List of Needed Items

The mountain has its quirks just as every hiker has their own 😉

Based on our experience, we are recommending the following list of needed items for a 2-3 hike with 1-2 nights spent at a mountain refuge.

Although October is typically fair weathered, never underestimate the mountain! It is not always sunny on the mountain, even during the summer, and especially the upper parts of the mountain can disappear in thick clouds really quickly and temperatures do still drop below 0°C at night towards the top of high mountains like Mount Olympus.

Basic mountain hiking gear

• 🐐 A comfortable 45-50 liter backpack
• 🐐 A good pair of broken in waterproof hiking boots to protect your feet and keep your ankles supported and stable.
• 🐐 A pair of baton sticks (while not absolutely necessary, they help keep you steady and tremendously save your knees during your descent)
• 🐐 Helmets for those planning on summiting to the Mitikas peak - the last 40 minutes to the peak are a rock scramble with the danger of loose rocks falling from above, so head protection is a MUST!
• 🐐 2 pairs of wool socks and 2 pairs of underwear!!
• 🐐 Gloves, a winter hat and neck buff
• 🐐 Cap or sunhat and a light neck buff
• 🐐 Sunglasses
• 🐐 Sunscreen
• 🐐 Head lamp
• 🐐 Personal pharmacy

  Note: We will have a group first aid kit with us, but if you have any specific requirements (allergy medicine, inhalers etc) do bring those and also let us know.

• 🐐 Personal items/toiletries (toothbrush, wet wipes, Kleenex etc)

  Note: There are no showers at the refuge, just clean toilets and sinks with defrosted mountain water

• 🐐 Waste bag (a simple plastic bag or two to keep any waste we create and carry it back down with us)
• 🐐 An easily packable sleeping bag if you have one.

  Otherwise you will need a sheet and pillowcase as the refuge only provides clean blankets and requires visitors supply personal bedwear.

• 🐐 Isothermal underwear (for torso and legs)

  Note: You will likely not use this at all given the time of year, but it's always good to come prepared and these double up in use as sleepwear at the refuge.

For the torso

• 🐐 Synthetic short sleeved T-shirt that dries quickly + an optional fresh change for day 2 on the mountain
• 🐐 A baselayer - thermal long sleeved shirt
• 🐐 A middle layer - jacket or sweatshirt of some sort
• 🐐 A waterproof and windproof coat

Note: Personally, I prefer a fleece zip up sweater and a gortex material waterproof windbreaker shell jacket for this time of year.

For the legs

• 🐐 Dungarees - waterproof breathable goretex membrane
• 🐐 A pair of athletic shorts - in case it is too hot at times for long pants