Hiking Tips, Packing Lists & Inspiring Trails in the Alps
Discover practical hiking tips, smart packing lists and beautiful hiking trails in Austria and the Alps.
Recommended hiking gear for alpine hiking in Austria
© 2026 Alpine Hiking Guide
Hiking Tips & Guides
Learn practical hiking tips to plan better hikes, stay safe in the mountains and avoid common beginner mistakes.
Beginner Hiking Tips
Starting hiking can feel overwhelming, but a few simple tips can make your first hikes safer and much more enjoyable. These beginner-friendly hiking tips will help you prepare and avoid common mistakes.
1️⃣ Start with easy trails
Choose short and well-marked trails for your first hikes.
A distance of 5–8 km with moderate elevation gain is a good starting point.
2️⃣ Bring enough water
For most day hikes, 1–2 liters of water per person is a good guideline.
On hot days or longer hikes, you may need even more.
3️⃣ Wear proper footwear
Running shoes can work on easy trails, but hiking shoes provide better grip, ankle support and stability, especially on rocky terrain.
4️⃣ Check the weather before you go
Weather in the mountains can change quickly.
Always check the forecast and avoid hiking during storms or heavy rain.
5️⃣ Pack a few essential items
Even for short hikes you should bring snacks, sunscreen, a map or phone with GPS and a small first aid kit.
6️⃣ Tell someone your plan
Let a friend or family member know where you are hiking and when you expect to return, especially when hiking alone.
7️⃣ Know your limits
Take breaks, pace yourself and don’t push too hard.
Hiking should be enjoyable and safe.
Want to be better prepared for your hike?
Common Hiking Mistakes
Many beginners make simple hiking mistakes that can turn an enjoyable hike into a stressful experience. Avoid these common errors to hike safer and more comfortably.
1️⃣ Starting with trails that are too difficult
Many beginners choose routes that are too long or steep for their fitness level.
2️⃣ Underestimating elevation gain
A 10 km hike with steep climbs can be far more exhausting than expected.
3️⃣ Packing too much gear
Overloaded backpacks make hikes unnecessarily difficult.
4️⃣ Starting the hike too late
Late starts can force you to hike back in the dark.
5️⃣ Ignoring trail difficulty ratings
Always check distance, elevation gain and terrain before choosing a trail.
6️⃣ Hiking without navigation backup
Relying only on memory can be risky.
Download offline maps or use a hiking app.
7️⃣ Not planning breaks and timing
Many beginners underestimate how long hikes actually take.
Want to be better prepared for your hike?
How to Plan a Hike
Good preparation makes hiking safer and much more enjoyable.
These simple steps help you prepare properly before heading out on the trail.
1️⃣ Prepare your body
If you’re new to hiking, start with regular walks or cycling to build basic endurance.
Even light training makes longer hikes much easier.
2️⃣ Research your route
Look up the trail in advance using hiking websites or maps.
Check distance, elevation gain, trail difficulty and estimated hiking time.
3️⃣ Choose the right season
Some mountain trails are only accessible during certain months.
Check if the trail conditions are suitable for the time of year.
4️⃣ Plan your gear
Choose the right equipment depending on the length and difficulty of the hike.
Use a packing list to make sure you don’t forget essential items.
5️⃣ Plan your start time
Starting early gives you more time and helps avoid hiking back in the dark.
6️⃣ Check current conditions
Look for recent trail information such as weather changes, trail closures or rockfall warnings.
📸 Bonus tip: Bring a camera
The mountains often offer incredible views and unforgettable moments.
Bring a camera or use your phone to capture the best memories from your hike. 😊
Want to be better prepared for your hike?
Hiking Packing Lists
Not sure what to pack for your hike? These simple hiking packing lists help you bring the essentials without carrying unnecessary weight.
Everything you need for a safe and comfortable day hike.
Everything you need for a safe and comfortable day hike.
A complete packing list for longer hiking adventures in the mountains.
Looking for hiking tips or trail ideas?
Day Hike Packing List
Packing the right gear makes your hike safer and more comfortable. This simple day hike packing list covers the essential items most hikers should bring.
Essentials
✔ 1–2 liters of water per person
✔ Energy snacks (nuts, bars, fruit)
✔ Map or hiking navigation app
✔ Fully charged phone
✔ Small first aid kit
Clothing
✔ Weather-appropriate hiking clothes
✔ Lightweight rain jacket
✔ Extra layer (fleece or light jacket)
✔ Hat or buff for sun or wind
Sun Protection
✔ Sunglasses
✔ Sunscreen
✔ Lip balm with SPF
Useful Extras
✔ Trekking poles (optional)
✔ Headlamp or small flashlight
✔ Small knife or multitool
✔ Lightweight sit pad
Tip:
Try to keep your backpack light. Most day hikers are comfortable with a pack weight of 5–8 kg.
Planning a longer hike?
2–3 Day Hiking Packing List
For multi-day hikes you need a bit more preparation and gear. This packing list covers the essentials for 2–3 day hiking trips and hut-to-hut adventures.
Essentials
✔ 2–3 liters of water or hydration system
✔ Energy snacks and lightweight meals
✔ Map or hiking navigation app
✔ Fully charged phone + power bank
✔ Small first aid kit
Clothing
✔ Hiking clothes suitable for the weather
✔ Extra shirt and underwear
✔ Extra hiking socks
✔ Warm layer (fleece or light down jacket)
✔ Rain jacket or poncho
Overnight & Comfort
✔ Lightweight sleeping bag or hut sleeping bag
✔ Small travel pillow (optional)
✔ Earplugs for huts
✔ Small towel
Hygiene & Personal Items
✔ Toothbrush and toothpaste
✔ Small toiletries
✔ Sunscreen and lip balm
✔ Blister plasters
Useful Extras
✔ Trekking poles
✔ Headlamp or flashlight
✔ Knife or multitool
✔ Lightweight dry bags for organizing gear
Tip:
For most 2–3 day hikes, a backpack with 35–40 liters capacity is usually sufficient.
Planning an even longer adventure?
4–7 Day Hiking Packing List
Longer hiking trips require more planning and the right gear. This packing list helps you stay prepared and comfortable during multi-day hiking adventures.
Essentials
✔ 1–2 liters of water to start your hike
✔ Water filter or purification tablets (for refilling from streams)
✔ Energy snacks and lightweight meals
✔ Map or hiking navigation app
✔ Fully charged phone + power bank
✔ Small first aid kit
Clothing
✔ Hiking clothes suitable for changing weather
✔ Extra shirts and underwear
✔ Multiple pairs of hiking socks
✔ Warm layer (fleece or lightweight down jacket)
✔ Rain jacket or poncho
✔ Hat or buff
Sleeping & Overnight
✔ Lightweight sleeping bag or hut sleeping bag
✔ Travel pillow (optional)
✔ Earplugs for huts or shared accommodation
✔ Lightweight sleeping clothes
Hygiene & Personal Items
✔ Toothbrush and toothpaste
✔ Small toiletries
✔ Sunscreen and lip balm
✔ Blister plasters
✔ Small microfiber towel
Useful Extras
✔ Trekking poles
✔ Headlamp or flashlight
✔ Knife or multitool
✔ Dry bags for organizing gear
✔ Small repair kit (tape or cord)
Tip:
For multi-day hikes, many hikers refill water from mountain huts or streams. A small water filter or purification tablets can be very useful.
Optional: Gear for Tent Camping
If you plan to camp instead of staying in mountain huts, you may need additional gear.
✔ Lightweight backpacking tent
✔ Sleeping pad or inflatable mattress
✔ Lightweight sleeping bag suitable for mountain temperatures
✔ Backpacking stove and gas canister
✔ Cooking pot and utensils
✔ Headlamp with spare batteries
✔ Food storage bag
Tip:
Camping gear can add significant weight to your backpack. Choose lightweight equipment to keep your pack manageable.
Ready for your next adventure?
Explore Beautiful Hikes
Austria offers some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Alps.
Discover scenic hikes, mountain adventures and multi-day trekking routes.
🌄 Easy Scenic Hikes
Short and beautiful trails perfect for beginners and relaxed outdoor adventures.
🏔 Mountain Hikes
Rewarding hikes with stunning alpine views and summit experiences.
🥾 Multi-Day Treks
Epic hiking adventures through the Austrian Alps.
Looking for hiking tips or packing lists?
🌄 Easy Scenic Hikes
Looking for beautiful and easy hikes with incredible views?
These scenic trails offer waterfalls, alpine lakes and breathtaking landscapes in the Austrian Alps.
🥾 Difficulty: Easy
📷 Perfect for scenic views
Gosausee Scenic Lake Loop
A beautiful and easy lake walk with breathtaking views of the Dachstein glacier and crystal-clear alpine water.
🥾 Easy scenic hike
Umbalfälle Waterfall Trail
A scenic trail through the Hohe Tauern National Park with powerful alpine waterfalls and dramatic mountain scenery.
💧 Famous waterfall hike
WildeWasserWeg – Grawa Waterfall Loop
An easy scenic hike with impressive viewpoints overlooking one of the widest waterfalls in the Alps.
💧 Famous waterfall hike
Trail Details
Click on any hike above to see more information about the route, trail map and hiking conditions.
📍 Trail maps
🌤 Weather information
🥾 Hiking details
Gosausee Scenic Lake Loop
The scenic loop around Lake Gosausee offers breathtaking views of the Dachstein glacier reflected in crystal-clear alpine water.
Quick Facts
📍 Location: Gosausee, Salzkammergut, Austria🥾 Distance: ~4.4 km (lake loop)⛰ Elevation gain: 30 m⭐ Difficulty: Easy⏱ Duration: 1–1.5 hours🌤 Best season: May – October🔁 Optional extension
Hike to Hinterer Gosausee (11 km total distance)
Getting There
🚗 Parking: Gosausee Parking Area 2
📍 Address: Gosauseestraße 152, 4825 Gosau
🧭 Trail start: The trail begins directly at the lake.
Why this hike is special
• spectacular views of the Dachstein glacier
• crystal-clear alpine lake reflections
• one of the most photogenic lakes in Austria
• easy scenic trail for beginners
📸 Photo Tip
The best photos are taken from the eastern lakeshore where the Dachstein glacier reflects in the water. Early morning offers the calmest reflections.
Tip
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer visitors.
Umbalfälle Waterfall Trail
The Umbalfälle waterfall trail leads through one of the most spectacular parts of Hohe Tauern National Park. Wooden paths follow the rushing Isel river past powerful alpine waterfalls and dramatic mountain scenery.
Quick Facts
📍 Location: Prägraten am Großvenediger, East Tyrol, Austria
🥾 Distance: ~6 km round trip
⛰ Elevation gain: ~120 m
⭐ Difficulty: Easy
⏱ Duration: 2 –2,5 hours
🌤 Best season: May – October
Getting There
🚗 Parking: Ströden Car Park📍 Address: Ströden 27, 9974 Prägraten am Großvenediger🧭 Trail start: The waterfall trail begins near Islitzer Alm and follows the Isel river upstream.
Why this hike is special
• powerful waterfalls along the Isel river
• scenic wooden walkways through the gorge
• located inside Hohe Tauern National Park
• easy trail with impressive alpine scenery
📸 Photo Tip
The most dramatic photos can be taken from the wooden viewing platforms along the waterfall trail. Visit in early summer when the waterfalls are strongest from melting snow.
Tip
Visit after rainfall or during early summer when the waterfalls carry the most water.
WildeWasserWeg – Grawa Waterfall Loop
The circular hike across the viewing platforms of the famous Grawa Waterfall is one of the most spectacular short hikes in the Stubai Valley.
The trail follows the WildeWasserWeg and leads to several viewpoints where you can experience the power of one of the widest waterfalls in the Alps.
Quick Facts
📍 Location: Stubai Valley, Tyrol, Austria
🥾 Distance: ~5.5 km loop
⛰ Elevation gain: ~405 m
⭐ Difficulty: Moderate
⏱ Duration: ~2–2.5 hours
🌤 Best season: May – October
Getting There
🚗 Parking: Grawa Alm parking area
📍 Address: Stubaitalstraße B183, Neustift im Stubaital🧭 Trail start: The hike starts near Tschangelair Alm and follows the WildeWasserWeg along the Ruetz river.
Why this hike is special
• one of the widest waterfalls in the Alps
• impressive glacier-fed waterfall
• scenic viewpoints along the trail
• dramatic alpine landscape
📸 Photo Tip
Visit in early summer when the snowmelt makes the waterfall extremely powerful.
The upper viewing platforms offer the best perspective to capture the entire waterfall.
Tip
Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds, especially during summer.
🏔 Mountain Hikes in the Alps
Looking for unforgettable mountain adventures?These hikes lead to breathtaking viewpoints, alpine huts and some of the most iconic landscapes in the Alps.
🥾 Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
⛰ Perfect for mountain lovers and panoramic views
📸 Seebensee & Drachensee
One of the most famous alpine lake hikes in Austria with incredible turquoise water and dramatic mountain scenery.
📸 Olpererhütte Suspension Bridge
A spectacular mountain hike leading to the famous suspension bridge with breathtaking glacier views.
📸 Schafberg Summit Hike
A classic Austrian summit hike with one of the most spectacular panoramic views in the Salzkammergut.
Trail Details
Click on any hike above to see more information about the route, trail map and hiking conditions.
📍 Trail maps
🌤 Weather information
🥾 Hiking details
Seebensee & Drachensee Alpine Lake Hike
The hike to Seebensee and Drachensee is one of the most spectacular mountain hikes in Tyrol.Starting in Ehrwald, the trail climbs through forest and alpine terrain to the famous turquoise Seebensee and continues to the Coburger Hütte above the beautiful Drachensee.
Quick Facts
📍 Location: Ehrwald, Tyrol, Austria
🥾 Distance: ~11.2 km round trip
⛰ Elevation gain: ~850 m
⭐ Difficulty: Moderate – challenging
⏱ Duration: ~5–6 hours
🌤 Best season: May – October
Getting There
🚗 Parking: Ehrwalder Almbahn valley station📍 Address: Dr.-Ludwig-Ganghofer-Straße, 6632 Ehrwald🧭 Trail start: The hike begins at the Ehrwalder Almbahn valley station and follows the trail toward Seebensee and Coburger Hütte.
Why this hike is special
• one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Tyrol
• stunning turquoise water at Seebensee
• dramatic mountain scenery at Drachensee
• views of the Mieminger mountain range
📸 Photo Tip
For the most famous Seebensee view, hike a little above the lake where you can capture the turquoise water with the surrounding mountains.Continue to Drachensee near Coburger Hütte for dramatic alpine scenery.
Tip
Visit after rainfall or during early summer when the waterfalls carry the most water.
Olpererhütte Suspension Bridge Hike
The hike to Olpererhütte is one of the most spectacular mountain hikes in the Austrian Alps.Starting at the Schlegeis reservoir, the trail climbs steadily through alpine terrain toward the Olpererhütte. Along the way you get breathtaking views over the turquoise glacier lake and the surrounding peaks of the Zillertal Alps.Near the hut you will find the famous suspension bridge – one of the most photographed hiking spots in Austria.
Quick Facts
📍 Location: Zillertal Alps, Tyrol, Austria
🥾 Distance: ~6.3 km (out & back)
⛰ Elevation gain: ~584 m
⭐ Difficulty: Moderate
⏱ Duration: ~3 – 3.5 hours
📅 Best season: June – Octobe
Getting There
🚗 Parking: Schlegeis Stausee parking area
📍 Address: Schlegeis Alpenstraße, 6295 Ginzling
🥾 Trail start: directly from the dam
Why this hike is special
• iconic suspension bridge photo spot
• stunning views over Schlegeis reservoir
• impressive high-alpine scenery
• one of the most famous hikes in Tyrol
📸 Photo Tip
For the famous bridge photo, stand on the trail facing the suspension bridge with the Schlegeis reservoir in the background.Early morning or sunset offers the best light and fewer hikers.
Tip
Visit after rainfall or during early summer when the waterfalls carry the most water.
Schafberg Summit Hike
The hike to Schafberg is one of the most famous summit hikes in the Salzkammergut region.Starting in the village of St. Wolfgang, the trail climbs steadily through forest and alpine terrain via Dorneralm and Schafbergalpe until reaching the summit.At the top you are rewarded with one of the most spectacular panoramic views in Austria, overlooking several alpine lakes including Wolfgangsee, Mondsee and Attersee.
Quick Facts
📍 Location: Salzkammergut, Austria
🥾 Distance: 7.7 km
⛰ Elevation gain: 1,211 m
⭐ Difficulty: Moderate
⏱ Duration: ~4 – 5 hours total
📅 Best season: May – October
Getting There
🚗 Parking: St. Wolfgang village parking area📍 Address:
Markt 1, 5360 St. Wolfgang🥾 Trail start: St. Wolfgang town center
Why this hike is special
• spectacular 360° summit panorama
• views over multiple alpine lakes
• one of the most famous peaks in the Salzkammergut
• historic Schafberg cog railway to the summit
📸 Photo Tip
The best photos are taken near the summit cross where you can capture the panoramic view over Lake Wolfgangsee and the surrounding alpine lakes.For the best light, visit early in the morning or late afternoon.
Tip
Visit after rainfall or during early summer when the waterfalls carry the most water.
🥾 Multi-Day Hikes
Epic long-distance hikes through the Austrian Alps.
These routes take you across dramatic mountain landscapes, alpine huts and unforgettable panoramic views.
🥾 Difficulty: Moderate – Hard
⛰ Perfect for multi-day adventures
🥾 Eagle Walk (Adlerweg)
One of the most famous long-distance hikes in the Austrian Alps.
The trail crosses Tyrol through dramatic mountain landscapes and traditional alpine huts.
➡ Multi-day alpine adventure
🥾 Arlberg Trail
A spectacular multi-day hike around the Arlberg region connecting charming alpine villages, mountain huts and high alpine landscapes.➡ Hut-to-hut hiking adventure
🥾 Salzburger Almenweg
A beautiful long-distance hike through alpine meadows, traditional mountain huts and panoramic landscapes in the Salzburg Alps.➡ Classic hut-to-hut hiking trail
Trail Details
Click on any hike above to see more information about the route, trail map and hiking conditions.
📍 Trail maps
🌤 Weather information
🥾 Hiking details
🥾 Eagle Walk (Adlerweg)
The first stage of the famous Eagle Walk leads from St. Johann in Tirol into the dramatic landscape of the Wilder Kaiser mountains. The trail climbs steadily through forests and alpine meadows before reaching the impressive limestone walls of the Kaiser range. Along the way hikers pass the beautiful Schleier Waterfall before arriving at the Gaudeamushütte, a traditional alpine hut with spectacular mountain views.
Quick Facts
📍 Start: St. Johann in Tirol
🏁 End: Gaudeamushütte
📏 Distance: ~13 km
⏱ Duration: 5–5.5 hours
⬆️ Elevation gain: ~1060 m
⬇️ Elevation loss: ~470 m
🏔 Highest point: ~1570 m
🥾 Difficulty: Moderate
🗓 Best season: June – September
🏡 Hut: Gaudeamushütte (1267 m)
Getting There
🚗 Parking: Hinterkaiser parking area (near Rummlerhof), St. Johann in Tirol📍 Address: Hinterkaiser, 6380 St. Johann in Tirol, Austria🥾 Trail start: Hinterkaiser / Rummlerhof – official start of Adlerweg Stage 1
Why this hike is special
• stunning views of the dramatic Wilder Kaiser mountain range
• beautiful alpine forests and traditional mountain meadows
• famous Schleier Waterfall along the trail
• authentic Tyrolean mountain hut experience at Gaudeamushütte
• official starting stage of the legendary Adlerweg long-distance hike
📸 Photo Tip
The best photo spot is near the Gaudeamushütte, where the dramatic limestone peaks of the Wilder Kaiser rise directly above the hut. Capture the alpine meadows in the foreground and the rugged mountain walls behind for a classic Tyrolean mountain panorama.
Tip
Visit after rainfall or during early summer when the waterfalls carry the most water.
🥾 Arlberg Trail
The Arlberg Trail is one of the most beautiful hut-to-hut hikes in the Austrian Alps.This circular long-distance hike connects several alpine villages around the Arlberg region and leads through stunning mountain scenery, alpine meadows and traditional mountain huts.The route is divided into multiple stages and is perfect for hikers looking for a multi-day alpine adventure.
Quick Facts
📍 Location: Arlberg region, Austria
🥾 Distance: ~52 km total
⛰ Elevation gain: ~6,000 m (combined stages)
⭐ Difficulty: Moderate – Hard
⏱ Duration: ~3 – 5 hiking days
📅 Best season: June – September
Getting There
The Arlberg Trail is a circular hike connecting several villages.Common starting points include:📍 St. Anton am Arlberg
📍 Lech am Arlberg
📍 ZürsMany hikers start the trail in St. Anton and complete the loop over several stages.
Why this hike is special
• spectacular alpine landscapes
• traditional mountain huts along the route
• circular multi-day hiking trail
• panoramic views of the Arlberg mountains
📸 Photo Tip
Many of the best photos are taken along the ridge sections of the trail where the path overlooks multiple alpine valleys.Sunrise and sunset create dramatic light across the Arlberg mountain range.
Tip
Visit after rainfall or during early summer when the waterfalls carry the most water.
🥾 Salzburger Almenweg
The Salzburger Almenweg is one of the most beautiful long-distance hiking trails in Austria.This scenic multi-day hike leads through alpine meadows, traditional mountain huts and breathtaking mountain landscapes in the Salzburg Alps. Along the trail hikers can experience authentic alpine culture while staying at cozy mountain huts.
Quick Facts
📍 Location: Salzburg region, Austria
🥾 Distance: ~350 km total
⛰ Elevation gain: ~18,000 m (combined stages)
⭐ Difficulty: Moderate – Hard
⏱ Duration: ~25 – 30 hiking days
📅 Best season: June – September
Getting There
The Salzburger Almenweg is divided into many stages and can be started from several locations.Popular starting points include:📍 Werfen
📍 St. Johann im Pongau
📍 FilzmoosMany hikers choose to complete only selected stages.
Why this hike is special
• traditional alpine huts and alpine culture
• scenic alpine meadows and mountain landscapes
• one of the longest hiking trails in Austria
• many stages that can be hiked individually
📸 Photo Tip
The most beautiful photos are taken in the alpine meadows along the trail where traditional huts are surrounded by mountain scenery.Early morning light creates the most atmospheric alpine landscapes.
Tip
Visit after rainfall or during early summer when the waterfalls carry the most water.
🎒 Essential Hiking Gear
The right hiking gear can make the difference between an enjoyable hike and an uncomfortable experience.Here you will find recommended hiking equipment for different types of hikes – from short day trips to multi-day alpine adventures.
🎒 Hiking Backpacks
• Day Hike Backpacks (20–30L)
• Weekend Hiking Backpacks (30–40L)
• Multi-Day Backpacks (40–60L)
🥾 Hiking Shoes
• Day hiking shoes
• Mountain hiking boots
• Waterproof hiking shoes
🧭 Hiking Essentials
• Headlamp
• First aid kit
• Water filter
• Trekking poles
• Powerbank
🏕 Multi-Day Hiking Gear
• Sleeping bag liner
• Lightweight tent
• Cooking system
• Water filter
🎒 Day Hike Backpacks (20–30L)
Day hike backpacks are perfect for shorter hikes where you only need the essentials.
They offer enough space for water, snacks, a rain jacket and basic gear while staying light and comfortable on the trail.These backpacks are ideal for scenic hikes, mountain viewpoints and half-day adventures.
⭐ Best Value
Salomon Trailblazer 20
• lightweight and compact
• breathable back system
• perfect for day hikes and alpine trailsGreat balance between comfort, weight and price.
⭐ Most Comfortable
Osprey Daylite Plus (20L)
• excellent ventilation
• ergonomic fit
• very durable outdoor backpackOne of the most popular day hiking backpacks worldwide.
⭐ Budget Pick
SKYSPER 25L Hiking Backpack
• excellent ventilation
• ergonomic fit
• very durable outdoor backpackOne of the most popular day hiking backpacks worldwide.
🎒 Weekend Hiking Backpacks (30–40L)
Weekend hiking backpacks offer more storage space for longer hikes or overnight trips.
They allow you to carry extra clothing, food, rain protection and additional gear while staying comfortable on the trail.These backpacks are ideal for long day hikes, mountain tours and short hut-to-hut adventures.
⭐ Best Overall
Osprey Stratos 36
• excellent ventilation system
• very comfortable for long hikes
• durable and well-organized designOne of the most popular backpacks for longer day hikes and weekend trips.
⭐ Best Lightweight Option
Salomon Trailblazer 30
• lightweight and compact design
• comfortable shoulder straps
• perfect for fast hiking and alpine toursGreat backpack for hikers who prefer a lighter setup.
⭐ Budget Pick
SKYSPER 35L Hiking Backpack
• affordable and lightweight
• water-resistant material
• multiple compartments for gearA solid option for beginners and casual hikers.
🎒 Multi-Day Hiking Backpacks (40–60L)
Multi-day hiking backpacks are designed for longer trekking trips where you need to carry more equipment.They provide enough space for clothing, food, extra gear and overnight essentials while keeping the weight balanced and comfortable during long hikes.These backpacks are ideal for hut-to-hut trekking and multi-day alpine adventures.
⭐ Best Overall Trekking Backpack
Osprey Atmos AG 50
• excellent anti-gravity ventilation system
• very comfortable for long trekking days
• high-quality and durable designOne of the most popular backpacks for multi-day hiking trips.
⭐ Best Lightweight Option
Deuter Aircontact Lite 45+10
• lightweight trekking backpack
• adjustable capacity for longer trips
• excellent load distributionPerfect for hikers who want comfort without excessive weight.
⭐ Budget Pick
Teton Sports Explorer 55L
• large capacity for multi-day hikes
• durable and affordable
• comfortable for beginnersA good entry-level trekking backpack for longer adventures.
🥾 Day Hiking Shoes
Day hiking shoes are perfect for shorter hikes and well-maintained trails.They are lightweight, comfortable and provide enough grip for most hiking routes while allowing you to move quickly and easily on the trail.These shoes are ideal for scenic hikes, forest trails and easy mountain paths.
⭐ Best Overall
Salomon X Ultra 4
• excellent grip on rocky trails
• lightweight but very stable
• breathable and comfortableOne of the most popular hiking shoes for day hikes and light mountain trails.
⭐ Most Comfortable
Merrell Moab 3
• very comfortable fit
• durable leather and mesh upper
• excellent traction on different terrainA classic hiking shoe trusted by hikers around the world.
⭐ Budget Pick
Columbia Redmond III
• lightweight and affordable
• waterproof options available
• comfortable for casual hikingA great entry-level hiking shoe for beginners.
🥾 Mountain Hiking Boots
Mountain hiking boots are designed for more demanding terrain and alpine trails.They provide better stability, stronger grip and additional ankle support, making them ideal for steep paths, rocky terrain and longer mountain hikes.
⭐ Best overall mountain hiking boot
Salomon X Ultra Pioneer Mid GTX
• lightweight but very stable
• waterproof Gore-Tex membrane
• excellent grip on rocky mountain trailsA versatile hiking boot that combines the comfort of a hiking shoe with the stability needed for alpine terrain.
⭐ Most Durable
LOWA Renegade Evo GTX Mid
• extremely durable leather upper
• great stability for mountain trails
• very comfortable fitOne of the most trusted hiking boots in Europe.
⭐ Budget Pick
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II
• lightweight and comfortable
• waterproof construction
• very affordable optionA solid entry-level boot for mountain hiking.
💧 Waterproof Hiking Shoes
Waterproof hiking shoes are designed for wet conditions, muddy trails and changing mountain weather.They keep your feet dry while still providing good grip and comfort for long hikes. These shoes are ideal for alpine trails, rainy days and early morning hikes when the ground is still wet.
⭐ Best Overall
Merrell Moab 3 GTX
• very comfortable fit
• reliable waterproof membrane
• excellent traction on wet trailsOne of the most trusted waterproof hiking shoes for long day hikes.
⭐ Best for Fast Hiking
Salomon Speedcross Peak
• extremely good grip on muddy trails
• lightweight and agile design
• waterproof Gore-Tex membraneA great option for hikers who prefer lightweight shoes and fast movement on the trail.
⭐ Budget Pick
Columbia Redmond IV Mid Waterproof
• affordable waterproof hiking boot
• comfortable mid-cut ankle support
• good grip for forest and mountain trailsA great budget-friendly hiking boot for beginners and casual hikers.
🧭 Hiking Essentials
Small pieces of gear can make a big difference during a hike.These essential items improve safety, comfort and navigation on the trail.
🔦 Headlamps for Hiking
A reliable headlamp is one of the most important safety items on the trail.
Whether you start early, finish late or hike in poor weather,
having a dependable light source makes a big difference.Here are two excellent options depending on your preference.
🔋 Budget / Battery Option
Energizer Vision HD+
Reliable and simple headlamp powered by standard batteries.
Great backup light for hiking, camping or emergencies.
🔌 Rechargeable Premium Option
Olight Perun 3 Mini
Ultra bright rechargeable headlamp with long battery life
and multiple light modes for serious outdoor use.
🩹 First Aid Kit
Even on short hikes small injuries can happen.
A compact first aid kit helps you handle blisters,
cuts or minor accidents on the trail.A lightweight kit should always be part of your backpack.
GoLab First Aid Kit for Outdoors
Compact first aid kit with essential items for hiking,
camping and outdoor activities.
Lightweight and easy to carry in any backpack.
💧 Water Filters for Hiking
On longer hikes and multi-day adventures you may not always
have access to safe drinking water.A compact water filter allows you to safely drink from
mountain streams or lakes and reduce the amount of water
you need to carry.
Sawyer Mini Water Filter
Ultra-light water filter that removes bacteria and protozoa
from natural water sources.Perfect for hiking, trekking and emergency use.
🥾 Trekking Poles
Trekking poles help reduce strain on your knees,
especially during long descents or multi-day hikes.They also improve balance on rocky trails,
river crossings and steep alpine terrain.
✨ Best Lightweight Option
ALPIN LOACKER Carbon
Lightweight carbon trekking poles designed for long hikes
and mountain terrain. Compact, durable and comfortable
for extended trekking.
🪙 Best Budget Option
ALPENWERT Hiking Poles
Affordable aluminium trekking poles that offer solid
stability and durability. A great choice for beginners
or occasional hikers.
🔋 Powerbanks for Hiking
Your smartphone is often your navigation tool,
camera and emergency contact on the trail.A reliable powerbank ensures your phone stays charged
during long hikes or multi-day adventures.
⭐ Best Compact Option (Day Hikes)
Anker PowerCore 10000
• lightweight and compact
• enough power for 2–3 phone charges
• perfect for day hikes and short tripsA reliable powerbank that fits easily into any hiking backpack.
⭐ Best for Multi-Day Hikes
Anker Zolo 20000 mAh
• high capacity for longer trips
• multiple device charging
• ideal for multi-day trekkingPerfect for longer hikes where you rely on GPS
navigation and frequent phone use.
🏕 Multi-Day Hiking Gear
For longer hiking adventures and hut-to-hut trekking
you may need additional equipment.Lightweight gear helps you stay comfortable while
keeping your backpack weight manageable during
multi-day alpine hikes.
🛏 Sleeping Bag Liner
Many alpine huts require a sleeping bag liner
for hygiene reasons during hut-to-hut hikes.A lightweight liner keeps you comfortable,
packs very small and is an essential item
for multi-day hiking trips.
Cocoon Travel Sheet
Ultra lightweight sleeping bag liner designed
for hut-to-hut trekking and multi-day hikes.Compact, breathable and easy to pack
into any backpack.
🔥 Lightweight Hiking Stove
For longer hiking trips or trekking adventures,
a compact stove allows you to prepare hot meals
or drinks on the trail.Modern hiking stoves are lightweight, easy to use
and take very little space in your backpack.
BRS-3000T Ultralight Titanium Stove
Ultra lightweight titanium stove designed for
trekking and backpacking.Perfect for boiling water quickly while keeping
your backpack weight minimal.
🏕 Ultralight Tent
For multi-day trekking adventures or remote hikes,
an ultralight tent provides shelter while keeping
your backpack weight manageable.Modern trekking tents are compact, lightweight
and designed for easy setup in outdoor conditions.
Naturehike Cloud-Up 2
Lightweight trekking tent designed for hiking
and backpacking trips.Compact, weather resistant and easy to set up,
making it a great option for multi-day adventures.
🥾 Ready for your next hike?
Now that you have the right gear, explore some of the
most beautiful hiking routes and helpful guides for
planning your next adventure in the Alps.
ImprintInformation according to §5 ECGName: Yuriy MaherevychAddress:
1220 Vienna, Dusikagasse 9/3Email:
[email protected]Responsible for the content according to §25 Mediengesetz:
Yuriy Maherevych
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