What to Pack for a Glacier Hike

A glacier hike needs more than warm layers and sturdy boots. You need food and water for the full timetable, plus reliable navigation, lighting, communication and emergency equipment. Pack every participant’s gear in waterproof bags, and check technical equipment before departure rather than on the trail. This shopping list covers the practical items to buy, prepare or bring for a guided glacier outing, including spare clothing and power for phones and devices.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Sports equipment

Helmetsqty 14
Climbing harnessesqty 14
Cramponsqty 14
Ice filesqty 14
Ice axesqty 14
Ropesqty 4
Carabinersqty 28
Band slingsqty 14
Prusik ropesqty 14
Telescopic polesqty 14
Emergency blanketqty 4
Waterproof Backpacksqty 14
Waterproof Garment Coversqty 14
Reflective vestsqty 4
Snow gogglesqty 14
Spare glovesqty 14
Wool hatsqty 14
Neck warmersqty 14
Hiking gaitersqty 14
Thermal labelsqty 14

Equipment

Satellite phone
Walkie-talkiesqty 4
Power banksqty 4
Flashlightsqty 6
Headlampsqty 14
Spare batteriesqty 28
Thermometersqty 2
Navigation devicesqty 2
Waterproof phone casesqty 14

Kitchen

Coolersqty 3
Thermos bottlesqty 14
Cutting boardsqty 2
Pocket knifeqty 2
Bottle openersqty 2
Water jerry cansqty 3

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 20
Reusable bowlsqty 16
Reusable cutleryqty 16

Cleaning

Reusable trash binsqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Whole wheat wraps - 24 pieces
- Chicken breast slices - 1,5 kilogram
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Young cheese - 1 kilogram
- Vegan cheese - 500 grams
- Cream cheese - 500 grams
- Peanut butter - 1 jar
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Avocados - 8 pieces
- Apples - 20 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Muesli bars - 30 pieces
- Protein Bars - 20 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Nut mix - 1 kilogram
- Raisins - 500 grams
- Chocolate bars - 20 pieces
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Water - 30 liters
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Isotonic drink - 24 bottles
- Fruit juice - 6 cartons
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Cocoa powder - 1 pack
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Vegetable stock - 1 box
- Soup in a bag - 14 servings
- Instant noodles - 14 portions
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Wet wipes - 6 packs
- Hand gel - 4 bottles
- Liquid hand soap - 2 bottles
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper napkins - 3 packs
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces

Tips

Plan at least 2–3 litres of drinking water per person for a full hiking day, then add water and snacks to each participant’s backpack before departure.
Bring one spare pair of gloves and one wool hat per person. Wet gloves become uncomfortable quickly on ice, and replacing them during the hike is difficult.
Use waterproof backpacks or garment covers for clothing, phones and lunch packs. Pack the emergency blanket and first-aid supplies where they can be reached without unpacking the whole bag.
Charge satellite phones, walkie-talkies, headlamps and power banks to 100% the day before. Pack spare batteries separately and check that the equipment works before loading the vehicle.
Do not leave technical gear until the morning of the hike: inspect helmets, harnesses, ropes, carabiners, crampons and ice axes at least 24 hours beforehand, and report missing or damaged items immediately.

Frequently asked questions

What should I bring on a glacier hike?: Bring warm layered clothing, waterproof covers, gloves, a wool hat, neck warmer, goggles, gaiters, food and 2–3 litres of water per person. Technical equipment such as helmets, harnesses, crampons and ice axes must be included if the guide does not provide it.
How much water do I need for a glacier hike?: Plan 2–3 litres per person for a full day, depending on the forecast, route and access to refills. Distribute the water before departure so no participant starts with an empty or unbalanced backpack.
When should I check glacier hiking equipment?: Check all technical equipment at least 24 hours before departure. Test communication and lighting equipment the same day, charge batteries overnight, and replace damaged or missing items before the group gathers.
What food should I pack for a glacier hike?: Pack one lunch and several small, easy-to-eat snacks per person, with enough food for the planned timetable plus a short delay. Keep lunch packs and spare clothing in waterproof bags, and use a cooler during transport if needed.

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