Those who love hiking know it can be both fun and dangerous at the same time. It’s one of the best moments for adventure-loving people.
The feelings you will get by trekking in the high altitude of the alps can’t be explained. And the best part of hiking in the alps is the mountain refuges where you can spend the night before you resume your trekking.
However, if you’re hiking for the first time, there are some things you need to know before you start. Particularly if you’re staying at a mountain refuge, certain essential kits will help you spend the night in comfort.
Essential Packing List for a Mountain Refuge
If you love hiking but still want a certain level of comfort, then a mountain refuge or a mountain hut can come to your rescue. These are some types of hotels located high in the mountains where you can spend your night.
However, if you want to make your hike and stay at the hut comfortable, you need to have the right kit with you. Here are some of the things that you must carry with you for a mountain refuge.
A Good Pair of Hiking Boots
Walking to the mountain hut is no less than hiking. So, to make your journey easy, you need at least two good pairs of hiking shoes because you cannot buy another pair if one got damaged.
Finding a comfortable hiking shoe is the most important thing for everyone. Make sure this shoe you’re wearing is waterproof, has the right weight, can support your load, and provides protection to your legs.
Ear Plugs
You must be wondering why am I telling you to bring earplugs. Most of the mountain refuges have good quality and may offer private rooms if you’re lucky. However, you must prepare yourself to spend the whole night in a mixed-sex dormitory in some bunk beds.
While you’re spending the night with a big group, you can expect at least one or two snoring mountaineers so it’s highly recommended that you take earplugs so that you don’t have to compromise your sleep.
Lunch & Snacks
The hut you will be staying offers dinner and breakfast. But, what about the lunch and snacks you will need while hiking? That’s why you need to carry your own lunch and some snacks, preferably energy bars, before you start for the hut.
Some mountain refuges offer a packed lunch, which you will need to purchase. However, it’s better to check with them while you’re booking your seat there.
Sleeping Bags
One of the best parts of those mountain huts is they provide pillows and duvets, meaning that you don’t need to carry them in your backpack. However, those things are used by different mountaineers and you don’t want to use them if you care for your hygiene.
It’s always a good idea to carry a sleeping bag liner with you. It will help you to sleep in comfort and keep the duvet clean for the next mountaineers. You can choose between cotton and silk liners. But a silk liner is much more preferable as they are light and contain antibacterial properties.
Head Torch
You cannot expect a continuous electricity supply in a mountain hut. That’s why you need to bring kits like torches and lighters if you don’t want to get injured in the dark.
Also, some mountaineers might go to sleep very early. You don’t want to disturb them by turning on the light while they are already sleeping. In that case, a head torch can be your best friend.
Extra Batteries & Chargers
Getting a charging point can be considered as a premium service in these mountain huts. So if you don’t want to wait for hours or fight over a charging point, bring some extra batteries with you.
You can also bring a power bank so that you can charge your mobiles and other devices whenever needed.
Soaps & Other Wash Kits
Some huts offer shower facilities. In that case, you can’t expect to get a good shower gel or soap and a clean towel. Even if they offer you these kinds of stuff, you really don’t want to use a soap that has already been used by other mountaineers.
Always bring a mini shower gel and a small microfiber towel with you whenever you visit the mountain refuge.
Cash
If you haven’t already paid for the hut while booking, don’t forget to bring cash with you. Refuges in the mountains normally don’t take payment in cards. Also, if you want to buy food and alcohol, you have to pay them cash for that as well.
Clean & Comfortable Clothes
You don’t want to spend your night in a hut full of other mountaineers wearing the same outfit you wore while you were hiking.
It’s good practice to bring some clean clothes such as a t-shirt, trousers, and underwear. While not essential, these will provide comfort to you and the person you will share the room with.
How to Pack for a Mountain Hut
Packing for a mountain refuge is one of the most challenging jobs. It can completely drain your energy if you carry unnecessary things on your back.
While packing, always put the essential things like harness, crampons, and axe in the backpack first. Choose the materials of your clothing that are comfortable and don’t take much space.
Always carry other essentials such as toothpaste, toothbrush, shower gel, etc. in travel size bags. Don’t put anything unnecessary in the backpack, Otherwise, it will be difficult for you to hike.
Bottom Line
Spending the night in a mountain hut can be as fun and challenging as hiking in the mountains. However, you need to maintain some etiquette and act smartly to ensure proper comfort.
Always make an early reservation before you start for a refuge. To maintain the hygiene of the hut, take off your shoes before entering. Keep in contact with your guardian who will help you to find your allocated place to stay and sleep.
And last but not the least, always cooperate with others in that refuge. It will help you spend the time there and continue hiking without any hassle.
