Light weight trekiing
I am keen to carry as little as possible on the GR20. I wondered how necessary it is to carry a tent (and all the associated gear). From reading other people's accounts it seems that the refuge guardians are happy to squash extra people in if necessary. Are duvets/blankets provided in the refuges or should we take sleeping bags?
Many thanks,
Jane
Posted: Sat, Mar 15, 2008, 1:16
While there's no need to pack a tent, in my experience it is worthwhile. If you forego the tent, you'll want to bring a lightweight sleeping bag as many of the refuges only have blankets (if that), and be aware that the refuges can be noisy and crowded. Depending on when you go, you might consider a bivy sac, which is very lightweight (<1 kg). There are also many good lightweight tents (1 to 1.5 kg) on the market these days. Also, you can still get meals at the refuges if you stay in a tent, so you won't have to carry that.
As for getting a spot at the refuges, if you leave early enough in the morning at each stage you will get a good bed. If the guardians have to squash you in, you could end up sleeping on the hard floor, so you should consider carrying a sleeping pad.
Posted: Sun, Mar 16, 2008, 23:50
Meals on the GR20
I'm making the north part of de gr20 on mid-august and I also want to make it as light as possible (except the tent because we don't like to sleep in crowded refuge).
You say that it is possible to have meals in the refuges. Do we have to reserve in advance for the meals ? Is it possible to have breakfast too ? Is it possible to have a lunch box like on the TMB ("tour du Mont Blanc" in the alps) for noon ? How much cost the meals ?
Is it really possible to make the trail without bringing any food ?
Also, when we sleep in our tent, do we have access to the showers ?
From Montreal, Qc thank you in advance for your good advice.
Posted: Wed, Mar 19, 2008, 17:06
Mid August is very busy on the GR20. You will be able to get both dinner and breakfast at each stage if you don't arrive late in the afternoon. As soon as you get to each refuge, you should see the guardians about dinner and breakfast (they don't have unlimited supplies). One of you can do this, and one can find a good tent spot, which are also limited in supply. Prices vary, but 10-15€ should get you a tent site and two meals. Maybe since you are a native French speaker you can get better prices ;-)
In Haut Asco there is plenty of space for tents and plenty of food (in the gite or the hotel). There is also a small provision store. At Col di Vergio tent space is limited, and even in June the gite can fill up. Food is not a problem and they sell provisions, although both are pricey.
You will need to carry your lunch and any snacks, but these can be replenished at Haut Asco and Col di Vergio. There is no reliable lunch box service that I am aware of.
There is access to showers at most stages, although those at the refuges are cold.
If you plan on staying in a hotel in Haut Asco, Col di Vergio, or Vizzavona you should make reservations in advance, just to be sure.
Have a great time!
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Posted: Fri, Mar 14, 2008, 17:37