How to pack for the Dolomites in summer: Printable Dolomites Packing List for the whole family

Complete, printable Dolomites packing list for summer. Learn how to pack for the Dolomites and what you need for an active vacation on the Dolomites in summer.

Ready to pack for the Dolomites in summer but not sure what to pack? We can help!

We have been vacationing on the Dolomites in summer for decades (literally, we have been going every summer for over 20 years) and we have hiked, lounged in the hotel, visited farms, eaten cake and anything in between. This is what you need to pack for a perfect holiday on the Italian Dolomites.

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9 Dolomites travel essentials

The Dolomites in summer are a place for outdoor pursuits followed by lazy evenings in the hotel/local village. This means you need to pack for time on the trails and long hours outside and also some prettier yet comfortable clothing for dinner and evenings out.

We are going to look at a full packing list later in this post, but first I want to share some Dolomites essentials:

1. Hiking shoes

Hiking shoes are a must have for your time on the Dolomites. Even if you don’t plan on hitting difficult trails, you will find yourself on mountain paths and good shoes with grip and support are essential.

Depending on your plans and type of hiking you want to undertake, you can opt for walking shoes with a good grip sole or full on hiking shoes that also protect your ankles. For highest versatility, opt for ankle high hiking boots and then bring a second pair of shoes such as runners, flats or walking sandals to give your feet a rest in lighter shoewear in the evening.

2. Hiking pants

Hiking pants are great for trails and can also work for days when you want to take it easy on the valley floor. Opt for breathable, lightweigth ones with pockets for maximum comfort and consider convertible ones that can turn into shorts – on a good day, even at high altitude the temperature and the sun may allow for bare legs.

3. Tall socks

I love tall socks for the mountains as they are super comfortable and versatile. On the trails, they help you cushion your step and can keep the leg warm should you wear shorts and, off the trail, can work as everyday socks under long pants and with runners.

4. Wind breaker

A wind breaker is a must have on the trails. Even on a sunny day you may want the extra protection once you are at a higher altitude and, should the rain catch you, they will be invaluable to give an extra layer of protection.

Cheap ones pack very small and very light and fit easily in your day pack. If you can, opt for a rainproof model.

5. Reusable water bottle

On the trails and outside, you want to stay hydrated and a reusable water bottle is the best and most environmentally sustaiable way to do so. I like to combine it with a portable collapsible cup so you can share the water with others without sharing the bottle mouth.

My kids love their hydration packs on the trail that are also good as small day packs for them, where you can keep trail essentials.

6. Sweaters

Even in summer, on the Dolomites you will need sweaters. You can opt for hoodies or full on woolen sweaters/ cardigans, which one you will need depending entirely on the luck of the day – usually a mid weight cardigan is enough, possibly with a mid season jacket for the evening should you be used to very hot temperatures.

7. sunglasses

A great accessory for the trails: the sun can be very strong here and sunglasses, as well as sunhat and sun protection are a must.

8. First aid kit

On the trails but also outside, it is a good idea to always have with you a first aid kit. For this area, the main things you need are those that can come handy outdoors such as disinfectant, bandages, after bite remedy, allergy tablets and all your medication essentials.

You can easily stock up whatever you need in the local pharmacies, very well equipped and able to get even prescription medications (bring your own prescription, translated, if you rely on regular medication at home. Make sure you indicate the generic name of the active principle in case of different brand names in Italy)

9. Day pack

On the trails, you want to have a good day pack. Make sure you get one that is suitable for sport pursuits and has good padding on the shoulder straps, ventilated back panel and enough pockets and storage space for all your needs.

The best shoes for the Dolomites: what models to pack

I recommend you pack 4 types of shoes for the Dolomites:

Hiking shoes – for all your hikes

Runners – for those days when you want to stay active but need a break from bulky hiking boots. Summer walking sandals work too

Nice flats – for evening strolls in the village or dinner at the hotel

Flip flops – for days at the hotel pool and spa (there are many wonderful ones in the area!)

What to pack for the Dolomites: clothing essentials

• Underwear
• Socks
• Hiking pants
• Hiking shorts
• Nicer pair of trousers for evening (see below)
• Short sleeve tops
• Long sleeve tops
• Sweater/Hoodie
• Windbreaker
• Mid-season jacket, especially if not used to chillier temperatures
• Nightwear
• Sun hat

What to pack for the Dolomites in the evening

If you are staying in a nice hotel with restaurant, you will want a nicer type of outfit for the evening. The style in this area is relaxed and sporty but, in the evening you want to avoid hiking shoes and want to swap hiking trails with less casual trousers or even a dress.

Nice jeans are perfect while you don’t usually need skirt and tights.

Documents and tech

• Passport
• Visa if needed
• Travel insurance
• Health documents as required by official regulations
• All your booking confirmations for accommodation/tours
• Prescriptions for medications you may be using while traveling
• Travel Adaptor
• USB cables
• Portable power bank
• Phone and camera
• Go pro/action camera: this will be amazing on the trails and especially for kids! Made for sports and outdoor activities, they are sturdy and great at capturing adventure moments leaving their hands free – much safer than a standard camera or phone.

Toiletry and first aid

• Shower gel
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Comb/brush/hair detangler
• Hair ties/bandana
• Deodorant
• Shaving essentials
• Moisturizers
• Fragrance and makeup
• Tweezers
• Dental kit
• Feminine Hygiene products
• Sport sunscreen
• Chapstick/lip balm
• Eye drops
• Insect repellent/after bite
• All your first aid essentials and essential first aid with (check here what we have in ours)

Bags and luggage

• Travel backpack / wheeled suitcase for longer stays: you can find our recommended luggage for Italy here.
• Packing cubes
• Wet bags
• Toiletry bag
• Day pack
• Canvas bag for shopping/snacks
• Hanging toiletry bag

Dolomites packing list for families with small kids

If you are visiting the Dolomites with kids, I recommend you also pack:

• Travel diaper bag
• Kids hiking shoes, runners and sandals: you can find my recommended kids’ shoes for Italy here.
• All-terrain stroller
• Proper baby / toddler carrier – I highly recommend a hiking carrier and not a city one, for safety and comfort for you and your baby
• Small hiking backpack for them
• Snacks
• Kids travel pillow for plane and car

Dolomites packing list summer edition: pin this!