ADVICE ON CHOOSING YOUR EQUIPMENT
For the upper body: whatever the region or the season, the principle of 3 breathable layers (T-shirts - warm jumper or jacket - waterproof/windproof over-jacket) can be applied to most situations.
Opt for garments that dry quickly - synthetic fibres - and avoid cotton (too slow drying => uncomfortable). Wool is a natural fibre that also has excellent qualities and, thanks to new manufacturing processes, is making a strong comeback in outdoor clothing.
Remember to cover up before you get cold, but above all to take off your clothes before you get too hot: sweat is the hiker's enemy - especially in winter - because it dampens the clothes, which quickly become icy. Avoid anoraks, which can turn a pleasant hike into a real ordeal!
For the lower body: shorts and trousers made from sturdy canvas and synthetic materials, which are also quick-drying and therefore more comfortable.
Take particular care when choosing socks: choose hiking socks that are reinforced (for strength) and have flat seams (to avoid blisters). In winter, choose warm socks. Cotton should be avoided here too.
LUGGAGE For your stay, bring :
1 travel bag per person (or suitcase on wheels). Do not take too much luggage to avoid problems with bus congestion and logistics.
On touring or semi-itinerant trips, also limit the weight to 10-12 kg, as difficult access to some accommodation could compromise luggage delivery.
Avoid leaving fragile and/or valuable items in the car.
1 rucksack, approx. 35-40 litres, with waist belt and a well-ventilated back for your comfort
THE CLOTHES
1 hat, or cap, or scarf
1 hat, or fleece headband and/or a neckband
1 ski mask for bad weather (optional)
1 pair of warm gloves
1 spare pair of warm mittens to put at the bottom of the bag (optional)
breathable long-sleeved T-shirts (1 every 2-3 days) and 1 or 2 short-sleeved T-shirts
1 warm fleece jacket (or even a water-repellent "softshell" type) or "primaloft" type (warm and compressible)
1 waterproof and breathable "gore-tex" type windproof jacket with hood
1 pair of sturdy, water-repellent trekking trousers + 1 pair of warm tights or long johns ("Carline" type). Or 1 pair of lined mountain trousers (warm). Alpine ski overalls are not recommended.
1 pair of waterproof, breathable Goretex overtrousers (optional)
underwear
synthetic and/or woollen hiking socks (at least 1 pair every 2 days) with buckles
1 pair of waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support and Vibram soles. These must be tested before your stay. Do not wear boots or ski boots when hiking.
1 pair of gaiters (optional)
comfortable clothes and shoes for the evening
TAKE-AWAY EQUIPMENT
1 large plastic bag to slip into your rucksack to protect your belongings from the elements and/or 1 over-bag
1 waterproof folder containing: your assistance contract, identity papers, health insurance card and any other documents mentioned in the formalities section
1 pair of good quality sunglasses (level 3 protection) with good side coverage + sun cream with a good sun protection factor and a lip shield (all in the rucksack)
1 isothermal or aluminium water bottle (minimum 1.5 litres) or a soft water bottle such as Platypus (not recommended in winter) or a filtering water bottle (such as Lifestraw®, Katadyn MyBottle®, Life Saver®...).
1 small 50 cl thermos flask (optional and especially useful in winter if you want to bring tea, coffee...)
1 plastic or aluminium cup with insulated handle
1 folding pocket knife (Opinel type)
for picnics: cutlery and 1 plastic can (minimum 0.5 litre) such as Tuperwear (essential even if it may not be used)
toiletries (including a towel if staying in a gîte d'étape and/or refuge)
Earplugs or Ear plugs (to protect against neighbourhood snoring or other noise pollution)
1 sheet-bag, also known as a "meat bag", if sleeping in a dormitory (gîte and/or refuge)
handkerchiefs
toilet paper
1 lighter
1 headlamp or torch + survival blanket: always carry this in your rucksack, as an unforeseen delay due to an incident can happen even on an easy hike.
spare glasses (if you wear prescription glasses)
camera, binoculars, painting equipment... (optional)