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Swedish Tourist Association
View of a lake and mountains at sunset seen from inside a tent.

Packing list mountain hiking – with a tent

Hiking in the mountains with a tent offers a special kind of freedom—you can stop where the views are at their best and adapt your route based on weather, energy, and curiosity. At the same time, a tent-based trip requires more planning and packing.

When you carry both shelter and cooking equipment, it’s important to think carefully about what is truly necessary in your backpack. Your gear needs to cover both the hike itself and life at camp, while keeping the weight manageable. With the right tent setup, extra clothing, and enough food, you’ll be well prepared for safe nights and great experiences in the mountains.

Packing list mountain hiking – with a tent

Equipment

  1. Tent
  2. Sleeping pad with insulation against ground cold
  3. Sleeping bag, at least a 3-season bag (comfort temperature at least 0°C)
  4. Backpack suited to the hike – read more about choosing the right backpack here.
  5. Rain cover for backpack
  6. Waterproof stuff sacks
  7. Sit pad
  8. Sunglasses
  9. Cap
  10. Light, quick-drying shoes for fording (e.g. Crocs)
  11. Trekking poles (optional, useful when fording)

Safety

  1. Map and compass
  2. Mobile phone
  3. Power bank (there is no electricity in mountain cabins)
  4. First aid kit (including personal medication and pain relief)
  5. Blister plasters and tape
  6. Headlamp or small flashlight (especially important in August–September)
  7. Sun protection
  8. Insect repellent
  9. Earplugs (useful if it’s windy when you’re trying to sleep)

Clothing

  1. Hiking boots – waterproof and sturdy, preferably with removable insoles for easier drying
  2. Hiking trousers
  3. Rainwear or waterproof shell garments with a hood
  4. Two base layer tops and one pair of base layer bottoms (one dry set for sleeping and one for hiking – wool is preferred)
  5. 1–2 T-shirts
  6. Comfortable and durable hiking clothes suitable for the season and weather
  7. Mid layer/insulation layer, e.g. a light down jacket or warm sweater
  8. Shorts in warm weather
  9. Hat or buff (preferably a thin hat for sleeping)
  10. At least two pairs of gloves: one thinner pair and one warmer pair. A thin liner can be useful in cold conditions
  11. Thin wool socks and thicker wool socks (several changes)
  12. Underwear
  13. Swimwear depending on the hike and weather
  14. Sunglasses and/or a cap for summer hikes

Hygiene

  1. Lightweight travel towel
  2. Toilet paper and a trowel
  3. Toothbrush and toothpaste
  4. Other toiletries, e.g. small containers of soap and shampoo (preferably biodegradable)

Food and drink

  1. Water bottle (you should be able to carry at least 1.5 L)
  2. Thermos
  3. Camping stove or gas stove for cooking, plus gas or fuel, and a suitable pot and ladle
  4. Plate or bowl and cutlery
  5. Cup
  6. Dish soap (biodegradable) and a small sponge
  7. Food and energy for the hike based on your needs (read more about mountain cabin shops here)

Packing tips for hiking

Person sitting on a hillside next to a backpack overlooking a mountain valley.

Don’t have your own equipment?

Rent instead of buying! You can rent equipment at many of our mountain stations. As an STF member, you also get discounts on outdoor gear and sportswear at Outdoor Buddies—great for both your wallet and the environment.

Your membership benefits

More pages about hiking

Hiking

On this page you will find helpful tips and information for your hike.

Packing lists

Wondering what to pack for a day hike in the mountains, or for a longer trek? Here you’ll find packing lists for both summer and winter, day trips and multi-day hikes, with or without a tent, and with or without children.

Equipment for hiking

On this page you will find tips on how to pack smart, what to keep in mind when camping, and how to cook outdoors.