What to Pack for Hiking in the Albanian Alps: Complete Packing List

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Planning a hiking trip to the Albanian Alps and not sure what to pack? I had the same question before visiting, especially since this part of Albania is very different from a normal city trip. Between mountain guesthouses, changing weather, and having to carry everything on the Valbona to Theth hike, packing smart really matters. In this guide, I’m sharing exactly what I brought to the Albanian Alps as a woman and what I’d recommend bringing for your own trip.

About this Packing List for the Albanian Alps

Packing for the Albanian Alps, also known as the Accursed Mountains, is a little different than packing for the rest of Albania. This is not a general Albania packing list, it’s specifically what I recommend bringing for your few days hiking in the mountains.

The most important thing to know is that you should only bring what you can comfortably carry on your back. If you’re doing the Valbona to Theth hike, the trail is point-to-point, which means you’ll be carrying your belongings around 10 miles from one village to the next. There is no luggage transfer service, so you’ll leave your larger suitcase or backpack at your accommodation in Shkoder and just bring what you need into the mountains.

Exactly how much you pack will depend on how long you’re staying. If you’re only visiting for 1 or 2 nights and just doing the Valbona to Theth hike, you can get away with one hiking outfit and one comfy outfit for the evenings. If you’re staying longer and planning to do multiple hikes, I’d recommend bringing at least two hiking outfits. You’ll definitely get sweaty and dirty, and while you can hand wash clothes at guesthouses, they may not dry in time for the next day.

I was in the Albanian Alps for 4 nights total and did 3 long hikes, so this packing list is based on that.

If you have more questions about visiting the Albanian Alps or are still planning your route, check out my other posts all about Northern Albania!

• 1 Week Northern Albania Itinerary for Solo Travelers
• 3 Best Hikes in the Albanian Alps
• 8 Tips for Hiking in the Albanian Alps

Backpacks

Large Backpack

Your main bag should be something comfortable enough to hike with for several hours. I brought my Osprey Sportlite 25L, and it worked perfectly. It was big enough to fit everything I needed for a few days, but comfortable enough the carry for 10 miles on the Valbona to Theth trail.

You could probably get away with an even smaller daypack if you’re packing very light or only visiting for a couple nights. Or, if you only have a bigger backpack with you, like 40L that is comfortable for hiking, just use that.

Small Packable Daypack

This isn’t essential, but it’s nice to have if you’re planning on doing any hikes besides Valbona to Theth. A small packable backpack is perfect for carrying water, snacks, and essentials on day hikes without needing to unpack and repack your main bag each time.

If you’re hiking Maja e Rosit or going to the Blue Eye, I think having a smaller daypack makes things much more comfortable.

Shoes

Hiking Shoes

Good hiking shoes are one of the most important things to pack for the Albanian Alps. Some trails are steep, rocky, and slippery, especially on the descents.

I used my Altra Women’s Lone Peak 7, which are my favorite hiking shoes. I also wore them on the Camino de Santiago and while hiking a volcano in Guatemala. They’ve taken me many places and never disappoint. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and have great grip, which made a huge difference on the rocky trails in Albania.

Sandals

Sandals are optional, but I was very happy I had something light to wear in the evenings. After long hiking days, it feels amazing to let your feet breathe and get out of your hiking shoes.

Bring something lightweight like basic flip flops or Tevas that won’t take up much room in your bag.

Clothes

Socks

Bring at least one pair of socks for each day you’ll be in the mountains. My favorite hiking socks are Darn Tough socks. They’re comfortable, durable, and great for preventing blisters.

Underwear

Bring one pair for each day, plus an extra couple pairs if you have space.

Hiking Pants or Shorts

The pants you bring will depend entirely on your preferences and what time of year you’re hiking. If you’re visiting Albania in late spring or early fall, I’d recommend bringing pants because mornings, evenings, and higher elevations can be chilly. In summer, shorts will likely be enough.

I visited in June and brought one pair of leggings (my preferred hiking pants) and one pair of biker shorts. I used the leggings for one hiking day and the shorts for the other two days, which worked perfectly.

1 or 2 Sports Bras

Bring 1 or 2 sports bras depending on how many days you’ll be hiking. I brought two because I knew they’d get sweaty and wanted to rotate between them.

T-Shirts / Tank Tops

Bring 1 or 2 lightweight tops that you’ll feel comfortable hiking in.

I brought one light t-shirt and one tank top. Looking back, I probably didn’t need the tank top because I could have just worn my sports bra when it got hot. But bring whatever will make you most comfortable.

A long-sleeve sun shirt would also be a great option if you want extra sun protection on exposed trails.

Bathing Suit

Bring a bathing suit if you plan on hiking to the Blue Eye and want to go swimming. After a few long hiking days, jumping into that cold water feels incredible.

Light Jacket

Even in summer, it’s smart to bring one extra layer. You won’t need a heavy jacket, but a light fleece or rain jacket is definitely worth packing for cooler mornings, evenings, or sudden weather changes.

Pajamas / Comfortable Clothes

Bring something comfortable to sleep in and wear around the guesthouse after your hikes. If you’re visiting in late spring or early fall, make sure this layer is warm because the mountain evenings can get chilly.

Toiletries & Essentials

Basic Toiletries

Keep it simple and bring travel-sized basics like:

• Soap
• Face wash
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Deodorant

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is essential. Many of the hikes are exposed to direct sun for long stretches, especially the Valbona to Theth trail and the walk to the Blue Eye. Make sure you purchase it before you get to the mountains because it will be very hard to find once you’re there.

Hat & Sunglasses

A sun hat and sunglasses will make hiking much more comfortable, especially in summer. I love this Adidas bucket hat that I’ve been using on hikes for years.

Refillable Water Bottle

Although you could just purchase water bottles while you’re in the mountains, many of the guesthouses provide filtered water in pitchers or large jugs, so it’s nice to have your own bottle to refill. On the longer hikes, I ended up bring my 24 oz Hydro Flask, plus a plastic water bottle, since 24 oz wasn’t enough for the day.

Electronics

Bring whatever electronics you’ll need in the mountains. For me, that’s my phone, my camera, and all corresponding chargers. A portable charger is also really good to have if you’re hiking solo, just in case your phone dies.

Another thing to note, make sure your phone has offline maps downloaded and anything else you might need saved ahead of time, before leaving Shkoder. Cell service can be limited in the mountains, and the Wi-Fi at guesthouses is usually quite slow. I also downloaded music, podcasts, and a TV show to watch while relaxing at night.

I hope this packing list helps you feel more prepared and confident for your trip to the Albanian Alps. With a little planning and the right gear, hiking in northern Albania can be one of the most rewarding travel experiences in Europe. Packing light, staying organized, and bringing a few key essentials will make the journey so much easier.

If you’re still planning your trip, be sure to check out my 1 Week Northern Albania Itinerary for Solo Travelers, 3 Must-Do Hikes in the Albanian Alps, and Tips for Hiking in the Albanian Alps for everything you need to know before you go.

This site contains links to affiliate websites, and I receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website, at no extra cost to you. Thanks!