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In August 2020 we ventured to the Italian Dolomites, embarking on an epic 9 day hike along the world famous Alta Via 1 trail. Any fit hiker will be capable of completing the 120KM scenic route but part of the challenge comes down to the weight you carry on your back. If you pack too much, even the most seasoned of trekkers will tire more easily and the route instantly becomes less enjoyable.
In our Atla Via 1 Kit List we list everything we packed and talk through what we wish we’d taken, what we wish we’d left behind and what we couldn’t have hiked without!
You can read more about the adventure in our Alta Via 1 Complete Guide.
Check out the links below for the products we recommend!
Nick’s backpack was the Osprey Exos 48, with kit it weighed about 10KG (we could have made it lighter).
Eve’s backpack was the Lowe Alpine Altus ND 40:45, with kit it weighed roughly 7KG.
We both bought La Sportiva TX4 GTX Mid Shoes before the trek and wow were they worth it! Be sure to invest in comfortable boots with ankle support.
The TX4 GTX Mid Shoes feel like trainers but have all the support and comfort of a hiking boot. This means when you’re scrambling up a steep path or balancing on a narrow ledge you feel a lot more confident on your feet. They also have the advantage of the fully waterproof GoreTex membrane.
Your feet will be especially grateful for the investment!
There’s no need to take more than two t-shirts, most people can get a couple of wears out of one. Take some biodegradable clothes wash and hand wash them when you need to. Some Rifugios even have a drying room or spin dryer so you can speed up the drying process!
Same rule with your bottom half, pack as little as possible. One pair of leggings or trousers and one pair of shorts is enough to ensure you’re covered in all weathers. Especially if you have good waterproofs to keep them dry on those stormy days. We both took a spare pair of shorts and neither came out of the dry bag.
The lightweight down jacket is optional. Nick’s never came out of the dry bag so was wasted weight and space but they are useful in case of emergency and Eve enjoyed wearing hers early in the morning and in the evenings whilst taking photos outside of the refuges.
Check out the links below for the products we recommend!
Travelling during the pandemic meant that many Rifugios ask you to bring a sleeping bag. We managed to book it so that there were only two requesting this. Packing the extra weight for only two nights seemed silly, so we decided that a sleeping bag liner would weigh nothing in comparison but still meet the hygiene requirements of each refuge. In the end each refuge provided blankets, with only one exception, Rifugio Pian de Fontana, although they were kind enough to find us a couple of blankets when we asked.
Check out the links below for the products we recommend!
Top Tip: If you’re into your photography, we recommend investing in a Peak Design Camera Clip. It makes hiking with a DSLR camera so much easier, no longer do you have to faff about getting your camera out of your bag. Instead you simply slot it into the clip, automatically locking and securing it onto your rucksack strap. It’s super secure and you can even turn an extra lock on too. It meant we took so many more photos and didn’t lose much hiking time whilst doing so.
Top Tip: Pack lip balm! It sounds silly but after a long day hiking in the wind and rain it makes a difference!
A good first aid kit is imperative. Remember, the nearest hospital might be a helicopter ride away. You need to be able to patch things up and keep them clean until you can seek medical attention.
Antibacterial cream (such as Savlon) or alcohol wipes are key, a small cut could easily become infected.
Top Tip: If there was one thing I would have given anything for whilst we were hiking… it would have been insect repellent!
Top Tip: Some days involve prolonged stretches (up to 6 hours) without passing a refuge. So be sure to pack enough snacks to cover a few missed lunches!
Top Tip: Take enough Euros to cover every night in the rifugios (only a handful accept card). If a rifugio fee includes breakfast and dinner, add another 20€ per person for coffee and drinks. Some rifugios also charge for showers, so it’s worth having a few coins handy too!
This isn’t like heading out for a weekend where you might throw a few things in a pack and get hiking, packing for Alta Via 1 takes planning. Prepare to pack your bag at least 3 times before you even get to the airport.
Packing over and over is a good method of ensuring you only take the necessities. The first round of packing was challenging, it was tough to know what you could afford to leave behind. But once you really think about what you absolutely need it’s easy to lose the odd thing or two.
You just don’t need one. Realistically when you arrive at Refugio’s you’ll be socializing in the bar, washing clothes or watching the sun set over the mountains. You’ll barely have time to get the book out let alone read any!
Unless your plan is to camp then you don’t need one. We met hikers who packed one ‘just in case’ they didn’t get to a Refuge in time but as long as you plan ahead that shouldn’t happen. Aim to be at Refugio’s by 4PM at the latest then you have plenty of leeway.
Legally you can’t wild camp in some ares of the Dolomites so if you do plan on doing so be sure to set up late, leave early and leave no trace.
As previously mentioned, some Rifugio’s required a sleeping bag due to Covid-19.
We planned our route to avoid these as we didn’t want the extra weight or bulk of a sleeping bag. As a result we were only left with two en route that required them. For these we chose to pack a sleeping bag liner which is about 1/8th the weight of a sleeping bag but still keeps you contained for hygiene purposes. Most refugios request you use a sleeping bag liner in normal seasons anyway as it helps cut down on their washing!
Most Refugios provided a blanket even though they required a sleeping bag.
We met one hiker who packed a stove so they could stop and make their 11am coffee every day!
Most days there is a Refugio en route where you can stop for food and drinks. The odd day there isn’t one, think ahead and make a packed lunch at breakfast or buy one from the Refugio you’re staying at the night before.
Top Tip: Pack a couple of resealable/zip-lock sandwich bags, ideal for slipping in the odd snack from breakfast to eat later in the day.
You’ve packed those snacks, got your passport and have your maps at the ready. Next stop is the airport, those mountains are waiting!
Let us know if you try this route and don’t forget to stop by Belluno Tourist Office for your badge.
Check out our full hiking guide with downloadable and printable Stage guides here!
*Our Alta Via 1 Kit List may contain affiliate links, if you click the link and purchase an item through this you won’t pay a penny more, but we get a small…
Alta Via 1: A Complete Guide Determined to catch hiking season in Europe we planned to trek Alta Via 1, in late August 2020, our first overseas adventure since COVID-19. The 120 KM…