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On a 2–3-day hut tour every gram counts, because you carry everything yourself over several stages. The motto: as little as possible, as much as necessary, plus the mandatory equipment for DAV huts.
Footwear & clothing (layering principle)
- Hiking/mountain boots (cat. B, ankle-high) (Advertising) – More stable due to heavier load/longer stages, broken in.
- Hiking socks (2–3 pairs) (Advertising) – A fresh pair daily reduces blister risk; air them out at night.
- Functional shirts (2×, merino) (Advertising) – Merino barely smells, ideal when you can't wash.
- Insulation jacket (fleece/down) (Advertising) – Huts/evenings above 2,000 m are cool.
- Hardshell jacket & rain trousers (Advertising) – Full protection, since over several days you can hardly avoid it.
- Hiking trousers + light hut trousers (Advertising) – A comfortable evening/spare pair saves weight.
- Beanie, buff & gloves – Little weight, big effect in cold/wind.
- Change of underwear & hut outfit – Keep it minimal; functional underwear dries overnight.
Backpack & carrying system
- Touring backpack (30–45 l) (Advertising) – Good hip belt (70–80% of the load on the hips).
- Backpack rain cover – Indispensable due to weather risk.
- Stuff sacks / dry bags (set) (Advertising) – Separate by clothing/sleep/electronics.
- Trekking poles (Advertising) – Even more important with a heavy pack.
Food & drink
- Hydration system/bottles (≥1.5 l) (Advertising) – At huts, water is often paid for / no drinking water.
- Snacks & daily food per stage (Advertising) – Self-catering during the day; bars, nuts, dried fruit.
- Emergency rations – For unplanned delays.
- Electrolyte/iso tabs (optional) (Advertising) – On long, hot stages against cramps.
Navigation & safety
- Topographic map & compass (Advertising) – AV map of the whole area; always works.
- Smartphone + offline maps + power bank (Advertising) – At huts often no/expensive power.
- First-aid kit (extended) (Advertising) – Blister plasters, tape, painkillers, personal medication.
- Headlamp + spare batteries (Advertising) – For early starts and night-time paths.
- Bivy sack (emergency) (Advertising) – Vital in remote terrain.
- Pocket knife / multitool (Advertising) – For food and small repairs.
Sun & weather protection
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+) & lip balm with SPF (Advertising) – Over several days the UV load adds up.
- Sunglasses (cat. 3, poss. 4) (Advertising) – On firn snow definitely cat. 4.
- Headwear with neck protection – Sunstroke prophylaxis on long ascents.
Hut equipment
- Hut sleeping bag (liner) (Advertising) – Mandatory at DAV huts (hygiene). Silk is light, cotton cheap.
- Hut shoes (light slippers/Crocs) (Advertising) – Mountain boots banned indoors at many huts.
- Small wash kit (travel size) – Biodegradable soap, mini toothpaste.
- Microfibre towel (Advertising) – Light, dries quickly; huts usually have none.
- Earplugs (Advertising) – Dormitory: someone is guaranteed to snore.
- Cash (small notes) – Many huts don't accept cards.
- DAV membership card – Significantly reduces the overnight rate.
Pro tips
- Keep the backpack weight below approx. 10–12 kg if possible.
- Reserve the hut in good time; cancel if plans change.
- Wash functional underwear in the evening, dry overnight → 2 sets are enough for 3 days.
- Check the multi-day weather and storm/avalanche situation via the DAV, plan stages with emergency descents.
- Take your rubbish back down: what comes up goes down again.
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