What to pack for a hike in the Apuan Alps: backpack, boots and safety

Day trips in Versilia · 4 min read

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links to Amazon.it lead to search results, not to one specific product: compare reviews and prices before buying.

The Apuan Alps are half an hour from the Versilia coast, but they are real mountains: steep slopes, rocky stretches, marble that is slippery when wet and weather that changes quickly with the humidity rising from the sea. The Apuan Alps Park notes that about a hundred trails in its territory are waymarked by the CAI (Italian Alpine Club). The Park advises setting out with detailed maps and checking the trail's condition and the weather first. Here is what to put in your backpack, without overdoing it.

Choose the trail first

Your kit depends on the route. The CAI grades trails: T (tourist), E (hiking), EE (for experienced hikers) and EEA (experienced hikers with equipment). For example, the Park lists the Monte Forato loop as E, about 5 hours, and the Panie loop as EE, about 6 hours. If you are a beginner, start with our easy hikes in the Apuan Alps.

In the Apuan Alps wet marble is slippery and the weather turns fast: proper shoes and a windproof layer are not optional.

On your feet: shoes and socks

• Hiking shoes with a lugged, grippy sole: Apuan trails are often stony and slippery when wet. Trainers are not enough. Waterproof hiking shoes (Amazon.it)
• Technical socks to avoid blisters on long descents.
• Telescopic poles, kind to your knees on the way down. Trekking poles (Amazon.it)

Finding your way

• An Apuan Alps hiking map: the Park explicitly recommends one. Phones run flat or lose signal in the valleys. Apuan Alps hiking map (Amazon.it)
• An app with offline maps downloaded before you go.
• A power bank, because GPS drains the battery. Compact power bank (Amazon.it)

Dress in layers

• A breathable top, a warm layer (fleece) and a windproof, waterproof jacket: on the ridges the wind can be strong even in summer. Lightweight waterproof jacket (Amazon.it)
• Hat and sunglasses: many trails are exposed, and white marble reflects the light.
• In winter or early spring there can be snow or ice on the summits: then you need specific equipment and experience, or a guide.

Water and food

• Many trails have no safe water sources: in summer take at least 1.5–2 litres of water per person (our rough guide; adapt it to your hike). Insulated water bottle (Amazon.it)
• Energy snacks, nuts and a sandwich. Check mountain huts in advance: opening times change with the season.

A small safety kit

• A light first-aid kit (plasters, gauze, disinfectant, something for blisters). Hiking first-aid kit (Amazon.it)
• A head torch: if you run late, it is easy to lose the path in the woods after dark. Rechargeable head torch (Amazon.it)
• An emergency foil blanket and a whistle: they weigh just a few grams.
• Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.

The backpack

For a day hike a 20–30 litre pack with padded straps and a hip belt is enough. 30-litre hiking backpack (Amazon.it) Add a rain cover or a dry bag for spare clothes.

Before you set off

• Check the mountain forecast, not the coastal one: it can be sunny by the sea while the Panie are in the clouds.
• Check with the Park or the CAI whether any trails are closed or affected by landslides.
• If you don't know the area, consider a hike with the Park guides.

For a gentler outing among quarries and villages, see Carrara marble quarries and Colonnata.

Sources: Parco Alpi Apuane – Itinerari (Parks.it) · Parco Regionale delle Alpi Apuane · Club Alpino Italiano. General information: opening times, prices and dates change, so always check the official websites.