
Raidlight, Specialist in trekking for 25 years
The 4 challenges of trekking

How to pack your hydratation pack for a trek: the 4-zone method
On a trek, how you pack your bag can be the difference between comfort and misery. Here’s the pro method.
ZONE 1: BOTTOM – HEAVY CLOSE TO THE BACK
Tent, sleeping bag, spare clothes. The weight should be against your back for better balance.
ZONE 2: MIDDLE – DAILY ESSENTIALS
Food, stove, first aid kit. What you use regularly, easy to reach.
ZONE 3: TOP – LIGHT AND URGENT
Waterproof jacket, down jacket. If the weather changes, you need to pull them out without emptying everything.
ZONE 4: SIDE POCKETS – THE IMMEDIATE
Water, energy bars, map, sunscreen. Everything you need to grab on the go.
THE HIKER'S GEAR SET
Here is the gear worn by walkers of the GR20, the Tour of Mont Blanc, and Compostela. Tested over thousands of kilometres.

Your ultimate guide for trekking & backpacking
25 years of experience packed into a practical guide to prepare your next self-supported trek.
WHAT YOU'LL FIND IN THIS GUIDE:
✅ Complete checklist: gear by type of trek (refuge, bivouac, self-sufficiency)
✅ How to organize your backpack: detailed 4-zone method
✅ Nutrition and hydration: multi-day strategy
✅ GR20, TMB, Compostelle: the 3 treks decoded
✅ Mistakes to avoid: the 5 traps that ruin a trek
The essential hiking gear
View allFAQ
Your questions about trekking gear
Which backpack to choose for a 7-day trek staying in mountain huts?
Which backpack to choose for a 7-day trek staying in mountain huts?
In the refuge, you don’t need a tent or sleeping bag (provided). A 24-32L backpack is enough for clothes, food, and personal items.
The Raid Legend 24-32L (390g) offers stability and comfort without extra weight.
What capacity do you need for a self-sufficient bivouac trek?
What capacity do you need for a self-sufficient bivouac trek?
Bivouac = tent + sleeping bag + mattress + stove. You need at least 40-45L.
The Adventure 40-45L bag (590g) with removable frame offers volume and comfortable carrying for several days.
How to avoid blisters on a multi-day trek?
How to avoid blisters on a multi-day trek?
3 golden rules:
- Well-broken-in shoes (at least 50 km before the start)
- Seamless technical socks (Seamless Raidlight)
- Anti-chafing cream on sensitive areas from the morning
If blister: disinfect, pierce, Compeed, rest.
Is camping allowed on the GR trails?
Is camping allowed on the GR trails?
In France: bivouacking allowed from 7 PM to 7 AM, away from motorized access points and protected areas.
In Italy/Switzerland (TMB): regulated, check locally.
On the GR20: bivouacking allowed only near refuges. Always respect local regulations.
Raidlight advises on gear selection?
Raidlight advises on gear selection?
Yes! Contact us at 04 76 53 35 55 or come see us at the Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse store. We'll test the gear with you based on your trek plan.



