One of the best things about a hut-to-hut trek is the lighter pack. No tent, no sleeping bag, no stove, no cooking gear. But you still need to be prepared for high-altitude weather that can change in minutes.
The Philosophy
My target is a base weight under 6 kg (not counting food and water). Since huts provide meals and beds with blankets, I only need a silk liner, a change of clothes, and rain/cold weather layers.
Key Decisions
Trail runners over boots. The Salomon X Ultra 4 gives me enough grip and support without the weight. Already have 200 km on them — well broken in.
Merino everything. Three days of wear before it smells, dries quickly, and temperature regulates well. Worth the cost.
Trekking poles. Carbon Z-poles that fold down small. Non-negotiable for the steep descents on this route — some days have 1,200m+ of descent.
Check out the full gear list for the complete breakdown with weights.
The Test
Next weekend I'm doing an overnight shakedown hike with the full kit. The goal is to identify anything I've overpacked or forgotten before it's too late to adjust.