Our Highlander Velebit gear list includes everything you’ll need for five days of hiking across Croatia’s highest mountain range
I recently completed the Highlander Velebit, a 104km 5-day trek across the Northern Velebit and Paklenica national parks in Croatia. The Velebit is one of Highlander Adventure’s collection of organised treks and therefore requires a slightly different mix of gear than what I’d pack for an independent trek.
To help future trekkers get the balance right, I’ve put together my usual post-trip gear list of everything I packed. Where possible, I’ve included links to the gear I carried for reference.
Highlander Velebit gear list
As the trek is only five days long with four nights of camping, I encourage trekkers to go as light as possible. I kept my pack below 15kg which included two litres of water and all my photography gear.
If you’re hiking as part of a pair or group, then it’s possible to travel lighter by sharing equipment. Additionally, as meals are distributed en route, there’s no need to carry provisions along the entirety of the trail.
Related articles:
Trekking the Highlander Velebit in Croatia
A first-timer’s guide to hiking the Highlander Velebit
Highlander Adventure: my first post-lockdown trip
Camping gear
On the trail
- Backpack (30-45lt) – read our guide on how to choose a backpack
- Trekking poles
- Water system (carry at least 2lt of water)
- Maps (supplied)
- Compass
- Navigation system (smartphone or GPS)
- First aid kit
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
- Washbag – biodegradable toiletries only
Clothing
I hiked in September while the climate in Croatia was still hot and dry. I didn’t use my waterproof gear or my warm clothing. Only during late evening did I put on my light down jacket and it was usually unzipped.
That said, mountain weather is capricious at the best of times, so I would never advise against packing these items. A case in point is the 2017 inaugural Highlander Velebit when it rained throughout the entire five days of the trek.
- Hiking boots (worn-in beforehand)
- Flip-flops or sandals for around camp
- Sports or liner socks x 2
- Hiking socks x 2
- Zip-off hiking trousers x 2
- Base or mid-layer top x 2
- Light down jacket or fleece
- Waterproof jacket/shell – read our guide on how to choose a waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Cap or sunhat
- Neck buff
- Sunglasses
- Warm hat or beanie
- Light or midweight gloves
Cooking System
- Stove and fuel
- Saucepan
- Bowl (optional – I often use my saucepan)
- Mug
- Cutlery
- Snacks (optional – food is supplied)
Electronics
Aside from the head torch, these items are all optional (although I’ve never seen anyone on the trail without at least a smartphone).
- Head torch
- Power bank
- DSLR camera and zoom lens
- GoPro Hero7 and spare batteries
- Lightweight mini-tripod
- Smartphone
- USB and power cables
Finally, don’t forget about insurance. I bought mine from TrueTraveller. For a trek such as this, you’ll need the Extreme Adventure Pack.
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