Packing list
What goes in the pack?
Choose what you are planning and what the conditions are. You get a list to tick off – the ten essentials first, and every item says why it comes along.
The list is deliberately simple and cautious. It does not replace skill: practise with your gear at home. The details are always in the linked entry.
Step 1
What are you planning?
Step 2
What are the conditions?
Packing list: Day hike
Conditions: Summer · 1 person
Your list
Day hike
The ten essentials
These ten things come on every trip – even short ones. They help when it takes longer, the weather turns or someone gets hurt. The ten essentials explained →
Why?
Why?
When it gets dark you see the path and keep both hands free. The phone torch drains the battery you need for an emergency call. Learn more: Headlamp and batteries: choosing, storing, using in the cold →
Why?
Sunburn and heat wear you out. On snow and in the mountains the sun is especially strong – in winter too. Learn more: Protection from heat and sun →
Why?
Plasters, bandages and gloves help straight away with small and big injuries until help arrives. Learn more: First-aid kit for home and travel →
Why?
For repairs: a torn strap, a broken buckle, cutting a bandage. Learn more: Choosing a knife and multitool by their properties →
Why?
Only for an emergency when warmth becomes vital. Otherwise fire is usually banned in the woods. Learn more: Packing a fire kit: redundant and dry ignition →
Why?
If you have to wait unexpectedly, it keeps off wind and wet. The sit pad protects you from the cold ground. Learn more: Emergency bivouac with blanket, bivvy bag or bin bag →
Why?
If it takes longer than planned, food gives you energy and keeps you warm. Learn more: Emergency food for hikes: energy density and packaging →
Why?
If you drink too little you get tired and make mistakes. How much you need depends on heat, effort and distance. Learn more: How much water the body needs →
Why?
Even in summer it can turn wet, windy and cold. A dry, warm layer protects you from hypothermia. Learn more: Layering clothing system →
Water
Why?
Check beforehand where you can get water on the way. Without a safe refill point, take it all from home. Learn more: Planning water for trips: refill points and reserves →
Food and cooking
Why?
Eating regularly keeps mood and energy up – especially for children. Learn more: Emergency food for hikes: energy density and packaging →
Clothing and footwear
Why?
Getting wet chills you fast – in summer too. Wind and rain often come quicker than expected. Learn more: Rain gear: waterproof, breathable, reproofed →
Why?
New shoes rub and cause blisters. Good grip protects you from slipping. Learn more: Choosing and breaking in footwear →
Why?
Dry feet stay healthy. Tape a sore spot straight away, before it becomes a blister. Learn more: Socks and foot-care gear for trips →
First aid
Why?
Anyone who needs medicines takes more than planned – in case it takes longer. Learn more: Health preparation and travel medical kit →
Why?
Under stress people forget numbers. 112 works all over Europe, even without credit. Learn more: Making an emergency call: what to say, staying reachable →
Why?
Headache, dizziness, nausea: into the shade, drink, cool down. If confused, call 112 straight away. Learn more: Recognising heat exhaustion and heatstroke and cooling →
Navigation and communication
Why?
Your phone is emergency call, map and light all at once. In the cold the battery drains faster – keep it close to your body. Learn more: Energy plan for emergency communication: batteries, cold, reserve →
Why?
Signalling
Why?
A whistle carries much further than shouting – and it does not make you hoarse. Three blasts mean: help. Learn more: Agreeing whistle signals: three blasts for help and group codes →
Emergency 112 · Austria: ambulance 144, mountain rescue 140