The Ultimate Alta Via 1 & 2 Packing List for Solo Female Hikers
Hiking the Alta Via 1 & 2 in the Dolomites was one of the most empowering experiences of my life. That said, hiking solo brought up a lot of questions before I hit the trail. So before setting off, I carefully prepared my Alta Via 1 and 2 packing list, which was crucial for ensuring I had everything needed for the journey.
If you’re planning a Dolomites trek and want a realistic, field-tested packing list—especially as a woman hiking alone—this Alta Via 1 & 2 Packing List is for you.
’ll share exactly what I packed (and what I didn’t), how I stayed comfortable and confident on the trail, and what I wish I had known before I started. Don’t forget to grab the free checklist at the end to help streamline your planning!
Why Packing Light is Critical on the Alta Via
The Alta Via 1 and 2 are stunning but physically demanding.
With long distances, major elevation gains and losses, and minimal opportunities to restock, packing smartly is essential.
You’ll be carrying everything on your back, so every ounce matters.As a result, every ounce matters.
Staying in rifugios means you don’t need a tent or cooking gear, but you do need layers for changing mountain weather, reliable hydration options, and toiletries for comfort.
Above all, think light, functional, and versatile.
This Alta Via 1 and 2 Packing list is designed for 7-10 Day Hiking, but you can always use it if you are hiking for less than 7-10 days.
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My Real Alta Via Packing List (4-7 Days)
Clothing for the Dolomites in Summer
- 2 moisture-wicking t-shirts
- 1 long-sleeve shirt for layering
- 1 lightweight rain jacket
- 1 rain jacket with a hood
- 1 pair of hiking pants
- 1 pair of camp leggings or shorts
- 4 pairs of wool hiking socks
- 4 pairs of quick-dry underwear
- 2 sports bras
- Lightweight gloves and beanie (if hiking in shoulder season)
Footwear & Blister Prevention
- 1 pair of broken-in hiking boots (I used North Face)
- 1 pair of lightweight camp sandals or flip-flops
- Blister kit: moleskin, bandages, toe spacers, tape
- Foot glide or Vaseline for hot spots
Free Alta Via 1 and Alta Via 2 Packing Checklist (Printable!)
Grab your free PDF checklist to stay organized while you prep for your trek. It includes everything above in an easy-to-print format, Space for notes, plus solo hiking tips, and a bonus section on what to leave behind.
Gear & Essentials
- 38L Osprey backpack
- Hiking poles (game-changer for steep descents)
- 2L water reservoir or bottles
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen stick (I used Shiseido)
- Lightweight microfiber towel
- Sleeping bag liner (required at most rifugios)
- Trash bag for dirty laundry
Toiletries, Tech, and Personal Items
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Small bottle of face wash + body wash
- Face wipes and hand sanitizer
- Menstrual products (pads, cup, or tampons)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Small first aid kit
- Battery pack and charging cords
- Earplugs and sleep mask
- Travel journal and pen
Solo Female Hiking on the Alta Via: Safety, Comfort & Confidence
Hiking the Alta Via 1 and 2 solo as a woman might sound intimidating at first — and to be completely honest, I was a little nervous before I set out. I’d read dozens of packing lists, gear reviews, and trail blogs, but very few addressed the unique challenges and mindset of being a solo female hiker in the Dolomites. So I want to speak directly to anyone wondering: Can I do this alone? Will I be safe? Will I be okay out there with just myself and my pack?
The answer, in my experience, is a resounding yes — and then some.
Is It Safe to Hike the Alta Via as a Solo Female?
Yes — and the Dolomites are one of the safest places in Europe to hike solo, especially on established routes like the Alta Via 1 and Alta Via 2. These trails are well-marked, often busy during summer, and supported by a network of mountain huts (rifugi) that offer food, beds, and company.
That said, safety always starts with preparation. Here’s what helped me feel secure on the trail:
- Offline maps: I used the Komoot app and Maps.me, downloading the route in advance in case I lost signal (which does happen in the mountains). READ MORE ABOUT THE BEST APPS YOU CAN USE IN THE DOLOMITES
- Battery backup: I always carried a fully charged power bank for my phone — critical for GPS and safety.
- Let someone know: I shared my daily itinerary with my husband and even left a hardcopy at the house. I also checked in when I had Wi-Fi at the rifugios.
- Emergency whistle: Clipped to my backpack, just in case.
- Situational awareness: I avoided hiking too late in the day and trusted my instincts around people and places — which, by the way, were overwhelmingly positive. That being said, if you feel terrified about hiking a route, turn around.
Rifugio Life as a Solo Woman
One of my biggest concerns before starting was staying in co-ed rifugios. Would it feel awkward? Would I get the rest I needed?
Honestly? I ended up loving rifugio culture. Most huts were filled with respectful, like-minded hikers who just wanted a hot meal, a warm bed, and a quiet night. A few things that made me feel more comfortable:
- I packed a quick-dry towel and lightweight pajamas I felt comfortable walking to the bathroom in.
- I brought a travel sleep liner for extra coziness and separation from shared bedding.
- I used earplugs and an eye mask — lifesavers in shared dorms!
- In some rifugios, you can request to be placed in smaller or women-only rooms if they’re available. Just ask when booking or checking in. I was terrified when Rifugio Plose put me in a room with 3 Italian men, but they turned out to be incredibly courteous, even with a 3 am wake-up call.
Ready to book your huts? Once you’ve got your gear sorted, the next step is reserving your stays.
Check out my guide on how to make a reservation at a rifugio in the Dolomites for everything you need—email templates (in English and Italian), booking timelines, and tips for first-time trekkers.
No one questioned why I was alone. I was often met with admiration, curiosity, and encouragement, especially from other women hikers I met on the trail.
Confidence and the Mental Game
Hiking solo wasn’t just about carrying my gear or navigating the path — it was about carrying myself through fatigue, doubt, and silence. There were moments I felt completely at peace, watching the clouds roll through the mountains in total stillness. And there were moments I felt exposed, sore, and a little lonely.
Infact I ended up losing a toenail on my AV2 and I was in excrutiating pain, but I took breaks when needed and told myself it was almost over with.
What helped me through?
- I kept a small journal to jot down daily highs and lows.
- I created a little morning ritual: stretching, deep breaths, and setting a word of the day. Some days it was strong, some days grace.
✨ “I carried everything I needed on my back. But what I gained was confidence I’ll carry with me the rest of my life.”
For My Fellow Solo Female Hikers
If you’re reading this and wondering if you can do it too, yes, you can. The trail will challenge you, but it will also surprise you with kindness. Other hikers will cheer you on. And you’ll look back one day and realize just how strong you are.
What I Regret Bringing (And What I Wish I Had)
Regrets:
- A second pair of leggings I never wore
- Too many snacks (rifugios fed me well!)
- A large bottle of lotion that leaked
- having too fluffy of a sleeping bag liner
Wish I Had Packed:
- A small laundry line or an extra carabiner
- Compression socks for end-of-day recovery
- A second lightweight shirt
Frequently Asked Questions: Packing for the Alta Via 1 and 2
- Do I need a sleeping bag for the Alta Via?
No, a sleeping bag liner is sufficient. Rifugios provide blankets and pillows, though they may not offer sheets. A liner keeps things hygienic and helps you sleep warmer.
- Can I do laundry along the trail?
Some rifugios offer laundry for a fee, but it’s not guaranteed. Most hikers rinse their clothes by hand in the sink and hang dry them to dry outside or near a radiator.
- How much did your pack weigh?
My pack weighed around 7.5 kg (roughly 16.5 lbs) without water. With 2 liters of water, snacks, and camera gear, it pushed closer to 9.5 kg on most days.
- Is there Wi-Fi or cell service on the Alta Via?
Some rifugios offer Wi-Fi, but it’s often slow or limited to common areas. Cell service is spotty on the trail, especially in deep valleys. Always download maps in advance!
- Should I book rifugios in advance?
Yes, especially from mid-June through September. Many popular rifugios fill up weeks in advance. Booking early also gives you a flexible base to plan your hiking stages.
- What is the best time of year to hike the Alta Via?
The hiking season runs from late June to mid-September. July and August are the busiest but offer the most stable weather. September is quieter but colder, especially at night. Last year there was an unexpected snowstorm that came through the area while on the AV1, the weather is unpredictable.
- Can I hike the Alta Via 1 or 2 without speaking Italian?
Yes! Most rifugio staff speak basic English, and fellow hikers often do too. A few key Italian phrases (like “una birra” or “dove il bagno?”) go a long way.
- What should I eat or expect for food at the rifugios?
Expect hearty mountain meals: polenta, stews, pasta, schnitzel, and local wines. Breakfast is usually simple (bread, jam, coffee). Vegetarian options are available but may be limited. Expect to poop a lot. I am so serious.
- Can I refill water on the trail?
Yes! Most rifugios have potable water, and many trailside fountains offer drinkable water. Bring a filter or purification tablets just in case, especially on AV2.
- Do I need a guide to hike the Alta Via?
No guide is required. The trails are well-marked and mapped. However, if you’re nervous or new to long-distance trekking, a guided trip (like with Bookatrekking) can ease the logistics.
Final Thoughts: What Packing for the Alta Via Taught Me
Ultimately, packing for the Alta Via was the first step…. It forced me to make mindful decisions, travel light, and prepare for both physical and emotional challenges. That perspective mattered and I had to go through it to get to it.
If you’re about to embark on your own Dolomites trek, I hope this guide helps you feel a little more prepared, a little less overwhelmed, and a whole lot more empowered.
Let me know if you have questions or want to share your packing wins — I’d love to cheer you on!
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📌 Planning your trek soon? Pin this blog post on Pinterest so you can come back to it anytime. It’s the perfect reference for when you’re ready to pack!
