Overall​

• Pack very light - If you are carrying your pack should weigh no more than 10% of your body weight. You need less than you think. Plan extra layers for warmth, rather than a single warmer jacket

• 2 packing cubes for clothes

• Have a large string back pack that you can transfer your 2 packing cubes into in case you decide to transfer your luggage.  I liked having the structure of my pack everyday just got rid of most of the weight.

• Expect to lose something at some point. Ensure spare options for necessities (e.g., reading glasses, etc.)

 

​Backpack

• We love our REI backpacks (X model for me 5'3" and Y model for Larry 6'1")

• They allow for a bladder to be placed into it for easy access to water

​

Clothes

• Shorts worked great most days (2 pairs to rotate)

• 2 short sleeves (dry wick or merino wool) for hiking. 1-2 for after hiking.

• 1-2 long sleeves (one to be worn after hiking, 1 for hiking if need be, again keep to dry wick or merino wool for fast drying and less smelly)

• Light jacket

• 2 pairs of pants (one comfy to change into at the end of the day, another for hiking if cold)

• 3 pairs of dry wick underwear.  I love the exofficio brand.  Buy them when I sale.​

 

Rain gear

• Huge long poncho (with sleeves) that fits over backpack. I bought an Altus Poncho prior to the trip and love it.  Noticed they also sold these in SDJP.

• Rain pants (not necessary if you have a long poncho)

• Carbon hiking umbrella that can be used for shade or rain

 

Shoes

• Custom footbed.  Can make a real difference. 

• We wore different brands of trail running shoes (Hoka - speedgoats, Keen - waterproof) and for the most part we’re happy. But we definitely felt the rocks end of day if they were present. Altrus - wide toe box was also popular.

• Waterproof hiking shoes (Mixed on this as some people say the non-waterproof shoes dry out faster and waterproof hiking shoes really limits your choice of shoes). We noticed many people had "Slip Resistant Durable Boot & Shoes Covers"

• Need a sandal or recovery shoe to wear after hiking

​

Socks

• Two layers - inner thin sock and outer sock

• Popular brands: Wright socks (built in two layers), Tough Mudder, some people prone to blisters between toes wore toe socks, merino wool

• Suggest 3 pairs. They do wear out.

​

Blister care

• Address hot spots early. Bring Compeed (buy in pharmacy in France) and moleskin.

• Use daily Vaseline or Aquaphor proactively on your feet.  Spread in-between toes and on feet bottoms.

​

Toiletries

• Deodorant, Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Moisturizer, sunscreen, Vaseline for blisters. Bare minimum.  You can always buy more toiletries in stores.

• Medications (note can buy in pharmacies - cold medication, etc.)

• Tylenol or Ibuprofen for sore muscles 

​

Other 

• Extra battery for phone

• Bladder pack worked well to stay hydrated. Most water was potable.

• Extra pair of sunglasses

• Full rim hat to shade neck and ears

• Head Lamp - particularly if you are going to start walking before sunrise.

• Mosquito / Fly spray

• Gloves for shade and/or warmth

• Kindle (light weight)

• Air pods or equivalent 

• Need Euros as not everywhere takes credit cards

• Earplugs - walls are thin

• Electrolytes - we like the brand LMNT (no sugar but high in salt)

• Hiking poles - helps takes pressure off your knees and gives you extra stability.  Easy to buy at start of walk.

​

What we left home that we normally travel with

• Electric toothbrush

• I-Pad

• Supplements

• Extra toiletries (e.g., hair stuff, face creams, etc.).  You can always buy along way if there is something you really miss