EQUIPMENT for walking
As with any long journey on foot, there are three key elements of equipment, fundamental to the success of your journey: backpack, shoes and socks. None of these should be overlooked, and each deserves a thoughtful choice and appropriate investment.

BACKPACK
We recommend a hiking backpack of 30-40 liters for a woman and 35-45 liters for a man, of an excellent brand, light, with well-padded shoulder straps and ventral belt, possibly a backrest with a net that distances it from the back and avoids excessive sweating . Buy it in a specialized shop with competent staff and keep in mind that backpacks have various sizes depending on the height of the user. So make sure that it is your size or better yet that it is possible to adjust the size of the backrest. Know that there are backpacks for women, which have a different shape of the shoulder straps, and a smaller back size. Two pockets on the top closure and two external side pockets are essential, as are the waterproof backpack cover and the pocket with hole for the water bag. The ideal backpack weight without water is 10% of body weight, so a 60kg woman should be able to travel with a 6kg backpack, including the weight of the backpack itself. This will force you to practice frugality, which is also very useful in everyday life.
We recommend using technical material and synthetic fibres; To help you stay within the weight limits we suggest you follow the list on the following page. The contents of the backpack must be placed in sturdy plastic bags, or better yet lightweight waterproof bags, to protect it from the rain. The backpack should be worn so that the weight rests mainly on the hips, tightening the ventral belt well; the shoulder straps must be adjusted after tightening the belt so as not to weigh down the shoulders too much and it is important to close and adjust the strap that joins the shoulder straps well.

The recommended backpack list
– backpack cover
– ultralight backpack for the evening
– trekking shoes or boots
– trekking sandals
– 2 light batteries
– sun hat (if you travel during the winter, or if you travel the Septimer Pass also in summer, also bring a wool or fleece hat and gloves)
– waterproof windbreaker
– long trekking trousers (better divisible)
– short trekking trousers
– short pajama shorts
– 3 pairs of synthetic fabric underwear
– for ladies: 2 bras
– 2 breathable technical t-shirts, in polyester or light merino wool (for the Septimer pass at least one thermal underwear shirt)
– 1 cotton t-shirt
– 3 pairs of anti-blister trekking socks
– technical towel
– headlamp
– 1 liter water bottle or 2 liter backpack water bag
– sunglasses
– sunscreen
– medicines
– personal hygiene bag with Marseille soap
– shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste
– paper handkerchiefs
– plastic bags (for waste, dirty clothes and to protect clothes in case of rain)
– large safety pins for hanging clothes on the backpack
– needle and thread
– phone and charger

Optional:
– telescopic poles (highly recommended along mountainous stretches)
– multipurpose knife
– external battery for smartphones

SHOES
The shoes must be well worn in (avoid setting off in new shoes!) and at least one size larger than your usual size.
For the mountainous sections we recommend high boots with Goretex: the paths are sometimes bumpy and the slopes are high, due to the risk of sprains or joint problems with low shoes is greater.
Along the other routes we recommend low-top trail running (mountain running) or trekking shoes. If you travel in the height of summer we do not recommend Goretex, which greatly increases foot sweating.
We recommend that you do not bring flip-flops with you but trekking sandals, to be worn during moments of rest but also along the way, in case of sore feet. Sandals are also useful during stops: a few minutes without shoes are enough to let the skin of the foot breathe and significantly reduce the risk of blisters forming.

SOCKS
Socks are a fundamental element for the prevention of blisters: they must be trekking socks, of excellent quality, with padded toes and heels.

OTHER ACCESSORIES
The sleeping bag and towel are only necessary if you choose to sleep in hostels and “pilgrim” structures; if instead you opt for hotels or B&Bs you can lighten your backpack.
If you plan to use the app we recommend that you bring with you a “power bank” of at least 5,000 mAh for your phone.
Telescopic poles can be very useful: they take the weight off the feet and legs, help in overcoming fords and walking on steep paths.

EQUIPMENT for bike route
The marked route, which insists mainly on dirt roads and minor asphalt roads, with a road surface that is not always optimal, recommends the use of a hybrid bike or a mountain bike, equipped with a lighting system and reflectors, prescribed by the highway code. Two tail bags and a handlebar top case are sufficient for luggage, as neither tent, cooking equipment or sleeping bag are necessary. Padded shorts, technical t-shirts, bike windbreaker, with reflective bands, a change of clothes for the evening are essential. Do not forget the set for replacing and repairing the inner tube in case of puncture.