What to Pack for a Summer Hike in the Swiss Alps + Free Checklist
One of the favourite things Swiss people do is hiking in the Alpes. So when you visit this beautiful country in the heart of Europe make sure you do the same. You will get rewarded with breathtaking views and crystal-clear mountain lakes.
But before you take an early train to the mountainside make sure you pack some essentials.
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Check the Weather Forecast
If you have lived in a mountain region before you know that this is essential. Weather can change very fast and even when it’s sunny in the morning, storms can come out of nowhere. Also be sure to check the weather on top of the mountain, not only the town where the gondola starts from. It’s usually a lot colder the higher you go. For a lot of peaks in Switzerland there are weather cameras. Just google the name of the mountain + “live webcam” and you will get to a website where you can monitor the weather with a live broadcast.
Choose The Right Backpack For Your Hike
Especially when you go on a hike that lasts a couple of hours take a comfortable backpack. When you are planning on going on multiple hikes or this is a new hobby you want to start it makes sense to invest in a good backpack that holds all of your stuff. Your back will thank you later. There are a couple of great brands that also design backpacks specifically for womens and mens bodies.
VAUDE 24 Litres Men
This backpack offers:
- Ergonomic Carry System
- Breathable Back Panel
- Hydration System Compartment
- Well thought-out Compartments
- Waterproof
You can find more information about this VAUDE backpack on Amazon.
Osprey Sportlite 25 Litres Unisex
Osprey is one of my favourite brands for backpacks.
You get the following features:
- Adjustable torso length
- AirScape back plate
- Hydration bladder compartment
You can find more information about this Osprey backpack on Amazon.
Tatonka Norix 24 Liters Women
A good brand for backpacks is Tatonka. With this one you get:
- The shoulder straps have a women-specific cut
- Lots of space for extra clothing
- Carabiner fixings of the two shoulder straps
- Hydration system preparation
You can find more information about this Tatonka backpack on Amazon.
What To Pack For Your Hike
What you need to bring always depends on the season and the difficulty on your hike. But for this blog post let’s assume you are doing this hike during the warmer months where there is no snow and you won’t need any climbing gear.
Bring Enough Food And Water
Before you leave for your hike check it there are any open restaurants along the way. If not, bring your own food. Popular amongs hikers are sandwiches, granola bars and fresh fruit. Also think about for how long you are active and bring water accordingly. Rather pack more then less.
What Clothes To Wear
Shoes
- For challenging trails you need mid-rise shoes. You can find an example for women here and for men here. Usually you need these hiking shoes when you go higher up and for smaller trails.
- If you stay on wide trails that are easily accessible walking shoes like these for women and these for men are plenty.
Pants
For summer you either want long pants that are light and protect you against the sun or you can go for shorts. Some of my favourite hiking shorts are Patagonia Baggies.
Jacket
Even though it’s summer you should bring a jacket. Especially when you go higher than 2000 meters above sea level. It’s important that this jacket doesn’t let wind through. You will find amazing options for women and men on Amazon.
Extra Shirt
This only applies if you plan for an exhausting hike. After your hike is done and you were sweating a lot you will be glad you brought a fresh shirt for your way home.
Don’t Forget About Sun Protection
Not only apply sunscreen all over before you leave the house in the morning but also bring a bottle to reapply during your hike. While hiking you will most likely sweat and even though it doesn’t feel like it that high up in the mountains but the sun is extremly strong and will burn you if you are not careful. Pick one that has spf 50 at least.
Not only bring sunscreen but also a hat and sunglasses and wear them during the whole hike.
Other Hiking Essentials
After you have packed your food, clothes and sun protections you can bring along some other stuff like:
- First Aid Kit
- Bag to put trash in (leave nothing behind!)
- Tissues
- Navigation tool (can be an offline map on your phone)
- Pocket knife
- Power bank
- Headlamp (if you are starting early or finishing late)
Nice-to-Have Items
Download your free packing list for your summer hike in the Swiss Alpes here
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I pack for a summer hike in the Swiss Alps?
Bring lightweight hiking clothes, a waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking shoes, water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, a small first aid kit, and a daypack. Even in summer, mountain weather can change quickly.
Do I need hiking boots for easy hikes in Switzerland?
Not always. For well-maintained and easy trails, trail running shoes or lightweight hiking shoes with good grip are often sufficient. For rocky or uneven terrain, hiking boots provide extra ankle support.
How much water should I bring?
Carry at least 1.5–2 liters of water for a half-day hike. On warmer days or longer routes, consider bringing more or refilling at mountain huts where available.
What should I wear for hiking in Switzerland during summer?
Wear breathable, moisture-wicking clothing with comfortable hiking shoes. Pack a lightweight fleece and a waterproof jacket, as temperatures at higher elevations can be much cooler than in the valleys.
Is a rain jacket necessary in summer?
Yes. Afternoon showers and sudden weather changes are common in the Alps, making a lightweight waterproof jacket an essential item.
My name is Cory and my two favourite things in the world are traveling and scuba diving. You will either find me under the water or on top of a mountain. I have the PADI Advanced Certification and want to see as many marine animals as possible.
