Packing list for mountain hikes – and everything else you need to know to go hiking in Fjord Norway

Packing list for mountain hikes in Norway

The packing list will of course vary depending on where and when you are going to hike in Norway. You don’t need to take as much with you in summer as in winter for example, and hiking in the mountains requires more gear than hiking in the forest or along the coast. It is very important to remember that the weather in Norway changes quickly, so you always need to take suitable (and enough) clothes with you regardless of the time of year.

Read more about hiking in Norway! Everything you need to know for the best hiking experiences in Fjord Norway.

Packing list spring – summer – autumn

There may be snow and sleet in the high mountains – even in summer. In spring and autumn, the conditions in the mountains can quickly turn wintery, and there is usually snow at an altitude of 1,000–1,200 metres in autumn. That makes suitable clothes and gear important. Here is the packing list recommended by the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT), which you can use to prepare for your trip:

Clothes

• Rainwear (jacket and trousers)
• Thin windproof jacket and hiking trousers (with good moisture-wicking)
• Wool/wool blend underwear + extra set
• Well-fitting woollen socks + extra pair
• Wool sweater/jacket or thin down jacket
• Hat
• Wool mittens or other gloves/mittens that are warm even when wet
• Light indoor shoes/indoor clothes if you are going to hike from cabin to cabin
• Hiking boots and waterproof gaiters
• Shorts and t-shirt (wool/synthetic fibre) if warm weather is forecast

Mountain gear

• A suitably sized backpack
• Waterproof bag that fits inside the backpack (or rain cover)
• Sleeping-bag liner (or light sleeping bag) if you are going to stay overnight in a cabin
• First aid kit with blister plasters and sports tape
• Toiletries (necessities only) and a small/light towel
• Some toilet paper and an extra rubbish bag
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Mosquito repellent/mosquito net
• Map, compass and map case
• Small knife
• Matches/lighter
• Small head torch/torch
• Food/snacks for the day and a water bottle (or thermos for hot drinks)
• Money/card

If you are going to stay overnight at a DNT cabin, you must also remember to bring

• DNT key
• DNT membership card, which is easy to download
• Food supplies if you are going to visit unstaffed cabins

Grading of hikes in Norway

Norway has a national standard for grading hikes, making it easy to find the hikes that suit you best. The tours are colour-coded from green (easy) to black (expert). Remember to consider your own ability, knowledge of the mountains in Norway as well as physical fitness and whether you have the right gear for the hike. Do not go on hikes that you think are too challenging. For example, the hike to Bondhusvatnet lake is marked green (easy), the hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) is marked blue (medium), Saksa is red (challenging) and Trolltunga is marked black (expert). Read more about the grading of hikes in this article.

The public rights of way – access to outlying lands

The public rights of way is a free common good giving everyone access to outlying areas, and it forms the basis for outdoor life in Norway. However, this right also entails certain obligations: always remember to show due consideration and caution when you are in nature, and leave it the same state as you find it.

The Norwegian Mountain Code – for your safety in the mountains

The Mountain Code is a good tool when you are planning and doing a mountain hike. It contains a number of rules to help make your trip in the mountains safer. Read them carefully, and think through the points in relation to the hike(s) you are planning:

• Plan your trip and inform others about the route you have selected.
• Adapt the planned routes according to ability and conditions.
• Pay attention to the weather and the avalanche warnings.
• Be prepared for bad weather and frost, even on short trips (ALWAYS check the weather forecast – the weather can change quickly).
• Bring the necessary equipment so you can help yourself and others.
• Choose safe routes. Recognize avalanche terrain and unsafe ice.
• Use a map and a compass. Always know where you are.
• Don’t be ashamed to turn around.
• Conserve your energy and seek shelter if necessary.

Read more about the Norwegian Mountain Code here.

Mountain hikes in Norway in winter

If you don't have much experience in the mountains but want to go hiking in winter, we recommend you sign up for a guided tour with experienced guides with good knowledge of how to stay safe in the mountains. If you nevertheless went to go it alone, it is important to remember that you need quite a lot of gear to go hiking at that time of year. Never set off without having the right gear and enough of it. Check the DNT’s packing list to make sure you bring everything you need to stay safe in the mountains in winter.