What to Pack for the Alps

What to Pack for the Alps

By Alex Guerrero

Pack smart, pack light. Every ounce counts in the Alps, where each switchback challenges your mettle. With our guide, you'll be equipped for pure mountain joy.

Way back when Nick, Col, Kenny and Jim thought up a name for their company, it was simple. Kit you’d throw in a van to go and have fun in the Alps? That’s Alpkit. Years later, we’re quite a bit bigger (just a smidge!) but we’re still constantly alpine dreaming. Here’s our kit list for a summer’s trip to the Alps.

What should I pack for the Alps?

A basic clothing kit list should consist of your base layer, midlayer and outer shell. Then it's always a good idea to pack accessories and travel essentials - like your hat, gloves and SPF! Don't forget - depending on whether you’re tackling the big mountains with changeable weather or meandering round the valleys, you might need to pack different kit.

What is a base layer?

The base layer is the clothing you wear next-to-skin. It wicks sweat away, keeping you comfortable and dry. And, depending on what it's designed for, it can keep you warm or cool.

What is a midlayer?

Your midlayer can be a fleece, jumper or insulated jacket. Their main purpose is to keep you warm - not to protect you from the elements. If it's really chilly, you might need more than one!

What is an outer shell?

Last but not least, the all-important shell protects you from the elements (rain, wind, snow). Different waterproofs and winshells are designed for movement in different activities. They're your barrier against the weather.

Books & Magazines

  • Save 10%

Oat To Joy Oat To Joy

Oat To Joy

Emma Pooleys oat-based recipes
€29,99
  • Save 10%

BOMS-1001CT-01-1001_climbing_tips BOMS-1001CT-01-1001_climbing_tips

1001 Climbing Tips

An irregular instruction manual for anyone who hangs off stuff or just hangs around in the mountains
€29,99
  • Save 10%

Coffee First, Then The World Coffee First, Then The World

Coffee First, Then The World

In 2018, over the course of 18,000 miles, Scottish cyclist Jenny Graham smashed the round-the-world...
€19,99
  • Email when available

Epic Rides Epic Rides

Epic Rides

Packed full of our favourite stories, photos and articles and every bike in our range.
€0,00
  • Email when available

Where There’s A Will: Hope, Grief And Endurance In A Cycle Race Across A Continent Where There’s A Will: Hope, Grief And Endurance In A Cycle Race Across A Continent

Where There’s A Will: Hope, Grief And Endurance In A Cycle Race Across A Continent

Emily Chappell's story of pushing the limits of her endurance
€0,00
  • Email when available

The Cold Fix The Cold Fix

The Cold Fix

Drawing strength from cold-water swimming and immersion
€0,00
  • Email when available

Bothy: In Search Of Simple Shelter Bothy: In Search Of Simple Shelter

Bothy: In Search Of Simple Shelter

The doors are always unlocked, you just need to step inside.
€0,00
  • Email when available

Making Tracks in the Lake District Making Tracks in the Lake District

Making Tracks in the Lake District

10 enjoyable walks for children around the Lake District, with child-friendly instructions and illustrations
€14,99
  • Save 10%

The Uncrowned King Of Mont Blanc: The Life Of T. Graham Brown, Physiologist And Mountaineer The Uncrowned King Of Mont Blanc: The Life Of T. Graham Brown, Physiologist And Mountaineer

The Uncrowned King Of Mont Blanc: The Life Of T. Graham Brown, Physiologist And Mountaineer

The biography of scientist and mountaineer Thomas Graham Brown
€17,49
  • Email when available

Swimming Wild in the Lake District Swimming Wild in the Lake District

Swimming Wild in the Lake District

The most beautiful wild swimming spots in the larger lakes
€22,49
  • Save 10%

BOMS-BON-01-chris_bonington_mountaineer BOMS-BON-01-chris_bonington_mountaineer

Chris Bonington Mountaineer

This books breaks down 30 years of Chris Bonnington's climbing with pages of wonderful photographs - an inspiration to any mountaineer
€24,99
  • Save 10%

Lake District Trail Running Lake District Trail Running

Lake District Trail Running

Helen Mort's compilation of 20 off-road routes for trail and fell runners from 5 to 17 km
€14,99

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

=