Kayaking, hiking and bivouacking in the Alps

Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).

In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.

It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.

ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.

• Kayaking equipment: kayak, paddle
  
• Camping equipment: 3-person tent for 2 people
  
• Additional winter gear: drysuits and a cold-weather sleeping bag

• 1 comfort sleeping bag 0°C
  
• 1 inflatable mattress
  
• 1 silk sleeping bag liner (mandatory)
  
• 1 inflatable pillow (optional)
  
• 1 1L water bottle
  
• 1 soft-frame backpack for kayaking trips. This will be much easier to fit in the kayak's dry compartments if it folds easily.
  

• The base layer : a t-shirt and tights, along with technical underwear, must allow perspiration to escape from the body and keep you dry. Synthetic fibers and wool provide the best results.
  
• The middle layer : tights and fleece jacket.
  
• The outer layer : a waterproof jacket and pants. Their function is to protect against rain, snow, and wind. They should be loose-fitting to allow for layering underneath. They must be both breathable and windproof, ideally with technical opening options for better ventilation.
  

• 1 jacket and 1 pair of Gore-Tex or equivalent trousers to protect against rain and wind.
  
• One pair of hiking pants, more or less warm depending on how sensitive you are to the cold. Avoid ski pants, they're not ideal for hiking. If your pants are also waterproof, you won't need Gore-Tex.
  
• 1 warm hat - synthetic or natural fiber
  
• 1 Buff-type neck warmer or thicker.
  
• 1 thick fleece jacket - synthetic or natural fiber
  
• 1 lightweight fleece
  
• 1 lightweight and compressible down jacket, for cooler evenings.
  
• 1 to 2 thin, long-sleeved T-shirts made of synthetic or natural fibers
  
• 1 pair of thick long underwear (for nighttime) - synthetic or natural fiber
  
• 1 to 2 pairs of thin hiking socks - synthetic or natural fiber
  
• 1 to 2 pairs of thick hiking socks - synthetic or natural fiber
  
• 1 pair of high-top, waterproof mountain boots (all leather or Gore-Tex or both; the terrain is rocky and sometimes wet, so good hiking boots are important)
  
• 1 pair of lightweight shoes/sneakers (for camp, optional)
  
• Personal underwear
  
• 1 pair of gloves or mittens - synthetic or natural fiber
  
• Neoprene gloves for kayaking
  
• 1 cap (with a large visor)
  
• 1 pair of sunglasses (glacier type)
  
• 1 small toiletry bag with the bare minimum and, if possible, biodegradable products.
  
• Wipes, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush
  
• Sunscreen
  
• Eco-friendly toilet paper if possible