The Essential Alta Via 1 Packing List [2025]

Planning to hike the stunning Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites? Feeling overwhelmed by what to bring? You’re not alone. Many trekkers underestimate just how critical the right gear is on this multi-day alpine adventure—leading to sore shoulders, soaked gear, or even turning back early.

That’s why this Alta Via 1 packing list cuts through the clutter. Whether you’re staying in rifugios or carrying a tent, this guide walks you through the must-haves and the leave-behinds. Get your Alta Via 1 packing right, with tips tailored to the terrain, weather, and elevation of this epic Dolomites packing list.

Also Read: Hiking Iseltwald, Switzerland

Introduction – Why This Packing List Matters

The Alta Via 1 is one of the most stunning multi-day hikes in Europe—but packing for it can be surprisingly tricky. You’re not wild camping, but you’re not exactly glamping either. You’re staying in mountain huts (rifugi), which means you don’t need a tent, stove, or sleeping bag—but you still need to carry everything you’ll use for 7–10 days on your back.

That’s where this guide comes in.

In this post, I’m sharing exactly what I’m packing for my 7-day solo hike on the Alta Via 1 in late June/early July. I’ve done multi-day hikes before, and this list is built from real experience—what I’ve learned to bring, what I’ve ditched, and what I’m testing for the first time.

Whether you’re planning your own Alta Via 1 packing list, looking for a detailed Dolomites packing list, or just curious what it takes to live out of a backpack in the Italian Alps, this post is for you.

What is the Alta Via 1 Trail, Dolomites?

The Alta Via 1 is one of Europe’s most iconic multi-day hiking trails, stretching across the dramatic peaks of the Italian Dolomites. It runs from Lago di Braies in the north to Belluno in the south, covering roughly 120 kilometers over 8 to 10 days—though I’ll be hiking it in 7.

This isn’t a wilderness expedition in the traditional sense. You’re not sleeping in tents or cooking over a gas stove. Instead, the experience is hut-to-hut, staying in cozy rifugi each night, enjoying hot meals and mountain views without hauling your entire kitchen on your back.

That’s what drew me to it.

It strikes the perfect balance between rugged alpine adventure and creature comforts. Think: challenging climbs, jaw-dropping scenery, a cappuccino at 2,000 meters, and the chance to unplug while still sleeping with a roof over your head.

For me, Alta Via 1 feels like a celebration of simplicity—where you carry just what you need, hike all day, and let the mountains reset your perspective. If you’re dreaming about a high-alpine journey through UNESCO-listed landscapes with just your backpack and a sense of curiosity, this trail delivers.

If you’re dreaming of a Dolomites hut-to-hut trek, the Alta Via 1 is a perfect introduction.

Alta Via 1 – My 7-Day Itinerary

Day	Route	Approx. Distance	Estimated Time	Highlights
Day 1 29 June (Sun)	Lago di Braies → Rifugio Fanes	~21 km	7–8 hrs	The classic Alta Via 1 start. Lago di Braies, rocky climbs to Forcella Sora Forno, alpine meadows, and a peaceful first night at Fanes.
Day 2 30 June (Mon)	Rifugio Fanes → Rifugio Dibona	~18 km	6–7 hrs	Rolling terrain with epic Dolomite vistas. Meet-up with Aneta at Dibona, perched below Tofana di Rozes.
Day 3 1 July (Tue)	Rifugio Dibona → Rifugio Passo Staulanza	~25 km	9-10 hrs	Through Cinque Torri area, possible WWI tunnels detour, views of Monte Pelmo. Long, scenic day.
Day 4 2 July (Wed)	Rifugio Passo Staulanza → Rifugio Vazzoler	~16 km	6 hrs	Enter the wild Civetta range. Fewer crowds, more solitude, dramatic vertical walls.
Day 5 3 July (Thu)	Rifugio Vazzoler → Rifugio Passo Duran	~11 km	4-5 hrs	Shorter day with time to relax. Traverses the base of the Civetta’s south face.
Day 6 4 July (Fri)	Rifugio Passo Duran → Rifugio Pramperet	~11 km	4-5 hrs	Remote, beautiful section. More elevation gain, fewer huts. Pure Dolomites.
Day 7 5 July (Sat)	Rifugio Pramperet → End Point (e.g. La Pissa or Listolade)	~17 km	6–7 hrs	The final descent through forest and rocky terrain. Trail ends with tired legs and a full heart. Transfer back to Digonera Historic Hotel.

My Alta Via 1 Packing List

What I’m Bringing for 7 Days in the Dolomites – No Tent, Just Trail

Also Read: Hiking Essentials for Beginners

Packing for a week-long hike like the Alta Via 1 is a bit like a puzzle. You want to bring enough to stay safe, dry, and comfortable—but not so much that you dread every uphill. My philosophy? Pack light, but not ultralight. I still want my creature comforts (and camera gear), but I don’t want my bag dragging me down.

Here’s what’s coming with me, broken down by category—and why it earned a spot in my pack.

Backpack & Packing System

I’m using the Decathlon MT500 Air 50+10L, which I love for its back ventilation and adjustable fit. It’s bigger than I technically need, but it helps me pack neatly without cramming everything tight.

Inside, I use packing cubes and dry bags to organize everything:

• One for clothes
• One for tech
• One for snacks
• A dirty laundry sack
• A lightweight dry bag for rain gear

My full pack, loaded with food and water, comes in around 9.5 kg—which feels very manageable over 7 days.

Clothing

On the trail, I keep it minimal but layered. The weather can shift fast in the Dolomites—hot and sunny one moment, cold and wet the next.

My trail uniform (Day 1 outfit):
– Breathable hiking shirt
– Jack Wolfskin zip-off pants – love the flexibility here
– Merino socks
– La Sportiva TXS GTX hiking shoes – grippy, waterproof, broken in
– Cap and sunglasses

Also Read: Best Hiking Boots for Men

In the pack:
– Spare hiking shirt
– Merino long-sleeve base layer
– Fleece or midlayer
– Lightweight puffer jacket (Rab Microlight Down)
– Rain jacket
– Optional: rain pants if the forecast looks rough
– Hiking pants/leggings for cold days
– Soft shorts or joggers for hut lounging
– Sleepwear: clean tee + leggings
– 2–3 underwear
– 2–3 merino socks
– Buff (multi-use)
– Beanie + gloves for higher passes

I rotate trail clothes, dry things out at the huts, and rinse what I can. A small clothesline and a couple of pegs are surprisingly helpful here.

Gear & Daily Essentials

This is the stuff I use every day on the trail—and what I’d really miss if I left it behind.

– Sleeping bag liner (required in huts)
– Earplugs + eye mask (trust me on this)
– Trekking poles (NatureHike Carbon) – a lifesaver on steep descents
– Headlamp (with spare batteries)
– Pack rain cover
– Microfiber towel (Sea to Summit Airlite)
– Flip-flops or camp shoes (for hut use)
– Sunglasses + protective case
– Small dry bags
– Trail map and emergency contact info
– First aid kit (band-aids, blister care, ibuprofen, electrolytes, etc.)
– Lightweight power bank (10K–20K mAh)
– Chargers + multi-port EU plug
– Toiletries: travel toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, tiny soap, floss
– Tiny bottle of laundry soap
– Wet wipes + hand sanitizer
– Compact garbage bag (for any waste)

Also Read: Best Hiking Headlamps

Water & Food

I carry a 2L hydration bladder and a 1L BeFree soft bottle—that combo keeps me covered even on longer sections. Most huts have potable water, but I also carry a small water filter just in case.

Food-wise, I keep it light but energizing:
– Trail mix
– Protein bars
– Electrolyte tablets
– A few dried fruits or energy gels
– One or two just-in-case snacks for emergencies

Lunch is usually sorted by the huts, but I like having something on me just in case there’s a long gap between meals.

Camera & Tech Kit

This is where I’ve tried to strike the biggest balance—film enough to tell the story, but not so much that I’m weighed down by gear.

– iPhone 15 – my main camera, lightweight and capable
– DJI Mini 4 Pro + ND filters – for those cinematic shots
– 2 spare drone batteries
– Lightweight tripod/selfie stick
– Phone clip for tripod
– Cables, power bank, microfiber cloth
– Garmin 6X Pro – for tracking the route
– Kindle – because a book under the stars is worth the weight
– Jabra EarPods – for podcasts or music in huts

Everything fits in a padded tech pouch I keep near the top of the pack.

Also Read: Rheinsteig Hike Germany Guide

Final Thoughts on Packing

This setup is dialed in from previous treks and trial runs. I’m sure there’s still something I’ll wish I left at home—or something I’ll be grateful I brought. But that’s part of the fun. Packing for the Alta Via 1 isn’t just about gear—it’s about prepping your mind for a week of wild beauty, new challenges, and unplugging from the usual.

Want to see how this packing list plays out in the real world? Stick around—trail videos coming soon.

Alta Via 1 Packing List – Checklist

Backpack & Packing System

• 40–50L Backpack (with rain cover) – e.g., MT500 Air 50+10L
• Dry bags or packing cubes (clothes, tech, food, laundry)
• Small trash bag (for waste)
• Clothesline + pegs (optional, but useful)

Clothing – Trail & Hut

Day 1 Outfit (Worn):

• Breathable hiking shirt
• Hiking shorts or zip-off pants
• Merino socks
• Trail runners or hiking boots
• Cap or sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Buff or neck gaiter

In the Pack:

• Spare hiking shirt
• Long-sleeve merino base layer
• Fleece or midlayer
• Lightweight down or puffer jacket
• Lightweight rain jacket
• Rain pants (optional)
• Hiking pants or leggings
• Shorts or joggers for huts
• Sleepwear (clean tee + pants/leggings)
• 2–3 pairs underwear
• 2–3 pairs hiking socks
• Beanie
• Gloves

Trail Gear & Daily Essentials

• Trekking poles
• Headlamp (plus spare batteries)
• Sleeping bag liner (required at most huts)
• Microfiber towel
• Flip-flops or camp shoes
• Sunglasses case
• Trail map or app (e.g. Komoot / maps.me)
• First aid kit (Compeed, tape, ibuprofen, electrolytes)
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm with SPF

Water & Food

• 2L hydration bladder
• 1L soft bottle (e.g., Katadyn BeFree with filter)
• Electrolyte tablets
• Trail snacks (bars, dried fruit, nuts)
• Travel spork + food pouch (optional)

Camera & Tech

• iPhone or smartphone
• DJI Mini 4 Pro (or lightweight drone)
• 2 drone batteries
• ND filters (for drone footage)
• Tripod or selfie stick
• Power bank (10–20K mAh)
• USB cables (labeled or color-coded)
• Multi-port USB charger
• EU power adapter
• Garmin watch or GPS tracker
• Kindle or lightweight e-reader
• Earbuds / headphones
• Microfiber cloth (for lenses/screens)
• Tech pouch or case

Toiletries & Hygiene

• Toothbrush + travel toothpaste
• Small deodorant
• Travel soap or soap sheets
• Floss
• Nail clippers
• Wet wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper (small amount in ziplock)

Optional Extras

• Journal or notebook
• Pen
• Ziplock bags
• Travel detergent (for hand washing clothes)
• Lightweight book or cards (if not using Kindle)

Final Check

• Pack weight under 10 kg (goal: ~9.5 kg with water/snacks)
• Try a test hike with full pack
• Check weather forecast before finalizing clothes

Useful Additions to Consider

Navigation & Safety

• Offline maps app pre-downloaded (AllTrails, Komoot, Gaia GPS, or Maps.me) – critical if you lose signal
• Small paper map or printed route summary – backup in case of tech failure
• Whistle – built into some backpacks, but handy for emergencies
• Mini emergency bivvy or space blanket – ultralight, just-in-case shelter/warmth

Trail Utility

• Multi-tool or small knife – can come in handy in huts or on trail
• Small duct tape wrap – for temporary fixes (blisters, broken gear, etc.)
• Zip ties or safety pins – repairs, clothing hacks, securing items

Hygiene Upgrades

• Quick-dry face cloth or sponge – for rinsing off in huts
• Small sachet of laundry soap or solid soap bar – easier than sharing body/hair soap
• Tiny body powder / anti-chafe stick – for long days in humid or sweaty conditions

Money & Docs

• Cash (€50–100) – some huts may not accept cards
• ID/passport – required for check-ins in some huts
• Health insurance card or proof – especially for EU residents
• Emergency contact card – laminated or in a top pouch

Camera Support (Filming-Specific)

• Lens cleaning wipes – great for clearing sweat or fog off your iPhone/drone lens
• Notebook or shot list (digital or analog) – if you’re planning structured filming

Personal Comfort / Sleep

• Travel pillow or inflatable pillow – hut beds vary, and some provide only thin pillows
• Compression eye mask – for brighter dorms or early sunrises

Final Suggestion: Create Two Small “Day Packs” Inside Your Bag

1. Trail Access Kit (keep in the top lid or hip belt):
   • Snacks, sunglasses, buff, map, headlamp, mini sunscreen, tissues
2. Hut Kit (grab quickly at check-in):
   • Sleeping liner, towel, earplugs, toiletries, power bank, hut clothes

Preparing for the Alta Via 1

I’m hiking the Alta Via 1 solo at the end of June into early July, right as the rifugios open and snow clears from the higher passes. It’s a great time—long daylight hours, wildflowers in bloom, and (hopefully) fewer crowds than peak season in August.

I’d consider myself moderately fit—I run, box, and hike regularly—but I still took time to train with a weighted pack and break in my gear. The trail isn’t technical, but the daily elevation gain and long distances add up. Doing it solo means I had to be even more prepared, mentally and logistically.

If you’re curious about how I trained, planned my route, and booked huts, I’ve written a full guide:
👉 coming soon.

Final Thoughts – Ready for the Trail

Packing for the Alta Via 1 has been a rewarding part of the journey itself. It’s made the hike feel real—and reminded me that this trail is about simplicity, intention, and embracing the unexpected. I’m not aiming to hike ultralight or ultra-fast. I just want to move well, stay comfortable in the huts, and capture the experience without carrying the entire contents of my gear closet.

If you’re planning your own Dolomites hut-to-hut adventure, I hope this Alta Via 1 packing list gives you a practical starting point. Take what you need, leave the rest, and remember: the lighter your pack, the freer your mind feels out there.

I’ll be sharing updates from the trail—so stay tuned for the full hike, scenery, and inevitable gear regrets from the mountains.

See you on the Alta Via! 🥾🌄

Alta Via 1 Packing FAQ

Here are answers to some of the most common questions hikers ask when planning and packing for the Alta Via 1:

When is the best time to hike the Alta Via 1?
The ideal window is late June to mid-September. I’m hiking in late June into early July, just as rifugios open. Early summer offers wildflowers and fewer crowds, but some snow may remain on high passes.

What size backpack should I bring?
For a 7–10 day hut-to-hut trek, a 40–50L pack is perfect. You’re not carrying a tent or stove, so keep it streamlined. My MT500 Air 50+10L gives me flexibility without bulk.

Do I need a sleeping bag?
No. You only need a lightweight sleeping bag liner, which is required at most huts for hygiene. Huts provide blankets and pillows.

Hiking boots or trail runners?
It depends on preference and terrain comfort. I’m wearing La Sportiva TXS GTX hiking boots for ankle support and waterproofing, but many people hike in trail runners. Just make sure they’re broken in.

Is water easy to find?
Yes—but not everywhere. Most rifugios offer potable water, but some charge for refills. I carry a 2L hydration bladder and a 1L Katadyn BeFree bottle with built-in filter for flexibility.

💰 Do I need to carry cash?
Yes. While some huts accept cards, not all do. Bring €50–100 in cash for snacks, drinks, or any last-minute expenses.

📶 Is there phone signal or Wi-Fi?
Coverage is spotty. Some huts have Wi-Fi (often paid), and signal can appear on ridgelines. Don’t count on being connected—embrace the offline experience.

🎥 How do you manage filming gear without adding too much weight?
I kept it minimal: iPhone 15, DJI Mini 4 Pro, tripod, and a power bank. I skip the heavy mirrorless setup and use compact accessories. It keeps my total pack weight under 10kg.

💡 Any last-minute packing tips?

Don’t overpack “just in case” gear. If it’s not useful every day, it probably shouldn’t come.

Test your full pack on a local hike. You’ll instantly know what feels wrong.

Organize by function. Clothes, tech, and toiletries in separate cubes = easy living in huts.

Also Read: Best Trekking Poles

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