I've been doing a little thinking and planning and trying to come up with a practical kit-list for the Tuscany Trail.

Here's where I'm at so far....

Shelter:

SMD 'Skyscape Scout' 1.5 skin tent - weather proof, bug proof, room to sit/read, room for bags, can be pitched fully open to enjoy wind/views and weights 960g.

Sleeping:

Alpkit 'Cloud cover' quilt thing (460g) and a little Karrimor inflatable mat (300g).

The average temperatures in June for Tuscany are 29°c during the day and 15°c at night which should be pleasant enough.

I might take a little silk liner too as it weighs nowt and can either be used to cover the mat for comfort or worn with the quilt done up if it gets a bit nippy.

So.....does anyone have an opinion on the above? Have I overlooked something? Am I being overly optimistic/ too cautious?

What are other peoples plans/thoughts at this stage?

Be interesting to see what everyone is thinking of taking.

Cheerio, Gairy.

Doesn't sound too far away from what I'd take if I were doing it: Alpkit Rig3.5 tarp + poles (400g); Klymit X-frame sleeping pad (275g); PHD minim ultra 200 bag (375g) (all weights approximate and from memory).

It all depends on how warm/cold you sleep and whether there's any flying beasties in the night to pester you. If you are using official camp sites then a tarp might not be an option.

Can't decide on Zpacks cuben pocket tarp and Borah bivi, approx 475g inc pegs and pole.

OR

SMD Lunar solo weighing about 900g inc pegs and pole.

@Taylor - all depends how much you like bugs :)

Greetz

S.

Scattamah wrote:@Taylor - all depends how much you like bugs :)

Greetz

S.

That's why I'm struggling to decide.

With the possibility of the Zika virus appearing in southern European countries this summer i'd definitely prioritise bug protection

Both set-up's are bug proof.

I'm taking my borah bivvy with bug net, and cumulus bag. About 500g all in. No tarp, poles etc as it will be dry and warm. Probably will take a very light waterproof, but may even leave that at home. Going to try to pack everything in to an 8 litre seat pack and small frame bag. Anything that doesn't fit gets left behind.......

Wasn't it quite soggy last year?

It rained the first 24 hours last year and then I think there might have been a shower or two after that.

As far as I understand it May is often quite rainy in Tuscany but June is mostly dry and warm.

Doesn't mean it won't happen though???

If I was going flat-out for a fast time I'd go as light (and optimistic) as possible but I imagine our event might involve a more social pace and so I'm thinking more comfort than ultralight (within reason).

Gaby only had a bivy bag last year....

Lovely though she is, she sounds like she regretted that one-
http://bikepackersmagazine.com/tales-fr ... any-trail/

Currently thinking - Moonlight bivvi bag (netted version); no sleeping bag; siltarp 1; nemo mat.
BUT it's not going to be well ventilated, so hot nights would be unpleasant.
I have an Airwaves tent - c. 900gm - and this has bug proof inner that pitches first so I could leave the 'fly sheet' off for a well ventilated, bug proof pitch.
I'm also wondering if low profile is what to aim for - back to the Moonlight again.

Would appear reflective vests are required,

Mandatory Kit
For your own safety, in case of emergency or loss of the path, each participant is obliged to carry with them, for the duration of the adventure, the following minimum safety equipment:
reflective vests for the ' night gait,
whistle
cellular
approved helmet,
lights front / rear.
the board of the organization is to use a mountain bike perfectly.
it is advisable to take along all the material needed for routine maintenance and any emergency repairs .

There's no check on 'required kit' but it's a legal requirement of riding on public roads in Italy at night I believe.

I made do with a bright train jacket and day-glo camelback cover without issue.