What is a Hut to Hut Hike? [explained] Backpacking 2.0

A Guide to Hut-To-Hut Hikes

These structures range from simple shelters to well-equipped lodges, often situated in scenic locations that provide a respite after a day’s trek on a long-distance hiking trail.

When planning your hut to hut hike, consider the level of comfort and amenities you desire, as some huts offer full-service options with meals and bedding, while others may be more rustic and self-service.

Morgan’s European Hut to Hut Hiking Youtube

Your journey will be a series of daily hikes from one hut to the next, with each leg tailored to a reasonable distance, allowing for rest and exploration.

This type of hike requires thorough planning to ensure availability and understanding of each hut’s offerings and limitations. Take my free course to learn everything you need to know about hut to hut hiking.

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what is a Hut to Hut Hike Really like?

A hut to hut hike offers the thrill of adventure while still providing the comfort of amenities in the backcountry.

You’ll trek through stunning landscapes by day and enjoy the hospitality of mountain refuges by night.

Selecting a Destination

Consider the unique characteristics of hut to hut hiking destinations, such as Europe’s famous Alta Via 1 in the Dolomites, where you experience majestic peaks and vibrant local culture.

Switzerland boasts well-maintained networks of huts in the Alps.

Destinations like Nepal and Patagonia immerse you in dramatic landscapes with a chance to engage with diverse wildlife.

New Zealand’s extensive hut system offers easier access without sacrificing the sense of remote wilderness. Select based on fitness level, desired difficulty, and cultural interests.

Understanding Hut Amenities

Morgan’s Video about Hut Food in Italy

Huts, or ‘Rifugios in Italian or Hütten in German’, in various regions differ. Expect basics like bunk beds and communal areas, while many European huts provide full-service amenities including dinner and breakfast, hot showers, and sometimes even private rooms.

Flush toilets and safety features are standard in well-established areas. Research your specific trail to confirm what is offered and whether you need permits for stay.

Preparation and Gear Checklist

Ensure you have the right gear for a successful trek. Your backpack should include:

• Hiking boots: waterproof and broken-in
• Sleeping bag or liner: lightweight for cleanliness and extra warmth
• Headlamp: crucial for navigating in the dark
• Sunglasses and sun hat: protection against glare and heat
• Trekking poles: ease the strain on knees during descents

Don’t forget a waterproof jacket, regardless of the forecast, as mountain weather can change swiftly. Pack essentials for safety, and consider local wildlife when choosing food storage options.

Hut to Hut vs Inn to Inn hiking

When considering a multi-day trek, you’ll encounter two popular options: hut-to-hut hiking and inn-to-inn hiking (camping is an option too – read my guide to camping the TMB).

Each offers a distinct experience in terms of accommodation and the level of comfort you can expect.

What is a hut to hut hike like in Africa? Watch my video 👍

You can see in my video how rustic the huts are in Morocco, but in the Dolomites they can be luxurious.

Generally they are harder to book logistically than hotels or inns.

Hot Take:

Often travelers mix and match inns, hotels, hostels and huts to make the trail work it’s magic.

What are the differences between hut-to-hut hiking in the USA and Europe?

Hut-to-hut hiking in the USA, typically, involves trekking from one backcountry shelter to another. The huts in regions such as the White Mountains are often rustic and provide basic amenities.

For example, the Appalachian Mountain Club huts along the Appalachian Trail are spaced about a day’s hike apart and include communal bunkrooms and family-style meals.

In contrast, hut-to-hut hiking in Europe is a bit more luxurious. The huts, particularly in the Alps and Dolomites, are more akin to mountain hostels, offering a wider range of comforts such as private rooms, hot meals, and even showers in some cases.

The huts, or mountain inns, are usually located in picturesque locations, allowing hikers to enjoy scenic views and the camaraderie of fellow travelers. Huts like the Rotbachalm offer a comfortable experience akin to a mountain inn with the convenience of a shorter walking time.

In FACT:

Inn-to-inn hiking, on the other hand, is typically more comfortable than either hut-to-hut option. You’ll stay in small hotels, bed and breakfasts, or guesthouses, experiencing more privacy and comfort.

Inn-to-inn hiking is a good choice if you’re looking for a day full of adventure but also want the assurance of a hot shower and a private room at the end of the day.

On the Trail

A hut-to-hut hike offers you an immersive experience in some of the world’s most scenic environments, from the remote trails of Torres del Paine to the acclaimed Alta Via routes.

These adventures allow you to explore wilderness areas by day and enjoy the comforts of a hut by night.

Day-to-Day Hiking Experience

During a hut-to-hut hike, your daily journey takes you through varied terrains and offers an opportunity to experience local wildlife and culture. Each day’s hike can range from a few to several miles, and typically, you’ll navigate well-marked trails with the aid of guidebooks or trail markers. As you traverse scenic landscapes, expect to encounter everything from gentle paths to challenging rocky ascents, depending on your chosen route.

Staying at the Huts

Huts, or rifugios, are more than just a place to rest and sleep; they serve as rustic hotels in the wilderness. These accommodations provide you with basic amenities such as hot showers, electricity, and often include blankets and pillows.

Staying at these huts offers a stress-free alternative to camping, as you don’t need to carry a tent or heavy sleeping gear. Reservations for mountain huts are essential, especially during the hiking season, and can be booked in advance to secure your spot.

Safety and Etiquette

Your safety is paramount on these backpacking trips. Always check weather reports for both good weather and bad weather conditions; prepare accordingly, and understand any required permits or regulations.

Practice solitude respecting by observing hut etiquette, such as reducing noise and keeping communal areas clean.

In remote areas, a guide can enhance your safety as well as enrich your trek with insights into the local culture and wildlife. Remember, being prepared and respectful ensures a memorable and responsible adventure in these magnificent natural settings.

Common Trails for Hut to Hut Hiking in Europe

Trail Name and Location	🔥 Why it’s Awesome🔥
Fisherman’s Trail in Portugal	Best Wild Coastal
Via Transilvanica in Romania	World’s Longest Art Exhibit
Tour du Mont Blanc in France, Switzerland and Italy	Best Overall
Alta Via 1 in Italy	Most Jaw-Dropping Scenery
The Rhine Castles Trail in Germany	Best History
Bernese Oberland in Switzerland	Best Waterfalls
The West Highland Way in Scotland	Most Friendly
Haute Route in France and Switzerland	Best High Elevation
Slovenian Mountain Trail	From Mountains to Sea
Berlin High Trail in Austria	Most Rugged Peaks with Glaciers
Camino de Santiago in Spain	The OG
GR20 in Corsica	Most Challenging Terrain
Kungsleden in Sweden	Most Isolated
Laugavegar in Iceland	Best Volcanoes
Italian Riviera Cinque Terre	Best Cultural Coastal

Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment is essential for beginners on hut-to-hut hiking trips?

For your first hut-to-hut hiking experience, you should prioritize a reliable backpack, a sleep sac suitable for the climate, comfortable hiking boots, a water purification system, and layered clothing that can accommodate changes in weather.

How should one prepare for a hut-to-hut hiking journey in the Appalachian Trail?

To prepare for the Appalachian Trail, acquaint yourself with the route’s specifics, reserve any required huts or shelters in advance, train for the trek’s physical demands, and pack the necessary navigation tools, including a detailed map and compass.

What are the top hut-to-hut hiking routes in the United States?

In the United States, the Presidential Traverse in New Hampshire and the High Sierra Camp Loop in Yosemite National Park are highly regarded hut-to-hut hiking routes known for their breathtaking landscapes and well-maintained trail systems.

Which backpack features are most important for long-distance hut-to-hut hiking?

For long-distance trips, choose a backpack with an ergonomic design, adjustable straps for a snug fit, ample storage with easy access to essentials, and durable water-resistant material to withstand varied conditions.

What is the renowned hut-to-hut trek within the Alps and what makes it popular?

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a celebrated hut-to-hut trek spanning across France, Italy, and Switzerland. Its popularity stems from the spectacular Alpine scenery, well-marked trails, and the cultural experience of passing through diverse regions with cozy huts for rest.

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We hope this guide filled with interesting information about what is a hut to hut hike has given you the proper information to plan your next adventure.