Before hitting Zugspitze or any Bavarian Alps day trips from Munich, rent proper gear at Sport Schuster right on Marienplatz. €10/day for hiking boots, €6/day for backpacks, €5-10/day for walking poles. They carry quality German brands that actually fit and won't leave you with blisters on those rocky Alpine trails.

For serious via ferrata routes near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Globetrotter at Isartorplatz has helmets, harnesses, and crampons. Staff gives real advice about current conditions on Partnach Gorge trails and weather forecasts for the Wetterstein range. They'll warn you about afternoon thunderstorms that roll in fast above tree line.

Most importantly - don't underestimate Bavarian Alpine weather even in summer. Zugspitze can drop 20 degrees from base to summit. Rent proper waterproofs and layers. Much cheaper than getting caught in a sudden storm at 2962 meters and needing mountain rescue from Garmisch base station.