The essentials (every excursion)
Bring water for the full route and return; do not rely on finding a refill at altitude. Follow the quantity advised on your tour page and adjust for duration, forecast and personal needs. Carry food, sun protection, a warm layer and wind protection. Confirm requirements before leaving the meeting area.
Footwear and pack
- Closed shoes with grip — trainers at a minimum, ankle-high boots for summit and crater hikes. The ground is loose gravel and sharp lava.
- A small day pack — to carry the essentials and keep your hands free on uneven ground.
The small things people forget
- A fully charged phone (cold drains batteries fast up high) for photos and safety.
- A light hat and gloves in the cold months — hands and ears feel the wind first.
- A little cash for a coffee or a rented jacket at the mountain huts.
- Any personal medication, plus lip balm — the dry wind chaps skin quickly.
Extras by type of excursion
The summit needs equipment for altitude and sustained walking; the cable-car programme includes about 90 minutes on foot, not just vehicle travel. Sartorius also requires suitable shoes and weather protection. For Sartorius, prepare for the duration selected, which can range from one to three hours. Trekking poles may help some walkers, but do not replace suitable footwear.
What your guide provides
The price includes volcanological guiding. A helmet is included only on the summit craters tour. Other equipment and clothing are not included; arrange any rentals independently on site.
What to bring to Etna — quick answers
What should I bring to Mount Etna?
Water, a snack, sun protection, sturdy closed footwear, warm layers and a windproof jacket. Adjust quantities and clothing to the route, duration and forecast.
Do I need to bring water on Etna?
Yes. Bring water for the entire programme, following the tour’s advised quantity and adjusting for duration, weather and personal needs. Do not assume refills on the route.
Do I need a headlamp on Etna?
Our published programmes are daytime excursions. Plan the return within the scheduled day; a lamp is not permission to extend a walk into closed areas or turn it into an unplanned night excursion.
Is a backpack necessary for Etna?
A small day pack makes everything easier: it carries your water, spare layer, sun cream and camera and keeps your hands free on loose ground. Nothing large is needed for a standard excursion.
This list is the kit you carry — for the clothes you wear, see what to wear on Mount Etna.