Hiking in the Julian Alps is one of those experiences that stays with you. You’ll find yourself surrounded by glacial lakes, jagged peaks, and alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers.
But this kind of beauty comes with its own challenges: cold mornings, sudden storms, and yes, snoring bunkmates.
After six summers of hiking from one mountain lodge to another, we’ve figured out what’s actually worth carrying and what’s just extra weight and can be left behind.
If you’re planning your first trip, or even if you’ve done a few treks before, this friendly and realistic checklist will help you stay warm, dry, well-fed, and well-rested.
1. Earplugs
You don’t really think about earplugs until you find yourself in a bunk room with someone who snores like a lawnmower.
Most huts in the Julian Alps don’t offer private rooms. You’ll usually share with at least five other people. That means you’re at the mercy of other hikers’ sleep habits.
We’ve had plenty of nights where earplugs were the difference between a good night’s sleep and a groggy, grumpy hike the next day.
Pro tip: Keep them in an easy-to-reach pocket of your backpack so you’re not fumbling around in the dark when you really need them.
2. Reading Material
One of the best parts about hiking in the Alps is the chance to unplug from screens and constant notifications. It gives you the perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy some reading.
We usually bring e-readers instead of paperbacks because they are lighter, water-resistant, and can hold several books. Having a good book to dive into makes the quiet evenings at the huts much more enjoyable.
Pro tip: Catch up on blogs like Stay Curious, which covers a wide range of topics including lifestyle, travel, career advice, technology, and much more. It’s a great way to stay inspired and learn something new, even while taking a break from the busy world.
3. Emergency Blanket
This little piece of gear costs next to nothing, weighs practically nothing, and takes up no space. But it can save your life.
An emergency blanket reflects around 90% of your body heat, which is critical if you ever find yourself stuck in cold weather waiting for help. It is also windproof and waterproof, and can even double as a sunshade if you’re caught under a blazing sun with no cover in sight.
How to use it:
- To warm up: silver side in, orange side out.
- To cool down: silver side out to reflect sunlight.
We always keep one in our backpack. Hope you never need it, but you’ll be glad it’s there if you do.
4. Cash
It might feel like the stone age, but many huts in the Julian Alps still operate on a cash-only basis. Even if you’ve pre-paid online, you’ll often need cash for hot showers, snacks, drinks, or that well-earned beer at the end of a 10-hour day.
Pro tip: Keep your cash in a ziplock or waterproof pouch. Mountain weather is unpredictable, and soggy euros are no fun.
5. Waterproof Gear
Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean it won’t rain. In fact, three out of the five summer hut-to-hut hikes we’ve done in the Alps included a full day of rain. Once, even hail.
Make sure to pack:
- A waterproof jacket (bonus if it doubles as a windbreaker)
- Lightweight rain poncho or shell
- Waterproof pants
- Backpack rain cover
- Rain mitts or waterproof gloves
And always check the forecast before heading out. Local conditions can change quickly in the mountains, so it’s a good idea to ask the hut staff or other hikers for updates if you’re unsure.
Lesson learned: During the Mount Triglav Traverse, we hiked eight hours in pouring rain and sleet. It was miserable, dangerous, and not worth it. If the weather looks sketchy, wait it out in the hut.
6. Toiletries Kit
You don’t need a full bathroom cabinet, but you do need the basics. Our go-to kit includes:
- Toothbrush and travel-size toothpaste
- Biodegradable soap
- Compact towel or microfiber cloth
- Quick-dry wipes
- Travel-size deodorant
- Hand sanitizer
Optional but appreciated: a small mirror, a few bandages or blister pads, and a lightweight laundry line for drying socks and towels.
7. Hydration Bladder or Bottles
Dehydration sneaks up fast on high-altitude trails. We prefer a 2-liter hydration bladder with a hose. It’s easier to sip as you go. But collapsible bottles work too and are easier to stash in side pockets.
Pro tip: Refill whenever you see a stream or hut. Don’t assume water sources will be available later in the day.
8. Headlamp
It’s helpful if your hike runs late and you find yourself still on the trail after sundown. It’s also useful for moving around the hut at night, like finding your way to the bathroom, setting up your sleeping area, or packing your backpack without waking others. A headlamp frees your hands and shines light exactly where you need it.
Before your trip, be sure to charge it completely to avoid losing light when hiking in low-light conditions.
Pro tip: Look for one that is rechargeable and has adjustable brightness settings so you can save battery when full power is not necessary.
9. Down Jacket and Warm Layers
We’ve seen it snow in August. No joke.
Even if days are sunny, mornings and evenings can be cold. Pack:
- A compact down jacket
- Fleece or thermal midlayer
- Long pants
- Waterproof gloves
- Wool or thermal socks
Pro tip: Strip down to lighter clothes as you warm up during the hike. Layer up to stay warm and comfortable once you’re resting at the hut.
10. Portable Charger
Using your phone to navigate, track your route, or stay in touch can quickly drain its battery, especially during long days on the trail. It’s important to bring a portable charger with enough capacity to recharge your phone at least twice.
Trust us when we say this, running out of power at critical moments, like during a long hike or when you need your headlamp at night, can really put a damper on your trip. So plan your charging times carefully to keep your devices ready when you need them most.
This charger can also be useful for other devices like e-readers or headlamps, which you might rely on during your trip.
Pro tip: Many mountain huts have a limited number of power outlets, so it’s a good idea to charge your devices whenever possible and conserve battery power when you don’t have access to electricity.
11. Plastic Bags
Simple but underrated. We use them for:
- Separating trash (pack out everything)
- Storing snacks
- Keeping electronics dry
- Isolating wet socks or clothes
Pro tip: Attach one to your pack with a carabiner so it doesn’t mix with your clean gear.
12. Sun Protection
Sunburn can sneak up on you during long ridge walks or while resting outside a hut, and once it hits, there’s no easy fix. It makes carrying a pack painful and sleeping uncomfortable. Even on cloudy days, UV levels at altitude can be surprisingly intense.
Bring:
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Lip balm with SPF
- Sunglasses
- Brimmed hat or neck gaiter
Pro tip: Avoid the lobster look. We’ve been there, and it’s not fun. Reapply sunscreen often, wear your hat even when it’s overcast, and don’t forget spots like your ears, nose, and the back of your neck.
13. Kitchen Items (If You’re Cooking Yourself)
Some huts let you self-cater. If you’re camping between huts or doing a DIY route, you’ll need a few extras:
- Lightweight backpacking stove (we love the TrailBurn Mini)
- Small pot and spork
- Fuel (check if gas canisters are sold at local shops)
- Food you can boil or rehydrate
- Dish cloth or sponge
Pro tip: Skip anything bulky or breakable. Space is precious. Choose multi-use items that nest together or pack flat. A collapsible bowl or pot lid that doubles as a plate can save room.
And always pack in only what you’re prepared to pack out. That means if you bring snacks, packaging, or any supplies with you, be ready to carry the waste back in your bag. Most huts don’t have proper trash disposal, and leaving litter behind harms the environment and ruins the experience for others. Keep a small trash bag with you so it’s easy to manage.
Final Thoughts
Packing for a multi-day trek in the Julian Alps is not complicated!
That said, it does take a little experience and knowing which gear and essentials to carry!
The items listed above have made it possible for us to fully enjoy the journey instead of just getting through it.
Also, keep in mind that even though you won’t need a tent for hut-to-hut hiking, you still have to be prepared for everything from rainstorms to freezing temperatures to the inevitable bunk room melodies.
So pack light, pack smart, and don’t forget your earplugs.
Happy hiking!
