One of the most common questions I have been asked is what I will be taking and will I be camping. Choosing gear to take was very fun (if your into geeky technical specs) but filled with tricky questions. There is a real balance between travelling as lightly as possible (I will be carrying all of this stuff EVERYWHERE I go) and making sure I have some comforts (this is a holiday after all).
The gear:
Tablet - for writing the blog, researching where to go next and for entertainment. Definitely a bit of a luxury but how would a youngster like me cope without a bit of technology.
Kindle - another luxury but I am determined to get back into reading and this is so much lighter than carrying around a load of books. I think this is a key for my mental health as I definitely struggle to read when I am feeling down. Bit of a chicken&egg situation as I don't know which is the cause or the effect.
Powerbank - this one is heavy! However, my phone is an important tool for if I get lost or when I need to find accommodation and keeping it powered for several days seems necessary. Going to monitor this one as, if I don't need it, or if I can get away with a lighter one, then I may switch/ditch it (donate it to a charity shop).
Portable towel
Sleeping bag - a two season one to save on weight. Vango Ultralite Pro 100
Sleeping mat - inflates to almost an inch thick for a super compfortable nights sleep (yes, that was written to convince myself that I will be comfortable camping after a long day's walk). Thermarest Prolite Plus
Waterproof - frighteningly expensive (or maybe I am just very tight) but very important to get one that works really well. Rab - Arc Eco Waterpoof Jacket User review - so far I am loving this coat. Has kept me completely dry in hours of persistent light showers. Also really well thought out as the pockets (which seemed really high when I tried it on) are designed to be accessible when the rucksack straps are done up.
Waterproof bags - to help keep my stuff dry and also help organise the bag a little and make it all a bit more accessible.
First aid kit - thank you mum for sorting. Has all of the essentials, even after I slimmed it down a little to save on weight/space (please do not tell Mum that I threw anything out!)
Toiletries - as lightweight as possible!
Bivouac/Bivvy Bag - To save a huge amount of weight, save time setting up and packing up camp and to allow me to sleep under the stars. I love bivvying. There are three options:
1 - Open, for a wonderful night with the wind on your face and the stars shining above you.
2 - Open but with a bug net (I am told there are black widow spiders in Provence so I will definitely be using this at times).
3 - Closed. Yes, this looks just like a body bag but I assure you you can breathe and it will then (hopefully) keep me dry during those stormy nights..
Sierra Designs - Backcountry Bivy 3000
Shoes - It took me ages to decide what to take! I love Saucony trainers and was sorely tempted by these. I also like proper ankle-high walking boots but thought these would be too much, especially when walking through towns, etc. I finally decided on walking trainers and went with another recommendation from Dad in getting some Merrel trainers. Merrell - Moab 3 GTX Hiking Shoe - Review - Have probably put close to 300 miles on these already and I am really liking them. Great compromises all round: Quite light but also sturdy. Good grip but the soles aren't massive. They are also holding up to water far better than many of the cheaper boots I have worn in recent years. Hoping they last well as I am going to get through quite a few shoes on this trip!