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Without a tent in mid September?

kazan

Posted: Wed, Jun 25, 2008, 18:46

Hi all
I'll be hiking (with 2 friends) GR20 in the second half of September. Is it necessary to bring a tent or will there be beds available at the refuges? How busy is there that time of the year?
Thanks for any help



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KiwiJudy

Posted: Fri, Jun 27, 2008, 9:00

I asked Paddy Dillon, author of the excellent guidebook to the route, that question. He said he would always, always recommend taking a tent because some of the refuges are tiny and all you need is one big group ahead of you, or for you to arrive late, and you're bed-less. So my husband and I, having planned to go ultra-lightweight, are now packing a tiny tent... Paddy also mentioned that many of the pitches are rock, or at least rock hard, so cheap alu pegs will get mashed. We're taking something that can be freestanding if necessary.



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Max

Posted: Fri, Jun 27, 2008, 20:33

Hi Judy.

When you say ultra lightweight, what you mean exactly? I am considering ways to get my pack weight down and think it will be circa 13kgs with food and water. That includes sharing a tent and stove. Not sure if this is good, or would still be considered on the heavy side by the hardcore?

cheers

Max



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kazan

Posted: Sat, Jun 28, 2008, 20:15

Thanx for your advice guys. I'm interested what ultra lightweight means? Any specific model, price?
Cheers



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markv

Posted: Sun, Jun 29, 2008, 11:11

Ultralight means not only buying the lightest gear possible, but also carrying just what is essential (a subjective measure). This means leaving behind your mp3 player and that copy of War & Peace you've been meaning to read. For the hardcore, it can mean removing the cardboard tube from your bung roll, or sawing your toothbrush in half. The idea is: every gram matters.

Of course it all depends on location, weather, and personal needs. It's also an ongoing process. When you get back from a trip you should look at everything you brought and notice what you never used. Leave that behind on your next trip and see if you miss it.

Gear is sold as "ultralight", and is usually the most expensive option. Think of it as a choice between paying your local outfitter now, or paying your knee doctor later.

I try to keep my basic pack under 8 kg, adding to that 4 kg of food and water. Max, I think we'd both be considered "heavy" by the hardcore. But we probably smell better and are better fed ;-)



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