Summer Camps in Switzerland: Essential Gear

Summer camps in Switzerland require versatile gear. The Alps can shift temperatures sharply with elevation: lowland days usually reach 20–28°C, mountain days often fall between 5–20°C, and nights above about 2,000–2,500 m can drop near 0°C. We recommend a clear layering system: a moisture-wicking base, an insulating midlayer, and a waterproof, breathable shell. Also bring reliable waterproofs, strong sun protection (SPF 30+ and UV400 sunglasses), a sleeping system rated for the altitude, and sensible pack sizes (daypack 20–30 L; main pack 50–65 L).

Key Takeaways

Layering: Use a three-part system — moisture-wicking base, insulating midlayer (fleece or wool), plus a waterproof, breathable shell. Do not wear cotton on active days.
Rain & storms: Expect frequent summer rain and storms. Pack a fully seam-taped rain jacket, rain pants, and dry sacks or a pack cover to keep gear dry.
Sun & UV: Protect against strong alpine UV — apply sunscreen SPF 30+, wear UV400 sunglasses and a hat. Note that UV intensity increases about 10–12% every 1,000 m.
Sleeping system: Choose a sleeping bag and sleeping pad for the altitude. Pick a bag with a comfort rating at least 2–3°C warmer than the coldest expected night. Use a pad with R‑value ≥1.5; choose R‑value ≥3 for cold alpine nights.
Pack sizes & weight: Keep pack weight practical: daypack 20–30 L and main pack 50–65 L (≈60 L for a 7–10 day trip). Aim for a base weight under about 12–15 kg on multi-day hikes.

Layering Details

Base layer: synthetic or merino for moisture management. Midlayer: fleece or wool for insulation. Outer shell: waterproof and breathable (look for fully taped seams and reliable zippers).

Rain Gear & Drying

Waterproof pants and jacket are essential. Carrying dry sacks or a pack cover prevents wet gear from compromising insulation and food. Quick-dry synthetic clothing helps when conditions remain damp.

Sun Safety

Alpine sun is intense — use SPF 30+ sunscreen, wear UV400-rated sunglasses, and a hat with a brim. Reapply sunscreen regularly, especially after sweating.

Sleeping System Choices

Select a sleeping bag with a comfort rating comfortably above the coldest expected night (add 2–3°C margin). Combine with an appropriate pad: R ≥1.5 for general summer use and R ≥3 if nights may be very cold or windy.

Packing Strategy

Balance comfort and weight: choose a main pack around 50–65 L for multi-day trips and a daypack 20–30 L for daily outings. Target a manageable base weight (12–15 kg) to stay nimble on alpine trails.

Quick Overview: Why Packing for Switzerland Is Different

Switzerland‘s landscape drives almost every packing decision. The Alps cover about 60% of the country, so you should expect big elevation changes and mountain microclimates on a daily basis. Temperatures shift fast as you climb: lowland daytime highs typically sit at 20–28°C, while mountain daytime highs are often 5–20°C. Nights in the high mountains can drop to near or below 0°C above roughly 2,000–2,500 m.

Air temperature falls roughly 6.5°C per 1,000 m of elevation (atmospheric lapse rate), which explains why a warm valley afternoon can turn into a freezing campsite at night. Summer weather is changeable. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, and many alpine spots see 10–15 rainy days per month in July. You should plan for both sun and wet conditions on the same day.

UV exposure is higher than most people expect. Mid-elevation UV indices often reach 7–9, and UV intensity climbs about 10–12% for every 1,000 m of elevation. That means sun protection matters even when it feels cool or cloudy. I recommend sunscreen SPF 30+ and UV400 sunglasses as standard kit.

Quick numbers to remember: lowlands 20–28°C; mountains 5–20°C; nights near 0°C above ~2,000 m.

What to prioritize when packing

Layering system: base (moisture-wicking), mid (insulating fleece), shell (waterproof/breathable).
Waterproofs: fully seam-taped rain jacket and pack-cover or dry bags.
Warm insulation: lightweight down or synthetic jacket that packs small.
Sun protection: sunscreen SPF 30+ and UV400 sunglasses; bring a wide-brim hat or cap.
Footwear: sturdy hiking shoes or boots and quick-dry socks; flip-flops for cabins.
Quick-dry clothing: merino or synthetic tees and shorts; avoid cotton for active days.
Night and summit extras: thin thermal top, hat, and lightweight gloves for >2,000 m.
Small practical items: headlamp, refillable water bottle, compact first-aid items, and ziplock/dry bags for electronics.

Practical packing tips we use with campers

Pack by function, not fashion. Put next-day essentials in an easy-access pocket. Use packing cubes or compression sacks to separate wet from dry. Choose multi-use items — a buff can be a sun guard, neck warmer, or potholder. Keep electronics in waterproof pouches and include spare batteries for headlamps. Weight matters on mountain trails; aim for a lighter daypack with the heavier kit left at base when possible.

For families wanting a ready checklist, consult our summer packing list to see exact items we recommend for Swiss camps and how we prioritize them.

Summer camp Switzerland, International summer camp 3

Clothing, Layering & Footwear Essentials

We pack with a clear layering system: base layer (moisture-wicking), mid layer (fleece/wool), outer shell (waterproof/breathable). Each layer has a job. The base moves sweat off your skin so evaporation cools you and fabrics dry faster. That reduces chill and the risk of blisters. The mid layer traps warmth; choose fleece or wool for consistent insulation. The outer shell blocks wind and rain while letting moisture escape.

Avoid cotton for daytime hikes. It holds moisture and stays cold when wet. Choose merino wool or synthetic blends instead. Merino is odor-resistant and comfortable, but it costs more. Synthetics dry faster and are cheaper. Pick merino for multi-day trips or active campers who value smell control. Opt for synthetics when you want faster drying and a lower price.

For the outer shell aim for a mid-range spec: around 10,000 mm waterproof / 10,000 g/m² breathability. Higher mm ratings mean more water resistance. Look for taped seams, an adjustable hood, and pit zips or vents to dump heat on long climbs. If you expect heavy alpine storms, consider a higher waterproof rating; for light summer rain the 10,000/10,000 spec balances protection and weight.

Bring one insulated jacket for chilly evenings. A lightweight down or synthetic insulating jacket works well. For summer nights choose something with roughly 200–400 g fill equivalent for reliable warmth without bulk. Go synthetic if you expect wet conditions; it insulates when damp. Choose down if you want maximum warmth-to-weight and easy packing.

Suggested quantities for a 7–10 day camp

Use this quick-scan list as your packing backbone. We recommend these minimums so you stay comfortable and reduce laundry needs:

Underwear: 7–10 pairs
Hiking socks: 5–7 pairs (include 2–3 merino wool pairs)
T-shirts / short-sleeve tops: 4–6
Long-sleeve shirts / thermal top: 1–2
Hiking pants: 1–2
Shorts: 1–3
Fleece mid-layer: 1
Lightweight down or synthetic insulated jacket: 1
Waterproof/breathable jacket: 1
Sleepwear and casual clothes: 1–2 changes

See our summer packing list for kids if you want a printable checklist or camp-specific tweaks. We, at the young explorers club, suggest packing one extra lightweight top in case of unexpected weather.

Footwear and sock strategy

Select footwear based on terrain. Choose mid-cut hiking boots with waterproofing for rocky, wet, or rooty trails—they give ankle support and stability. Pick trail runners for low-elevation or well-packed trails where speed and light weight matter. Bring sandals or flip-flops for camp showers and downtime.

Adopt a sock strategy that reduces blisters: use a merino hiking sock over a thin liner sock. The liner reduces friction and wicks, while the merino gives cushioning and odor control. Aim for a lug sole depth of about 4–6 mm for mixed alpine terrain; that balances grip and packability. Break in new boots for 2–3 weeks with short walks and varied terrain before your trip.

Quick comparisons

Merino vs Synthetic: merino = odor-resistant and comfy but pricier; synthetic = faster-drying and cheaper.
Boots vs Trail Runners: boots = ankle support for wetter, rockier ground; trail runners = lighter and faster on packed trails.

Rain, Cold Protection & Sleeping/Camping Gear

We, at the young explorers club, expect wet weather and cool nights on Swiss summer camps. Pack for rain first and cold second. A small weight penalty for waterproofs and a better sleeping system pays off with comfort and safer nights.

Sleeping bag guidance

Choose a sleeping bag by expected elevation and typical night minima. For low-elevation summer camps a bag rated down to +5°C to 0°C usually works. For high-altitude camps above roughly 1,500–2,000 m pick a bag with a 0°C comfort rating or lower.

Understand comfort versus limit ratings. Comfort rating is the temperature you can sleep comfortably at. Limit rating is the lowest temperature a standard sleeper can survive in that bag. Aim for a comfort rating at least 2–3°C warmer than the coldest expected night. That gives a safety margin for damp nights, wind, and restless sleep.

Balance warmth with weight. Higher-insulation bags weigh more. Choose the lightest bag that still meets your comfort needs. Test the bag and pad together to confirm combined warmth and fit. That combo often matters more than the bag rating alone.

Pack an appropriate sleeping mat. For typical summer use choose R-value ≥1.5. For cold alpine nights choose R-value ≥3. R-value measures thermal resistance; higher equals better ground insulation.

Shelter & packing checklist

Pack the following shelter/sleep system items and check fit before you leave:

Waterproof jacket and rain pants (fully seam-sealed if possible)
Pack cover or dry sacks to keep gear dry inside the rucksack
Sleeping bag (pick comfort rating per guidance above)
Sleeping mat with appropriate R-value (≥1.5 summer, ≥3 alpine)
Three-season tent if you’ll be pitching (light, well-ventilated)
Daypack 20–30 L and main pack 50–65 L (60 L common for 7–10 day trips)

I also recommend confirming campsite rules before you go. Many Swiss sites enforce quiet hours 22:00–07:00 and often forbid open fires. A three-season tent handles summer storms and late-spring cold without extra bulk. For multi-day hikes aim for a 50–65 L pack; 60 L works well for a week. For day outings bring a 20–30 L pack.

Concrete tip: choose a sleeping bag with a comfort rating at least 2–3°C warmer than the coldest expected night and test-fit your pad and bag together to ensure the combined system keeps you warm. For a full list of items see summer packing list.

Summer camp Switzerland, International summer camp 5

Hydration, Food, Health, Insect & Sun Protection

We, at the young explorers club, insist on simple hydration, solid snacks and a compact health kit for Swiss summer camp days. Conditions change with elevation and activity, so plan for water, quick energy and basic medical care.

Quick gear & kit lists

Keep these essentials easy to reach in the top of the pack.

Water capacity: bring refillable bottle(s) totaling 1–2 L for day hikes. Swiss tap water is safe to drink, so refill often at huts and villages.
Water purification (quick-scan):
- SteriPEN — Pros: very fast, lightweight; Cons: needs batteries, cloudy water limits effectiveness.
- Sawyer Squeeze — Pros: light, reliable, filters particulates and bacteria; Cons: needs squeezing or bladder setup, slower than UV for many litres.
- Katadyn BeFree — Pros: fast flow, lightweight; Cons: filter lifespan depends on turbidity and may clog with silt.
Snacks: aim for 200–400 kcal per hour of sustained hiking. Pack easy, dense options like mixed nuts, energy bars and dried fruit.
First-aid and meds: pack prescriptions plus a small kit containing:
- Blister kit
- Antiseptic wipes
- Adhesive bandages (about 10)
- Sterile gauze pads (2)
- Ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Antihistamine
- Clean tweezers or a tick removal tool
Emergency numbers:
- 112 (general EU)
- 144 (ambulance)
- 117 (police)
- 118 (fire)
For a full gear run-through see our summer packing list.

Sun, UV and tick safety

UV risk rises quickly with altitude. You’ll often see UV index 7–9 at mid-elevation. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+ and reapply every two hours and after swimming or heavy sweating.

Choose sunglasses rated UV400. Add a lip balm with SPF and a wide-brim hat for face and neck coverage. Lightweight long sleeves work well for midday protection; they block UV even when temperatures feel cool. Remember that UV intensity increases roughly 10–12% per 1,000 m of elevation, so protect skin and eyes on alpine trails.

Ticks live in Swiss grass and woods. Do daily tick checks, especially after time in tall grass. Wear long pants and tuck them into socks to reduce exposure. Use insect repellent containing DEET 20–30% or Picaridin 20% for reliable protection.

Consider the TBE vaccine if you plan long outdoor stays in areas where the disease is present; consult public health guidance or your clinician for vaccination advice. If you find a tick, remove it promptly with clean tweezers, pull straight out without twisting, and seek medical advice if a rash or fever develops.

Summer camp Switzerland, International summer camp 7

Electronics, Navigation, Documents & Camp-Life Gear

We, at the Young Explorers Club, keep packing simple and practical for Swiss summer camps. These are the electronics, navigation, document and camp-life items that make a trip smooth and reduce stress for parents and campers.

Packing checklist

Below are the essentials I recommend you pack and prepare before departure.

Power and plugs: Switzerland uses the Type J plug and 230 V 50 Hz, so bring a Type J adapter or a universal adapter that includes Type J. Pack a small multi-port USB charger and short charging cables to share outlets in dorms. Bring a power bank in the 10,000–20,000 mAh range depending on how long you’ll be off-grid.
Documents and money: Carry your passport, camp permit/registration, parental consent forms for minors, printed emergency contacts and medical info, and travel insurance details (policy number). Keep at least one paper copy separate from originals and scan or photograph documents to upload to a secure cloud or email them to a trusted contact.
Currency and payments: Have some Swiss franc (CHF) cash for mountain huts and small vendors, but expect cards to work in most towns and camps.
Navigation and communication: Download offline maps and bring a paper map; I recommend SwissTopo maps for mountain navigation. Mobile coverage in alpine areas can be spotty—consider a local SIM or eSIM and always have offline navigation ready. Know emergency numbers (112 and 144) and where the nearest hut or rescue shelter sits on your map.
Altitude advice: Altitude sickness becomes a risk above 2,500 m. Aim to ascend no more than 300–500 m per day above that elevation when possible. Monitor for headache, nausea, dizziness or excessive fatigue and descend promptly if symptoms worsen.
Camp-life electronics and extras: Prefer a headlamp over a handheld torch and bring spare batteries. Carry a camera or phone with an extra memory card and use the power bank to recharge; prioritize battery-sharing arrangements in groups. Pack low-tech entertainment—small notebook, pen, a deck of cards—and respect campsite rules on electronics and quiet hours.
Parental checklist before travel: Check camp-specific paperwork well ahead of time. Scan or photograph all important documents and send copies to a designated contact. Remind parents to label gear and to include a clear medication list with dosing times.

For a fuller list and packing tips consult our what to pack guide.

Practical Packing Quantities, Quick Printable Checklist, What to Leave at Home & Recommended Gear

We plan gear so kids stay comfortable and light. I recommend aiming for layer versatility: a lightweight merino or synthetic next-to-skin layer, one insulating mid layer, and a waterproof shell. I also recommend a sleeping bag rated for the expected elevation — +5 to 0°C for low valleys; 0°C or lower for high alpine nights. We expect variable weather, so one insulated jacket (200–400 g fill equivalent) plus a waterproof jacket and pants are non-negotiable.

Keep pack weight sensible. Try to keep base pack weight under 12–15 kg for multi-day hikes with food and water included. Define base weight as everything except consumables. Youth should aim lower than adults. Use rolling, packing cubes and compressible dry sacks to save space. Prioritize multi-use items like a hooded midlayer that doubles as a camp top.

I advise checking airline baggage limits (economy usually 20–23 kg) and your camp rules about knives, quiet hours (22:00–07:00) and waste separation. For planning help, see our guide to your first summer camp.

Quick printable checklist and core quantities (7–10 day camp)

Below are core quantities and a one-line printable checklist for a single-scan pack check.

Core suggested quantities:
- Underwear: 7–10
- Socks: 5–7
- T-shirts: 4–6
- Long sleeve/thermal: 1–2
- Hiking pants: 1–2
- Shorts: 1–3
- Insulated jacket: 1 (200–400 g fill equivalent)
- Rain jacket/pants: 1 each
- Sleeping bag: +5 to 0°C (low) / 0°C or lower (high)
- Daypack: 20–30 L; main pack: 50–65 L if backpacking
Quick single-scan essentials (printable):
- passport
- travel insurance
- CHF/cash
- Type J adapter
- headlamp
- waterproof jacket
- sleeping bag (rating noted)
- daypack 20–30 L
- hiking boots
- sunscreen SPF 30+
- insect repellent (DEET/Picaridin)
- 1–2 L water bottle
- small first-aid kit
- personal medication
Quick-scan figures reminder:
- 230 V Type J
- UV index 7–9
- Alps 60%
- daypack 20–30 L

What to leave at home and common mistakes

Leave heavy down parkas and multiple heavy shoes unless the itinerary requires them. Don’t pack mainly cotton for hikes; swap to merino or synthetics. Avoid forgetting rain gear — a lightweight shell fixes that. If your pack feels heavy, strip to the essentials and target that 12–15 kg base weight.