angela 🥾
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