TripPacker

What to pack forSwitzerland
in August

72° / 55°F
18 days of rain. Sunset around 8:35pm.
0 of 55 packed
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The essentials

Tick the box when it is in the bag
Rain shell (hardshell jacket)
18 rain days a month finds every seam. A real shell, not a windbreaker.
18 rain days a month finds every seam. A real shell, not a windbreaker. Don't have one? Check these out.
Fineline Stretch Rain Shell - Women's$123 at Backcountry.comStorm Splitter Rain Shell$135 at Howler BrothersQuechua Women’s NH500 Waterproof Hiking Rain Jacket$50 at Decathlon AmericaQuechua Men's Raincut Fullzip Waterproof Rain Jacket$15 at Decathlon America
Sunscreen SPF 50
UV index hits 7.7, high enough to burn exposed skin in under an hour.
UV index hits 7.7, high enough to burn exposed skin in under an hour. Don't have one? Check these out.
Badger SPF 50 Daily Mineral Sunscreen$24.95 at REIProject Reef SPF 50 Sunscreen$26 at REIBlue Lizard Sport Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion$14 at REISun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray$20.50 at REI
Polarized sunglasses
Bright sun bounces off mountain rock and snow patches at altitude, straining eyes.
Bright sun bounces off mountain rock and snow patches at altitude, straining eyes. Don't have one? Check these out.
Knockaround Fast Lanes Sport Polarized Sunglasses Matte Black/Smoke$38 at Backcountry.comKnockaround Premiums Sport Polarized Sunglasses Orange Rose$25.93 at REIKnockaround Premiums Sport Polarized Sunglasses Desert$38 at Backcountry.comFast Lanes Sport Polarized Sunglasses$38 at Backcountry.com
Tick remover
Check ankles and, if there's a dog, paws and ears every night.
Check ankles and, if there's a dog, paws and ears every night. Don't have one? Check these out.
the TICK PATROL Tick Remover Tool$6.50 at REI
Travel first aid kit
Don't have one? Check these out.
HART Outdoor Pocket First-Aid Kit$10.50 at REIKikkerland Wilderness First-Aid Kit$12.50 at REI
Plug adapter, Type C or J
Switzerland uses Type C or J sockets. An adapter with USB-C ports charges several things from one outlet.
Switzerland uses Type C or J sockets. An adapter with USB-C ports charges several things from one outlet. Don't have one? Check these out.
Matador Global Travel Adapter$39.95 at REIGlobal Travel Adapter USB 30W$40 at Eagle CreekGlobal Travel Adapter Micro$25 at Backcountry.comEagle Creek Global Travel Adapter 45W$69 at REI
Power bank 10k–20k mAh
Don't have one? Check these out.
Anker MagGo Power Bank (10,000 mAh, Slim)$80 at REIGoal Zero Venture 75 Power Bank$120 at REIBioLite Charge 80 PD Power Bank$99.95 at REIAnker Zolo Power Bank (20,000 mAh, 22.5W, Built-In USB-C Cable)$40 at REI
Carry-on backpack (35–45L)
Mountain huts sit far apart, so one bag that fits overhead saves time at every border crossing.
Mountain huts sit far apart, so one bag that fits overhead saves time at every border crossing. Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador 45L Global Travel PackSee price at MatadorMatador GloberiderSee price at MatadorGo Carry-On 44L Backpack$180 at Backcountry.comOsprey Packs Archeon 30L Backpack$132 at Backcountry.com
Daypack (15–25L)
Day hikes in mountains demand water, layers, and a map at eye level.
Day hikes in mountains demand water, layers, and a map at eye level. Don't have one? Check these out.
Consuelo 22L Daypack$120 at CotopaxiStio Basin Daypack$75.93 at REIOsprey Packs Arcane Large 20L Daypack Botanica$65.97 at Backcountry.comElqui 24L Daypack$70 at Cotopaxi
Carry-on suitcase (hard shell)
Fits the overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely.
Fits the overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely. Don't have one? Check these out.
Coraza Suitcase - Carry On$295 at Cotopaxi
Dry bags
For the passport, the chargers, and the one dry pair of socks.
For the passport, the chargers, and the one dry pair of socks. Don't have one? Check these out.
Tuff Sack 5-55L Dry Bag$79.95 at Backcountry.comOsprey Packs Wildwater 35L Dry Bag Tunnel Vision$35.75 at Backcountry.comOsprey Wildwater Dry Bag 15$33.73 at REIRace Dry Bag - Double Roll$43.99 at Backcountry.com
Moisture-wicking t-shirts
Twelve rain days mean damp air that clings to skin, and 76% humidity speeds sweat.
Twelve rain days mean damp air that clings to skin, and 76% humidity speeds sweat. Don't have one? Check these out.
Simond Women’s MT500 Merino Wool T-Shirt$35 at Decathlon AmericaSimond Men's Merino Resist Long-Sleeve T-Shirt$45 at Decathlon America
Sun hoodie (UPF long sleeve)
UV hits 7.9 here. Long sleeves beat reapplying sunscreen every hour.
UV hits 7.9 here. Long sleeves beat reapplying sunscreen every hour. Don't have one? Check these out.
La Sportiva Cloud Shadow Sun Hoodie - Women's$66.50 at Backcountry.comTopo Designs Sun Hoodie - Women's$74.25 at Backcountry.comThe North Face Adventure Sun Hoodie - Women's$48.75 at Backcountry.comRoyal Robbins Salathe Sun Long-Sleeve Hoodie - Men's$120 at Backcountry.com
Wide-brim sun hat
Fourteen hours of daylight means long exposure to a UV index of 7.7.
Fourteen hours of daylight means long exposure to a UV index of 7.7. Don't have one? Check these out.
Pistil Women's Tegan Wide Brim Hat$39.73 at REIBrixton Mitch Packable Sun Hat$48.95 at Backcountry.comOrilla Sun Hat$25 at CotopaxiCTR Women's Summit Crushable Wide Brim Hat$30.73 at REI
Reusable water bottle
Tap water is safe, but refilling beats carrying heavy bottles up mountain trails.
Tap water is safe, but refilling beats carrying heavy bottles up mountain trails. Don't have one? Check these out.
Que Collapsible Water Bottle Cloudy$24.95 at Backcountry.comCollapsible Water Bottle$24.95 at Backcountry.comBidon Water Bottle$14.40 at Wild RyeWater Bottle$7.20 at Backcountry.com
Multi-port USB-C charger (GaN)
One brick charges the laptop, phone, and camera.
One brick charges the laptop, phone, and camera. Don't have one? Check these out.
Dual Slim Charger$64.95 at Peak DesignAnker Wall Charger (33W, 2-Port) with USB-C to USB-C Cable$25 at REI
VPN
Hotel and cafe wifi is shared with everyone else in the building. A VPN keeps your banking and email to yourself.
Hotel and cafe wifi is shared with everyone else in the building. A VPN keeps your banking and email to yourself. Don't have one? Check these out.
NordVPNSee price at NordVPN
AirTag / tracker for bags
International travel and busy train stations make bag theft a real risk here.
International travel and busy train stations make bag theft a real risk here.
Packing cubes
Wet clothes from twelve rain days need sorting from dry ones in tight dorm rooms.
Wet clothes from twelve rain days need sorting from dry ones in tight dorm rooms. Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador Packing Cube SetSee price at MatadorMatador Gear Cube Set$58.99 at Backcountry.com3 Piece Compression Packing Cubes$50 at SamsoniteThule Compression Packing Cube Gentle$23.95 at Backcountry.com
Laundry bag / travel detergent
Humidity at 76% makes clothes damp for days, so washing mid-trip is essential.
Humidity at 76% makes clothes damp for days, so washing mid-trip is essential. Don't have one? Check these out.
Matador Laundry BagSee price at MatadorNathan Power Wash Performance Laundry Detergent with Pump$24 at REIKnack Pack Drawstring Cover and Laundry Bag-Large$10 at Knack Bags
Noise-cancelling headphones
Don't have one? Check these out.
Soundcore by Anker Space One Pro Bluetooth Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones$200 at REIJBL Live 770NC Bluetooth Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones$220 at REISony WH-1000XM4C Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Lavender (M4 2nd Gen)$300 at SonySony WH-1000XM4C Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Black (M4 2nd Gen)$300 at Sony
Trekking poles
Mountain terrain and loose rock underfoot demand poles to steady knees on long descents.
Mountain terrain and loose rock underfoot demand poles to steady knees on long descents. Don't have one? Check these out.
Komperdell Carbon FXP Team Trekking Poles - Pair Pink 135 Cm$148 at REILeki Skysolo FX One Carbon Trekking Poles - Pair White 125 Cm$150 at REILeki Sherpa FX One Carbon Trekking Poles - Pair Black 135 Cm$165 at REIBlack Diamond Distance Carbon Trekking Poles Ultra Blue, 100 cm$117 at Backcountry.com

Nice to have

You could skip every one of these
Waterproof boot spray
Rain falls on twelve of thirty-one days, soaking through unprotected leather and canvas.
Rain falls on twelve of thirty-one days, soaking through unprotected leather and canvas. Don't have one? Check these out.
Fabric & Leather Spray On Footwear Treatment$12.55 at Backcountry.comNikwax Nubuck & Suede Waterproofing Spray for Footwear$12.95 at REINubuck & Suede Proof Spray-On Footwear Treatment$12.55 at Backcountry.comNikwax Fabric & Leather Waterproofing Spray for Footwear$12.95 at REI
Lip balm with SPF
Altitude and UV index of 7.7 leave lips chapped and raw by day two.
Altitude and UV index of 7.7 leave lips chapped and raw by day two. Don't have one? Check these out.
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm$3.95 at REIBadger SPF 15 Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm$4.95 at REISPF 50 Hydrating Sun Balm$29 at Backcountry.com
Motion sickness tablets / bands
Single-track mountain roads with hairpin turns trigger nausea in passengers over hours.
Single-track mountain roads with hairpin turns trigger nausea in passengers over hours.
Hand sanitizer
Don't have one? Check these out.
Noshinku Ultra-Hydrating Pocket Hand Sanitizer Refill$13 at REIDr. Bronner's Organic Hand Sanitizer$5.50 at REINoshinku Refillable Ultra-Moisturizing Pocket Sanitizer$9 at REI
Short cables (USB-C)
Mountain huts and hostels have few outlets, so short cables let you charge while moving.
Mountain huts and hostels have few outlets, so short cables let you charge while moving. Don't have one? Check these out.
USB-C to C Cable, Paracord wrapped, 3 ft PD enabled$27.99 at Backcountry.comAnker 2-in-1 USB-C to USB-C Cable (4 ft., 140W, Braided)$26 at REIAnker Prime USB-C to USB-C Cable (6 ft., 240W, Upcycled-Braided)$35 at REICable Kit$19.99 at Peak Design
Language app
A few phrases go a long way. Ten minutes a day before you leave is plenty.
A few phrases go a long way. Ten minutes a day before you leave is plenty.
Passport holder
Border crossings and mountain huts both demand passport checks multiple times per week.
Border crossings and mountain huts both demand passport checks multiple times per week.
Luggage locks (TSA)
International transit and shared hostel lockers require locks that customs agents can open.
International transit and shared hostel lockers require locks that customs agents can open. Don't have one? Check these out.
Matador BetaLockSee price at Matador3 Dial Travel Sentry Combination Lock$13 at SamsoniteKnack TSA-Approved Lock$16 at Knack BagsPacsafe ProSafe 1000 TSA Combination Luggage Lock$17.95 at REI
Toiletry bag (hanging)
Hanging storage keeps toiletries dry in a twelve-rain-day climate and saves counter space.
Hanging storage keeps toiletries dry in a twelve-rain-day climate and saves counter space. Don't have one? Check these out.
Toiletry Bag$50 at Backcountry.comHanging Toiletry Bag - Small$49.95 at Backcountry.comDK5 ModPak Toiletry Bag$49.95 at Backcountry.comPack-It Hanging Toiletry Bag$40 at Eagle Creek
Travel pillow
Train journeys through mountain passes run overnight, and thin hostel pillows won't support your neck.
Train journeys through mountain passes run overnight, and thin hostel pillows won't support your neck. Don't have one? Check these out.
Blackout Travel Pillow$39.99 at Backcountry.comZempire Chill Pill DLX Memory Foam Camp Pillow$40 at REISea To Summit Foam Core Pillow Starfish, Large$34.95 at Backcountry.comExhale Neck Pillow$29 at Backcountry.com

The basics

You own most of these. We are just making sure they make it in.
Toiletries kit
Travel-size toothpaste + brush
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador Toothbrush Caps 2-PackSee price at MatadorMatador Refillable Toothpaste TubesSee price at MatadorPeppermint Toothpaste Tablets in Tin$12.99 at Backcountry.comDr. Bronner's Travel Toothpaste - 1 oz. Peppermint$2.95 at REI
Deodorant
Don't have one? Check these out.
HiBAR Natural Deodorant Unscented$13.95 at REIBusy Co Clarifying Deodorant Wipes$6.95 at REI
Medications + prescriptions
Chargers (phone)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Dual Slim Charger$64.95 at Peak DesignAnker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, Foldable Pad) with Charger and USB-C Cable$100 at REIAnker Wall Charger (33W, 2-Port) with USB-C to USB-C Cable$25 at REI
Underwear
Don't have one? Check these out.
Everyday Merino Thong Underwear - Women's$34 at Backcountry.comSmartwool Women's Merino Bikini Underwear - Boxed$35 at REIREI Co-op Women's Merino Hipster Underwear$29.95 at REIREI Co-op Women's Merino Bikini Underwear$27.95 at REI
Socks
Don't have one? Check these out.
Injinji Ultra Run No-Show Wool Socks$21 at REIBalega Women's Enduro No-Show Socks$13.73 at REIBalega Hidden Dry No-Show Socks$13.73 at REIWoolrich Merino Solid Ragg Socks$14.73 at REI
Sleepwear
Reusable shopping bag
Don't have one? Check these out.
Packable Tote Bag$49 at Eagle CreekPackable Tote Bag - Geo$24.95 at rumplChrome Grocery Tote Messenger Bag Matte$125 at Backcountry.comGrocery Tote Messenger Bag$125 at Backcountry.com
Pen (customs forms)
Copy of passport
Small lock
Don't have one? Check these out.
Pacsafe ProSafe 1000 TSA Combination Luggage Lock$17.95 at REI3 Dial Travel Sentry Combination Lock$13 at Samsonite
Earbuds
Don't have one? Check these out.
Shokz OpenDots ONE Open-Ear True Wireless Earbuds$170 at REISoundcore by Anker Liberty 5 Active Noise-Canceling Wireless Earbuds$130 at REIJBL Vibe Beam 2 Bluetooth In-Ear True Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds$64.95 at REIShokz OpenFit Air Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds$120 at REI
Sunglasses case
Don't have one? Check these out.
Chums Transporter Sunglasses Case$10 at REICroakies Sunglasses Case with Carabiner$9.95 at REI
Nail clippers
Don't have one? Check these out.
So iLL Nail Clippers$8 at REI
Sewing kit / safety pins
Don't have one? Check these out.
Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl with Extra Thread$33.50 at REIExpedition Sewing Awl$35 at Backcountry.com

Take this list with you

It keeps your ticks. Open it again when you are standing over the suitcase.
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