One of the best parts about the Peaks of the Balkans trek is that it strikes a perfect balance between rugged wilderness and creature comforts. The trail ventures into some very remote areas, but you’ll still be able to find a hot shower, multi-course meal, and soft bed to sleep in each night. Although this contrast makes for a wonderful experience, it can also make it challenging to know what to pack. You’ll need to make sure you’re prepared for a serious mountain adventure, while still keeping your backpack as lightweight as possible.
Our tried-and-true packing list is here to help! We’ve highlighted everything you need and nothing that you don’t. It’s sorted into categories so you can easily stay organized as you prepare for your trek. Whether you’re hiking with a guide or on your own, camping or staying in guesthouses, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to build your perfect Peaks of the Balkans packing list.
- Packing Basics
- Camping-Specific Gear
- Personal Gear
- Miscellaneous Gear
- Men’s Clothing
- Women’s Clothing
Everything you need to to plan your Peaks of the Balkans Trek – all in one place.
Whether you prefer guest houses or tents, fastpacking or meandering, or something in between, we’ve got you covered. Our Guide to Trekking the Peaks of the Balkans Trail is the ultimate tool to help you plan your perfect trip.
When you purchase a guide, you’ll get instant access to all the information you need to plan your trip in our planning portal as well as in a downloadable PDF eGuide.
Your in-depth guide contains resources you won’t find anywhere else, including:
- Instant access to our online trip planning portal
- Downloadable eGuide to the Peaks of the Balkans Trail
- Complete 7-day, 10-day, and 11-day Peaks of the Balkans itineraries with video fly throughs
- Accommodation options as well as booking information
- Detailed maps for every stage
- Custom GPS data for each itinerary
- Video walk through on difficult to navigate sections of the trail
- The ultimate packing list
- Information about getting to and from the trail
- 15-week training plan
- Video tutorials on how to use your GPS files to navigate on the trail.
We truly believe this is the best guide available for the Peaks of the Balkans. Pick up your guide below and if your not satisfied for any reason we’ll give you a full refund!
Packing Basics
There are limitless ways to hike the Peaks of the Balkans: you can carry your own tent and self-cater, stay and eat in guesthouses, hike at a slow pace, double up on stages, and so on. Your Peaks of the Balkans packing list will need to be tailored to your individual itinerary and needs. Despite all of this variability, there are a few basic truths about packing for the Peaks of the Balkans that apply to everyone. These include:
- Figure out a way to keep your feet happy and stick to it.
- Bring hiking poles and learn how to use them prior to your trek.
- Be prepared for the elements.
In the following sections, we’ll break down each of these and share our best advice.
1. Figure Out Your Footwear
The Peaks of the Balkans Trail has the perfect conditions for blisters and other foot issues to grow and thrive: long days, varied and steep terrain, and plenty of moisture. Therefore, it is imperative that you are proactive about keeping your feet healthy and happy on your trek.
Traditional hiking boots, hiking shoes, or trail runners will all work for the trail conditions on the Peaks of the Balkans, but you need to make sure they will work for you too. This means that you should bring a pair of boots or shoes that you know from experience don’t cause problems for your feet. Ideally, you should put at least 30 miles on them in various terrain and weather conditions to reduce the chance of running into issues on the trail. That being said, you also don’t want your boots/shoes to be too broken in, as you need them to hold up faithfully for many miles of gnarly terrain.
You’ll also want to make sure you have some good socks. Socks are one of those rare things in life where you really do get what you pay for, and high quality socks can be a game-changer. Try to do some hiking in a few different types to figure out how what you like in terms of thickness, cushion, and height. We love merino wool for its quick-drying and anti-stink qualities.
If you’re blister prone, consider trying sock liners. Many hikers swear by them. Other tried-and-true blister prevention tactics include putting bodyglide on potential hotspots or wearing toe socks.
2. Use Trekking Poles
If you haven’t tried hiking with poles before, you are really missing out. Trekking poles can be especially helpful for anyone with hip or knee issues, as they take a lot of strain off your knees and hips. Additionally, they make hiking feel easier, as you transfer some of the effort to your upper body and can get into nice rhythm while you walk. And of course, you’ll be glad to have them when they catch your fall on a steep downhill section! Look for lightweight, collapsible poles that you can easily stash when you’re not using them.
3. Be Prepared for Rain and Shine
If you plan on hiking the Peaks of the Balkans in the summer months, be prepared for plenty of heat and sunshine. That means good sun protection, such as a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen, as well as a way to stay hydrated.
You’ll also need to be ready for rain and storms, regardless of when you hike. Bring a lightweight rain jacket and a pack cover so that you can keep yourself and your gear nice and dry.
Camping-Specific Gear
If you plan on camping along the Peaks of the Balkans, there’s a lot more gear you need to think about than just your hiking basics. Don’t worry though, we’ve got you covered!
Use this camping gear list in conjunction with the personal items list, miscellaneous list, and men’s and/or women’s clothing list to put together your perfect kit.
| Item | Recommended | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tent | MSR Hubba Hubba Backpacking Tent | The MSR Hubba Hubba 2 is the best overall tent you can buy, and the freestanding feature is helpful when you’re trying to find a level pitch or squeeze into a tight spot. |
| Sleeping Bag | Marmot Trestle 30 | A 30° F or 0° C sleeping bag should keep you plenty warm on the Peaks of the Balkans. |
| Sleeping Pad | Nemo Astro Insulated Sleeping Pad | This is one of the most lightweight and comfortable sleeping pads out there. Plus, the genius pump sack makes inflating it so easy! |
| Pillow | Therm-a-Rest pillow | A camping pillow can be great when you’re spending 10+ nights sleeping in a tent, but this is an optional item for those looking to save weight. |
| Stove | MSR Pocket Rocket Stove WITH Kovea P-Adapter | These items are optional, as you can purchase meals while camped at guesthouses. However, if you plan on self-catering, the only gas you’ll find in the region is the puncture top variety. We recommend using the MSR stove with an adapter like the Kovea model, which allows you to use a screw-top stove with puncture-top gas. |
| Backpacking Pot | GSI Halulite | For those planning to cook their own meals this pot will serve you well. |
| Utensils | Humangear Spork | Even if you don’t plan on self-catering, this is handy to have with you for on-the-go meals and snacks while hiking and traveling. |
| Plate/Bowl/Mug | MSR 2-person mess kit | We find this bowl and mug combo to be light, durable, and perfect for camp dinners (only needed if you plan to self-cater). |
Most Valuable Camping Gear: Nemo Astro Insulated Sleeping Pad
This was by far our favorite piece of gear for camping on the Peaks of the Balkans. After a long day of hiking, there’s no better feeling than lying down in a cozy tent. Our Nemo sleeping pads were reliable, comfortable, and easy to pack. Getting a good night’s sleep is so important on a multi-day trek, and a comfortable sleeping pad is a key ingredient when you’re camping.
Personal Gear
Whether you’re camping or staying indoors, these items are must-haves for your Peaks of the Balkans packing list. While we’ve included some toiletries that are absolutely essential for this trek, we’ve left it up to you to determine your personal list of additional self care items (comb, toothbrush, prescription medication, etc). Use this list in conjunction with the miscellaneous and clothing lists to build your perfect kit.
| Item | Recommended | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-Tool | Gerber Suspension Multi-Plier | Perfect for making sandwiches, repairing gear, and a million other purposes! |
| First-Aid Kit | Adventure Medical Kits | A good backpacking first aid kit is essential. You hope to never have to use it, but will be glad you have it when you need it. Make sure to include some Compeed for blisters. |
| Hydration Bladder or Water Bottles | Platypus 3L Hydration Bladder | You’ll need a lot of water on this trek, and refill options are not always reliable along the trail. |
| Water Filter | Sawyer Squeeze or Sawyer Mini | It’s a good idea to filter water before drinking from streams that you pass on the trail. |
| Pack Cover | Sea to Summit Pack Cover | This is a truly essential piece of gear given how hard it can rain on the POB. Sea to Summit makes a variety of sizes to fit a range of packs. |
| Men’s Backpack | Osprey Atmos 65L or Osprey Talon 36L | If you’re camping, a 65L pack is a good size for all of your gear. The 36L Talon pack should be plenty for those staying in guesthouses. We believe that Osprey makes the most comfortable packs on the market. |
| Women’s Backpack | Osprey Aura 65L or Osprey Kyte 36L | If you’re camping, a 65L pack is a good size for all of your gear. The 36L Kyte pack should be plenty for those staying in guesthouses. We believe that Osprey makes the most comfortable packs on the market. |
| Trekking Poles | Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles | Your knees will thank you on steep sections! |
| Travel Towel | Sea to Summit Drylite Towel | Not all guesthouses provide towels, so it’s good to carry a lightweight one with you. |
| Headlamp | Black Diamond Storm Headlamp | Great headlamp with long battery life and adjustable brightness. |
| Sunscreen | Blue Lizard SPF 50 | We recommend a waterproof sport version with SPF 30 or higher. |
| Toilet Paper | Coghlan’s Packable Camp Tissue | It’s always good to have a backup. Be sure to pack it out! |
| Hand Sanitizer | Dr. Bronner’s Spray | This can come in handy on the trail and while traveling. |
| Extra Batteries | It’s a good idea to have a few spare batteries for your headlamp or other essential electronics. |
Most Valuable Personal Gear: Platypus 3L Hydration Bladder
As we’ve mentioned, it can get HOT on the Peaks of the Balkans Trail. It is so important to stay safely hydrated on long days in the sun. We loved being able to fill up these bladders in the morning and not have to think about water for the entire day. They sit comfortably against your back, making it easy to carry the extra weight. Plus, you can sip from the hose while walking instead of having to stop every time you need a drink.
Read more: Peaks of the Balkans Accommodation Guide
Miscellaneous Gear
These odds and ends are the unsung heroes of the Peaks of the Balkans packing list. From getting your stinky shirt clean to keeping your phone charged, these items help your trek run smoothly. Make sure to use this list in addition to the other categories to complete your POB kit.
| Item | Recommended | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Guidebook | Trekking the Peaks of the Balkans Trail (Cicerone Guides) | A must-have resource, and also available digitally to save weight in your pack! |
| Earplugs | Mack’s Earplugs | Essential for sleeping in dormitories or crowded campsites. |
| Sleeping Mask | Alaska Bear Sleeping Mask | This makes a big difference when you’re sleeping in guesthouses or campgrounds. |
| Travel Adapter | All-in-One Travel Adapter | Great for all of your travels. |
| Digital Watch | Casio digital watch | We recommend a simple digital watch to keep track of hiking times. Unlike smart watches, you don’t need to worry about charging this. |
| Camera | Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera | Optional item for the photography lovers. Consider using your phone to save weight. |
| Battery Backup | Anker PowerCore 10000 | Great for charging electronics when you don’t have access to an outlet. |
| Biodegradable Soap | Sierra Dawn Campsuds Outdoor Soap | This is a great all-purpose cleaner for your body, your clothing, your gear, and everything else. |
| Insect Repellent | Ben’s 30% DEET | Insect repellent is a very necessary item for the POB. It’s a good idea to get one that works well against both ticks and mosquitos. |
| Plastic Bags- quart, gallon, and garbage bags. | We used these constantly for everything from storing trail mix to keeping our sleeping bags dry. A must-have for backpacking. |
Most Valuable Personal Gear: Ben’s 30% DEET Insect Repellent
You are guaranteed to encounter bugs of all shapes and sizes on the Peaks of the Balkans Trail, and lots of them! Depending on the weather and the time of year, you may come across a few sections of trail that are absolutely teeming with mosquitos. We didn’t see any ticks on our trek, but they are known to be present in the area. Bringing along some good insect repellent can make a world of difference, and really make your hike so much more enjoyable.
Men’s Clothing
When you’re trekking in the same clothes for over a week, it is imperative that those clothes are comfortable and high quality. Although your individual preferences may look a little different, this list is an excellent starting point to ensure you’ve got all the essentials.
| Item | Recommended | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Underwear (2-3 pairs) | ExOfficio Men’s Give-N-Go Boxer Brief | Highly recommended! You can bring 2-3 pairs and easily wash them sinks or showers along the way. |
| Socks (2-3 pairs) | Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks | In our opinion, these are the best hiking socks available. Your feet will thank you! |
| Long Sleeve Base Layer | Smartwool Men’s NTS Mid 250 Crew | Very versatile mid-weight base layer |
| Short Sleeve Hiking Shirt | Smartwool Men’s Merino Short Sleeve Shirt | Merino wool is perfect for backpacking. Lightweight, quick drying, and odor resistant. |
| Hiking Pants (1) | Prana Brion Pants | These are great for hiking and also look good around town! |
| Hiking Shorts (1) | Prana Brion Hiking Shorts | Awesome shorts that are great for hiking. |
| Down Jacket | Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody | Super warm, and super packable. |
| Rain Jacket | Outdoor Research Men’s Helium II Jacket | A good rain jacket is a must! This one packs up small and light |
| Hat | Columbia Bora Bora Booney | This wide-brimmed and breathable hat keeps you cool and protected from the sun. |
| Sandals | Crocs Classic Clogs | This lightweight and comfy sandals are perfect for slipping on after a long day of walking. |
| Hiking Boots | Salomon Men’s X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boot | Super comfortable and super waterproof! These held up well to the gnarly trail conditions on the Peaks of the Balkans. |
| Sunglasses | Suncloud Mayor Polarized Sunglasses | Good quality sunglasses are essential when you’re in the mountains all day. And these are stylish too! |
| Buff/Bandana | Buff CoolNet UV+ | These are great for wiping away sweat, keeping hair out of your face, or protecting your neck from the sun. |
Most Valuable Men’s Clothing: SmartSmartwool Men’s Merino Short Sleeve Shirt
When it comes to hiking shirts, we much prefer merino wool over synthetic materials. This shirt stayed smelling fresh after multiple days of trekking, and it dried super quickly once we finally washed it out. The fabric is soft, comfortable, and very breathable.
Women’s Clothing
When you’re trekking in the same clothes for over a week, it is imperative that those clothes are comfortable and high quality. Although your individual preferences may look a little different, this list is an excellent starting point to ensure you’ve got all the essentials.
| Item | Recommended | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Underwear (2-3 pairs) | ExOfficio Women’s Underwear | Very packable, comfortable, and easy to wash on the go! |
| Socks (2-3 pairs) | Darn Tough Micro Crew Socks | In our opinion, these are the best hiking socks available. Your feet will thank you! |
| Sports Bra | Brooks Women’s Rebound Racer Sports Bra | Provides excellent support, cushion, and breathability. |
| Standard Bra (1) | After a long day of hiking in a sweaty sports bra this can be a welcome relief to change into. | |
| Long sleeve base layer (1) | Smartwool Women’s NTS Mid 250 Crew | A great merino wool base layer for chilly evenings. |
| Short Sleeve Hiking Shirt (1) | Smartwool Women’s Merino Short Sleeve | Merino wool is perfect for backpacking. Lightweight, quick drying, and odor resistant. |
| Leggings or Hiking Pants (1) | Prana – Women’s Halle Pant | These pants are stylish, lightweight, and great to hike in. |
| Shorts | Lululemon Run Speed Shorts | We prefer running shorts to hiking shorts, as they are more breathable and comfortable under a backpack. |
| Puffy Jacket | Marmot Featherless Hoody | Lightweight, super warm, and packs down small. This jacket was perfect for this kind of trip! |
| Rain Jacket | Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket | A high-quality all-weather jacket that packs up small. |
| Hiking Boots or Trail Shoes | Altra Lone Peak Trail Shoes or Keen Targhee II Mid Hiking Boot | Depending on your preferences, these are our favorites for a traditional hiking boot and a minimal trail runner. |
| Sunglasses | Suncloud Loveseat Polarized Sunglasses | Good quality sunglasses are essential when you’re in the mountains all day. And these are stylish too! |
| Hat | Columbia Bora Bora Booney | This wide-brimmed and breathable hat keeps you cool and protected from the sun. |
| Sandals | Crocs Classic Clogs | This lightweight and comfy sandals are perfect for slipping on after a long day of walking. |
| Bandana/Buff | Buff CoolNet UV+ | These are great for wiping away sweat, keeping hair out of your face, or protecting your neck from the sun. |
Most Valuable Women’s Clothing: Darn Tough Micro Crew Socks
The Peaks of the Balkans Trek can be pretty tough on your feet, so it’s important to be proactive in keeping them feeling good and blister-free. Darn Tough makes high-quality socks that are comfortable, durable, and moisture-wicking. Although they’re a little pricey, the lifetime warranty makes them a good value.
Have a Great Trip!
We hope by now you’re well on your way to putting together the perfect kit for your Peaks of the Balkans adventure. Be sure to check out all of our posts on the Peaks of the Balkans trail below:
