THE ULTIMATE

BAVARIA + OKTOBERFEST

PACKING LIST

 

Use our ultimate Bavaria and Oktoberfest Packing List as a guide for what to bring along while you’re exploring around Munich during the Oktoberfest. We’ve packed this Bavaria and Oktoberfest Packing List with our trail tested favorites and recommendations, plus lots of useful info on the best gear for adventuring in all of the region’s conditions.

Our biggest piece of advice is to pack light and smart, and bring durable, multi use items that you can layer as temperatures and weather changes (because they will)! Test and break in all your gear beforehand and use common sense and your own best judgement and discretion when choosing exactly what you pack. After all, no one knows you better than you! If you tend to run cold, pack an extra layer or two.

We’re firm believers that there’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate gear! Stocking up on quality gear from brands who are doing it right will make all the difference for enjoying all your adventures in the great outdoors!

Some of the links on our site are affiliate links, and if you go through them to make a purchase WHOA will earn a small commission at no cost to you. That said, we only link to products that we truly love on the trails and brands we respect because of their quality and their values, not because of a kickback!


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THE ULTIMATE

BAVARIA + OKTOBERFEST

PACKING LIST

 
 

UP TOP

 
 
 

HAT

Bring something light with a brim to protect yourself from the sun. This could be a baseball cap or a packable sun hat. You will also need a warm beanie that will cover your ears on colder days.

 

GLOVES  

Bring one lightweight pair in case it gets cold.

 

2-3 MOISTURE WICKING TOPS

Bring a few lightweight tops, so you can layer and re-wear them for hiking and biking. Pack a mixture of tanks, short, and long sleeve options. Pro tip: look for synthetic garments that, unlike cotton, wick away moisture.

 

3-4 casual tops

Bring a few comfortable tops or casual dresses for dinners and hanging out in the evenings. Most everything is pretty casual, so no need to bring anything fancy!

 

Light + Medium Jackets

In the mornings and evenings, it can get chilly, so make sure you have a light and medium jacket, like down and fleece, that you can layer on.

 

CARDIGAN

Something you don’t mind getting beer on, so you can bring it to the Oktoberfest. It’s usually starting to get cold this time of year!

 

Dirndl or lederhosen

We'll go shopping for these together at a great local spot, so don't worry about packing one. They usually run between $150-$200. However, if you’re worried about sizing or finding something specific, you’re more than welcome to buy something in advance - just make sure you are not buying a silly beer maiden Halloween costume! Traditional dirndls are made of cotton and the hem goes to at least the knees. Here are some tips if you want to buy a dirndl before you arrive for your trip.

 

WAteRPROOF OUTER LAYER JACKET

A breathable, water and windproof jacket with a hood that you can wear comfortably when it’s rainy or windy.

 
 
 
 
 

DOWN LOW

 
 

1 PAIR Trail RUNNING SHOES

For biking, casual wear, and to wear in the evenings! We recommend trail runners, like HOKA Speedgoats.

 

Shoes to wear with your dirndl or lederhosen

A comfy pair of closed toed shoes/sneakers to go with your dirndl or lederhosen that you will want to dance all day in and don’t mind getting beer spilled on at Oktoberfest (for most these are the same pair as your city shoes)! We’re big fans of Converse All Stars!

 

2-3 Active BOTTOMS

Bring bottoms that are comfortable and suitable for both hiking and biking. Choose hiking pants or leggings made from strong and light materials that dry quickly - and preferably that are wind and water resistant.

 

3-4 Casual BOTTOMS

Just like with the casual tops, these are for going to dinner and hanging out in the evening. A mix of jeans, leggings and skirts would work great.

 
 
 
 

ALL ABOUT THAT BASE

 
 

3-5 PAIRS SOCKS

Bring durable wool socks in a couple different weights - lighter for warmer days, and heavier ones colder days. We love Darn Tough’s Hiker Boot Sock in Full Cushion.

 

SPORTS BRAS

Bring bras that provide support, feel comfortable against your skin, dry quickly and don't bind, smoosh or chafe.

 

UNDERWEAR

Bring as many pairs as you know you’ll want! Check out REI’s Merino Hipster Underwear which are comfy and great for adventuring!

 

Pajamas

Pack whatever is most comfortable to wear to bed, but keep in mind that you’ll be sharing a room with another awesome adventurer.

 
 
 
 

GET YOUR ARSE IN GEAR

 
 

SMALL DAYPACK

This is for carrying things like your layers, wallet and water when we’re biking and on day hikes. You’ll want it to be comfortable, lightweight and easy to pack. We love backpacks from Sherpani!

 

WATER BOTTLE

One of the easiest and best ways to help reduce plastic waste is to bring a refillable water bottle with you everywhere. We like this 1L wide mouth Nalgene. The tap water in Germany is straight from the Alps and safe to drink, but if you prefer filtered water we highly recommend Epic Water Filters! They’re easy to use with any Hydro Flask or Nalgene water bottle, and they allow you to fill up and stay safely hydrated anywhere, anytime.

 

POLARIZED SUNGLASSES

You have to protect your eyes from the sun! Make sure they are UV-blocking and polarized. Goodr makes ones that are good (and cute) for hiking.

 

CAMERA + EXTRA BATTERIES

There are so many amazing photo ops! We highly recommend bringing a camera that is compact and durable. These days most smartphones have great cameras, and we’ve found DSLRs can be cumbersome while trekking, so think twice before bringing anything too fancy. Remember to always pack your electronics in waterproof bags or cases.

 

portable battery charger

Whatever electronics you choose to bring, make sure you have a way to recharge your batteries. We always have a portable battery charger on hand so our camera is charged and ready to catch any spontaneous dance parties that may break out!

 
 
 
 
 

ALL THE SMALL THINGS

 
 

Small cross body purse

To hold your phone, room key, cash, etc. at Oktoberfest. Remember to keep the purse small; large purses and backpacks are not allowed!

 

Electrolytes

During this adventure we’re constantly on the move and drinking delicious German beer. Pack enough of your favorite electrolytes to have 1 drink each day. We love Nuun and Liquid I.V.

 

ADAPTER

Make sure you bring a plug adapter. In Germany, there are two kinds of plugs types, C and F. A type C adapter will fit in both C and F plugs.

 

MEDS

Common medications you might want to bring along include, pain relievers, anti-histamines, antidiarrheals, etc.

 

MONEY

Euros and credit/debit cards

 

PASSPORT

Bring a waterproof bag to keep it safe and dry. Also, it’s always a good idea to travel with an extra photocopy of it.

 

Travel Insurance

All travelers are required to have medical travel insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 USD, which covers any expenses caused by Covid-19. It is your responsibility to find a policy that works for you and your needs. If you are looking for a policy, here is a resource page to help you find a plan that might work for you.

 

DRY BAGS

When preparing your gear, pack everything in dry bags (or silicone bags for smaller items), we’ll be in the elements so we want to make sure our gear is always protected! We recommend bringing along different shapes and sizes of these to help organize and separate dirty clothing and gear.

For waterproofing your phone/passport/money, we recommend using a dry pouch.

 

SHOPPING BAG + PAPER BAGS

Having a stash of brown paper lunch bags, sanitary bags, or any form of biodegradable bag is great for collecting and carrying out trash on the trails and when we’re on the go. You’ll also want to bring a small reusable shopping bag to eliminate the need to use a single-use plastic bag for snacks or souvenir stops. They’re also handy to have in case you need another bag to take on the plane. Just another way to make Mother Earth proud!

 

FIRST AID

We’ll have all this stuff on hand, but make sure you have a compact kit with Neosporin, bug spray, band-aids, moleskin, duct tape, anti-septic, etc. We like this one because it’s lightweight, waterproof, and has everything you might need.

 

SUNSCREEN

A minimum of SPF 30 UVA/UVB broad spectrum is recommended. We love Raw Elements Natural Sunscreen because it works great, is reef friendly, and plastic free!

 

TOILETRIES

Don’t forget the essentials like deodorant, lotion, lip balm, hair ties, hair brush, face wipes, tampons, contact solution, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, masks, and ear plugs etc. Remember our pledge to keep single use plastics out of the places we love and aim to use reusable bottles, bar soaps and biodegradable products! Pack it all in this amazing upcycled toiletry bag!

 

LUGGAGE LOCK

Better safe than sorry, so always lock your things!

 
 


ADDITIONAL BAVARIA + OKTOBERFEST PACKING TIPS

 

As well as adventuring, we’ll be staying in Bavaria’s capital city of Munich! You’ll have the chance to do some exploring and go out for some great meals, so be sure to bring some city looks that give you options for when we’re not in the mountains. Pro tip, comfortable shoes are just as important when you’re in the cities as they are out on the trails! Be sure to check out our Bavaria + Oktoberfest Adventure Guide for more on what to expect and how to prep yourself!