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What to take

Valuable advice! Pack light.

What you pack depends partly on whether you choose to camp, which inevitably means taking more gear, as a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and stove will be required. There is plenty of accommodation on the route which means that taking a tent is not a necessity, although in the height of the season, it may be a wise precaution. Those on a tight budget may also consider camping. We carried camping gear, but only used it on two nights during a two-week holiday.

If you are attempting the route in early season, crampons and an ice axe may be needed.

If you are using mountain refuges, a sleeping bag liner is all that is required as blankets are available.

Comfortable footwear is probably the most important piece of gear to take and lightweight walking boots would be the usual choice. A second pair of shoes is not absolutely necessary as slippers are available in refuges, but if you're like me, changing out of boots at the end of a day and having something different for rest days, is a bonus.

Other items:

Quick drying trousers and shirt
T-shirt
Fleece
Lightweight waterproofs
Sunglasses
Torch
Camera & film
Guidebook
Maps & compass
Suncream

Water bottle
First aid kit
Trekking poles
Toiletries
Sunhat
Whistle
Penknife

 

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