You've just booked your dream trip to the Alps. The turquoise glacial lakes, thrilling high passes and sweeping valleys are waiting and you couldn't be more excited. Which brings you to the next step of your preparation: packing.

Getting your kit right can make or break an alps walking holiday. Too little and you'll be caught out by an afternoon storm on a high pass. Too much and you'll be carrying unnecessary weight through some of the most beautiful mountain terrain in Europe. Whether you're heading on one of our guided walking holidays in the Alps, embarking on a self guided walking holiday in the Alps, or tackling one of our more challenging alpine trekking holidays, this guide covers everything you need - from the essentials every Alps walker should pack, to the additional technical kit required for our most demanding adventures.

From leisurely hiking holidays in the Alps to multi-day alps hiking trips across glaciers and high passes, KE offers adventures for every type of walker. The kit you need depends on the grade of your trip - so we've broken it down to make it as straightforward as possible.

For our moderate Alps walking holidays the universal kit list below covers everything you need. For our more challenging alps hiking tours, scroll down for the additional items required.

Footwear

Hiking Boots

The big one. Having comfortable feet on your alpine adventure will determine the enjoyment of your day. We can't in good faith sit here and recommend one specific boot to you - everyone's feet are different and what works brilliantly for one person may not work for another. What we can tell you is what to look for: a sturdy boot with good-grip soles, solid ankle support and a waterproof lining. Your feet will thank you on the descents. Ellis Brigham's hiking footwear collection covers wide range of options across all budgets and foot types and the team in store are true experts who will take the time to help you find your perfect fit.

Hiking Socks

Never underestimate a good pair of hiking socks. Wool-blend socks regulate temperature, wick moisture and - crucially - prevent blisters on long days. Pack at least one pair per walking day. The right fit matters as much as the right boot - blisters have ended more good days in the mountains than bad weather ever has.

Clothing

Base Layer

A good functional base layer - both top and leggings - sits closest to your skin and manages moisture on the move. Avoid cotton, which holds sweat and can leave you cold and uncomfortable on exposed ridges.

T-Shirts

Pack two or three lightweight t-shirts for layering and relaxed evenings. Merino wool is worth the investment for its natural odour resistance on multi-day trips.

Fleece or Warm Mid Layer

Temperatures in the Alps drop quickly at altitude, even in summer. A fleece or insulated mid layer is essential for rest stops, high passes and cool mornings in the valley - and perfect for those early starts when the mountains put on their best light.

Windproof Jacket

A lightweight windproof jacket packs down small but earns its place on every alpine trip. When the wind picks up on an exposed ridge, you'll be glad you have it.

Waterproof Jacket

Non-negotiable. Alpine weather is notoriously changeable and afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. Choose a jacket with taped seams and a reliable hood and keep it at the top of your daypack - every single day. Browse Ellis Brigham's hiking clothing range for tried and tested options from brands like Arc'teryx, Rab and The North Face.

Waterproof Trousers

Often the item people leave behind and regret. Lightweight waterproof trousers pack into almost nothing and make a significant difference when the rain arrives on a long descent.

Long and Short Hiking Trousers Convertible trousers that zip off at the knee are a practical choice for the Alps, where you might start a morning walk in cool valley air and finish in warm afternoon sunshine.

Hat, Gloves and Neck Gaiter

Even on summer trips, early morning starts and high altitude passes call for a warm hat and gloves. A neck gaiter adds versatile warmth without taking up much space.

Sun Hat

Often overlooked but genuinely important. UV exposure increases significantly at altitude and long days above the treeline without a sun hat can be punishing - even on days that don't feel that hot.

Sun and Skin Protection

Sunscreen

High factor sunscreen is essential on any alpine walking holiday. The combination of altitude, reflective snow and long days in the open means UV exposure is far higher than most people expect - even on cloudy days. Don't forget your lips.

Sunglasses

Pack a pair with good UV protection. On snow or glacier sections, polarised lenses make a significant difference to both comfort and eye safety.

Kit and Accessories

Rucksack (approx. 20L)

A 20 litre day pack is the sweet spot for most Alps walking holidays - large enough to carry your layers, lunch and water, light enough not to slow you down. Look for a pack with a hip belt to distribute weight on longer days. And with most of our trips providing luggage transfers throughout, you don't need to take your whole life with you on the trail.

Walking Poles

People often overlook these - but they are the item every KE staff member raves about after coming back from an alpine adventure. A genuine game changer on alpine terrain. Poles reduce strain on your knees on long descents, improve balance on uneven ground and give you an extra point of contact on steeper sections. Adjustable, collapsible poles are the most versatile option. Browse Ellis Brigham's hiking equipment for a solid range.

Water Bottle or Hydration Pack

Staying hydrated on the mountain is non-negotiable. A reusable water bottle or hydration bladder that fits in your pack is all you need - mountain streams in the Alps are generally safe to drink from, but carry at least a litre between refill points.

Headtorch with Spare Batteries

Essential even if you don't plan on walking in the dark. Early starts, hut-to-hut sections and unexpected delays mean a reliable headtorch earns its place in every pack. And there won't be any shops out there to buy batteries.

Small First Aid Kit

A compact kit with blister plasters, pain relief, antiseptic cream, throat lozenges and any personal medication. Most guided trips carry a group first aid kit, but having your own basics is always sensible

Technology

Mobile Phone

Essential for navigation, communication and emergencies. Make sure your data package covers your destination - particularly important on trips that cross into multiple countries like the Tour du Mont Blanc. And of course, for capturing views that will make everyone at home very jealous.

Power Bank

Long days on the trail drain batteries fast, especially if you're using your phone for navigation or photography. A compact power bank keeps everything charged without relying on hut plug sockets.

Waterproof Phone Cover

A simple, inexpensive addition that protects your phone in rain, stream crossings and the inevitable rummage through a damp pack.

Sustainability

Reusable Cloth Bag

Useful for shopping in village stores along the route - and a small but meaningful way to reduce plastic waste in mountain environments that we all want to protect.

Reusable Picnic Boxes

Many KE Alps trips include self-catered lunches on the trail. A couple of lightweight reusable containers keep your food fresh and cut down on single-use packaging.

Self-Guided Trip Extras

Sheet Sleeping Bag

Required for hut-to-hut self-guided trips like the Tour du Mont Blanc, where mountain huts provide blankets but ask guests to bring their own inner sheet. Lightweight, compact, non-negotiable.

Towel

A lightweight travel towel for self-guided trips where you'll be staying in mountain huts or small guesthouses. Quick-drying microfibre towels pack down to almost nothing.

Route Notes and Maps

On self-guided walking holidays your route notes are your guide - keep them accessible in a waterproof map case or downloaded to your phone as a backup.

Our challenging Alps walking holidays demand a little more from your kit than a moderate alpine walking holiday. The terrain is bigger, the altitude higher, you're a little more remote, the weather less predictable and the days longer. Get it right and you'll barely notice what you're carrying. Get it wrong and you'll know about it by lunchtime on day one.

Everything in the universal kit list above still applies. These are the additions and upgrades worth making.

Footwear

Hiking Boots

An upgrade worth considering For challenging alpine routes your boots need to work harder - stiffer sole, solid ankle support and waterproofing you can genuinely trust over multiple big days on the mountain. That said, heavier isn't always better. Look for a boot that performs without weighing you down.

Trainers or Camp Shoes

After a big day on the mountain, getting your boots off is one of life's great pleasures. Pack a lightweight pair of trainers or sandals for evenings in the hut - your feet will thank you.

Clothing

Larger Daypack - 30 to 40 litres

On challenging routes you'll be carrying more - extra layers, more water, lunch, poles - and a 20 litre pack simply won't cut it. Aim for 30 to 40 litres and choose one with a water bladder compartment so you can hydrate on the move without breaking stride.

Technical Wind and Sun Layer

This is the piece of kit that Aaron, one of our KE's Alps experts, rates above everything else on the Tour de Monta Rosa. Light, thin, not much insulation - just enough to keep the wind and sun off your skin on exposed high alpine terrain. You'll reach for it more than almost anything else in your pack.

Lightweight Down Jacket

Optional but highly recommended. Temperatures at altitude drop fast, particularly when you stop moving and a packable down jacket adds meaningful warmth without meaningful weight.

Warm and Waterproof Gloves or Mittens

Thermal gloves feature on the universal list, but for challenging routes - cold and wet hands at altitude are more than uncomfortable.

Gaiters

Optional but worth considering for any route with glacier sections or early season snow. They keep debris, water and snow out of your boots on rougher terrain.

Hydration and Nutrition

Water Bottles - 2 litres capacity

On challenging routes at higher altitude, staying hydrated is more important and sometimes trickier. Carry at least two litres and make use of mountain stream refill points along the way.

Water Purification Tablets

Worth carrying as a precaution on all challenging alpine routes, particularly on glacier sections where stream sources may be less reliable.

Trail Mix and Snacks

A staff favourite at KE and Bex, who completed the Best of the Tour du Mont Blanc with us, agrees: "A little bit of trail mix goes a long way - it's the best snack for on the go and the perfect energy booster." Pack more than you think you need. Big mountain days burn through energy fast.

Practical Extras

Antibacterial Handwash

A small bottle makes a real difference over a multi-day trip - having lunch in scenic places often means there isn't a sink nearby.

Earplugs

Mountain hut dormitories are wonderful. They are also, occasionally, very loud. Pack earplugs - particularly if, as the kit list diplomatically puts it, you are not the one snoring.

Multi-Plug Adapter

Switzerland uses different sockets than the EU - an easy thing to forget and an annoying thing to be without at the end of a long day when everything needs charging.

Dry Bags

A selection of lightweight dry bags inside your main pack keeps everything organised and protected if your bag gets caught in rain or has to be transferred in wet conditions.

A Note on Baggage for Transfers

On the majority of our Alpine adventures your main luggage is transferred between stopping points - so keeping it under 15kg is a practical requirement, not just a suggestion. Pack light, pack smart and as Bex wisely puts it: "you won't want to go with a full bag anyway, because how then will you bring all that delicious Swiss chocolate home?"

Optional but Recommended

Spare laces

Always useful on a multi-day trip with well-travelled boots.

Insect repellent

Less of an issue than lower altitude destinations but worth packing in summer.

Pen knife

Useful on the trail but remember to pack it in your hold luggage.

Ready to Start Packing?

Now that you know what to pack, the only thing left to do is choose your adventure. KE offers an unrivalled range of alps walking tours and alpine walking holidays - from gentle summer walking holidays in the Alps through Austria's lakeside trails and Slovenia's Julian Alps, to challenging alps hiking trips across the glaciers of Monte Rosa and the high passes of the Ultimate Tour du Mont Blanc.

Whether you're looking for a guided walking holiday in the Alps with an expert leader by your side, or the freedom of a self guided alps hiking holiday at your own pace, we have an adventure to match. Browse our full collection of alps hiking holidays and get in touch with the KE team - we've done these trips ourselves and we're here to help you find the right one.