Walking Kit List

Essentials for all seasons

• Walking Boots - Leather or waterproof fabric, and they need to be already broken in. It is a good idea to have boots with decent ankle support rather than the trainer style ones as some of the terrain can be quite rocky and steep and the extra support helps!

• 2 or 3 pairs of good walking socks. Blisters can be avoided by wearing a thin sock underneath (not cotton).

• Waterproof jacket - breathable waterproof materials like goretex are much more comfortable than non-breathable materials which can end up being just as wet inside due to your sweat not escaping!

• Waterproof trousers which hopefully you won't need to use but just in case!!

• At least three layers - thin thermal layer or t-shirt made of wicking material rather than cotton next to the skin, a mid weight fleece and a thicker fleece.

• Extra fleece or sweater to put on during a stop.

• A thin top for when it gets hot walking. If you burn easily wear a t-shirt rather than a vest as the sun is stronger at altitude - (again not cotton - sports tops work well)

• Trousers loose enough not to restrict your movement, and shorts for hot weather. The trousers with zip off legs are a great option for summer walking. Jeans are stiff and restrictive for walking; they also get heavy if wet. If you can get trousers / shorts designed for outdoor use they tend to be good at wicking away sweat, are flexible and are quick drying if they get wet.

• Gloves, hat, neck warmer or ear warmer, especially in spring, autumn and winter but can be needed in wind on higher walks in summer, particularly if camping out.

• Rucksack to carry spare sweater, waterproofs, packed lunch, water bottle, and other bits and pieces.

• Large plastic bag to put inside your rucksack to keep the contents completely dry. No rucksack is waterproof (too many seams!)

• Good sized water flask or a plastic water bottle. A Platypus or similar water system is also very handy.

• Sun screen - even in winter. The sun is very strong here so we recommend a minimum of factor 25 for the body and 50 for the face

• Lip salve with sunscreen - even in winter

• Sun glasses - in winter you should make sure they wrap well round your eyes at the sides to protect you from snow glare from the ground

• Sun hat or cap

• First Aid kit It is definitely worth having a basic first aid kit in your rucksack for any minor accidents or emergencies. It is also worth making sure you know what to do in the case of an emergency. In the Hautes Alpes the number for mountain rescue is 04 92 22 22 22 - this is worth noting in your kit.

Extras for staying in a Refuge

• Towel - you can get light weight towels specially designed for back packing which are good

• Sleeping bag liner or sheet. Blankets or duvets and pillows are provided in the refuges so you just need the extra layer for your own hygiene.

• Head torch

• Basic wash kit - in summer there is running water in the refuges but soap or other toiletries are not provided. Wet wipes are a good option if you don't want to carry soap around with you.

• Emergency food supplies - when you are walking in the mountains you are not likely to pass any shops. It is possible to buy food from the refuges but you should always have a few spare cereal bars and snacks to keep you going - especially in case you get lost!

Extras for winter snowshoeing

• Duvet jacket - not essential but serves as a good lightweight warm jacket for those frosty cold days.

• Fleecey trousers or leggings are good for warmth and comfort under your waterproof trousers. Or you can opt for ski trousers but it's good to have the option of taking off your outer layer when walking up hill and getting hot.

• Make sure your walking boots are sturdy and give ankle support, rather than some of the more trainer like ones that are fine for summer.

Other useful things

• Walking poles - not essential, but good for balance on uneven ground and they reduce wear to your knees.

• Slippers- so nice for feet in the evening and a bit of a bonus in a refuge!

• Camera, spare film or memory card and batteries.

• Binoculars

• Map of the area and compass if you like knowing where you are.

• A small sit mat or bit of old camping mat - not essential but good for a bit of comfort when snacking in the mountains!

• Swim suit maybe.

• Games or cards for evenings

• Torch