Summer in Europe is heating up (literally), and if you’re anything like me, you’re skipping the hot and crowded places and heading straight for the Alps.
Whether you’re planning a day hike in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, or Italy, knowing what to wear hiking in the Alps in summer can make or break your adventure.
Living in Munich, I’m just an hour from the trails—and after hundreds of hikes through alpine meadows and dramatic ridgelines, I’ve dialed in a go-to hiking packing list that’s light, practical, and keeps you ready for the mountains.
In this guide, I’m sharing exactly what to pack for hiking in the Alps in summer so you can hit the trails confidently—without overpacking or forgetting that one key thing (like sunscreen or layers… always layers!).
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Short on Time? Quick Alps Hiking Packing List
Backpack:
– A ca. 20-liter Hiking Backpack is big enough
Clothing:
– Layered clothing
– Prepare an extra shirt to wear for the descent
– Quick drying shirt (such as a merino wool shirt)
– Base Layer, Fleece pullover
– Functional shorts
– Baseball cap (the sun is strong in the mountains)
Footwear:
– I always hike in Adidas Terrex Hiking Shoes
– Merino Hiking Socks
Backpack Essentials:
– Smartwatch with GPS for tracking
– Trekking Poles for longer hikes, spare socks
– Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm with SPF
– Painkillers, powerbank, charging cable
– Microfiber towel, Headlamp
– Water, food, cash, wet wipes to freshen up
Preparation:
-Download an offline map of your hike
Hiking Backpack: What to Look For
For summer day hikes, a backpack between 18–25 liters is ideal — it’s just the right size to fit all your essentials without weighing you down.
Pro Tip: If your route has no water refill stations (no mountain huts), you might need a slightly larger backpack to carry extra hydration. Otherwise, 18–25L will do the trick for most trails.
I personally use Thule and Osprey backpacks — both are comfortable and they are built to last for long. In Germany, the brand Deuter is also very popular.
Regardless of the brand you go for, make sure your backpack has:
– Padded shoulder straps for comfort
– Chest strap to take the pressure off your shoulders — helpful on longer hikes like the Schrecksee trail in Germany
– Side pockets to easily fit water bottles (most packs fit 1.5L bottles on each side)
– Internal zipped pocket for valuables like your keys and cash
My boyriend wearing an Osprey Backpack in the Dolomites Hiking in the German Alps
What to Wear Hiking in the Alps in Summer
Weather in the Alps can change fast — even in July. That’s why layering is key when dressing for a summer hike. One golden rule I learned from my German hiker friends:
If you feel a little cold during the first 10 minutes of your hike, you’re dressed just right.
If you’re warm right away, you’re probably wearing too much.
Here’s what I usually wear for summer day hikes in the Alps:
Breathable Base Layer
- Choose a quick-drying, moisture-wicking material like merino wool or technical synthetic fabrics.
- Merino is my go-to: it cools in summer, keeps you warm when it gets chilly, and doesn’t get smelly even after hours on the trail.
Insulating Mid-Upper Layer
- A light fleece pullover is perfect to keep in your backpack and pull out when you stop or reach higher altitudes.
- It gets colder the higher you go — roughly 1°C per 100 meters of elevation gain — so be prepared even if the valley is hot.
Pro Tip: Bring a fresh t-shirt to change into at the summit or after the hike — it feels so good to swap your sweaty shirt for something clean and dry!
Don`t forget to check the weather forecast and if it predicts rain, it`s best to bring a lightwait rain cover with you – it can also be a simple one!
Bottoms
Some hikers prefer hiking pants with zip-off legs or lightweight shorts. Go with what makes you feel comfortable and confident!
In summer, I often wear biker-length trousers/leggings — they’re comfortable, breathable, and just the right length for active hiking without getting too hot.
Head Cover
On a bright day, it`s important to wear a head cover. In my opinion, the best is to wear a baseball cap, which also protects your face from getting sunburnt.
Footwear for Hiking in the Alps
Finding the right hiking shoes took me a while. I used to struggle with super-sturdy boots — they were so thick I couldn’t feel the ground beneath me, which actually made me feel less safe on the trail.
Eventually, I found a pair I truly love: Adidas Terrex with Gore-Tex. They’re lightweight, waterproof, and let me feel connected to the terrain — whether I’m walking on rocky trails or muddy forest paths. I wear them on every hike now and honestly don’t plan to switch anytime soon.
How to Choose the Right Hiking Shoes
- For casual hikes or beginner trails (like the Jochberg hike in Bavaria), regular sports shoes might be enough — just make sure they have a good grip.
- For longer or steeper hikes, I highly recommend trail shoes or light hiking boots with good ankle support and waterproofing.
- Check the soles — look for tread patterns that grip well on uneven surfaces like loose gravel or wet rocks.
➡️ Pro Tip: Gore-Tex shoes are a lifesaver in the Alps. Even in summer, trails can get muddy, and waterproof shoes keep your feet dry and blister-free.
Wearables & Tech for Hiking in the Alps
I never head out for a hike in the Alps without my smartwatch. It helps me track the time, monitor elevation, and with more advanced models, even download GPX maps. This way, my watch gives me an alert if I wander off route — super helpful when you’re exploring lesser-known trails.
Offline Maps Are a Must
Always download the offline map of your hiking route before you go. I personally use Bergfex, but Komoot or Outdooractive work just as well. Cell reception in the Alps is spotty at best, so having offline navigation is essential — even if you know the trail well.
Airplane Mode: Saves your Battery
One of my best hacks for hiking in the Alps: put your phone in airplane mode. In the mountains, there’s often little to no signal, and your phone will constantly search for reception – which drains your battery fast.
I always hike with my phone in airplane mode so I have enough battery left to take all the photos and videos I want to.
What to Pack in Your Hiking Backpack
When hiking in the Alps, packing light but smart is the key. You don’t want to carry unnecessary weight, but you also don’t want to miss any essentials. Here’s what I always carry with me on my day hikes — tried and tested across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy!
🎒 Essentials Inside Your Hiking Backpack
- Cash + ID + Keys
- Painkillers (just in case)
- Sunscreen & lip balm with SPF
- Sunglasses (+ Glasses Holder)
- Tissues
- Small Emergency Kit
- Water (1.5L for short hikes, 3L+ for long ones)
- Snacks (dates, energy bars, chocolate)
- Packed food (tortilla wrap, rice bowl, banana)
- Spare socks
- Spare shirt (for changing at the summit)
- Raincoat (optional, check weather forecast beforehand)
- Phone, charging cable + power bank
- Hiking poles (especially for steep trails)
- Headlamp (for safety)
Optional but Helpful Gadgets
- Offline map downloaded (Bergfex or Komoot)
- Reeloq phone holder for easy, safe photo access
- Smartwatch with GPX track alerts
Packing Gear for Via Ferrata Routes
Although I’m still a beginner, I’ve tried a few via ferrata (Klettersteig) routes in Germany and Italy—mostly in the A-B difficulty range.
If you’re planning to hike a via ferrata route in the Alps, packing the right safety gear is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Certified via ferrata set (must include a carabiner system with energy absorber)
- Helmet to protect against falling rocks
- Gloves to protect your hands while climbing cables and ladders
Pro Tip: If you’re new to via ferrata, it`s best to hire a certified guide to teach you. Or start with a beginner-friendly trail.
My first experience doing a Via Ferrata trail was near Tre Cime di Lavaredo in the Dolomites, and it was absolutely unforgettable—but it definitely required a good base level of fitness and no fear of heights.
Klettersteig in Germany Via Ferrata in Italy
Packing Gear for Hiking with a Dog in the Alps
Bringing your furry friend on a hike through the Alps can be a wonderful experience. I often hike with my Labrador and over time I’ve learned a few essentials that make the adventure safer and more comfortable—for both of us. Whether you’re exploring hidden trails in Austria or taking a scenic cable car in Switzerland, here’s what to know about hiking in the Alps with your dog.
Make sure your dog has access to water along the trail—either from natural sources like alpine streams or from a separate bottle you bring just for them. I always pack a collapsible water bowl and check for refill spots ahead of time.
If you’re using public transportation or a Seilbahn (cable car), it’s important to bring a muzzle. Many cable cars in the Alps require dogs to wear one—even just a soft fabric one—so it’s better to be prepared.
What to Pack When Hiking with a Dog:
– Snacks or dry food for longer hikes
– Collapsible water bowl + extra water bottle for your dog
– Leash and collar
– Waste bags
– Muzzle (from fabric is ok, required for most public transport and cable cars)
Weather in the Alps in Summer: What to Expect
The weather in the Alps can be unpredictable, even in summer. While lower altitudes can be warm and sunny (20–28°C), once you gain elevation, it gets cooler—expect the temperature to drop by about 1°C per 100 meters of altitude.
Sudden rain showers are also common, so packing light layers and a rain cover is essential. Morning hikes tend to be clearer and safer from storms, so plan your start early and always check the forecast the night before.
Alps Hiking Packing FAQ
Conclusion
Hiking in the Alps during summer is the best things to do in Europe. With the Mediterranean countries getting very hot, you can escape the heat in the Alps for sure.
I hope this Alps Hiking Packing List helps you get ready for your summer in the Alps.
A collection of my favourite trails:
– Best Hikes in Bavaria
– Hike to the Zittauer Hütte in Austria
– Schrecksee Hike
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