Just the essentials…and there are lots of essentials!
Our travels to Switzerland last August required efficient packing. We planned for 8 days of hiking, plus 2 days of biking in Verbier, and 2 days of visiting friends. The weather ranged from 80’F and sunny, to 40’F and rainy. Our Mt. Blanc packing list kept growing! How could we fit it all into a medium duffel and a carry-on daypack?
In the end, not a thing on the list was left unused — most were used several times–and I can’t think of any items I really wished I’d brought. (We did plan on one mid-trip stop at a laundry–more on that below!)We didn’t need to haul all our gear every day, however. Mac’s Adventures transported our duffel bags each day to our next lodging, so we hiked with just a day pack (read about my favorite day pack and all its features here.)
How to Pack for a Hike & Bike Adventure
Clothing:
6 pairs smartwool hiking socks, 8 sets wicking undies, 4 wicking short sleeve T shirts, 2 long sleeve poly layer, 1 fleece layer, 1 pair bike shorts, 2 pair hiking shorts, 2 pair running shorts (I slept in these too) 1 pair hiking pants, 3 shirts and 2 jeans or pants to wear out to dinner.
Shoes:
Hiking boots and hiking shoes (bring both to change it up, or incase one set gets wet.) Flip flops for showers, and comfy walking shoes for around town.
Layers for weather:
Puff jacket, rain shell, rain pants, microlight windbreaker, light gloves and beanie, neck buff, light long johns or tights.
Extras:
First aid kit (including tylenol, blister kit, any other meds you use), journal and pens, collapsible hiking poles, headlamp, energy bars, small paperback book, phone charger and converter, deck of cards, toiletries, and don’t forget the corkscrew!
About that laundry stop. So, DIY laundromats are not a thing in Verbier, where we had been biking up a good sweat for a few days. We finally found a laundry that would do an overnight job, for un peu plut…thirty dollars and twelve hours later, we had the freshest, most perfectly folded hiking and biking clothes you’ve ever imagined. Totally worth it.
Hope this Mt. Blanc packing list helps make your travel planning a little easier!