Preparing for Hiking the Alps 2016

WHO: Bob, Dorothy, and Hans
WHAT: Hiking the Alps 2016 - Tour Du Mont Blanc & Alpine Pass Route
WHEN: June 28, 2016
WHERE: France, Switzerland, Italy
HOW: 

1. Flying by plane to Geneva, Switzerland
2. Hiking by foot from Chamonix, France, counter clockwise around Mont Blanc for 110          miles in 11+ days
3. Then hitch hike up to the Alpine Pass route for a few days

WHY: To travel, to see mountains, to conquer, to live

Preparing for Hiking the Alps 2016

Since October 2015, we've been planning and preparing for this trip-- which for us, includes 3 things:

1. Supplies

2. Exercise

3. Languages

Supplies

Since my dad and I hiked the Alps in 2013 (blog/YouTube), we already have most of the equipment we need, but have learned some important lessons from our experience.  Here's the lessons I learned from carrying hiking gear for 152 miles:

• Don't forget stuff on the trail
• Ultralight supplies are WORTH the extra cost
• Don't pack tons of food
• Get your pack weight as low as possible
• Heavy duty 3.4 lbs hiking boots are overrated-- light trail runners are better

For a complete list of my gear, see the items and weight of the Google sheet below and the photo:

Exercise

We'll be hiking an average of 8 miles each day and ascending 3,104 feet.  So getting in lots of running and hiking will be important.  Each day will potentially be the most physically challenging activity we've experienced-- so getting used to pushing our limits beforehand will make the hike more enjoyable.

Languages

We'll be hiking through France, Switzerland, and Italy, but the main language will be French.  My dad has been preparing for all 3, my mom French, but I just dabbled in German.