For veteran mountaineers, as well as newbies, Dolomites hiking can be a truly unique experience: the silence high up at the summit, unspoiled nature, cool mountain breeze, and breathtaking views are waiting for you! But before leaving: what should I put in the hiking backpack?
This question may seem trivial to many, but we assure you that it is not always easy to prepare your backpack to face a mountain hike.
Unexpected events are always around the corner, and you should be well-prepared. And most of all: you should never underestimate the trails and the mountain power. So always keep a good head on your shoulders. Leaving with the right hiking gear and appropriate clothing is essential to safely experience a wilderness adventure. Your backpack is your best ally, and filling it with the right hiking gear is essential to get off on the right foot.
Here are backpack essentials for experiencing the mountains at their best.
Dolomites Hiking Backpacking Tips
There are some untold rules to follow in the mountains.
- Never venture out on a trek with a backpack that is too heavy. It is good to choose carefully what to bring.
- Keep the weight in the part of the backpack close to your back, so you avoid the shoulder straps being too much in tension and not making your stride easy.
- The weight should be balanced. You should not feel more weight on one side than the other.
- Put the change for your clothes and the items you use the least at the bottom, on top of everything put food items tightly sealed while you can keep water and bars in the outside pockets. Take advantage of any small pockets and zippers to put all those items that may be useful to you such as sunscreen products and cell phone.
- But remember to carry the basics: you should not be afraid of weight, because finding yourself on a Dolomites Hiking without the essential stuff could be not only unpleasant, but even dangerous.
That’s why we created this content. But mostly important: that’s why it is better to hike with experienced and local guides that can lead you through the Dolomites wonders in total safety and peace of mind.
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Dolomites Hiking Backpacking List
Let's come to point and see what to absolutely put in your backpack for your Dolomites hiking.
- Sleeping bag
If you are staying overnight in a shelter or bivouac, although they are always quite clean, for added hygiene it is recommended to have a sheet bag to insulate from the mattress where many other people have slept. - Pocket blanket
Practical, small to carry and lightweight, but ideal for sitting on during trekking breaks or for having a base to eat that is not soil or grass. It can also come in handy inside the tent or for sitting outside the tent. It costs little and is very comfortable. - First Aid Kit
You can never be too careful! It can happen to be stung by some insects or get small wounds that need to be disinfected. Or if you are allergic to something or should take some specific medications, please bring it with you on your Dolomites hiking. - Water bottle
For a summer trek in the Dolomites you absolutely cannot forget a water bottle. It will be up to us to evaluate the quantity depending on the length of the route and how much we usually drink, surely in the trekking backpack there should be at least one liter. - Multifunction pocket knife
Every hiker or trekker should be ready for anything by carrying a multi-tool, like a pocket knife, which is always useful for different things. - Flashlight Headlamp
Among trekking equipment, the headlamp (or head flashlight) is really important for having illumination when it is dark. The convenience is that it clips onto your head, leaving your hands free. It also allows you to illuminate mountain trails in case darkness falls and you have not yet reached your destination, or to get out of the tent at night and keep your hands free. Remember to bring also a traditional flashlight, which has more power than the headlamp. - Powerbank or solar charger
If you do not have an electrical outlet available because you are not staying overnight in the hut, it allows you to recharge your smartphone 4-5 times, but also your flashlight or gps or action cam. We recommend a capacity of 20000 mAh. - A map of the place and a compass
Your guide will lead you safely through your Dolomites hiking but it’s important if you carry a map and compass so that you can understand where we are. - Sunglasses
In the mountains, the sun's rays are stronger! It is good to safeguard the eyes. - Nylon bags
Both for trash-we certainly don't want to abandon them in such a wonderful environment, as well as for used underwear or to shelter clean clothes in case of rain.
Dolomites Hiking Clothing Tips
One thing to pay fundamental attention to when equipping for a trek in the Dolomites is precisely clothing. We always bring long pants - preferably technical ones - to avoid plant scratches and viper bites. If we want to keep our pants short, we always wear long socks to keep pulled up.
It is important to bring spare T-shirts, underwear and socks.
And in Italian we say “dressing like an onions”, which means wear different layers. A good summer trek in the Dolomites makes you sweat, and when you get to the summit it is always windy. Summer in the mountains is not like summer elsewhere: the weather could change from one moment to the next, it is good to keep a warm garment - sweater, fleece or heavy sweatshirt - in your backpack for those times when you stop or in case you need get covered from the sun. You also need to be equipped in case of rain, so in preparing your trekking backpack we should always include a waterproof rain jacket.
A fundamental role in trekking in the Dolomites is played by your trekking shoes. First of all, they must be comfortable, we must walk well in them and they must not give us blisters, whatever difficulty of path we face. The first thing to look at, then, is the sole: it must not be smooth and it is better if it is vulcanized - in this case it is marked with colored stickers - because it must make friction with the ground and prevent us from slipping.
Ps. If you tackle the via ferrata, what should we put in our trekking backpack? In addition to the equipment mentioned before, we need to add ropes, harness and carabiners, i.e. the ferrata kit. If you need it, you can rent it also before starting your Dolomites hiking.
Our local and qualified guides will for sure make this journey really comfortable, safe and above all unique! After your booking, you will be provided with all the necessary information to embark on this adventure!