A hiking tour requires proper gear and clothing, but you should aim at packing only the essentials as you will not have a possibility to send excessive load down to the valley in the middle of the hike. Our packing lists include gear and clothing for hiking from June to mid-October at altitudes primarily between 1000 and 2918 meters (i.e. highest point of Myticas peak in Greece) with overnight stays at manned mountain huts, guest-houses and small hotels in villages.

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Please, review carefully the packing list we provided upon confirmation of your hiking tour. Lack of any of the required items will most likely result in at least a lack of comfort on the trail or in the huts, and may even compromise your safety. The packing list should be your main reference, while this article provides additional information and explanations of why we recommend bringing certain items with you.

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HIKING BOOTS

When hiking Greek mountains, it is crucial to have appropriate and reliable hiking boots that fit well, provide good traction, protect your feet, and are durable. Hiking footwear comes in high, mid, and low-cut designs, but we strongly recommend mid-high hiking boots for ankle stability and support. The high ankle collar and stiffness of the sole work together to protect your ankle joints from dislocation and painful impacts. Additionally, high-cut hiking boots are practical for a wider range of terrains. When choosing hiking boots, pay extra attention to the outsole for durability. Water proof breathable membranes in your boots, such as Gore-Tex, are important when hiking in rainy conditions, crossing moisted grass or crossing muddy areas, creeks and rivers.

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CLOTHING

During a trek, you can enjoy the comfort of huts and sleep in warm rooms or dormitories at night. At most huts, you cannot wash and dry your smaller clothes, like T-shirts and socks. Like in most backpacking trips, you need to pack some warm clothes,  jacket, or extra t-shirts and socks.

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WATERPROOF AND WINDPROOF JACKET

When embarking on a hike in the summer, it's important to pack a waterproof and windproof jacket, even if the weather seems mild. The temperature fluctuations in higher altitudes can be significant, and a jacket will help protect you from the elements. While a down jacket may not be necessary at altitudes up to 2000 meters during the summer, a waterproof jacket with a breathable membrane and a removable inner layer, like a fleece jacket, is a practical and versatile choice. At higher mountains a down jacket is recommended.

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FLEECE JACKET

When the temperatures drop in the evening and you want to spend some time on the hut's terrace or enjoy the sunset, a fleece jacket can be very useful. Fleece fabric has properties similar to wool, trapping air to keep the body warm and dry. A warm sweater made of synthetic materials is also a functional alternative to a fleece jacket, depending on individual preference. Fleece jackets with full and half zips allow for temperature regulation, but full-zips are more practical when significant temperature changes occur, as they provide better ventilation when fully unzipped,

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T-SHIRTS OR SHIRTS

For a multi-day trek, it's essential have a few T-shirts. We suggest having at least three: one to wear during the hike, a clean one for the night, and a backup in case you can't wash or dry your used T-shirt. Whether you prefer long or short sleeves is up to you, but long sleeves can protect you from UV rays. We recommend synthetic fabrics as they are lightweight and dry quickly.

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HIKING PANTS

When choosing hiking pants, it's important to prioritize comfort and functionality, as well as quick-drying and abrasion-resistant materials. Additional features like zip-off or roll-up legs, reinforced knees and seat, articulated knees, and waist adjusters can also be helpful. Typically made of polyester with elastane softshell pants are not necessary for our hikes in the summer, as they are designed for cooler weather conditions. Instead, it's more practical to pack thermal underwear in addition to lightweight summer hiking pants in September and October.

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THERMAL UNDERWEAR

For those planning to visit in September or October, we suggest packing lightweight thermal underwear just in case. Although it rarely gets cold enough to require them in the hiking routes, it's always better to be prepared. The Greek mountains typically experience their first snowfall in December, and you can find more information about seasonal factors online. Keep in mind that even in mid-summer, thunderstorms can cause hailfalls and significant thunderstorms on higher routes like on Mount Olympus.

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SOCKS

To ensure a comfortable and blister-free hiking experience, investing in high-quality socks is crucial. Opt for hiking-specific socks that offer quick drying and extra cushioning, even if they come at a higher cost. We suggest packing at least three pairs of socks for your treks, so you can always have a fresh pair on hand.

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GLOVES, CAP AND BANDANA

You may need gloves and a cap especially if you go hiking early in April or in October. We recommend a bandana in any period for UV protection.

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RAINWARE

When going on treks in the Greek mountains during the warmest months of July and August, it's important to have rainwear on hand due to scattered thunderstorms in the afternoons and evenings. Even if the weather forecast shows blue skies for the week ahead, it's best to be prepared. A poncho shaped to cover the backpack with a hood and full-length zipper or buttons is a practical solution, and can be combined with rain pants for extra protection during heavy rain. In June and September-October, prolonged rains are more probable, making rainwear even more essential.

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BACKPACK

To fully enjoy a multi-day hike, it's important to have a high-quality backpack. Depending on the length and difficulty of the trek, a 35 to 50 liter backpack is recommended. When doing a hut-to-hut trek, you won't need to carry excessive amounts of food or clothing as huts provide accommodation and meals. It's important to avoid overloading your backpack with unnecessary items and to keep it within 15% to 25% of your body weight, depending on your fitness level.

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TREKKING POLES

We highly recommend bringing trekking poles on all of our itineraries, even if you are accustomed to hiking without them. Trekking poles, when used correctly, can help redistribute some of the weight from your knees to your hands and improve your balance on the trail. For moist treks trekking poles are a must-have. They may protect you from the attack of a dog or stabilize your body during a river crossing.

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SLEEPING BAG LINER

When staying at mountain huts, it is mandatory to use a sleeping bag liner unless a sleeping  bag is available. Regardless of whether you stay in a shared dormitory or a private room, mattresses, blankets, and pillows are provided. The temperature at the huts is not cold, so a proper sleeping bag is not necessary. However, a liner is required in dormitories where bed linen is almost never provided. To find out if huts provide bed linen or if you need to bring a liner, please refer to the Reservation document you received upon confirmation of your hiking route.

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LIGHT SHOES

It is necessary to wear clean shoes while using huts. The most suitable option for this purpose is slides with a toe strap made of  synthetic material. We advise against using slides with textile parts and flip-flops with a Y-shaped strap as they are not as practical for wearing in huts.

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​HYGIENE ITEMS

Most huts provide basic hygiene items. However, is recommended that you bring your personal hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, wet, and toilet paper. Wet wipes can come in handy when there is a shortage of water or no shower available at the hut. It is also advisable to bring a towel, preferably a microfiber, which is lightweight, compact, and dries quickly.

 

OTHER ACCESORIES

• Power bank and charger

• Headlamp (absolutely necessary)

• Small knife

• Bottles for water (we recommend 2x 750 ml bottles)

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen 

• Lip balm with UV protection

• First aid kit including any maedication you need. 

• Whistle for emergency

• Snacks You can buy snacks in huts, but they have a limited variety.

• Thermos 

• Camera