Reddit mentions of TEFANESO | Mountaineering Boots Men Mountain Walking Trekking Alpine Winter Snow Waterproof Comfortable (10 US / 43 EU, Orange & Black)

> -How easy is the route finding on the E-5? That is, is it well sign posted and it is usually clear which way you have to go? I've done plenty of hiking, but never one where the trail wasn't easy to follow. I wouldn't want to lose the trail and get lost in the Alps.

You will usually finds signs that look like this. Notice the the sign at the top and how it says "E5"? The different trails are also marked with a color code/trail label. If for whatever reason no signs are available you can find stone figures which usually also have the trail lable painted on.

> -Would it be a problem doing this hike not speaking German? I'd try to learn a little before coming and bring a phrasebook.

That + english should be alright.

> -Would there be an issue finding places to stay in the mountain huts if I went in the middle of the summer and traveled independently? I know it would be easier with a group tour but I really don't like them.

Check beforehand if the huts you intend to stay in are privatly owned or if they belong to one of the alpine clubs and also if they are managed or unmanaged huts. Depending on that they work differently. I never hiked the E5 so i don't know for sure but i'm guessing most/all of them are managed huts belonging to either the german, austrian or italian alpine club. Those usually have beds and matress rooms. If the hut is full, they don't turn wanderes away, instead they "stack them wherever they can". I was in that situation twice i think. The tables in the dining room were pushed together, some people slept on the tables, some under the tables. It wasn't the most comfortable night but it worked.
You are required to bring your own sleeping bag - at least a small/lightweight one out of linen, silk or similar - since washing the bed lining, pillows or wool blankets isn't possible every day.

Here you can find the hut regulations for (managed) huts with the german and austrian alpine club. The rules for huts with the italian alpine club are very similar since the alpine clubs are working closely together with each other.

Also the following stuff:

Use proper hiking boots meaning they cover your ankles

The amount of people who go hiking in the alps in sneakers/running shoes etc. is astonishing. The amount of those who end up dead or need to be rescued by the "Bergwacht" however is not.
Yes hiking boots like these (not trying to advertise, i just used the first amazon search result to show which type of shoes i'm talking about) are heavier than trailrunning shoes etc. However these do support the ankles and have a stabilizing effect which is especially important when you're exhausted after a long day of hiking. Safety should be your top priority, not convenience.

Bring cash

The higher you go the less likely it is that you can pay via any other type of payment.

Don't rely to much on your phone

Bringing one with you is of course a good thing in case you need to call for help or just to stay in contact with family/friends, however don't expect to have the best cell reception everywhere. You probably won't be able to charge your phone every night which renders modern smartphones pretty much useless after the first few days unless you carry small solar cells/mobile cahrgers and so on with you. I prefer to use one of those good old nokia phones. Seemingly indestructible and usable for weeks without the need to charge it.

Hut Book

Upon arrival at a hut enter your name, mobile number and destination/tour of the next day into the hut book. That way it's easier for the Bergwacht to organize and send help in case things go awry, like an avalanche.

On the matter off phone numbers and help

EU wide emergency number: 112

Special emergency phone number for mountain rescue services (Bergwacht/Bergrettung) by country:

Austria: 140

Italy: 118

https://www.alpenverein.de/dav-services/alpine-auskunft/alpine-telefonnummern_aid_10705.html

Bring a up-to-date-map, a compass and a little package with some emergency medicine.

Some might say that especially a compass might be over the top. I always feel better carrying those things with me in case i need them instead of needing them but not having them with me. I also have some glow sticks in my backpack.

Prepare for bad weather

Bring clothes with you for warm, rainy and/or cold weather. Don't rely to much on the weather forecast. The weather in the alps can change very quickly.

The things you carry up are the things you carry down again, including and especially garbage!

Nothing is more infuriating than trying to enjoy the view when pieces of trash are lying around everywhere. Bring a trash bag with you for your trash like the packaging of snacks and so on.

You say you've done a lot of hiking so some of this might be unnecessary but for now i just wrote down what i could think of off the top of my head. Feel free to ask, if you have more questions.

Edit: More things added...