{"id":71876,"date":"2026-06-11T14:37:17","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T14:37:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/youngexplorersclub.ch\/what-to-pack-for-summer-camp-in-switzerland-the-essential-list-2\/"},"modified":"2026-06-11T14:37:17","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T14:37:17","slug":"what-to-pack-for-summer-camp-in-switzerland-the-essential-list-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/youngexplorersclub.ch\/fr\/what-to-pack-for-summer-camp-in-switzerland-the-essential-list-2\/","title":{"rendered":"What To Pack For Summer Camp In Switzerland: The Essential List"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Packing for Summer Camp in Switzerland<\/h2>\n<p>We plan packing for <strong>summer camp<\/strong> in Switzerland to handle <strong>long daylight<\/strong> and <strong>fast-changing mountain weather<\/strong>. Lowland days often climb to <strong>18\u201325\u00b0C<\/strong>. Alpine nights above <strong>2,000 m<\/strong> can drop to <strong>0\u20135\u00b0C<\/strong>. We&#8217;ll prioritise a <strong>breathable waterproof shell<\/strong> and a clear <strong>layering system<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3>Clothing and layering<\/h3>\n<p>Use a simple <strong>three-layer system<\/strong>: quick-dry base layers, insulating mid-layers and a warm outer\/top layer. Prefer <strong>merino or synthetic<\/strong> base layers (they dry quickly and resist odour). Carry a lightweight fleece or synthetic insulating jacket and a warm top for cold nights.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Base layer:<\/strong> quick-dry shirts and underwear (merino or synthetic).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mid layer:<\/strong> fleece or light insulated jacket.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Outer layer:<\/strong> breathable waterproof shell with taped seams.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Extras:<\/strong> sun hat, warm hat, light gloves for alpine evenings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Footwear<\/h3>\n<p>Bring <strong>broken-in mid-cut hiking boots<\/strong> for alpine trails. For lighter days and wet conditions, pack <strong>trail runners<\/strong> and a pair of <strong>sandals<\/strong> for showers and camp use.<\/p>\n<h3>Packs and packing tips<\/h3>\n<p>Use a <strong>20\u201330L daypack<\/strong> for daily outings (keep load \u2264 <strong>6\u20138 kg<\/strong>) and, if required, a <strong>40\u201370L main pack<\/strong> for multi-day or longer stays (target \u2264 <strong>12\u201314 kg<\/strong> for teens). Place heavy items close to the spine, use packing cubes, and distribute weight low and centered for stability.<\/p>\n<h3>Sleep and overnight gear<\/h3>\n<p>For alpine nights bring a <strong>sleeping bag rated 0\u20135\u00b0C<\/strong> and an <strong>insulated sleeping pad<\/strong>. These ratings cover nights above 2,000 m; if you expect colder conditions, choose a lower-rated bag.<\/p>\n<h3>Electronics and power<\/h3>\n<p>Include a reliable <strong>headlamp<\/strong>, a <strong>Type J adapter<\/strong> for Swiss outlets, and a <strong>power bank under 100 Wh<\/strong> to comply with airline rules. Keep chargers in a dry pouch inside your daypack.<\/p>\n<h3>Health, documents and insurance<\/h3>\n<p>Pack a compact <strong>first-aid kit<\/strong>, sun protection (SPF sunglasses and sunscreen) and insect repellent. Carry photocopies of important documents and some <strong>Swiss francs (CHF)<\/strong> for small purchases. Ensure travel insurance includes <strong>mountain rescue (REGA)<\/strong> and <strong>repatriation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3>Key Takeaways<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Layering system:<\/strong> breathable waterproof shell + quick-dry fabrics (<strong>merino<\/strong> or <strong>synthetics<\/strong>) to handle sun, rain and temperature swings.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Footwear:<\/strong> broken-in mid-cut hiking boots for alpine trails; trail runners or sandals for lighter days and showers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Packs:<\/strong> 20\u201330L daypack (keep \u2264 <strong>6\u20138 kg<\/strong>) and 40\u201370L main pack (target \u2264 <strong>12\u201314 kg<\/strong> for teens). Place heavy items close to the spine; use packing cubes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sleep &#038; power:<\/strong> sleeping bag rated <strong>0\u20135\u00b0C<\/strong>, insulated sleeping pad, headlamp, <strong>Type J adapter<\/strong>, and a power bank under <strong>100 Wh<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Health &#038; docs:<\/strong> compact first-aid kit, sun\/insect protection, passport copies and some <strong>CHF<\/strong>, plus travel insurance covering <strong>mountain rescue (REGA)<\/strong> and <strong>repatriation<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><div class=\"entry-content-asset videofit\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Inside an International Summer Camp in Switzerland | Young Explorers Club |  Game Day\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bEYNf6h-gl8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<h2>Essential facts before you pack<\/h2>\n<p>We, at the <strong>Young Explorers Club<\/strong>, plan camps in <strong>Switzerland<\/strong> between <strong>June and August<\/strong> when daylight can reach <strong>16 hours in June<\/strong>. <strong>Peak season<\/strong> means busy trails and full hut bookings. Expect lowland daytime averages of <strong>18\u201325\u00b0C in July<\/strong>, while alpine valleys and slopes commonly sit between <strong>5\u201320\u00b0C by day<\/strong> and drop to <strong>0\u20135\u00b0C at night above 2,000 m<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mountain weather<\/strong> flips fast: sunny mornings often change into afternoon thunderstorms. I advise packing for shifting conditions. Prioritize a <strong>breathable waterproof shell<\/strong> and a <strong>layering system<\/strong>\u2014lightweight shirts for lowland days, insulating mid-layers for cool evenings, and a <strong>warm top<\/strong> for high-altitude nights. <strong>Quick-dry fabrics<\/strong> save space and dry fast after sudden showers.<\/p>\n<p>Most camps run <strong>1\u20134 weeks<\/strong>, so pack assuming laundry happens at most once per week. Bring duplicates of socks and base layers if your stay is longer. I also recommend small practical items that make life easier: a compact wash kit, a lightweight clothesline, and a small sewing kit for repairs.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Electrical and money practicalities<\/strong> are often overlooked. <strong>Switzerland uses Type J plugs<\/strong>, <strong>230 V \/ 50 Hz<\/strong> \u2014 bring a <strong>Type J adapter<\/strong> or a universal one. Carry some <strong>Swiss francs (CHF)<\/strong> for mountain huts and small shops that may not take cards. Keep a photocopy of passports and insurance info in your <strong>daypack<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Emergency numbers<\/strong> you should memorise or store in your phone:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>144<\/strong> \u2014 ambulance<\/li>\n<li><strong>117<\/strong> \u2014 police<\/li>\n<li><strong>118<\/strong> \u2014 fire<\/li>\n<li><strong>112<\/strong> \u2014 EU-wide emergency<\/li>\n<li><strong>REGA (air rescue)<\/strong> \u2014 <strong>1414<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Packing priorities and quick checklist<\/h3>\n<p>Use the list below to guide your bag; I include items I always insist on for <strong>safety<\/strong> and <strong>comfort<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Base layers:<\/strong> quick-dry tees and underwear<\/li>\n<li><strong>Insulation:<\/strong> fleece or lightweight down jacket<\/li>\n<li><strong>Shell:<\/strong> waterproof breathable jacket and overtrousers<\/li>\n<li><strong>Footwear:<\/strong> sturdy hiking boots + river\/shower shoes (<strong>I recommend bringing shower shoes<\/strong>)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Accessories:<\/strong> sun hat, warm hat, thin gloves, UV sunglasses<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sleep:<\/strong> warm sleepwear for mountain nights<\/li>\n<li><strong>Extras:<\/strong> spare socks, laundry bag, Type J adapter, some CHF, emergency card<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For <strong>parents<\/strong> packing younger campers, see our practical advice on how to pack for Switzerland camps in the full guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/youngexplorersclub.ch\/how-to-pack-for-switzerland-camp-essential-guide-2026\/\">how to pack<\/a>. If rain worries you, consult our note on <a href=\"https:\/\/youngexplorersclub.ch\/the-importance-of-proper-rain-gear-in-the-alps\/\">proper rain gear<\/a>. Label items clearly and read tips on how to <a href=\"https:\/\/youngexplorersclub.ch\/how-to-label-your-childs-belongings-for-camp\/\">label belongings<\/a> before departure.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/youngexplorersclub.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IMG_20250711_175909-1.jpg\" alt=\"Summer camp Switzerland, International summer camp\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<h2>Must-have clothing and footwear<\/h2>\n<h3>Quantities and fabrics<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Below are the core items<\/strong> to pack for a <strong>1\u20132 week<\/strong> stay without regular laundry; adjust slightly for longer trips or frequent washing.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>7\u201310 underwear<\/strong>. Pack a couple of spare pairs for wet days.<\/li>\n<li><strong>5\u20137 socks<\/strong>, including <strong>2\u20133 wool hiking socks<\/strong> for longer hikes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>5\u20137 T\u2011shirts<\/strong>: mix short- and long-sleeve <strong>quick\u2011dry shirts (polyester\/nylon)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>1\u20132 hiking pants<\/strong>; convertible pants are useful for changing conditions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>2\u20133 shorts<\/strong> for warm afternoons and water activities.<\/li>\n<li><strong>1\u20132 fleeces<\/strong> for core insulation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>1 lightweight insulated jacket<\/strong>, roughly rated to about <strong>5\u00b0C<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>1 waterproof, breathable shell<\/strong> (<strong>Gore\u2011Tex or similar<\/strong>).<\/li>\n<li><strong>1\u20132 sets of sleepwear<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>1\u20132 swimwear pieces<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sun hat<\/strong> plus a <strong>warm beanie<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Light or liner gloves<\/strong> if your itinerary goes above <strong>2,000 m<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>I recommend materials that dry fast and manage odor.<\/strong> Choose <strong>merino wool<\/strong> where you want odor control and comfort. Use <strong>polyester or nylon<\/strong> for base layers and shirts because <strong>cotton holds moisture and chills<\/strong>. Merino resists odor and dries faster, so pack a <strong>merino base layer<\/strong> for multi-day hikes.<\/p>\n<h3>Layering system and footwear choices<\/h3>\n<p>Follow a clear layering approach: <strong>base<\/strong> for moisture control, <strong>mid<\/strong> for insulation, <strong>shell<\/strong> for weather protection. The base layer should wick sweat away; <strong>merino or synthetic tops<\/strong> work best. Mid layers are fleeces or a <strong>lightweight insulated jacket<\/strong> that compresses into your pack. The shell must be <strong>waterproof and breathable<\/strong>; test the seams and zips before you go.<\/p>\n<p><strong>We recommend a mid-cut hiking boot<\/strong> for serious alpine trails. <strong>Break boots in at least two weeks<\/strong> before camp to avoid blisters. For lighter days, <strong>trail runners or approach shoes<\/strong> feel faster and dry quicker. Bring <strong>sandals<\/strong> for showers, lakes and downtime. Pack a pair of <strong>lightweight slippers or camp shoes<\/strong> for evenings.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Match footwear to terrain:<\/strong> choose <strong>waterproof mid-cut boots<\/strong> for rocky alpine paths and frequent stream crossings. Pick <strong>lightweight trail runners<\/strong> for flat lakeside routes and general camp activities where speed and drainage matter. Add <strong>gaiters<\/strong> only if you expect scree, heavy mud or long snow patches.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Boots (support + durability):<\/strong> <strong>Salomon X Ultra<\/strong>, <strong>Lowa Renegade<\/strong>, <strong>Scarpa Raptor<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Trail shoes (speed + drainage):<\/strong> <strong>Altra Lone Peak<\/strong>, <strong>Hoka Torrent<\/strong>, <strong>La Sportiva Bushido<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sandals:<\/strong> <strong>Keen Newport<\/strong>, <strong>Teva Hurricane<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Try these on with the socks you&#8217;ll wear hiking to check fit.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Small, practical tips we use:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Pack 2\u20133 wool hiking socks<\/strong> and a few synthetic socks so you can rotate damp pairs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Store wet items in a separate pouch<\/strong> to keep the rest of your gear dry and odor-free.<\/li>\n<li>If you want a complete packing plan, check our <a href=\"https:\/\/youngexplorersclub.ch\/what-to-pack-for-summer-camp-in-switzerland-ultimate-checklist\/\"><strong>summer camp checklist<\/strong><\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<div class=\"entry-content-asset videofit\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Inside an International Summer Camp in Switzerland | Young Explorers Club |  Game Day\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bEYNf6h-gl8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<h2>Packs, volumes, and packing strategy<\/h2>\n<p>We choose a <strong>20\u201330L daypack<\/strong> for daily hikes. It needs to hold <strong>water<\/strong>, a <strong>lightweight jacket<\/strong>, <strong>lunch<\/strong> and a <strong>camera<\/strong> without feeling bulky. Keep the daypack under <strong>6\u20138 kg<\/strong> so kids stay comfortable on steep trails.<\/p>\n<p>For the <strong>main pack<\/strong> or suitcase, match capacity to trip length and activities. Use:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>40\u201350L<\/strong> for cabin luggage or short stays.<\/li>\n<li><strong>60\u201370L<\/strong> if we&#8217;re carrying <strong>camping gear<\/strong> or heading out for multiple weeks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Aim for a target main pack weight under <strong>12\u201314 kg<\/strong> for teens and lighter for younger children. <strong>Checked baggage<\/strong> is often limited to <strong>20\u201323 kg<\/strong>; <strong>carry-on<\/strong> ranges from <strong>7\u201310 kg<\/strong>. Always check your airline rules before you pack.<\/p>\n<p>I focus on <strong>load placement<\/strong> and <strong>organisation<\/strong>. Pack the heaviest items <strong>close to the spine<\/strong> and near the middle of the bag. That keeps the centre of gravity stable and reduces shoulder strain. Use <strong>packing cubes<\/strong> to group clothing and <strong>compression sacks<\/strong> for sleeping bags and bulky layers. <strong>Weigh packed bags on a bathroom scale<\/strong> before travel to avoid fees and to make sure kids can carry their load.<\/p>\n<p>If we&#8217;re taking a train to remote camps, we prefer <strong>lighter packs<\/strong>. <strong>SBB<\/strong> and luggage forwarding services can move bulky bags to the next station, so we leave the heavy kit behind when terrain or platforms make handling difficult.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Product examples<\/strong> I rely on:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Daypacks:<\/strong> Osprey Daylite, Deuter Speed Lite 20.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Main packs:<\/strong> Osprey Atmos\/Aura 50\u201365, Gregory Baltoro, Deuter ACT Lite.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Quick packing checklist and practical tips<\/h3>\n<p>Use the checklist below when you pack and <strong>practice a full pack\/unpack at home<\/strong> first.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Daypack (20\u201330L):<\/strong> refillable water bottle, waterproof jacket, packed lunch, small first-aid, camera\/phone, sun hat.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Main pack (40\u201370L):<\/strong> sleeping bag (in compression sack), layered clothing in packing cubes, toiletries, footwear, rain gear, repair kit.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Weight targets:<\/strong> daypack &lt;<strong>6\u20138 kg<\/strong>; main pack &lt;<strong>12\u201314 kg<\/strong> for teens (adjust down for younger children).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Travel prep:<\/strong> confirm airline weight and size limits; weigh bags at home; consider train-friendly setups and luggage forwarding via <strong>SBB<\/strong> if needed.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Organization tips:<\/strong> heavy items next to spine, frequently used items at the top or in external pockets, use clear packing cubes for quick checks.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Practice:<\/strong> have the child wear the loaded pack and walk a short route to test fit and comfort; adjust straps and redistribute gear as needed.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reference:<\/strong> for a full itemised list and more packing tips see our <a href=\"https:\/\/youngexplorersclub.ch\/what-to-pack-for-summer-camp-in-switzerland-ultimate-checklist\/\">summer camp checklist<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><p>https:\/\/youtu.be\/Dp6CTV4pWuc <\/p>\n<\/p>\n<h2>Sleep, camping, and electronics\/power<\/h2>\n<p>We, at the <strong>Young Explorers Club<\/strong>, plan gear around <strong>altitude<\/strong> and access to <strong>power<\/strong>. Pick equipment for <strong>cold alpine nights<\/strong> and for <strong>remote huts<\/strong> where <strong>charging is scarce<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3>Sleeping and shelter<\/h3>\n<p>Choose a <strong>sleeping bag<\/strong> rated <strong>0\u20135\u00b0C<\/strong> for alpine nights. A <strong>5\u201310\u00b0C<\/strong> comfort rating may be fine for lowland camps. Opt for a slightly <strong>warmer bag<\/strong> if you expect <strong>damp conditions<\/strong> or a <strong>restless sleeper<\/strong>. Bring a <strong>liner<\/strong> for hut trips; some huts insist on liners or sheets, and higher bivouacs require a warmer bag plus liner. Prefer a <strong>lightweight insulated pad<\/strong> \u2014 insulated foam or inflatable \u2014 to cut conductive heat loss. If you self\u2011camp, carry a reliable <strong>3\u2011season tent<\/strong>. <strong>Confirm<\/strong> whether the camp provides tents, bunks and bedding before packing; many organized camps supply some or all of these.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Recommended examples<\/strong> to consider:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mountain Hardwear Lamina<\/strong> or <strong>REI summer models<\/strong> for bags<\/li>\n<li><strong>Therm-a-Rest NeoAir<\/strong> or <strong>Klymit Static V<\/strong> for pads<\/li>\n<li><strong>MSR Hubba<\/strong> for a freestanding tent<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Pack these sleep items and extras before departure:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Sleeping bag<\/strong> (state the <strong>temperature rating<\/strong>)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Insulated sleeping pad<\/strong> (foam or inflatable)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tent<\/strong> or <strong>confirmation of camp bunks\/gear<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Liner or sheet<\/strong> for huts and high\u2011altitude trips<\/li>\n<li><strong>Small pillow<\/strong> or <strong>inflatable pillow<\/strong> and <strong>earplugs<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Repair kit<\/strong> (patches, seam sealer, tent guylines)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Electronics, charging, and power<\/h3>\n<p>Bring a <strong>phone<\/strong>, <strong>camera<\/strong> and <strong>chargers<\/strong>, plus a <strong>headlamp<\/strong> with <strong>red\u2011light mode<\/strong> for night checks. The <strong>Petzl Actik Core<\/strong> is a solid all\u2011round option. <strong>Switzerland<\/strong> uses <strong>Type J<\/strong> plugs and <strong>230 V at 50 Hz<\/strong>, so bring a <strong>Type J<\/strong> or a <strong>universal adapter<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>If you fly with a <strong>power bank<\/strong>, most airlines allow up to <strong>100 Wh<\/strong> \u2014 calculate watt\u2011hours as <strong>V \u00d7 Ah<\/strong> to confirm capacity. As a rule of thumb, a ~<strong>20,000 mAh Anker<\/strong> pack is common; <strong>check its voltage<\/strong> to convert mAh into Wh before travel.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Plan charging for remote hut stays.<\/strong> Many mountain huts may not offer charging or will charge a fee. We advise a charging strategy:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Top up devices<\/strong> at the main lodge or town before heading out.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Carry a power bank<\/strong> sized to your itinerary and airline limits.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Consider a lightweight solar charger<\/strong> only if you expect long days and reliable sun.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For packing tips tailored to Swiss camps, see <a href=\"https:\/\/youngexplorersclub.ch\/how-to-pack-for-switzerland-camp-essential-guide-2026\/\"><strong>How to pack for Switzerland<\/strong><\/a>, which we use when finalizing gear lists.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/youngexplorersclub.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IMG_2472-Copy.jpg\" alt=\"Summer camp Switzerland, International summer camp\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Health, safety, documents, and insurance<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>I\u2019ll keep <strong>medical<\/strong> and <strong>safety<\/strong> essentials simple and practical so you can focus on the trip. Pack <strong>personal medications<\/strong> in their <strong>original packaging<\/strong> with clear dosing instructions and a note from your <strong>doctor<\/strong> if needed. Add a <strong>compact first-aid kit<\/strong>, <strong>blister plasters<\/strong>, <strong>antiseptic wipes<\/strong> and <strong>oral rehydration sachets<\/strong>. I advise <strong>daily tick checks<\/strong> in <strong>lowland forests<\/strong> and <strong>immediate removal<\/strong> if you find one.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sun and insect protection<\/strong> deserve attention. <strong>UV intensity<\/strong> rises by roughly 10% for every 1,000 m of elevation gain, so <strong>sunscreen<\/strong> matters even on cloudy days. Bring <strong>SPF 30\u201350 sunscreen<\/strong>, an <strong>SPF lip balm<\/strong>, <strong>UV400 sunglasses<\/strong> and a <strong>broad-brim hat<\/strong>. Use <strong>insect repellent<\/strong> with <strong>DEET 20\u201330%<\/strong> or <strong>picaridin<\/strong> and <strong>reapply as directed<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Vaccinations<\/strong> and official guidance should be checked before travel. Consult the <strong>Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)<\/strong> for routine vaccine requirements and consider <strong>tick\u2011borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccination<\/strong> if you&#8217;ll spend time in rural forests. I always recommend <strong>printing your vaccine record<\/strong> and keeping a <strong>digital copy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Water is safe<\/strong> from taps across Switzerland, so bring a <strong>reusable bottle<\/strong> sized <strong>1\u20131.5 L<\/strong> for day hikes. That capacity keeps you hydrated without extra bulk. <strong>Mobile coverage<\/strong> is broad with <strong>4G<\/strong> in lowlands and most valleys; consider an <strong>eSIM<\/strong> or a <strong>local prepaid SIM<\/strong> if you expect prolonged remote use.<\/p>\n<p>Carry the right <strong>documents<\/strong> and <strong>cash<\/strong>. Non\u2011EU travellers need a <strong>passport<\/strong>; EU\/Schengen citizens can use a <strong>national ID<\/strong>. Keep one <strong>photocopy<\/strong> and a <strong>digital copy<\/strong> of your passport separate from the originals. Bring some <strong>Swiss francs<\/strong> for <strong>huts<\/strong>, <strong>cable cars<\/strong> and <strong>small shops<\/strong>. <strong>Tell your bank<\/strong> you&#8217;ll travel to avoid blocked cards.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Insurance<\/strong> is non\u2011negotiable for alpine trips. I recommend coverage of at least <strong>CHF 100,000<\/strong> that includes <strong>mountain rescue<\/strong> (<strong>REGA\/helicopter evacuation<\/strong>) and <strong>repatriation<\/strong>. Read policy exclusions carefully for alpine activities such as <strong>rock climbing<\/strong> or <strong>canyoning<\/strong>. Emergency numbers to note are <strong>144<\/strong> for ambulance and <strong>REGA at 1414<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Packing checklist (quick reference)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Meds<\/strong> in <strong>original packaging<\/strong> and <strong>doctor note<\/strong> if required<\/li>\n<li><strong>Compact first\u2011aid kit<\/strong>, <strong>blister plasters<\/strong>, <strong>antiseptic wipes<\/strong>, <strong>rehydration sachets<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Sunscreen SPF 30\u201350<\/strong>, <strong>SPF lip balm<\/strong>, <strong>UV400 sunglasses<\/strong>, <strong>broad\u2011brim hat<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Insect repellent<\/strong> (<strong>DEET 20\u201330%<\/strong> or <strong>picaridin<\/strong>); <strong>tick removal tool<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Reusable 1\u20131.5 L water bottle<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Passport\/national ID<\/strong> plus <strong>photocopy<\/strong> and <strong>digital copy<\/strong>; some <strong>CHF cash<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Travel\/medical insurance policy copy<\/strong> with <strong>REGA\/mountain rescue<\/strong> details<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mobile plan<\/strong> or <strong>eSIM<\/strong> for <strong>4G<\/strong> access<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For a fuller packing walkthrough that matches Swiss conditions, check our guide on how to <a href=\"https:\/\/youngexplorersclub.ch\/how-to-pack-for-switzerland-camp-essential-guide-2026\/\"><strong>pack for Switzerland<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/youngexplorersclub.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IMG_2472-Copy.jpg\" alt=\"Summer camp Switzerland, International summer camp\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<h2>Compact final packing checklist and quick reminders<\/h2>\n<p>We, at the <strong>young explorers club<\/strong>, keep this <strong>compact checklist<\/strong> for last-minute checks. It&#8217;s the final pass before you zip the bag and head to <strong>Switzerland<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3>Final checklist<\/h3>\n<p>Here are the essentials I expect every camper to have packed and ready:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Clothing:<\/strong> <strong>7\u201310<\/strong> underwear; <strong>5\u20137<\/strong> socks (include <strong>2\u20133 wool<\/strong> pairs); <strong>5\u20137<\/strong> shirts; <strong>1\u20132<\/strong> hiking pants; <strong>2\u20133<\/strong> shorts; <strong>1\u20132<\/strong> fleeces; <strong>insulated jacket<\/strong> rated for about <strong>5\u00b0C<\/strong>; <strong>waterproof shell<\/strong> (<strong>Gore\u2011Tex<\/strong> recommended).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Footwear:<\/strong> <strong>mid-cut hiking boots<\/strong> (<strong>broken in at least 2 weeks<\/strong>), trail shoes for lighter hikes, sandals for showers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bags:<\/strong> daypack <strong>20\u201330L<\/strong>, main pack <strong>40\u201370L<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sleep &amp; camp gear:<\/strong> sleeping bag rated <strong>0\u20135\u00b0C<\/strong> if you&#8217;re heading into alpine camps, sleeping pad, and a liner if required by the camp.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Health &amp; toiletries:<\/strong> <strong>SPF 30\u201350<\/strong> sunscreen, <strong>UV400<\/strong> sunglasses, <strong>DEET 20\u201330%<\/strong> insect repellent, a <strong>first\u2011aid and blister kit<\/strong>, and any prescribed meds in original packaging.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Documents &amp; money:<\/strong> passport\/ID plus photocopies, <strong>CHF<\/strong> cash, health\/insurance card, parental consent and medical forms for minors.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Electronics:<\/strong> phone, chargers, a <strong>power bank under 100 Wh<\/strong>, <strong>Type J adapter<\/strong> (230 V), and a headlamp with extra batteries.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Food &amp; snacks:<\/strong> energy bars, trail mix, dried fruit, and electrolyte drink mixes for longer days.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Extras:<\/strong> reusable water bottle <strong>1\u20131.5 L<\/strong>, quick\u2011dry towel, <strong>Swiss Army Knife<\/strong> if camp rules allow, binoculars or camera for wildlife and views.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Quick reminders and practical tips<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Pack for layers<\/strong> and variable weather. We recommend <strong>wool or synthetic base layers<\/strong>; <strong>cotton will stay wet<\/strong> and chill you. <strong>Break in your hiking boots<\/strong> for at least two weeks before arrival to avoid blisters. <strong>Label every item<\/strong> \u2014 use our short guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/youngexplorersclub.ch\/how-to-label-your-childs-belongings-for-camp\/\">label belongings<\/a> so lost gear returns faster.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Practice packing and unpacking<\/strong> once at home. Roll clothes to save space and check weight limits on your main pack.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Keep medications and documents<\/strong> in a clearly marked pouch in your daypack for travel days and emergencies.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Notify the camp<\/strong> of allergies and confirm <strong>peanut\u2011free<\/strong> or other food policies ahead of time.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Check camp-specific rules<\/strong> about must\u2011haves or prohibited items, and verify whether a sleeping bag liner or special bedding is required.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Charge electronics<\/strong> before travel and put chargers in your daypack. Confirm power bank capacity (must be <strong>under 100 Wh<\/strong>) and bring a <strong>Type J adapter<\/strong> for Swiss sockets.<\/li>\n<li>If you bring a pocketknife, <strong>double\u2011check camp rules<\/strong> and pack it in checked luggage if required.<\/li>\n<li>Carry small, practical extras that improve comfort: <strong>blister patches<\/strong>, spare zip bags for wet clothes, and a compact repair kit for pack straps.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Keep CHF on hand<\/strong> for small purchases and emergency snacks. Finally, <strong>double\u2011check weather forecasts<\/strong> the day before departure and adjust layers and outerwear accordingly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<div class=\"entry-content-asset videofit\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Trade Game   So Long | Teen Travel Camp in Switzerland  | The Best Summer Camps in Switzerland\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7ajPCRnsTbA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<section>\n<h2>Sources<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.meteoswiss.admin.ch\/home\/climate.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MeteoSwiss \u2014 Climate of Switzerland<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.myswitzerland.com\/en-ch\/planning\/what-to-pack\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MySwitzerland (Switzerland Tourism) \u2014 What to pack for Switzerland<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bag.admin.ch\/bag\/en\/home\/krankheiten\/krankheiten-im-ueberblick\/tick-borne-encephalitis.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH \/ BAG) \u2014 Tick\u2011borne encephalitis (TBE)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sbb.ch\/en\/leisure-travel\/travelling-with\/luggage-and-bicycles.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) \u2014 Luggage and bicycles<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.snb.ch\/en\/iabout\/cash\/money\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Swiss National Bank (SNB) \u2014 Cash and the Swiss franc (CHF)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rega.ch\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">REGA (Swiss Air\u2011Rescue) \u2014 Air\u2011Rescue REGA<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redcross.ch\/en\/what-we-do\/first-aid\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Swiss Red Cross \u2014 First aid<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/ultraviolet-(uv)-radiation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">World Health Organization (WHO) \u2014 Ultraviolet (UV) radiation<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.worldstandards.eu\/electricity\/plugs-and-sockets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WorldStandards \u2014 Power plugs and sockets (Type J \/ Switzerland)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.swissinfo.ch\/eng\/how-to-call-emergency-services\/29127734\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Swissinfo \u2014 How to call emergency services in Switzerland<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.babs.admin.ch\/en\/home.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP \/ babs) \u2014 Civil protection and emergency preparedness<\/a><\/p>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pack for Swiss summer camp: layering and breathable waterproof shell, 20\u201330L daypack, 0\u20135\u00b0C sleeping bag, Type J adapter, REGA insurance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":64890,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[307,298,302,291,292],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-71876","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-camping-en","category-climbing-en","category-cycling-en","category-explores","category-travel-en"],"wpml_language":null,"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":307,"label":"Camping"},{"value":298,"label":"Climbing"},{"value":302,"label":"Cycling"},{"value":291,"label":"Explores"},{"value":292,"label":"Travel"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/youngexplorersclub.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IMG_9087-1-1024x768.jpg",1024,768,true],"author_info":{"display_name":"grivas","author_link":"https:\/\/youngexplorersclub.ch\/fr\/author\/grivas\/"},"comment_info":"","category_info":[{"term_id":307,"name":"Camping","slug":"camping-en","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":307,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":604,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":307,"category_count":604,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Camping","category_nicename":"camping-en","category_parent":0},{"term_id":298,"name":"Climbing","slug":"climbing-en","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":298,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":604,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":298,"category_count":604,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Climbing","category_nicename":"climbing-en","category_parent":0},{"term_id":302,"name":"Cycling","slug":"cycling-en","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":302,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":604,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":302,"category_count":604,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Cycling","category_nicename":"cycling-en","category_parent":0},{"term_id":291,"name":"Explores","slug":"explores","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":291,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":604,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":291,"category_count":604,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Explores","category_nicename":"explores","category_parent":0},{"term_id":292,"name":"Travel","slug":"travel-en","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":292,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":603,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":292,"category_count":603,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Travel","category_nicename":"travel-en","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/youngexplorersclub.ch\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71876","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/youngexplorersclub.ch\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/youngexplorersclub.ch\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/youngexplorersclub.ch\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/youngexplorersclub.ch\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=71876"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/youngexplorersclub.ch\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71876\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/youngexplorersclub.ch\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/64890"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/youngexplorersclub.ch\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=71876"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/youngexplorersclub.ch\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=71876"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/youngexplorersclub.ch\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=71876"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}