LOCAL

CLIMATE

Gear Checklist

PADDY P

AL

LIN

READY FOR D

EPARTURE

GEAR 

LIST

□ Travel or hiking pack (to suit your journey)

□ Waterproof pack liner

□ Luggage tags and locks

□ Lightweight daypack

? X □ Sleeping bag - 3 season (if staying in alpine huts)

? X □ Sleeping sheet

□ Waterproof storage sacks

□ Hydration unit or Unbreakable drink bottles (2 x 1L)

□ Hiking shoes or boots

□ Hiking socks for cool weather

□ Casual shoes or sandals

X □ Waterproof jacket and pants

X □ Mid-weight top (fleece or wool)

□ Lightweight thermal top and pants (fleece or wool)

□ Thermal tops and pants (powerdry, wool or polypro)

□ Quickdry easy care lightweight T shirt

□ Quickdry easy care long sleeve shirt (no cotton)

□ Quickdry easy care shorts (no cotton)

□ Quickdry easy care pants (no jeans/cotton)

□ Quickdry anti-chafe underwear

□ Sun Hat

X □ Beanie

□ Light gloves

□ Quickdry towel

Suggested for extreme temps, winter season or higher elevationsCheck if may be provided by Travel OperatorESSENTIAL GEAR

LOCAL

CLIMATE

Europe’s alpine region is an adventurer’s wonderland. The famous Mont Blanc massif and surrounding peaks provide

a stunning backdrop and objective for walkers and climbers alike. The historic Tour du Mont Blanc is easily one of the

most spectacular walks of the world. Being the highest peak in the European Alps, climbing Mont Blanc is a natural

objective for many experienced and novice climbers. As this is a higher elevation be sure to pack options for base layers

(moisture wicking to keep you dry and comfortable); mid layers (insulation to keep you warm) and breathable outer

layers (waterproof & windproof to keep out the wind and rain). In snowy areas the sun’s rays intensify as they bounce off

the snow. Hats, collars, and sunscreen will help to prevent sunburn.

Faced with picture postcard vistas from every vantage point, the scenery and landscapes that unfold before you are

simply remarkable. In the foothills of the Alps through France, Italy and Switzerland you encounter the alpine cultures

and cuisine unique to these areas and staying in village hotels, gîtes and rifugios is a great way to soak up the warm

hospitality for which this region is renowned.

The weather in the Alps

varies from North to

South. In winter, the

higher elevation areas

are generally bitterly

cold and prolonged from November to

March where the mean temperature is -2°C.

Eastern and Northern Europe experience

harsh winters and long dark nights compared

to Southern and Central Europe. Wind chill

can make temperatures seem cooler and

it’s always important to dress in layers to

compensate for the activity exertion and the

weather conditions of the day. Snow depth

ranges from 15cm to 250cm above 2000m.

Snow can occur daily. A down jacket is

recommended to keep you warm at night.

•Down jackets make excellent insulators without the extra bulk as they can pack down into a smaller package given the amount of warmth they provide.

•Trekking poles are a good idea for the young or old as they can provide just that little bit of extra traction when moving through uneven terrain, but more importantly, they distribute the carrying load to reduce fatigue over a long day of trekking.

•Always leave a trip plan and contact numbers with someone reliable before heading off.

EUROPE

HIGH ELEVATION

EUROPE – HIGH ELEVATION

SYDNEY507 Kent St (02) 9264 2685

MIRANDA581 - 587 Kingsway Road (02) 9525 6829

CHATSWOOD424 Victoria Ave (02) 9413 2400

KATOOMBA166 Katoomba St (02) 4782 4466

CANBERRA11 Lonsdale St, Braddon (02) 6257 3883

MELBOURNE360 Little Bourke St (03) 9670 4845

RINGWOODINCLUDES CLEARANCE STORE88 Maroondah Hwy (03) 9879 1544

HAWTHORN735 Glenferrie Rd (03) 9815 1122

ADELAIDE228 Rundle St (08) 8232 3155

LAUNCESTON110 George St (03) 6331 4240

FORTITUDE VALLEYCentenary Square 108 Wickham St (07) 3839 3811

PERTH884 Hay St (08) 9321 2666

JINDABYNEThredbo TurnoffKosciuszko Rd (02) 6456 2922

PHONE ORDERS AND INFO1800 805 398ONLINE SHOPPINGwww.paddypallin.com.au

For recommended brands and styles which suit your specific requirements, please see one of our helpful staff or visit our website at www.paddypallin.com.au

? □ Trekking poles

X □ Gaiters

□ Thermal neck and face gaiter

□ Toothbrush and Personal toiletries

□ Biodegradable soap

□ Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm

□ Pen knife / Leatherman tool

□ First aid kit

□ Emergency blanket

□ Headtorch + spare batteries

□ Camera + spare batteries

□ International power plug converters

□ Travel alarm clock

□ Document wallet

□ Money belt

□ Compressible travel pillow

□ Water purification - tablets, filter or Steripen

□ Ear plugs

RECOMMENDED GEAR

•Thermal neck and face gaiter (Buffs) are useful in many situations - they can be used to cover your nose to reduce the cold or to protect your neck from the sun, or even get that messy travel-hair out of the way till you reach the next available washing facility.

•Moisture absorbing beads are a must to carry with your camera gear. These help prevent condensation forming on the lens and sensors.

Covershot: Cirques de Gavarnie, Pyrenees Photographer: Sarah Hunt. Backcover: French alps, Photographer: Chris Viney. Thumbs: Top: Dolomites, Photographer: Sarah Higgins. Bottom: Photographer: Chris Viney