Equipment Hiking high alpine

Day backpack, capacity: 25–30 litres, with waist belt

In addition to the 20-kg bag entrusted to our transport service, you will need a day-backpack with a capacity of no more than 25-30 litres

1 piece of luggage – max. 20kgk

We will transfer 1 piece of luggage (max. 20 kg) from your last to your next accommodation as part of our Transport Service. We recommend a large suitcase, trekking backpack or holdall (around 60-litre capacity).

Rain cover

For your day backpack

Telescopic poles

Height-adjustable trekking poles take the pressure off your knees – an absolute must!

Hiking boots – minimum category B

If possible, ankle-high hiking boots with which you can walk "even on bad paths and climbs" (by definition). Make sure that you don't buy the shoes too tight (when going downhill you might bump into the front) and break in the shoes beforehand.

Trekking sandals

Not so much for hiking on the Trail, but to give respite to your feet during afternoon strolls at the end of a Stage

1 pair of hiking socks

Don’t skimp on this purchase! Good-quality hiking socks can make all the difference when it comes to comfort and preventing blisters. Some hikers like to wear thin Transtex socks underneath their actual hiking socks.

Spare hiking socks (1 pair)

In case you get caught in a downpour and your socks still haven’t dried by the next morning.

Underwear

Underwear

hiking trousers softshell or similar

Mountain trousers for high alpine activities should still be comfortable even in less favourable weather conditions. For this reason, the trousers should be wind- and water-repellent and also have a certain insulating capacity. Softshell is currently the most popular material for such mountain trousers.

Spare hiking trousers

In case your main pair hasn’t quite dried by the next morning (or to wear indoors in the evening)

T-shirt (fast-drying)

This is the layer closest to your skin in warm weather, so it should be breathable and fast-drying. Options range widely from purely synthetic materials (very fast-drying, but odour-prone, i.e. Transtex) wool fabrics (odour-neutral, but not quite as fast-drying, i.e. merino wool), including a multitude of hybrid materials.

Spare T-shirt (fast-drying)

Spare clothing

Long-sleeved top – first layer

This is the bottom layer in cold weather, so it should be breathable and dry quickly. There are many different approaches between pure synthetic material (very quick-drying but "odour hazard"; e.g. Transtex) and wool fabrics (not susceptible to odours but not drying as quickly; e.g. merino wool).

Spare long-sleeved top – first layer

Spare clothing

Long-sleeved top – second layer

The second (and often outermost) layer should be breathable and fast-drying. Again, there are many different options on the market, ranging from synthetics (i.e. fleece) to natural materials (i.e. merino wool) – with the same pros and cons as listed for the first-layer options.

Spare long-sleeved top – second layer

Spare clothing

Softshell jacket or similar

The third layer is what you’ll need in cooler or windy weather. The jacket should be wind repellent, offer a degree of insulation and be fairly water resistant.

Indoor leisure wear

…for relaxing evenings!

Rain jacket

Hardshell jacket, waterproof and breathable

Optional: umbrella

This might look a little unusual when hiking, but is often more comfortable than a rain jacket

Rain trousers

Hardshell trousers, waterproof and breathable

Headcover (sun protection)

Whichever style you favour (from broad-rimmed sunhat to peaked cap), this is an absolute MUST

Cap and gloves

A MUST outside the summer months; also highly recommended in high summer on the more alpine stages (over 2,000 m)

Towel

Small-sized travel towels can be purchased at facilities run by the Austrian Alpine Association

Swimwear

On certain routes your swimming gear will be among your most important luggage items! Also, if you have booked ‘Comfort’-category accommodation for your Trail journey, you can take advantage of the spa areas offered by many of our partner companies!

Toiletries

Each hiker will have their own idea of what constitutes a necessity

Medication

In addition to any prescription medication you may need to bring with you, you might consider over-the-counter items such as Imodium, charcoal tablets, Bepanthen, and mild pain killers such as Ibuprofen or Parkemed

Blister pads

We recommend Compeed plasters

Tick tweezers

Usually included in the first aid kit

Cream to prevent blisters

We recommend you apply deer tallow cream to your feet BEFORE setting out on your hiking day, to help prevent blisters

Pocket knife, small scissors

can always come in handy

Sunglasses

Retailers now offer a vast choice of tight-fitting sunglasses with 100% UV protection and filter category 3. .

Sunscreen

Broad-spectrum sunscreen, min. SPF 30, water/sweat resistant

Lip protection

min SPF 20

Outdoor first aid kit

You will find top-quality sets at specialist retailers. In any case, you will at least need: plasters, blister pads, elastic bandages, alcohol pads, disinfectant spray, and a small travel pharmacy (pain killers etc.)

Optional: spare glasses

Small LED headlamp

This is always useful - not least in case your hiking day extends into the evening

Tissues

Passport + copy

Storing them separately can save you a lot of trouble, especially when travelling in faraway countries

Credit card/ cash

Printed travel information documents

Your personal holiday guide. Be sure to bring a copy of your Trail journey directions.

Optional: GPS device

Our Trails are easy to navigate even without GPS. However, it can be a useful aid to help you get your bearings even faster – which is why we provide GPS maps to download for your convenience.

Altimeter

Mobile phone

… and charger! You should always travel with a mobile phone – be it for taking pictures, in the unlikely event that you need to make an emergency call, to ring our Hotline, to look up the description of Trail stages or access your GPS map. Be sure to add all emergency numbers to your contacts before setting out!

Optional: socket adaptor

Depending on the country you are travelling to; see "Reiseinformationen"

Water bottle

Depending on the nature of your Trail and your individual body type, we recommend a capacity of 1.5 to 3 litres. Options range from a simple plastic bottle to Camelbak hydration packs

Food for the day

This is best determined on a day-by-day basis, depending on the availability of inns along the route, local food shopping facilities, etc.