Are essential

Adapt your bag to the hike you are planning, the weather and the group. If in doubt, ask a mountain leader for advice and guidance.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of what you might find in a hiking rucksack:

• • sturdy shoes with profilée soles
  • headgear, sun cream, sunglasses
  • a change of clothes
  • protection against the wind, cold and rain
  • pocket knife
  • lighter or matches
  • damp towels, handkerchiefs
  • travel first-aid kit, rescue blanket (aluminium), fixation bandage
  • hiking poles
  • Sufficient food and drink
  • camera, binoculars
  • if you are sleeping in a refuge: sleeping bag (or silk bag), torch, hearing protection