The Ultimate Hut-to-Hut Packing List for the Italian Dolomites

Written By Dasha

Hut-to-hut hiking in the Dolomites is one of those experiences that feels both wildly luxurious and also just plain wild. You’re trekking through dramatic limestone peaks all day, feeling like you’re in a super remote part of the mountains, but then you’re sleeping in cozy alpine huts with hot meals and warm mulled wine at night. It’s like backpacking but 1000x better!

But packing for it? That’s where people overthink — or overpack. Personally, as someone who loves to backpack and is accustomed to packing absolutely everything on my back, knowing that I didn’t have to worry about carrying food, shelter, or bedding was a plus.

Before we dive into my packing list, I want to share some important context for our trip so that you can adjust accordingly:

  • Trip Duration: 3 Days, 2 Nights

  • Time of Year: Mid-September

  • Weather: Average daytime temperature is 20°C (68°F) and the average nighttime temperature is 9°C (48.2)

  • Huts: Zsigmondyhütte (night 1) and Auronzo Refuge (night 2)

  • Food/Snacks: I did not include any food or snacks in this list. That’s because these huts hook you up with a full breakfast and full dinner (just make sure you make those arrangements when booking). I’d then carry maybe a few snacks with me for the hike itself, but the odds of running into another, different hut along the way with a full restaurant or cafe inside were high.

  • Sleep System: The other items I did not pack were things like pillow, mattress, blanket, etc. because the huts had beds, kind of like a rustic little hotel room. However, depending on which hut you book, some may require a sleeping bag liner so just be sure to check.

Clothing

Gear

Toiletries

Each hut is different, but the ones we stayed at had showers (a 5 minute shower was about 10 euros, not worth it IMO). They also had nice, clean bathrooms shared with the other hikers with running water, etc. Not every hut is like a “hotel” in which they provide towels and toiletries, so be prepared to bring your own.

Electronics

Miscellaneous

My Packing Mistakes

  1. Unprepared for rainy weather — September is supposed to be one of the best times of year to hiking in the Dolomites, but still we didn’t get too lucky on our day 2 of hiking. It rained all day, and I was completely soaked through. I brought a cheap rain cover that I got for free from my trek in Peru instead of my actual, official rain cover that I linked in here, so my stuff got soaked. My rain jacket wasn’t waterproof anymore nor were my clothes. So yeah, bring rain gear that’s properly re-waterproofed just in case you get unlucky like we did.

  2. Overpacked toiletries — I didn’t need shower gel or shampoo and conditioner for this short of a trek (hence why I left it off the list above). If you feel compelled to pay 10 euros for a 5 minute shower or if your trip is longer, by all means bring it, but I regretted packing all that stuff.

  3. Forgot cash — Thankfully, my friends were better prepared and I was able to borrow some cash. But many of these little huts or stops along the way do not take credit cards or Apple Pay, so have at least 20 euros in cash on hand for a trip this long.

Backpacking in the Dolomites?

If you’re planning on backpacking through the Dolomites versus staying in huts or refugios, check out my backpacking gear locker here! It’s complete with all the base gear you need for a backpacking trip.


This post contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Dasha

Hi, Dasha here! Merging my love of photography and the great outdoors, I’m here to show you the world through my lens and inspire you to get out there and explore.

Next

Fall Hiking Essentials: The Best Gear & Clothing for Autumn Adventures