Crossing the Pyrenees GR10: the right trekking equipment
The beauty of the Pyrenees is breathtaking. These landscapes, between sea and mountain, make you want to embark on crossing the famous GR10 track! However, this trek cannot be improvised. You must rely on good physical preparation, but also have the appropriate equipment. Your equipment should be light, not to hinder your walk, and practical. Adapted backpack, warm clothes, comfortable sleeping bag: it is necessary to think of everything before engaging on this amazing journey…
The crossing of the Pyrenees by the GR10
Crossing the Pyrenees from West to East on a distance of 1,100km, the GR10 is a medium altitude mountain route. With about 6 to 8 hours of daily walking, you should need between 65 and 70 days to go through it in its entirety.
Breathtaking landscapes
The GR10 crosses the Pyrenees National Park, renowned for the beauty of its nature. The landscape is typical of the medium/high altitude mountains with its forests, green valleys, waterfalls, lakes of altitude ... The fauna is abundant. You can see some curious species, such as vulture Gypaete Barbus, or the Capercaillie, a bird that lives in the forests. During your journey, you will climb several passes offering exceptional views. The peak of Canigou, for example, presents a unique panorama. You can see France, Spain, the Canigou massif and the Mediterranean at the four cardinal points. Your hike will also take you to the beautiful beaches of Hendaye, to the west, and Banyuls-sur-Mer, to the east. Xabi Barreneche, former professional skier, gives you a glimpse of the beauty of the Pyrenees throughout his own photos and videos.
Practical tips for your trek
Hiking from medium to difficult level, the GR10 requires a very good knowledge of the mountain and excellent physical preparation. Preferably leave between June and October to enjoy the best walking conditions. Some paths, depending on their snow, may be difficult to access until mid-July. On the GR10, you can spend the night in a cottage or refuge, or opt for camping. Note that the bivouac is regulated in the Pyrenees National Park. The tent must be installed only between 19h and 9h, far from motorized access. In the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, only 2 campsites are allowed, near the Aubert and Orédon lakes.
Trekking equipment
The trek of the GR10 requires suitable equipment. In particular, you must bring equipment to protect you from the cold.
A sleeping bag
If you camp, choose your sleeping bag carefully. In order to be easily transportable, it must be light (1kg maximum) and compact. It is also important that it stays warm on very cold mountain nights. Its optimum comfort zone, like the one of the LADAKH 900 sleeping bag, must be between 0 ° C and -5 ° C. For your comfort, opt for a natural filling, such as duck down Pyrenex sleeping bags.
A lightweight and comfortable backpack
For the trek, your backpack must weigh a maximum of 2kg empty. Opt for a capacity of 50 to 70 liters to store your tent. To keep your things dry, think about the on-bag protectioon. Moreover, to isolate leaks, you can compartmentalize the inside of your backpack with plastic bags.
Warm clothes
For your tops, plan 3 layers of clothes:
- A long-sleeved T-shirt. The garment must let air through, so avoid cotton materials
- A down jacjet and/or a fleece ;
Wear light hiking pants. Do not forget a hat and a pair of gloves. Finally, plan new socks made of cotton.
Other essential equipment
Before leaving, also think about taking:
- a complete first aid kit
- good walking shoes;
- A pair of sandals to rest in the evening
- walking sticks;
- a small compass;
- a pair of sunglasses
- the necessary food including, of course, a bottle of water of 1L ...
You’re now all set for your next trek in the Pyrenees? If this article was useful to you, do not hesitate to share it on social media!
