What to Pack for a Hut-to-Hut Trekking Adventure (Realistic Guide)
A hut-to-hut trek is truly special. You spend several days walking through the mountains, crossing valleys, ridges and mountain passes, and every afternoon you arrive at a mountain hut where a shower (sometimes hot), a homemade dinner and great conversations are waiting for you.
But before you go, the same question always comes up: What should I pack? And how heavy should my backpack be?
After organising many hut-to-hut trekking trips, especially in the Pyrenees and the Picos de Europa, here is a practical, realistic packing list to help you prepare properly.
The ideal backpack
For a multi-day hut-to-hut trek:
- 35 to 45 litres is perfect
- Comfortable, with a good hip belt (ideally, it should support the weight on your legs, not your back)
- Adjustable to your back
- With a rain cover (very important)
You don’t need a 60L backpack. In fact, the bigger it is, the more you’ll tend to fill it “just in case”.
Our advice: keep your backpack between 7–9 kg (including water).
The difference between enjoying or suffering the trek often comes down to weight. The lighter you go, the more you’ll enjoy every step.
Clothing: less than you think
In the mountains, it’s not about packing more, but packing smarter.
For hiking
- 2–3 technical t-shirts
- 1 long trekking trousers
- 1 short (depending on the season)
- 2–3 pairs of technical socks
- Light underwear
Warm layers
- Light fleece or mid-layer
- Waterproof jacket
- Light down jacket (can replace the fleece)
For the hut
- Dry t-shirt for the evening
- Comfortable trousers or leggings (also works as pyjamas)
- Light sandals (optional, most huts provide Crocs)
Guide tips
- Avoid cotton – it gets heavy and dries slowly
- You can wash clothes in many huts, so you don’t need much space.
- Use small plastic bags to keep dry clothes protected
Footwear
- Hiking boots or trekking shoes with a good grip
- Already broken in (never brand new)
- Something light for the hut (optional)
Boots offer more ankle support and safety, while shoes are lighter and more comfortable. It depends on your experience and preference.
Life in the mountain hut
- Sleeping bag liner (required in most huts)
- Small microfiber towel
- Basic toiletries
- Earplugs (highly recommended)
- Eye mask (optional)
Some huts have hot showers, others… less so 😄 And in some remote huts, there may be no showers at all.
But they all share one thing in common: a unique mountain atmosphere.
Essential gear
- Trekking poles
- Sunglasses
- Hat or buff
- Sunscreen
- Headlamp
- Basic first aid kit
- At least 1.5L of water
- Toothbrush, toothpaste and small soap
Food
On hut-to-hut treks:
- Breakfast is provided
- Dinner is provided
- Picnic lunch is usually available
Bring only:
- Snacks
- Nuts
- Energy bars
How much should your backpack weigh?
- 10–12% of your body weight
- Ideally 7–9 kg max
In the mountains, less is more.
What NOT to bring
- Extra unnecessary clothes
- Large toiletry bag
- Heavy books
- Too many changes of clothes
Our experience
After many years of organising trekking trips, we always see the same thing: people with lighter backpacks enjoy the experience much more.
FAQ
Do I need a sleeping bag?
No, just a sleeping liner. Huts provide blankets.
Are there power outlets?
Usually yes, but limited. Bring a power bank.
Is there phone coverage?
Sometimes yes, sometimes not. It’s part of the experience.
Would you like to try a hut-to-hut trek?
If it’s your first time, joining a guided group is a great way to start. You don’t have to worry about logistics, and you learn a lot along the way.
At Rumbo a Picos, we organise several hut-to-hut trekking trips every year in some of the most spectacular mountain areas in Spain and Europe.