Get Ready for your Alta Via 1 Adventure!

Planning an adventure on the Alta Via 1? This iconic trail in the Italian Dolomites spans 75 miles (120km) and offers unmatched views, challenging terrains, and a once-in-a-lifetime walking experience. But to make the most of your trek, it's crucial to pack smart. Here's a comprehensive guide on what to pack for your Alta Via 1 adventure.

Essential Gear 

Clothing 

• Pack convertible, lightweight, quick-drying trousers or shorts for varying mountain climates. 
• Bring two lightweight, quick-drying t-shirts to wash one while wearing the other. 
• Don’t forget two pairs of good walking socks—wear one and keep the other dry in your bag. 
• Include a lightweight fleece layer for warmth when temperatures drop. 
• Pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket for unexpected rain. 
• Consider a small, lightweight, insulated jacket for comfort in mountain huts during cooler nights. 
• For evenings at the huts, pack cotton leggings and a T-shirt for comfort. 
• Bring gloves for chilly mornings, even in hot weather. 
• Don’t forget a sun hat for protection against the heat and a cosy beanie if it turns cold or wet. 

Footwear 

• Look for high-quality boots that offer excellent support and comfort. A sturdy pair will help you tackle various terrains with ease.  
• Pack a pair of flip-flops for relaxing in the huts after a long day on the trail

Equipment 

• Backpack – big enough to carry daily essentials. 
• You have luggage transfers, remember, so there’s no need for a hefty backpacking bag. Don’t be tempted to take a bag that’s too big, as you’ll likely over-fill it! A chest strap and waist strap are essential to help distribute the weight and improve walking stability. 
• Rain cover – or a dry bag. If your backpack isn’t totally waterproof, these will come in handy to keep your stuff dry.  
• Walking poles – absolutely vital for a successful trek! 
• Sleeping bag liner – it's compulsory to use one of these in the dorms. 
• Travel towel.
• Lightweight emergency shelter – the likelihood of you needing this is extremely slim, but it's always best to be over-prepared than under-prepared. You can get an emergency bivvy for as cheap as £20 or less! 
• Reusable water bottle – preferably a filtration bottle like Water to Go. 
• Essential toiletries – small tube of toothpaste, toothbrush, small bottle of shampoo. 
• Phone charger.

Safety First

First-Aid Kit 

Accidents happen, and being prepared can make all the difference. Your first-aid kit should include:  

• Bandages   
• Antiseptic wipes   
• Pain relievers   
• Blister treatments   
• Deep heat cream 
• Sunscreen 
• Plasters

Emergency Whistle 

An emergency whistle is a small but vital tool for signalling for help in case you get lost or injured. Attach it to your backpack for easy access. Some backpacks even have them built into the chest strap, so check if yours does before getting one. 

Navigation Tools 

Make sure to download the Macs Adventure app to your phone which houses all your trip info and route maps. Download your route maps before you head on your trip when you have wifi to use the navigation functionality offline.

Portable Battery Charger 

A portable phone charger is essential when hiking the trails, ensuring your devices stay powered for navigation, taking photos, and staying connected with friends. With unpredictable conditions and long treks, having extra battery life gives you peace of mind and keeps you safe on your adventure. 

Weather Prep 

Check the Weather Forecast 

Check the weather forecast for the Dolomites before your trip and daily each morning, as mountain weather can change quite quickly. Websites like Mountain Forecast provide detailed weather reports for specific trails. 

Layering System

The key to comfort in variable weather is layering. Pack moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a weatherproof outer layer. This allows you to adjust your clothing based on the conditions.

Hydration and Nutrition 

Water Bottles and Hydration Packs 

Staying hydrated is crucial. Carry at least two litres of water, either in bottles or a hydration pack. We recommend Water to Go, a water filter bottle that eliminates up to 99.9999% of all microbiological contaminants, including viruses, bacteria, chemicals, and heavy metals, from any non-saltwater source in the world, providing safe drinking water wherever you are. And you can get 30% off yours with code MA30.  

High-Energy Snacks 

Pack lightweight, high-energy snacks like trail mix, energy bars, and dried fruit. These will keep your energy levels up during long stretches of walking. Keeping electrolytes topped up is equally important, so bring some electrolyte tabs or powders with you, too. 

Mountain Meals 

All breakfasts are provided on a Macs Alta Via 1 trip, and most dinners are provided when staying in the mountain huts and rifugios, except for rifugio San Sebastiano. Lunches are not included on any Alta Via trips. However, you can purchase packed lunches from most mountain huts, or there are quite often huts that you pass on your route where you can stop by for lunch with a view!

Pack Light 

Minimise Weight 

Luggage transfer is available as an optional extra, but due to the remoteness of some huts, it may not be possible to transfer bags to every overnight location. If you choose bag transfer, please note that bags cannot be delivered to Rifugio Fanes, Rifugio Sennes/Lavarella, Rifugio Averau/Nuvolau, Rifugio Coldai, Rifugio Vazzoler, and Rifugio Fontana. On those days, simply pack a few overnight essentials in your backpack to see you through the day. 

If you opt out of luggage transfer, you'll need to carry your belongings with you each day. Since accommodations are dormitory-style, please bring a sleeping bag liner (or you may be able to buy or rent one locally). Bed linen will be provided if you book private rooms. 

We partner with several luggage transfer providers, each of whom imposes limits on the number of bags and the weight they will transfer per person. For optional luggage transfers on the Alta Via, handlers are very strict about weight limits. You are allowed only one small carry-on bag with a maximum weight of 10kg (22 lbs) per person, as there is no space for additional baggage in the rifugios. 

Regardless of whether you opt for luggage transfers during your trip, one main bag weighing a maximum of 20kg (44Ibs) will be transferred from Cortina to Belluno (if your itinerary starts and ends in these towns), or your main bag will be stored in Cortina until your return. 

We don’t control the limits set by these providers, so it’s crucial to adhere to them. There’s a strong possibility they won’t accept any additional or heavier bags. While this may be a challenge—especially since airlines often have higher limits—our luggage providers have valid reasons for these restrictions that we must respect.  

Multi-Use Items

Choose items that serve multiple purposes. For example, a buff can be used as a headband, neck gaiter, or even a potholder. Multi-tools can also save space and weight.

Preparing for the Alta Via 1 

Taking the time to plan and pack thoughtfully will make your Alta Via 1 experience more enjoyable and less stressful. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the natural beauty around you, so pack responsibly and enjoy Trash Free Trails.

Ready to start your adventure? Get your gear together and hit the trail! Book a call with one of our adventure consultants today to secure your Alta Via 1 walking holiday.