GR20 | EQUIPMENT
Here is the list of gear we would pack for hiking the GR20. We’ll keep updating it on a yearly basis, based on our growing knowledge and experiences on different trails.
❗ Recommendation:
We strongly advise to carefully plan your equipment list for hiking this trail. Keep in mind… a too heavy and bulky backpack would drastically increase your effort during the steep climbs and descents, and could hinder your balance along the technical sections.
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GR20 Gear List
This gear list was created using Lighterpack.
The last category block, called “Trail-Specific Gear”, lists all additional items that are trail dependent. Out of these items, the ones we would recommend for hiking the GR20 are discussed further down below, in the Trail-Specific Gear section.
⛺ Camping Gear:
If you choose to rent the fixed tents and mattresses at the refuges along the trail, you can simply ignore the gear listed under “Shelter” and the sleeping pads listed under “Sleeping” (you’ll however need your own sleeping bag).
💥 Hike Your Own Hike:
Use this gear list for inspiration, but don’t take it as the one and only way to go! “Gear” is a very subjective topic, as every hiker is different and therefore has different needs while on trail. We too are still inside an endless learning phase… so find what suits you best and HYOH!
Trail-Specific Gear
☂️ These are the items from the category “Trail-Specific Gear” that we would carry on the GR20.
Boots: we advise to wear mountain boots (instead of trail runners) for a good friction on the rocks and a better ankle support on the technical alpine terrain. However, we also saw many people wearing trail runners. The choice of shoes therefore depends on what you are comfortable with when hiking in the mountains.
Rain pants: since the GR20 is a rather short long-distance hike, we would recommend to check the weather before getting there, and to pack rain pants only if multiple days of rain are forecasted.
Additional Notes
Shelter: although it is possible to rent the fixed tents available at the refuges, we preferred to have the comfort of our own tent and the freedom of deciding where to place it on the pitching area. The tent we brought is very light but non free-standing, and we sometimes encountered issues while pitching it on the rocky terrain of the GR20. A free-standing tent would therefore be easier to pitch, but heavier to carry… oh well, it’s always about compromising!
Cooking system: the fuel and the stove were not really necessary, since there is an equipped shared kitchen at all the refuges along the trail, but we wanted to be independent and avoid queueing for simply cooking dinner.
Electronics: most of the refuges provide a shared plug for charging electronics. However, since there is not always the possibility to charge your devices, we recommend to bring a power bank as a battery backup.
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