What to bring for a mountain hike

A mountain hike needs more than backpacks and walking shoes. Plan water and food for the full route, plus navigation, weather protection and safety equipment for the group. Headlamps, spare batteries and power banks are easy to overlook when the hike may run late. This shopping list also covers route marking, first aid, communication and cleanup at the starting point, so you can pack and check supplies before participants arrive.

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What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Walking sticksqty 12
Backpacksqty 6
Rain ponchosqty 6
Thermal labelsqty 6
Route arrowsqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 2

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Safety vestsqty 6
Whistlesqty 6
Hand sanitizerqty 3

Communication

Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Phone power banksqty 4
Route mapsqty 35

Equipment

Headlampsqty 8
Spare batteriesqty 16
GPS devicesqty 2

Catering

Coolersqty 4
Thermos bottlesqty 6
Water jugsqty 4
Groceries
- Spa Blue - 48 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- White rolls - 40 pieces
- Whole wheat wraps - 30 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 1.5 kilos
- Vegetable spread - 1 kilo
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Bananas - 35 pieces
- Apples - 35 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Muesli bars - 40 pieces
- Nut mix - 2 kilo
- Raisins - 1 kilo
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Vegetable soup - 8 liters
- Soup vegetables - 2 kilos
- Whole wheat croutons - 4 bags
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Napkins - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Reusable bowlsqty 40
Reusable spoonsqty 40
Reusable knivesqty 40
Reusable forksqty 40
Cutting boardsqty 2
Serving plattersqty 4

Lighting

LED lanternsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Washing-up tubsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 8

Tips

Allow at least 1.5 to 2 litres of water per person for a full-day hike, using water jugs and thermos bottles for refills and hot drinks. Pack extra water when the route has no reliable refill point.
Prepare one backpack per participant or shared group bag, and keep rain ponchos accessible rather than buried under food. Weather can change faster in the mountains, so pack protection before checking the final forecast.
Bring one route map for every small group, plus a GPS device and charged walkie-talkies for the leaders. Print the maps before departure; mobile coverage may be unreliable along the route.
Pack a first aid kit, whistles and visible safety vests where leaders can reach them immediately. Check the kits before leaving and carry emergency contacts with the participant list.
Take headlamps and spare batteries even for a daytime hike, especially when the route is long or the starting point is remote. Add power banks and hand sanitizer, then reserve coolers and reusable tableware for food and cleanup.

Frequently asked questions

How much water do I need for a mountain hike?: Pack 1.5 to 2 litres per person for a typical full-day hike, plus more if the weather is hot or there are no refill points. Bring extra containers for the group’s shared supply.
What safety equipment should I pack for a group mountain hike?: Bring at least one first aid kit, whistles, safety vests and charged walkie-talkies for the leaders. Keep emergency contacts and the final participant list with the group, not only at the starting point.
Do I need a headlamp for a daytime mountain hike?: Yes, pack one headlamp per leader or small group, with spare batteries. A late return, poor weather or a slower participant can extend the hike beyond daylight.
How many route maps should I print?: Print one map for each leader or hiking group, plus at least two spare copies. Prepare them before the event so the route information is available if phones lose signal or battery.

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