Hiking around the Italian lakes: Maggiore, Como and Orta

1. During your stay, you must have your valid identity card or passport, your health insurance card, your personal insurance policy number and phone number (if you are not covered by our insurance), and for stays in Europe, your European Health Insurance Card. This card is very useful if you have any issues paying upfront for medical care in European countries; you must apply for it at least 15 days in advance at your social security office.

1. It is possible to travel to this European Union country without a passport, using only a national identity card. If your identity card was issued between January 2, 2004, and December 31, 2013, and you were an adult at the time of issuance, its validity has been automatically extended by 5 years (formalized agreement between France and your destination country).

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.

LUGGAGE

1. One travel bag per person (or a rolling suitcase; recommended for trips with public transport included for transfers). Oversized luggage should be avoided as it would cause problems with bus capacity or logistical organization.
2. One 35-40 liter backpack with a flexible frame, hip belt, and well-ventilated back panel for your comfort (to carry your personal belongings for the day: camera, packed lunch, water bottle, snacks, windbreaker, sweater, rain gear, etc.). This bag is usually placed in the cabin for any air travel (10kg maximum per person, typically).
3. On multi-day or semi-multi-day trips, you are asked to limit the weight of your luggage to a reasonable extent, as difficult access to some accommodations could compromise luggage delivery. We also advise you to avoid leaving fragile and/or valuable items behind.

FOR PICNICKS – MIXED SALADS

1. Cutlery (reusable, not disposable)
2. 1 airtight plastic container with a minimum capacity of 0.5 liters. It can be used as a plate and for storage, without getting your bag dirty.
3. 1 plastic or aluminum cup with an insulated handle to prevent burns from hot drinks
4. 1 folding pocket knife (optional)
5. One insulated or aluminum water bottle of at least 1.5 liters, or a flexible water bottle (not recommended in winter). Especially useful in winter, also bring (optional) an insulated bottle to carry tea, coffee, etc. during the hike.

OTHERS

1. 1 large plastic bag to slip into your backpack to protect your belongings from the elements and/or 1 rain cover
2. 1 waterproof pouch containing: your assistance contract, your identity documents, health insurance card and any other document mentioned in the formalities section
3. 1 sturdy and lightweight umbrella (optional but very useful in case of rain, or even heatwave)
4. 1 pair of telescopic walking poles (depending on your habits or the technical level of the hikes, refer to the "Technical Level" section of the trip's technical sheet)
5. 1 pair of good quality sunglasses (protection level 3 or 4) that provide good side coverage
6. Sunscreen with a good protection factor (30 minimum)
7. Toiletries kit (toothbrush, deodorant, etc.)
8. Earplugs made of wax or foam (against neighbors' snoring or other noise pollution)
9. Tissues
10. 1 headlamp or flashlight + survival blanket: these should always be in your backpack, as an unexpected delay due to an incident can occur even during an easy hike
11. Spare glasses (if you wear prescription glasses)
12. Camera
13. Binoculars (optional)
14. Mosquito repellent is really necessary in the summer.

For the upper body, the 3-layer principle allows you to manage almost all situations:

1. a light and breathable layer
2. a warm layer
3. a waterproof and breathable layer.

When hiking in calm, sunny weather, a base layer may be sufficient. In rainy or windy conditions, simply add this waterproof jacket. In very cold weather or during breaks, a fleece jacket is an essential addition.

Choose clothes that dry quickly, so avoid cotton. Opt for synthetic fibers that will keep you dry and warm for as long as possible.

Remember to dress warmly before you get cold, but especially to remove layers before you get too hot. Sweat is a hiker's enemy, as it dampens clothing that quickly becomes icy during breaks. Therefore, it's very rare to undertake a climb wearing a fleece jacket.

The complete and ideal list: (although this should be adapted depending on the hike, the season, and your habits)

1. 1 sun hat or cap, or scarf
2. 1 fleece hat or headband and/or a neck warmer
3. 1 pair of lightweight gloves
4. Short-sleeved T-shirts in breathable material preferred (1 for every 2 days of walking).
5. 1 long-sleeved base layer in breathable material or a shirt (sometimes the peaks are windy and a light layer is welcome during the lunch break),
6. 1 warm fleece-type jacket (or even water-repellent) or a warm and compressible type)
7. 1 waterproof and breathable windproof jacket with hood
8. 1 rain poncho (optional) and/or sleeping bag cover
9. 1 pair of sturdy, loose-fitting, comfortable, water-repellent hiking trousers
10. 1 pair of waterproof and breathable overtrousers
11. 1 pair of shorts or capris, comfortable and durable
12. Hiking socks (1 pair for 2 days of hiking). Opt for wool or specific hiking socks like terry cloth, which will prevent your feet from overheating prematurely.
13. One pair of hiking boots that provide good ankle support and are waterproof, with a sole that grips well on uneven terrain and is abrasion-resistant. Consider testing new boots and those that haven't been used for a long time beforehand, or if you're used to hiking, a pair of low-cut trail shoes is ideal, especially for summer trips.
14. 1 swimsuit and 1 quick-drying towel (optional in case of swimming)
15. 1 pair of comfortable trousers for the evening
16. 1 pair of lightweight casual shoes for the evening, like sneakers, which can also be used for sightseeing or walks in town.