9 Essentials You Have to Pack for Your Next Mountain Vacation

By Olivia Rahim | October 13, 2020

Whether you live in a cosmopolitan city or a tiny town, sometimes you need to get away from other people and the craziness of life. In times like those, there’s nothing like a trip to the mountains. Nature, fresh air, and solitude do wonders for the soul.

However, there are some different mountain trip essentials you need to remember to bring. Packing them will ensure that your trip is safe and enjoyable.

Keep reading for a list of nine things you need to bring along on any mountain vacation. 

1. The Right Pair of Shoes 

Bringing along the right pair of shoes or boots may seem obvious, but many people don’t do it. This can lead to soreness, blisters, and a number of other foot-related problems.

Make sure that you bring a pair of shoes with good traction, regardless of the environment that you’ll be hiking or walking in. This will ensure that you keep your grip on different surfaces. You should also make sure that your shoes are comfortable. This will help prevent soreness, no matter how much you walk or climb. 

2. Weather-Resistant Clothing

When the weather is unpredictable, it’s best to bring layers and clothing that can handle sudden changes. The same holds true when packing for a mountain or hiking trip.

Try to find jackets and outerwear pieces that are windproof and waterproof. Any articles of clothing you bring should be able to breathe, and shouldn’t hold things such as water and sweat. 

When packing your bag, roll your clothes as opposed to folding them. This will take up less space and also prevent them from getting as wrinkled. 

3. Good Socks

A good pair of socks is as important as a reliable pair of hiking boots. They can make the difference between a comfortable hiking experience and a terrible one.

Avoid materials such as cotton and polyester, as they absorb sweat and water. If your feet get wet, you want them to be able to dry in a short amount of time. Certain materials such as wool will keep your feet warm, dry, and comfortable. Some socks also come with padding, preventing strain on your feet.

4. A Hat

Whether you’ll be hiking in the middle of winter, the height of summer, or sometime in between, it’s a good idea to bring a hat.

In the summer, a hat can help keep the sun from beaming down on your face and body. It’ll also keep you dry during any rainstorms. In winter, hats will keep your head warm and toasty, preventing body heat from leaving you. A good hat is as essential as your hiking shoes and socks.

5. Sunscreen

Wearing sunscreen is something that most people know that they should be doing, but often forget to do. However, not applying sunscreen can have serious effects on both your short-term and long-term health.

The majority of UV rays from the sun come in two forms: UVA and UVB. Most people are familiar with UVB rays, as these are the ones that cause burns and discoloration. However, UVA rays can cause premature aging, as well as skin cancer. Wear sunscreen to prevent both of these rays from damaging your skin.

6. A First Aid Kit

When you’re far away from civilization, you need to make sure that you’re prepared to tackle any sort of emergency. Bringing a first aid kit ensures that you and the people you travel with stay safe. Bring any prescription medicine you need, OTC pain removers, bandages, and other essentials. 

You should also be familiar with any of the nearby mountain towns. In case of emergency, you should have an escape plan back to a point of safety.

7. A Hiking Pole

If you’ll be traversing areas of different elevations, it can be a good idea to bring along a hiking pole.

Hiking poles improve your balance and also help to take some of the pressure off of legs and spine. Many of them are also affordable and collapsable, letting you store them until you need them.

8. Bug Spray

Summer hiking is wonderful, but the one downside is the number of bugs. Mosquitoes, flies, and other insects can take away from an otherwise fantastic experience. Bringing along a bottle of bug spray can help keep them in check.

If you don’t like using harsh, store-bought products, you can look into crafting your own DIY spray. Oils such as lavender, citronella, and tea tree all repel bugs. Experiment with different concoctions until you find one that works for you. 

9. Activity Specific Gear

If you plan on doing any specific activities while in the mountains, make sure that you bring the required gear to enjoy them and stay safe.

If you plan on recording videos and documenting your trip, make sure that you bring a good camera, as well as all required mounts. You also need to bring along memory cards and charging equipment.

If you’ll be participating in winter activities, such as skiing or snowing, don’t forget to pack the required gear. In some cases, you may be able to rent certain pieces in nearby towns.

Planning a Mountain Vacation? Don’t Forget These Nine Items

Mountain vacations can be great, but you need to make sure that you and the people you travel with can handle anything. By following this guide and bringing some of the nine items mentioned, you’ll be certain to have a safe and unforgettable mountain vacation.

Do you have any other tips on what to add to a mountain vacation packing list? Make sure to let us know in a comment!

If you enjoyed reading this article, don’t forget to check out some of our other blog posts for more guides and tips.