The tour of the Upper Ubaye

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Your survival gear for the day:

• 1 x 30/35 litre backpack with a flexible frame and a waist belt
• 1 pair of hiking boots that provide good ankle support and are waterproof, with Vibram-type soles. Remember to "test" new boots and those that haven't been used for a long time beforehand (low-cut boots are not recommended for level 3 hikes and above).
• 2 telescopic poles,
• 1 pair of category 3 sunglasses,
• 1 water bottle (allow at least 1.5L/person) or hydration bladder such as a CamelBak with a drinking tube,
• 1 cup, 1 folding knife/fork for picnics,
• race food of your choice (we also provide additional supplies),
• 1 small pouch (preferably waterproof) to put your money, identity card, bank card, health insurance card, assistance contract (the rest of your papers and car key can be left at the hotel during your stay),
• 1 survival blanket,
• toilet paper with a small lighter to burn it,
• Sunscreen without nanomaterials, SPF 4, and lip balm.
• a penknife,
• a whistle.

Race food / Snacks
You must provide your own food for the hike. The nutritional value of the various snacks consumed during the hike should not be overlooked. These snacks can consist of dried fruits (figs, dates, dried apricots, or prunes), cereal bars (feel free to browse the internet for inspiration and homemade recipes – it can be a fun activity during your preparation!), marzipan, quince paste, etc.

To feel at home in the evening, don't forget:

• Your essential beauty kit to pamper yourself (try to be minimalist and favor small containers, include a bar of soap + a solid shampoo, a microfiber towel and a washcloth),
• Your sleeping bag liner to snuggle up in under the covers,
• A pair of lightweight shoes, such as Crocs or slippers, for walking comfortably indoors.
• Your spare clothes to adorn yourself with your best features,
• A headlamp or flashlight to devour your favorite book late into the night,
• A sleep mask and earplugs to ensure a good night's sleep.

Attention, here comes the trickiest part. Let's tackle preparing your wardrobe! In the mountains, the most important thing is to be comfortable in your clothes and free to move so you can scamper like a hare across the meadows or scramble like a chamois up steep trails. We recommend following the three-layer system, also known as the onion technique (but without the smell):

• a short-sleeved t-shirt made of breathable material such as merino wool or thermal clothing,
• a warm jacket made of fleece, Polartec, or stretch polyester
• a windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket (gore-tex type).

This principle can be adapted to your preferences and, of course, the weather! In sunny weather, if you're maintaining a steady effort, you can wear just a t-shirt. If a breeze picks up when you reach a summit or ridge, it can be useful to have a warm, long-sleeved t-shirt, such as one made of merino wool, that you can quickly put on. Similarly, avoid wearing wet clothes after sweating. A spare t-shirt or your long-sleeved t-shirt can be very useful to prevent catching a chill! You can, for example, take advantage of your lunch break to dry your damp t-shirt in the sun.

For your lower body, you can choose shorts or loose-fitting trousers (avoid styles that constrict your stomach!) and lightweight ones. In case of rain, you can wear breathable and water-repellent over-trousers, such as your Gore-Tex windproof jacket.
As an experienced hiker, you're probably aware that cotton is a no-go. It's much better to opt for quick-drying materials like wool (merino), silk, or synthetic fibers. Be sure to choose soft, breathable fabrics for hiking. Rain jackets and other waterproofs are out of the question, unless you want to create a sauna effect underneath your clothes!

The wardrobe typically needed for hiking:

• 1 sun hat or cap,
• 1 multifunctional hat or neck warmer (BUFF© type) and 1 pair of lightweight gloves to protect against the wind,
• 2 short-sleeved t-shirts suitable for physical activity (synthetic or natural microfiber type),
• 1 insulating garment type: fleece or down jacket,
• 1 windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket with a hood if possible (Gore-Tex type or equivalent),
• 1 rain poncho or a protective cover for the backpack in bad weather (often integrated into the bags),
• 1 pair of loose-fitting trekking trousers,
• 1 pair of shorts or bermudas suitable for walking,
• 1 pair of waterproof and breathable overtrousers (gore-tex type or equivalent)
• 2 to 3 pairs of hiking socks.