GR20 Gear List & Packing Guide
Corsica, France · full traverse, Calenzana to Conca
Gear research & fact-checking
The GR20 is famous as Europe's toughest waymarked trail — relentless rocky scrambling, ~12,000 m of cumulative ascent, and exposed ridges in summer heat. It's refuge-based so packs stay light, but footwear, trekking poles, sun protection, and water capacity matter far more here than on a gentler hut walk.
- Distance
- ~180 km · ~112 mi
- Elevation gain
- ~12,000 m total ascent
- Max altitude
- 2,607 m
- Typical length
- 15–16 days
- Season
- mid-Jun–Sep
- Difficulty
- technical
Permits & logistics
No permit; refuge places are booked through the Parc naturel régional de Corse online system. Plan around the mid-Jun–Sep window; this is a technical one way with rocky exposed ridges, scrambling, summer heat.
What makes the GR20 different
- ▸Trekking poles and grippy footwear — sections involve hands-on, exposed scrambling.
- ▸Sun hoodie, high-SPF, sunglasses, and a brimmed hat — long shadeless stretches.
- ▸Extra guy-lines and solid stakes — exposed sections funnel strong wind.
- ▸Extra carrying capacity (3–5 L) and a planned water schedule, not just a filter.
The gear list, matched to this trail
Shelter
The GR20 is a hut-to-hut route, so most hikers carry no tent at all — book your refuges ahead in the mid-Jun–Sep season instead.
No tent needed on the standard itinerary — a sleeping bag liner usually replaces a full sleep system.
Sleeping bag (or hut-weight quilt)
Refuges/albergues supply blankets, so many GR20 hikers carry only a light bag or liner.
Sleeping pad
Comfort and a moderate R-value are enough for the mid-Jun–Sep window on this route.
Backpack
A comfortable 50–65 L pack covers a 15–16 days self-supported trip on the GR20.
Insulation & shell
The GR20 demands sun-protective layers for long exposed stretches, a wind layer.
Water treatment
Water is scarce/spaced out on the GR20 — plan capacity for long dry stretches, not just a filter.
Stove & cooking
A standard lightweight canister stove handles the conditions on this route.
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GR20 packing FAQ
What footwear is best for the GR20?
Stiff, grippy, well-broken-in hiking shoes or boots. The trail is relentlessly rocky with hands-on scrambling sections — soft trail runners wear out fast and offer little protection on the granite.
Is water a problem on the GR20?
Yes on the hotter southern stages and long ridge sections. Carry 2–3 L capacity and top up at every refuge and reliable spring rather than assuming water between huts.