Packing List for the Arlberg Trail: Be Well Prepared for Three Days in the Mountains
Three days, five Arlberg villages, and countless memorable moments: the Arlberg Trail leads through diverse alpine terrain, combining rewarding mountain adventures with the comfort of a well-supported long-distance hike. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring you can fully enjoy every step of the journey.
Together with the ASI Guides, we have compiled a packing list tailored to the typical conditions along the Arlberg Trail
Tip: Before setting out on each stage, check the latest weather forecast and adjust your clothing accordingly. Dressing in layers allows you to adapt easily to changing temperatures and conditions throughout the day.
Clothing & footwear
Footwear
- Sturdy hiking or mountain boots with good grip and tread
- 4 pairs of hiking socks (merino wool or technical fabric)
Base layers
- 2–3 sets of functional underwear
- 3 short-sleeved technical shirts
- 1 long-sleeved technical shirt
Trousers & Shorts
- 1 pair of lightweight, breathable hiking trousers (zip-off trousers recommended)
- 1 pair of hiking shorts
- Belt
Warmth & weather protection
- 1 fleece jacket or lightweight insulated jacket
- 1 windproof and waterproof hardshell jacket
- 1 pair of waterproof overtrousers
Accessories
- Sun hat, cap, or headband
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Multifunctional neckwear (Buff)
- Lightweight gloves
For the evening
- Comfortable shoes for the hotel and village
- Swimwear (depending on accommodation and wellness facilities)
First Aid & Personal Care
A compact emergency kit should be part of every hiking backpack.
First Aid Essentials
- Blister plasters
- Bandages and adhesive plasters
- Sports balm or muscle cream
- Sports tape (e.g. for knees or back support)
- Personal medication
- Tissues
- Tick remover
Sun Protection
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm with UV protection
Food & Drinks for the Trail
Mountain huts, restaurants, and refreshment stops can be found throughout the Arlberg Trail. Nevertheless, it is advisable to carry enough water and a few snacks for each day’s hike.
Hydration
- Water bottle or hydration system (minimum capacity: 1.5 litres)
Snacks
- Muesli bars or energy bars
- Trail snacks such as nuts, dried fruit, or vegetable sticks
- Magnesium supplements (optional)
Useful Additional Equipment
Depending on weather conditions and personal preferences, the following items may prove useful.
Backpack & Navigation
- Daypack (luggage transport is included when booking through ASI Reisen)
- Rain cover for your backpack
- Mobile phone
- Offline maps (e.g. Komoot, Outdooractive, or Alpine Club maps)
- Printed maps or hiking guidebook (optional)
Additional Gear
- Trekking poles
- Microspikes for lingering snowfields or slippery sections
- Pocket knife
- Wash bag and toiletries
- Power bank and charging cable
- Camera
- Waterproof zip bags for documents, electronics, or waste
Documents & money
Keep the following items easily accessible throughout the tour:
- Identity card or passport
- Health insurance card
- Alpine Club membership card (if applicable)
- Cash
Good to know: Card payments are not always accepted in mountain huts and smaller establishments. We therefore recommend carrying sufficient cash for the duration of your hike.
One Final Tip
Comfortable hotel accommodation makes the Arlberg Trail a particularly enjoyable multi-day adventure. Guests who book an Arlberg Trail package through our official travel partner ASI Reisen benefit from additional services such as luggage transport, detailed route planning, and a 24/7 service hotline.
Please note that luggage transport is included as part of the respective packages and cannot be booked separately.