Hiking the GR20 Corsica: Kit list

Written by Lindsay Cannon 10 July 2022

Last modified on 16 July 2024
Kit for the GR20 Corsica Kit for the GR20 Corsica

This is the 'full monty' on our Corsica GR20 Kit list. We put a great deal of thought into our kit lists, but we are asked on many occasions about the finer detail, and on the trip we are often quizzed about what we are wearing, carrying and using. After 20 years as an International Mountain Leader I have my own views on what I need to be comfortable and efficient on a route such as the GR20 - Europe's hardest trek. 

I have taken our standard kit list for the GR20 in Corsica and embellished it with my own tips and tricks! 

Equipment

  • Summer walking boots - these should be waterproof and comfortable. The terrain is very rough and your boots should be in good condition, there is nowhere to buy new kit on the route apart from Corte. We have no objection to you using ‘low cut walking shoes’ if you are used to them

I always hike in walking shoes, not 'trainers', not 'tennis shoes' as our American cousins call them, but proper 'walking shoes' made and designed for that purpose. About 15 years ago my knees developed problems due to wearing boots, and I have hiked in walking shoes ever since. I have strong ankles and it works for me, but not for everyone. If your ankles are encased in tightly drawn boots then they cannot make the lateral movement that an ankle naturally makes, and the knees have to do the movement, hence my own knee problems developing. My current favourites are the Altra Olympus 4. Like most Altra models they have a wide 'toe box' which allows our toes to work as nature intended, rather than being cramped into a tight fitting sock, and boot.

Altra Olympus 4

Altra Olympus 4

If you decide to treat yourself to new footbeds then do try them first at home. New footbeds may be thicker/thinner than what you already have in your boots and lead to blisters. You might have thought they were a treat for your trip, but soon regret buying them when the blisters being.

  • Walking Poles – highly recommended. There are very long and steep descents

Poles, in my view, are indispensable, as they take as much as 30% of the load of your knees on descents, and are a great upper body workout on the ascents. I always use a pole with built in shock absorber, and choose one with a comfortable cork handle such as the Leki Cressida

  • Rucksack – 35-45 litres. Any bigger and it will be too heavy. Check before you arrive that you can fit everything you need for an overnight stay, including your sleeping bag. You may also be asked to carry a small item of group kit. Your rucksack should have a chest and waist strap and you should try using it loaded before your trip.

Take the advice above and test your sack. So many times our guests turn up with a rucksack either too big or too small! I favour the Osprey Talon 33 and find it the prefect hiking sack. I totally refuse to use a rucksack that feels heavy BEFORE I've put anything in it. The Talon has everything I want, a good waist belt, this is crucial as the weight of a rucksack should rest on your hips. A good chest strap that incorporates an emergency whistle. Mesh pockets on the sides for quick access to maps, compass, phone etc. A pocket on the back, again mesh, so it stretches to fit various items, and a slot for my hydration system. You should have a rucksack that fits all your gear plus you can add an item of group equipment, such as a small emergency shelter.

Osprey Talon 33

On the nights you are at the Refuge de Sega, and the Bergeries de Vallone you also need to fit a sleeping bag, pillow, pack towel, wash kit and a few extra items of clothing into your sack. Interestingly, I note that the Talon 33 is now described as a men's rucksack, and the female various is a Tempest. The difference between male and female rucksacks is the length of the back, but if you can adjust it to fit you then it doesn't really matter. 

  • Rucksack liner and cover - either a plastic bag or a roll-top 'Exped' bag. It rarely rains, but when it does it can be torrential! 

I always have a ruck sack liner to be sure that emergency kit such as my down jacket will always be dry, I do not like 'covers' as they often don't fit well, will fill up with rain water at the bottom, and prevent me getting quickly into my kit if I need to access it.

  • Water container – able to carry at least 4 litres of water. We advise a hydration tube system such as Platypus, plus 1 litre Nalgene bottle. It is difficult to drink enough if you have to remove your rucksack to access a bottle. For some days 2 litres will be sufficient, but other days there are no opportunities to fill up

It's fine to take water bottles, but you will not take in as much water as those with hydration systems who are sucking away happily while they walk. Yes, I know the argument that you can run out because you don't know how much you've drank, but I never have and you will get a 'feel' for how much is left. Also water bottles attached to the outside or your sack are subject to the sun's rays, and there are some views, such as this National Geographic article, that suggest the plastic interacts with the water in intense sunlight and is not healthy. There are also various filters on the market which means you can fill up at the many mountain streams en route. One we see used a lot is the Katadyn Be Free - definitely worth investigating for a trip such as the GR20 where you need to carry a lot of water.

  • Plastic box – eg Tupperware box. This is for your lunch as some refuges provide a pasta or lentil salad. Approximately 0.6-0.8 litres will be enough. Label it with your name, both on the lid, and the box, and if you are vegetarian make this obvious on the box

Do not bring something big enough to feed a family of four, it will take up too much room, and your lunch will ricochet off the empty spaces until it resembles a mushy soup! Also bring a waterproof bag/sack to put your lunch in to avoid tuna fish leakage over your new down jacket, etc.

  • Fork/spoon/spork - for eating picnic lunches
  • Mobile phone – there is phone reception for a large part of the trip. It is a good idea to have a phone in case of emergency or if you need to leave the group for any reason

Carry a mobile phone charge pack for the nights in the huts where access to electricity is not possible. These do not have to be bulky or heavy, a slim line fast charging one will do. Many of us use our phones as our cameras and a flat phone is annoying when you planned to take pictures. Many of the refuges/huts are relying on solar power or a generator, and will not necessarily allow you to plug into a socket as it drains their supply.

Clothing

  • Waterproof jacket - this MUST be waterproof. We can encounter heavy rain showers in the mountains and you must be able to stay dry and warm

At all times we carry our waterproof jackets, the mountain are unpredictable. It's hard to imagine when setting out in blistering sunshine that you might experience a torrential downpour later in the day, but it does happen. Try and have a decent waterproof jacket that will stay 'waterproof'. Underarm zips are good for some air.

  • Waterproof over trousers - You should be able to take them on and off without removing your boots. We reserve the right to ask you to miss a day of the trip if you are not properly equipped for the weather

Having a full length zip is the best option. Having to take your boots off during the start of a downpour to be able to pull your trousers on is not a lot of fun. 

  • Trousers - walking trousers which allow free movement. You may find it is too hot for trousers, but they offer protection on the days when we walk through the 'macquis' (thorny scrub)
  • Shorts/skort

I hike in a skort. In my view they are comfortable, cool, and are usually made of fabrics that can be washed and dried again very quickly. Also being a woman of a 'certain age' I like a skirt rather than shorts as I find them more flattering. My favourite right now is the Karpos Lavaredo skirt, though almost all main brands now make a short/skirt for women.

Karpos Lavaredo running/hiking skirt

Boys, if you want to wear one it's up to you! I'm Scottish so it's normal for the lads to wear a kilt (skirt). Otherwise I suggest a light weight pair of shorts that will wash and dry quickly.

  • Sun hat

I really don't like wearing hats as I get too hot, however, in Corsica they are essential. Get a very lightweight one, with a large 'bill', or 'peak' that protects your eyes from the glare. Also get a light colour, such as white, which will be cooler. Who cares if it looks grubby after a few days, the important thing is that it works. 

  • Warm hat
  • Gloves – we recommend 2 pairs (a thin pair and a thicker warmer pair)

We are often asked why do I need gloves in Corsica, where the chances are it will be hot. Gloves are not just to protect against the cold, they are also protection against the rocks. We often use our hands as we scramble over rocks, and a thin pair of gloves can offer protection, especially on steep descents on loose ground where you might find you slip and sit down. If your hands are protected your fall will often have less consequences as you will instinctively put your gloved hands out to catch your fall. No gloves, and often we will have a harder fall with scraped and grazed fingers, and palms. 

  • Base layer e.g. t-shirt, thermal tops – wicking shirts are better than cotton as they dry faster

You really do not need to bring a t-shirt/base layer for every day. I take 3 for 2 weeks of hiking on this route, and just rinse them out at the end of the day. Invest in fast drying functional layers. I hike in a sleeveless Montura t-shirt that has a high neck so I do not burn my chest. 

Montura t-shirt 

  • Fleece jacket/top
  • Socks - technical walking socks (2/3 pairs)

I have converted to Injinji toe-socks. The reason is that having developed bunion issues my physio suggested toe socks. Our feet are not designed to be cramped/squished into a tight fitting sock, and the individual toes really help your toes to spread out and your feet to work as nature intended. I have also found that they reduce the chance of blisters between the toes. Others on the trail have reported the same!

INJINJI Socks 

They can be fiddly to get onto your toes, but once you get used to pulling them onto all of your digits you might like them? I certainly notice a difference if I hike in toe socks compared to tight fitting sports/hiking socks and I am willing to put up with the 'fiddle' to have more comfortable hiking experience.

  • Underwear
  • Duvet jacket / or second warm top

So many ask why do I need a down jacket in Corsica. Same answer as the 'waterproof' jacket question, because it is the mountains and you might need it. I have in fact hiked in Corsica wearing my down jacket in July. Also at the overnight camping spots (2 nights) it can be cold at night, and I have been known to sleep wearing it. 

  • Thermal leggings - optional, and only needed if a cold day
  • Lightweight footwear for hotel use

Dormitory nights in Refuges/Gîte 

  • Sleeping bag - a lightweight sleeping bag, which for some parts of the journey, you will need to carry on consecutive days. It can be chilly at night, but a 3-season sleeping bag with a comfort rating of around 3 to 5° Celsius (37-41°F) will be enough. A lightweight one should be around 1kg (2.2lbs) or less
  • Sleeping bag liner – good for warm nights when a sleeping bag is too hot
  • Pillow - a lightweight/compact pillow or inflatable pillow. In some of the refuges pillows are not supplied

The Forclaz pillow from Decathlon is brilliant, it inflates in only 3 breathes, is cheap, and packs away quickly. It has a reverse value which stops air coming out while you are inflating it. It has changed my camping experience!

Forclaz Pillow

  • Ear plugs - strongly advised
  • Head torch - lightweight
  • Book/Music device – optional
  • Spare clothes to change in to in the evening
  • Wash bag – small lightweight mini-bottles/packets. Most airport departure lounges have a good stock of miniature shampoo, toothpaste, soap etc
  • Travel towel – towels are provided in the hotels, but not the refuges/gîtes
  • Toilet paper - bring a roll of toilet paper as many refuges do not provide it

Comfort

  • Sunscreen

You should not be carrying a huge bottle of sunscreen each day. Buy a large bottle, but keep it in your luggage, and bring a small bottle that can be topped and ideally fits into a pocket on your waist belt so you have easy access.

  • Lip salve

Sore chapped sunburned lips are not a pleasant experience and you should use a high protection factor lip balm. Again keep in your waist pocket on your rucksack for easy access.

  • Sunglasses – essential. The sun can be extremely strong in the mountains

Even if you insist you never wear sunglasses, we are most likely to insist that you have a pair on this trek. The glare, all day long, can be strong, and can really give you a headache. Get a good pair with a high protection factor, rather than the cheapest ones possible which can still give you sore eyes.

  • Small bottle of Antibacterial hand wash
  • Toiletries – soap/shower gel as not all the accommodation will supply these
  • Swimwear – Corsica is famous for natural rock pools, so we will swim in these when we can

No you do not need to carry swimwear! As far as I am concerned you can swim in your underwear, in swimwear, your hiking clothes or stark naked! If it is warm enough to swim, and we stop often to swim, then your clothes will dry quickly. Personally I swim in my underwear, preferring not to carry another item, and it is usually dry before we start hiking again. 

  • Flip-flops/sandals/crocs – for evenings to give your feet a break from your boots. As light as possible so that you can carry them with you for the nights when we do not have access to luggage

You will also want lightweight shoes for the nights we camp and you have no access to your luggage. I always take a pair of Crocs, they are light, stuff easily into my rucksack, and can be washed if they get mucky. 

  • Head scarf/bandana to soak in the rivers to cool of - very useful

Indispensable! Take a bandana or similar to soak in the pools, you can then wipe down your face, neck etc and the relief is immense. Or you can wrap it around your head and this really will cool you down. I also take a 'sarong' and soak it and often put it around my shoulders. 

  • Washing liquid for clothes

I simply take a large bottle of shampoo (cheap stuff) in my luggage, and it gets used for washing my hair, my clothes and my lunchbox. Why take 3 items when 1 will do the job.

Personal First Aid

  • Personal medication
  • Antiseptic cream/spray
  • Pain killers/anti-inflammatory
  • Glucose tablets/Energy gel
  • 2 x Re-hydration sachets – eg 'Dioralyte'

On hot days you may need electrolyte salts or dioralyte. I hardly ever use these, but there are days in Corsica where I feel that water just doesn't do it! Having something that replenishes the salts that are being sweated out of your body is crucial. 

  • Throat lozenges
  • Blister plasters/tape - we advise that you use 'Strappal' tape

Well, we could talk for hours about this one. My own opinion is that as soon as you get a 'hot spot', in other words you feel a nip in a particular part of your foot, you stop immediately and apply Strappal tape.

Strappal tape

This is a zinc oxide tape, but the brand Strappal seems much better equipped to stop problems than other similar types of tape. I find that if I apply the tape immediately, and leave it for days if necessary, that it works wonders. I do not like Compeed and find that it causes more problems than it solves. Compeed sticks to socks and when socks are removed the skin is removed as well, and blisters end up much worse than they should be. That is my personal opinion, and I am sure you all have your own methods.  I can almost guarantee that when my guests see me applying Strappal they rapidly convert, and my own tape is used up on group issues. Next time bring your own! 

  • Selection of normal plasters/Band-Aid
  • Diarrhoea treatment - eg 'Immodium'
  • Antihistamine tablets
  • Insect repellent – there are mosquitoes at lower elevations
  • Insect - 'Afterbite' to reduce itching when bitten

Documentation

  • Passport and a paper copy
  • Mountain Rescue Insurance
  • Credit Card
  • Cash – most refuges do not accept a credit card
  • Waterproof bag for documents 

Optional items

  • Penknife – to cut up lunch, meat/cheese
  • 'Thermarest' – mattresses are provided on the nights we camp so it is not worth buying a 'Thermarest' for the trip. However, if you have a light one and wish to use it then bring it with you
  • Water purifying tablets – water at refuges is sourced from springs. If you wish to purify your water that is a personal choice
  • 'Buff' – good for extra warmth if the weather changes, or sun protection for your neck on a hot day
  • Camera – spare memory cards
  • Multi plug adaptor – for charging various items
  • Travel kettle/tea bags- most hotels do not provide tea and coffee making facilities
  • Padlock - for your luggage being transferred 
  • Power pack - for charging phones/gps etc
  • Teabags - some accommodation provide kettles in the bedrooms 

Luggage - a bag with wheels is definitely the best option. Be aware that not all the accommodation has a 'lift' and you may have to carry your bag up several flights of stairs. On several nights you will have to carry/drag your luggage across a campsite, (not far, maybe a 100 metres) and on one occasion even up a very small hill. Those without wheels always find it harder, than those with wheels. You should also bring a large bin-bag or similar that can cover your luggage if it rains, this is because on several days the luggage is stacked outside your accommodation and if it rains it will be wet when you arrive. 

 A final word - a linen shift dress is a great thing to take on this trip. You will find many shops in Calvi, Corte, and Porto Vecchio which sell them. Linen is fabulous for the hot evenings and a dress is an easier option than having to co-ordinate t-shirts and shorts/trousers etc. It's great to feel clean and refreshed at the end of a day and be able to wear something other than hiking clothes. Many outdoor companies make hiking dresses which fold up very small, are lightweight, dry quickly when washed, and can easily fit into your rucksack for the nights when you have no access to luggage. Boys - well, what can I suggest for you, a linen shirt and lightweight shorts for evening wear? Same principle - fabric that feels cool even in hot climates and takes up very little luggage space! Happy shopping everyone. 

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