What’s In My Backpack? My Ultralight Gear List for 50 Days Hiking the GR11 Trail Across the Pyrenees
If you're dreaming of hiking the GR11, the GR10, or even the HRP (Haute Route Pyrenees), or any other long distance trail, and you're wondering what gear to bring, this post is for you.
In the summer of 2024, I completed a 50-day thru-hike across the Spanish Pyrenees, walking 850 km from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea on the GR11 trail, also known as La Senda Pirenaica. I mostly wild camped, stayed in the cabanas free mountain huts, and carried everything I needed on my back.
Here’s my complete hiking gear list, tested through thunderstorms, freezing nights, 40°C heatwaves, and long mountain days. And in the first few weeks with my dog.
My name is Suzanne, and I live a slow, nature-connected, nomadic lifestyle, sailing seas, hiking mountains, and living from a van. On this hike, I wanted to fully experience minimalist backpacking, and this was my most ambitious adventure yet.
In this video I walk you through my pack:
Why I Went (almost) Ultralight (and Why You Might Too)
Hiking gear research and selection has been the most time-consuming part preparing for this thruhike, and I’m officially a hiking nerd. For about two months, I’ve been levelling up my decision-making and minimalism skills reading, exploring, and comparing thru-hiking gear. To bring or not to bring? As well as researching tons on eco and ethical friendly outdoor gear and the essentials to bring to this hike. A lot of the gear selection is personal preference, but there are some essentials you'd always need and may be worth investing in. Over the years, I invested in a good sleeping mat and sleeping bag (I'm at 3 euros/night now;)). When you sleep well, the rest is figuroutable.
I’ve done several shorter hikes on the GR131 across Fuerteventura, Tenerife, the Picos de Europa, the GR7, and even a wild jungle hike in Dominica. But this was my first long-distance solo hike, and I needed to be fully self-sufficient, especially with my dog Wingo joining part of the trail.
When you’re carrying everything for yourself and your dog, every gram matters. Ultralight backpacking gear isn’t just about weight, it’s about energy, mindset, and moving freely in nature.
What I Carried on the GR11. My Hiking Gear Setup
My base weight without food and water was between 6 and 7 kg. I weigh 55 kg myself, so this setup was just right for my body and comfort level.
Here’s an overview of the essentials I used and loved on trail.
Tent
Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 (used, slightly broken, still going strong)
Backpack
Osprey Eja 48L, framed, lightweight, female fit, sustainably made
Shoulder Strap Pocket
Sleeping system
Thermarest NeoAir X-Lite + Marmot Hydrogen Sleeping Bag
Optional next time: a quilt instead of a sleeping bag for warmth-to-weight balance
Sea2Summit UL pillow
Clothing highlights
Icebreaker Merino Sun Hoodie
Ayacucho Down Puffy Jacket
Patagonia 3L Rain Jacket (added on trail after rain failures)
Cooking gear
Jetboil-style stove
Decathlon gas canisters
Coconut spoon
Cold-soak jar for overnight oats
Water system
Katadyn BeFree water filter
Lightweight plastic bottle (would change to BPA-free)
Toiletries and hygiene
DIY toothpaste and moisturizer
CuloClean portable bidet
Kula Cloth pee rag + Pee rag leash
Spirulina, electrolytes, multivitamin, tongue scraper
Electronics and navigation
Garmin InReach Mini (lifesaver and weather updates)
iPhone 11
10,000mAh power bank Nitecore
Head torch and cables
Sony ZV-E10 camera (added later)
Dog gear
Foldable sleeping mat, leash, pawwax, bowls
Food added extra weight but dropped once Wingo left the trail
Here you can see the full gear list, including weight. Click here to receive the full gearlist to your email.
Gear Lessons Learned on the Trail
- You need way less than you think
- Always test your gear before the trail sleep in your tent, filter water, cook outside
- Don’t bring what you might use, bring what you actually use
- A trail like the GR11 isn’t the place to test new gear. Shops are rare and resupply is limited
- Use what you have, look secondhand, borrow. Great gear doesn’t need to be new
- If you hike with a friend, carry your own basics in case you have different rhytmns and needs
- Your pack will evolve with every hike
I ended the hike pretty much with the same pack. My dog didn't walk to me until the end. When he left the trail, and I didn't have to carry his food anymore, I added my camera and a camera click system to my pack adding. On the way, I also got myself a real waterproof jacket (the one I had wasn't so waterproof), and I ditched the rain pants.
Packing Tips That Will Help You
- If you don’t use it every day, leave it at home
- The lighter your pack, the more present and comfortable you’ll be
- Framed backpacks can be just as light as frameless ones if you choose well
- A stove can be worth its weight if it makes you happy and well-fed
- Layers over bulk, think versatile and breathable
Want to See My Full Hiking GearList GR11?
I made a full video walking through every item in my backpack. Watch it here on YouTube. You’ll see how I fit everything I needed for 50 days into a 48L pack, including gear for wild camping, steep alpine terrain, and full independence. Click here to receive the full gearlist to your email.
Learn From a Pro Thru-Hiker
My partner Jonatan is a seasoned thru-hiker. He’s walked the Pacific Crest Trail, the GR11, and as I post this, he’s hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2025 (and vlogging about it). His pack is even lighter than mine, and we pack very differently.
There’s no one right way. Find what works for your body and trail style.
Let’s Connect
I’m sharing many more hiking tips, slow travel insights, and stories from the trail over on Instagram and YouTube. You’ll also find a free thru-hiking checklist, wild camping advice, and more gear reviews there
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Got questions about the GR11, solo hiking, or backpacking gear? Drop a comment. I’d love to hear from you
Here's an overview of my pack for the GR11 for easy reference.
Overall, I'm really happy with what I brought and have used every item pretty much every day.
Curious what the GR11 was like and why go on this epic Europe Thruhike? Check out this video.
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Disclaimer
I share my experiences, research, and personal opinions on this blog to encourage a more conscious and adventurous life close to nature. Some articles may contain affiliate links. If you decide to purchase something through those links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the time and work that goes into creating these guides, stories, and resources.
I only recommend tools, gear, or services that I have personally used, tested, or genuinely believe in. Whenever a product was gifted or a collaboration took place, I will clearly mention it. All opinions remain my own.
The information shared here is based on personal experience and research, but it should not replace your own judgement, training, or preparation. When travelling, sailing, hiking, or exploring the outdoors, it is always your responsibility to have the appropriate knowledge, skills, and equipment to stay safe.
As always, the goal of this website is simple: help you explore the world more consciously, connect with nature, and protect the places we love.
