Tour of the Luberon

A few ideas to help you prepare well for this long multi-stage hike.

Clothing
3 short-sleeved T-shirts made from breathable, quick-drying microfibre
4 pairs of quick-drying mid-length socks, made from a blend of wool and elastane to compress the foot and thus prevent direct friction with the shoe.
3 Thin briefs, preferably made of wool, which offers superior comfort in damp weather; moreover, it dries faster and absorbs less moisture than cotton. Boxer shorts, which are often too warm, can cause chafing.
1 Pair of trousers, loose-fitting at the thighs and knees to allow freedom of movement, made from breathable, non-waterproof, quick-drying microfibre, featuring numerous belt loops and large side pockets. Wide fabric waistband.
1 Pair of shorts, loose-fitting at the thighs, made from breathable microfibre, not waterproof, quick-drying. Drawstring waist, large pockets.
1 Fleece jacket, long and loose-fitting, not too warm.
1 Windbreaker, hip-length, and one size larger, unlined, waterproof and breathable with a hood.
1 Sun hat or cap.
1 Pair of mid-cut shoes, one size larger, comfortable in width but without excess room, lightweight, breathable and waterproof, with a thick and fairly stiff rubber sole (e.g. Vibram) offering good grip, deep lugs, a raised edge running along the side of the sole and covering the toe, a gusseted tongue that won’t twist, and hooks instead of loops to make it easier to adjust the tightness. Prevent blisters by lacing the foot so that it forms a single unit with the boot, but not too tightly so as not to restrict blood circulation; then, at the instep, tie the lace and continue with a looser lacing. With polyester laces, secure the lacing by tying a circular knot. Keep your toenails trimmed short enough so they don’t catch on the back of the shoe. Prevent blisters by keeping your feet dry; change damp socks.
1 pair of sandals or flip-flops for the evening.

Sleeping / Carrying
1 Lightweight sleeping bag with a comfort rating of 10°C, long enough that, if necessary, you can dry your shoes inside a plastic bag at the bottom.
1 Lightweight tent, approx. 1.5 kg, with a flysheet to minimise condensation, and a groundsheet with a good raised edge. Inside, sufficient headroom to sit with your back and head upright. A tent offers greater freedom and peace of mind when planning your stages, as the schedule is rarely adhered to—whether due to bad weather, physical difficulties, or, conversely, a surge in fitness that allows you to extend the route. Last-minute bookings are possible but never guaranteed, especially for groups. Avoid pitching your tent in a hollow, on a slope or on stony ground; ideally, choose a flat, grassy knoll. Remember to remove any stones and tread down the grass before pitching your tent.
1 Pair of walking poles.
1 Lightweight rucksack of around 70 litres with side pockets, one on the flap and a pocket on the waist belt. Keep the weight, including water and food, to 1/5 of your own body weight. (15 kg for a 75 kg person).
1 Rain cover for your rucksack or one integrated into the rucksack.
Hiking maps, topo maps, and a map holder worn over the shoulder.

Accessories
1 Altimeter watch and compass. Remember to frequently calibrate the altimeter against a signpost or elevation marker. To follow a route without difficulty, memorise the upcoming landmarks: junctions, roads, descents, ascents, hairpin bends, buildings, watercourses, ravines, scree slopes, woods, meadows, clearings, high-voltage power lines, antennas, streams, etc., then check them as you go to keep track of your position at all times. If in doubt, check that the direction of the path and the elevation of the location match those of the supposed location on the map; if not, turn back to a reliable landmark. If you get lost but have a clear view, choose a landmark in the distance that is identifiable on the map and head towards it by estimation; in the forest or in fog, follow a path descending towards the valley floor. Off the path, remain alert to slopes that gradually steepen, often a sign of a precipice ahead.
1 Smartphone or mobile phone, small camera with charger.
1 Pair of sunglasses, prescription glasses and a spare pair.
1 Pair of shoelaces.
1 Multi-purpose knife, scissors, tweezers, can opener, nail file, awl.
1 Head torch.
1 Lighter.

First aid
1 Thin, microporous paper plaster. In the event of chafing, apply a plaster immediately before a blister forms.
1 A few aspirin tablets.
1 A few tablets for stomach ache.
1 Velpeau bandage for sprains.
1 Small bottle of antiseptic and plasters.
1 Sunscreen.
1 Emergency blanket.
1 Whistle.

Toiletries
1 Roll of toilet paper in a plastic bag.
1 Lightweight towel.
1 Small bar of Marseille soap.
1 Small bottle of shampoo.
1 Washcloth for washing outdoors.
1 Toothpaste and toothbrush.
6 clothes pegs, string and a clothes line clip for drying your clothes on your rucksack.

Possible food and drink
1 2-litre water bag.
1 Baguette.
1 Cold cuts.
1 tin of sardines.
1 block of hard cheese or a tin of cheese triangles.
1 piece of fruit.
1 bar of chocolate.
1 packet of cereal bars.

Documents
1 bank card, cheque book, cash.
1 ID card.
1 National Health Card and private health insurance card, blood type.
1 Pencil and notebook.

Not included as these are optional: foam trekking mattress, camping stove, saucepan.

Packing order, from bottom to top.
Each set in a drawstring bin bag. -Tent - Sleeping bag - Windbreaker, trousers, shorts.
Each set in a plastic bag. -Underwear: T-shirt, socks, briefs - Food (excluding bread)
In the side pockets. -Water bottle, unless in central inner pocket - Toiletries in plastic bag - Baguette.
Flap pockets: Each set in a plastic bag: -Emergency kit - Documents - Accessories: glasses, laces, knife, head torch, lighter, charger, compass.
Belt pouch: - Smartphone or mobile phone, a cereal bar.
Crossbody: Card holder, camera.