SUMMER MULTI ACTIVITY HOLIDAY KIT LIST
All technical and specialist equipment for acivities is included unless otherwise specified - this is a guide for your personal clothing and other useful items to help you pack for your summer activity holiday. Some items are activity specific
The time of year you are coming on holiday will also determine what you need. In the height of summer it can get very hot (early 30s) and can also, if the mistral wind arrives, cool down quite significantly (15 - 20 degrees). May, June and September, October can see much lower temperatures and even snow, though this is rare, as well as hot sunny days so you need to be prepared for everything!
It is also worth bearing in mind that if you are going up high in the mountains the temperature drops 1 degree every 100 metres.
Choose ethically and reduce your carbon footprint! If you plan on shopping to complete your kit list we are very pleased to be able to offer all our clients booking a holiday with Undiscovered Mountains a 10% discount with our partners Nature Shop UK who specialise in ethical outdoor kit! Ask for your discount code when you book.
- Walking Boots or walking trainers – If you are walking in the mountains, walking boots or walking trainers are pretty much an essential. They are also recommended for paragliding as they give you extra ankle support for landing. If you are doing an alpine summit with glacier, you will need crampon compatible boots. These are available to hire in the valley if you don’t have them.
- Trainers that can get wet – If you are doing any water sports such as river kayaking or white water descent or canyoning you will need closed toe trainers that you don't mind getting wet and that still have some grip on the soles. Sandals or neoprene boat shoes are no good as they don’t give enough protection from rocks. An old pair of running or other sport trainers are perfect.
- Waterproof jacket - Hopefully you won't need it but best to have it just in case and definitely for any high mountain walking.
- Shorts and t-shirts, ¾ length trousers and full length trousers. For climbing activities ¾ length trousers are good as they don't get hitched up by your harness. It is good to have t-shirts or vests that wick away sweat rather than cotton ones for doing activities. For horse riding, full length trousers are recommended.
- Warm layers. It can be cool at night or if you are going high in the mountains so a couple of fleeces or jumpers are worth having and some long trousers. For early morning alpine starts, thermals are recommended. For caving you will also need thermals and fleecy underclothes to put under your caving suit.
- Warm hat, scarf and gloves. If you are planning on walking up high in the mountains, paragliding or doing an alpine summit, you will need a warm hat and gloves – fleecy style ones are fine.
- Swim suit / trunks. Please note that for swimming pools in France, boxer short style swimmers are not allowed – they have to be trunks (the fitted ones)
- Rucksack to carry spare sweater, waterproofs, packed lunch, water bottle, and other bits and pieces to activities.
- Good sized water flask or a plastic water bottle. A platypus or similar water system is also very handy for all activities
- Fingerless Bike gloves are great for high ropes adventure, horse riding and via ferrata to protect your hands
- Sun screen – if you usually use factor 15 in the UK bring factor 30 for here and factor 50 for your face and neck. The sun is a lot stronger and the air is thinner so you burn very easily!
- Mosquito repellent there aren't a lot of mozzies but around the lakes and rivers they do come out in the evening. A natural citronella style repellant is usually sufficient.
- Sun glasses - you will need decent sunglasses - category 3 or 4 ideally
- Goggles - for some watersports like canyoning and hydrospeed, goggles might be worth bringing to protect your eyes from splashes and when you go underwater especially if you wear contact lenses.
- Sun hat or cap - it is very important to protect your face and neck from the sun and hats are the best way!
- Head torch – if you are staying for a night in a refuge you will need this to find your way to the toilet at night! Also useful for campers!
- Sleeping bag liner – if you are staying in a mountain refuge you will need a sleeping bag liner or sheet to sleep in. Duvets or blankets are provided but they can't be regularly washed so your own liner is for your hygiene.
- Camera, spare film or memory card and batteries!
- Binoculars are great if you like wildlife spotting and like to see more than blck specs in the mountains!
- Games or cards for evenings most TV stations will be in French and wifi is not always reliable so it's best to revert to traditional forms of entertainment!
- Towels – most places don’t include towels as part of their linen and if they do, they are usually quite small, so if you like a big bath towel, please bring your own. Also good for canyoning, white water and days at the swimming lake or pool.
- Sleeping Bag – if you have upgraded your tree climbing activity to spend a night in hammocks, you will need to bring a sleeping bag with you for this part of the activity.
