Hiking gear | What to wear on a hiking adventure

10/08/2023

Gearing up for hiking adventures

Two hikers walk through alpine shrubs with clouds and mountains in the background.

Calling all nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers! Are you ready to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the great outdoors? We've got your back with the perfect hiking gear and hacks for an unforgettable experience that connects you deeply with nature.

Hiking essentials: gear up for any trail

A hiker smiles as her friend adjusts the load of her backpack, behind, there is a large rock buttress.

Photo: Mammut

Before we delve into specific types of hikes, let's talk about the essentials that form the foundation of every adventurer's kit when they’re out and about in the Swiss Alps:

Navigation Tools. Use digital map apps to plan your route and add it to your phone or watch. Be prepared for anything by taking a physical map, compass and an altitude metre as a backup.
First Aid Kit. Sh*t happens - be ready for the unexpected with a first aid kit that can mitigate the consequences of accidents in the mountains.
Sun Protection. Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat and wrap on some sunglasses, so you’re ready to send it in that fierce alpine sunshine.
Water. Hydration is key for endurance, staying at your physical peak and making good decisions in the backcountry.
Food. Fuel your fun with nutritious food and emergency snacks for when that last minute shortcut goes awry.
Clothing. Maintaining homeostasis through varying temperatures, weather, and terrain is an art - read on for tips to stay warm (but not too hot!) and dry.
Footwear. Your feet are precious tools to move you up and down mountains, keep them comfy and supported with our recommendations for every adventure.

Now, let's explore the specific gear needed for different kinds of hikes…..

Day hikes: gear for comfort and versatility

Woman hiking in stormy conditions in the alps, she is wearing a black Mammut jacket and backpack.

Photo: Mammut

A day hike calls for gear that balances comfort and versatility, allowing you to enjoy the journey without feeling weighed down. Here are the essentials for your day hike ensemble which we can confirm fits into the suggested backpack:

Breathable & protective pants. The Mammut Zinal Hybrid Pants strike the balance between durability and flexibility, providing protection and unrestricted movement as you navigate challenging terrains.
Merino Long Sleeve Top. The magic of merino helps you thermo-regulate, wick moisture, keep warm when it’s wet AND - merino fibres don’t stink.
A Packable Waterproof Jacket. Mammut’s Convey Tour Hooded Jacket* is the ultimate all-weather companion, this jacket's lightweight GORE-TEX® shell protects you from the elements and is highly breathable. It’s also crazy light and easily slots into a tiny spot in your pack.
20L backpack. 20 litres is sufficient to pack all the day hike essentials, but take note of your pack's materials and ensure it’s light enough to keep you moving quickly. Mammut’s Lithium 20 Backpack* weighs in at a featherlight 740g, boasts excellent functionality, AND it’s made from recycled materials.
Robust Footwear. Here you need to make a choice between a solid trail running shoe, or a hiking boot. Research your route, and if the terrain looks rough choose a pair of sturdy boots to keep your feet in good shape from start to finish.

Optional Additions:

Trekking Poles. Hiking with poles can take up to 40% of the weight off your knee joints. Look after your knees and conserve energy with lightweight poles. Black Diamond’s Pursuit FLZ Trekking Poles have adjustable lengths, enhance your stability and reduce impact, making them a nice add-on for a day hike.
Emergency Layers. This is not an optional add-on but an absolute MUST if you’re heading up high (e.g., above 1800m). If you’re taking the high road, also take a beanie, gloves and a midlayer so that you’re ready for unexpected wild weather.

Essential clothing and equipment needed for hiking in the mountains.

Multi-day hikes: gear for endurance and adventure

The hike to Lac Louvie, it’s a summer day with blue skies, fluffy clouds, and green grass.

Photo: Verbier Tourisme | Sentier Chamois Hike

For those hut-to-hut pilgrimages when you spend multiple days in the heart of nature, gear that supports endurance and comfort in varying conditions is a must. Be prepared for changing weather, terrain and temperatures with these additions:

Breathable & Protective Pants. As described in Day Hikes, we recommend the Mammut Zinal Hybrid Pants.
Merino Layers. Ensure you have a set of warm and dry merino layers (long and short sleeve tops, underwear, and leggings) to climb into once you reach your next hut. A tip for women is to take a spare sports bra so you can switch to a dry one after sweaty ascents.
Emergency Insulation Layer. As described in Day Hikes, we recommend the Mammut Albula Hooded Jacket.
A Packable Waterproof Jacket. As described in Day Hikes, we recommend the Mammut’s Convey Tour Hooded Jacket.

40-50L Backpack. How big to go with your backpack depends on a few points:

How many days you’re going for (more days, go bigger).
Is there food / water on the route? If not, you have to carry it - so go bigger!
Do you need to carry camping gear? If so, you’ll need to go bigger, and note that camping gear isn’t listed in this article - check out this packing list for a camping gear breakdown from hike guide Famke.

Trekking Poles. Described as an optional add-on for a day hike, these are a must-have for multi-day missions. We recommend the Black Diamond’s Pursuit FLZ Trekking Poles.

Hiking Boots. For a multi-day mission, you’ll need sturdy hiking boots to look after your ankles, and provide your feet with more support on rough terrain.

Headlamp. You might use it to find your way home if your plans go awry and you’re still hiking after dark, or just to read a juicy novel after lights out in the hut. Either way, a good headlamp is an essential item for every multi-day trip.

A visual packing list of the clothing and equipment needed for multi-day hikes and treks.

Trail Running: Gear for Speed and Agility

A man is out running through brown alpine grass and rocks, there is a thick fog of cloud behind him.

Photo: Mammut

When you're chasing miles and conquering trails at lightning speed, you need gear that keeps up with your pace. For trail running, consider the following essentials:

Clothing. Opt for lightweight and moisture-wicking running t-shirts & shorts to stay cool and dry. If your run takes you to lofty peaks or remote areas, always take an emergency waterproof.
Robust & light trail shoes. The Mammut Aenergy trail running shoes are designed for speed and precision, offering the perfect combination of lightness, grip and support for mid- to long-distance trail runs.
Running Vest. Combining storage and hydration in an easy lightweight package, the Mammut Aenergy TR 5 Running Vest keeps your essentials close at hand with a hydration system for water on the go.

The clothing and gear needed for trail running in the mountains.

Embrace the magic of nature with the perfect gear

There you have it, nature enthusiasts—the ultimate hiking outfits and gear that will elevate your experience amidst the wonders of the great outdoors. Tailor your equipment to match the demands of your hike, and you'll be prepared to embrace nature's raw beauty in all its glory.

If you’re seeking incredible guided hikes off the beaten track, consider booking with Famke van der Elst. As an enthusiastic and experienced UIMLA Mountain Leader, Famke and her dog Woody are always delighted to share the beauty of the Swiss Alps with new friends.

So gear up, set forth, and savour the moments that only Mother Nature can provide.

Happy hiking everyone!