The below hiking items are required for your safety on the mountain during the hikes. You will have your suitcase every evening, and for each hike you will carry your light pack with only the necessary items to keep the weight to a minimum. Your hiking pack carries your water, snacks (we recommend a bar, dried fruit, trail mix, or similar), your rain/wind layer, mid-weight fleece (or other insulation layer), gloves, warm hat, bivvy sack, and personal first aid kit. These items cover the wide range of weather we may encounter even in the early fall.  

Required for Hiking

• 20-28 liter day pack with a hip belt

• Comfortable hiking boots or shoes 

• Adjustable trekking poles 

• Waterproof jacket 

• Waterproof pants   

• Hiking clothing must be wicking and made wool, silk, or synthetic material. Cotton clothing is not suitable for the mountin.

  • Hiking t-shirt or base layer

  • Hiking long-sleeved shirt

  • Hiking bottoms - pants, capris, or shorts

  • Hiking socks

  • Underwear

  • Hiking scarf or buff

  • Wool or fleece hat

  • Sunhat

  • Gloves

• Insulation layer (mid-weight fleece or lightweight puffy) 

• Sunscreen  

• Personal first aid kit

  • We suggest at least band-aids, blister pads or moleskin, antibiotic ointment, and electrolyte tabs. Note: only bring items that you know how to use.

  • Each person must have their own first aid kit, even if you are traveling with someone you know.

• A small Ziplock bag for carrying your trash, toilet paper, etc. 

• 2 Water bottles (550ml to 750ml)

• Headlamp 

• Pocket knife or Swiss Army Knife (optional)

• Small amount of duct tape (Tip: you can wrap some around the top of one of your hiking poles) 

• Backpack liner, trash bag, or dry sack to keep your pack's contents dry in case of unexpected rain. We do not recommend using a pack cover because it can easily blow away in the wind or cause you to lose your balance if the wind catches it.

• Trail snacks

• Toilet paper (optional)

 Other Clothing for the Evenings and After Hiking

• The country B&Bs where we stay are relatively casual. You may choose to pack one nicer outfit (jeans or business casual) for dinner.  

• Tip: most clients wish they had brought less ‘down-time’ clothing. Avoid overpacking by considering what items can be worn more than once. A suggestion is to bring 2-3 tops and 1-2 bottoms for the evenings. You will wear your hiking clothing all day and change clothes in the evening.   

• Comfortable walking shoes. Please do not bring high heels, wedges, or any shoes unsuitable for walking on gravel.  

• Layers to wear in the evening if it is chilly  

• Sleepwear 

Other Items

• Sunglasses 

• Electrolytes for your water bottle (optional) 

• European travel plug adaptor specific to your destination (i.e. French, Irish, etc)

• Charging cords for personal electronics

• Toiletries, personal choice

Packing Tips

• Do not wear any cotton items in the mountains. Cotton holds moisture, making it heavy and likely to make you cold after sweating. It is important to wear proper moisture-wicking layers.

• When choosing your suitcase and packing your items please remember the luggage restrictions sent in the pre-tour emails.

• Small appliances such as hair dryers and straighteners that run on 120v will not work in Europe, which utilizes 230v. Please leave all such items at home.

Our blog post, Know Your Gear, offers more details about everything on this packing list, including suggested items and where to buy them. The blog also offers suggestions for making economical choices with your clothing and equipment.

If you have additional questions, please email contact@atharaadventures.com, and we will be more than happy to assist you so that you are comfortable with the items you’re bringing.