(Freedom Trail Escape/Chemin de la Liberté, Pic Carlit Challenge, Heaven's Gate.)

 

From my experience of walking in July and August, it is likely to be very hot ! Having said this, I have had days where it has rained/drizzled constantly and I have read of snow showers in July ! The general advice is pack kit that prepares you for any weather.

 

It is advisable to dress in 3 layers which enables better control of your body tempertaure. A base layer (close to skin), mid layer (to add warmth) and outer shell (waterproof and wind resistant). Layers can be taken off when you are walking up hill and getting hot. Layers can be added when taking a break to admire the view, if the wind picks up or in the evenings when it will be cooler. Avoid cotton, especially next to the body, because it does not wick moisture, leaving damp cotton next to your skin.

 

As it is likely to be very hot most days, think about wearing clothing that offers protection against the sun ie long sleeves and a hat. Better something that offers protection that can be taken off (for the sun tan), than something that doesn't provide any protection when/if it is needed.

 

Bear in mind that all clothing and equipment for the actual trek willl have to be carried . As a general rule, you should not carry more than 20% of your bodyweight.

 

If you have a kit shop near where you live, they will be able to offer good advice about choice of products.

 

Clothing

Walking socks and underwear. Try and bring as many pairs as you can carry, up to one pair a day if possible, for comfort. Personal choice this ! Happy with one pair, then do this !

Base layer- thermal or wicking type underclothing ie t-shirt or shirt, ideally not cotton. Number to bring is a personal choice and may be limited by the 20% of bodyweight rucsac weight rule.

Insulating layers – a warm fleece or equivalent

Lightweight quick drying walking trousers. If you normally walk in hot sunny weather in shorts then shorts are ok. Perhaps trousers that have zips that can become shorts are best.

Spare fleece or insulating jacket

Lightweight waterproof jacket and trousers in case it rains and to act as windproof shell.

Sun hat and sunglasses

Sunscreen (high factor at least 30 recommended) for skin and also lips

Thin gloves.

Fleece hat or equivalent.

 

Equipment and Food

Walking boots with good ankle support and grip on the sole. They need to be 'worn in' ie not brand new. This does not mean you wore them around the house for a week.Sleeping bag. Lightweight summer bag or the fleece liner for a sleeping bag. Depends on whether you sleep 'hot' or 'cold'.

Sleeping mat. There is a small chance that you will have to sleep in a tent on night 2 at the shepherds shelter. You will be sleeping on grass but may want a sleeping mat.

Water bottle or hydration system. 2 litres minimum which can be 2 x 1 litre bottles. Plastic drinking bottles are ok. If you normally use a hydration 'camel back' system then bring that.

Snack food for 'in between meal' energy boosts. Jelly babies, nuts, dried fruit, meusli bars etc whatever 'works' for you.

'Blister kit.' Your own small, group first aid kit. To include things like plasters and 'second skin' to help with blisters

Camera

Insurance documents and passport. Photocopies are acceptable.

Survival bag (one per person). Large plastic bag big enough for a person to fit inside.

Small head torch for evenings.

Rucksac for everything to fit in. 50/55 litres should be big enough. It will depends on how small your sleeping bag compacts. As a rule do not carry more than 20%of your bodyweight.

Rucksac liner/dry bag to fit inside rucksac to keep all items you are carrying dry if it rains.

Tea bags/coffee and a mug if you want hot drinks. I will carry a stove to boil water.

Small wash bag with soap, toothpaste, quick drying towell, toothbrush etc. Include a small packet of wipes for the night/morning when there are no toilet facilities and for emergencies

Water purification tablets. Thses will probably not be necessary but carry them in case.Whistle to draw attention to yourself if you are seperated from the group.

Emergency food/rations. Several items of food high in calories/energy (choc bars, Kendal mint cake, peanuts etc ) to keep in reserve in rucksac to use if an emergency arises.

Probably worth carrying some euros for spending (to pay for non meal time drinks, extra drinks at meal times, showers at Estagnous etc)

Ear plugs. There WILL be someone who snores !

 

Optional Equipment

Walking poles. Help a lot with ascents and descents. Two ie a pair, are better than one. Happy walking with one or without, then please do that.

Lightweight footwear to change into in the evenings eg flip flops or Crocs type footwear.

Small pocket knife

 

Equipment to add if wild camping each night

Lightweight tent.

Lightweight sleeping bag.

Stove and fuel to heat water/cook food

Food. Dehydrated food to add water to, or boil in the bag type food to heat up, is the simplest option

Wipes/toilet paper and some small rubbish bags to carry them/it out once used.

Small trowell/digging device to dig small hole to bury toilet waste when there are no facilities.