Packing Smart For your Hut-to-Hut Experience

Gear | 20 hours ago

Packing for a big adventure can be overwhelming, but we’re here to take the guesswork out of it. With 37 years of experience, we’ve learned what to bring and what to leave behind.

In a recent interview with the founder of Distant Journeys, Julie Head, FieldHouse asked, “If you could give one piece of advice to yourself when you first started Distant Journeys, what would it be? To which Julie responded with a laugh: “A piece of advice to myself? Bring better rain gear, I guess!”

We love the easy confidence, and of course, we all have our fair share of “if only” moments in life, but we do love to be prepared! If you’re thinking about joining a trip with us or are already booked, rest assured, we have 37 years of experience in what to pack and what to leave behind.

One thing that makes traveling on foot so special is the quiet simplicity of it. Days of walking and hiking, usually without vehicle support, mean we carry what we need to survive and thrive. We offer trips for every level of outdoor adventurer, but whether you’re meandering the sloping hills of the pastoral English countryside or traversing the steep peaks of the Swiss Alps, our trips are best enjoyed when we’re prepared. Below is a detailed hiking checklist that outlines what to bring on our treks and how to customize your selections to your body, comfort level, and destination so you can be sure you experience all that your route has to offer.

Hut to Hut Packing Guide

Backpack

A pack size of 36 – 45 liters should be adequate. A comfortable, well-fitting and well-designed pack with a good hip belt is essential. Look for Ultra-light packs which weigh around 2 lbs. Remember, packs aren’t waterproof so be sure to bring a pack cover and light weight dry bags or even plastic trash bags, to be sure your gear stays dry in prolonged rain.

Hiking Boots

We’ll be on foot for long days of walking and hiking, so comfortable, sturdy hiking boots are essential. Look for something with ankle support and make sure they fit well, have a good tread that can ‘grip’ varied terrain and are broken in. Any outdoor store, including LL Bean, REI, and EMS, should be able to help you find the right size.

Rain gear

We’ve learned a thing or two since our first trips and we cannot overemphasize the importance of good rain gear, both tops and bottoms. Look for lightweight Gore-Tex items, which will be durable, waterproof and windproof. There are also lightweight rain gear options using other waterproofing treatments. Just be sure they are not Water-repellent, as those items are made for light, quick spats of rain, and won’t keep you dry in heavy weather. (No ponchos!)

Walking Sticks

While not absolutely necessary, hiking poles are very useful. They add a third point of contact with the trail, helping with balance and taking some of the strain off your knees on descents. Look for something collapsible for easy transport.

Layers

We always hope for warm, sunny weather, but Mother Nature usually likes to throw a few curveballs. Packing lightweight, quick-drying layers made of synthetic fabrics or wool will help you stay warm and dry. Cotton will become heavy and pull warmth from your body when it’s wet, while synthetics have great insulating properties, are easy to wash, dry quickly, and are breathable. Items with fabric names such as quilted synthetics, nano, silk weight, quick dry, and merino wool are all good bets, but when in doubt, ask your local gear store for recommendations!

With the right gear, walking tours become forms of mediation and relaxation, even if you end the day exhausted. Being prepared means you’ll have the mental clarity and comfort to enjoy your surroundings and make the most of your experience. In the end, the key is to keep things light, only carry what you need, and make sure you’ve tested your gear before arriving. Check out our sample packing list here, and when in doubt, give us a call; we’re always happy to walk you through your checklist from socks to snacks.

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