A weekend in the mountains – what to pack without overdoing it?

Anyone who has ever tried to pack everything "just in case" knows it's a tricky art. For a short weekend in the mountains you really don't need all your worldly goods or professional gear straight out of a long expedition. The trick is to take only the essentials, which spares you from hauling pointless kilograms.

The golden rule of packing: less is more

When you're planning a short trip, it's very easy to fall into the trap of packing things that "might come in handy". The result is a backpack that, a few minutes into the walk, feels far heavier than it should. The best strategy is to draw up a specific list and stick to it, without needless second-guessing.

What to pack for a weekend in the mountains?

Backpack

A light, comfortable backpack of around 30–40 litres is a good choice. That's enough room for clothes, food and the gear you need, while not tempting you to cram in too much.

Sleeping

If you're planning to sleep outdoors, a two-person tent will do, or a tarp, which is a great, lighter alternative for fans of a minimalist travel style.

Gear and accessories

When it comes to kit, first and foremost bring a penknife or an outdoor knife, since they're wonderfully versatile tools. Put together a basic first-aid kit too, with plasters, gauze, a disinfectant and something for pain. It's worth having a compact headlamp, which is far handier than a regular torch, and a single power bank to charge your phone and lights. Rather than carrying heavy stores of water, better to take a bottle with a filter or a hydration bladder and top them up along the trail.

Clothes

In the mountains, layering works best. Pack a quick-drying t-shirt, a light hoodie or fleece, a rain jacket and a pair of trusted trekking trousers. Be sure to throw in thermal base layers and a spare stash of socks. Steer clear of jeans, because quick-drying clothing performs far better out on the trail. Instead of several pairs of trousers, one reliable pair that does the job for the whole trip is plenty.

Minimalism = comfort

A lighter backpack isn't just a relief for your back and knees, it's above all more joy in the hike itself. The whole point, after all, is to enjoy the trail and the views, not to wrestle with your own luggage.