List of things to pack for a hike along the Lycian Way, Türkiye

This list is aimed primarily at participants of commercial hikes along the Lycian Way in spring or autumn. On such hikes, many issues are organized by the instructor, and therefore this list does not include boilers, burners, large first aid kits, maps or GPS. For winter treks in Turkey there is another list.

Equipment

Tent - In spring and autumn there are almost no strong winds, angry mosquitoes or prolonged rains on the Lycian Way. Therefore, there are no special requirements for the tent. In fact, it can be anything. But it’s better, of course, to take something light (no more than 1 kg per person). If you have free space in the tent and you do not mind another tourist sharing with you, be sure to inform the instructor about this.
Backpack - Please note that in addition to personal clothing and equipment, your backpack must be able to accommodate food. On average, there are 6 kg of products per participant (about 10 liters of volume). In my opinion, a men's backpack should be from 60 to 80 liters (and no heavier than 2 kg), and a women's backpack from 40 to 60 liters.
Rug - The ground in Turkey is warm, so you can take any rug. If you have a inflatable, then do not forget to remove the thorns from under the tent. They can easily puncture both the bottom of the tent and the rug.
Sleeping bag - Most nights will be warm (+15). But you still choose a sleeping bag based on the comfort temperature of +5 for men and +0 for women. If you have a sleeping bag with synthetic insulation, then it is advisable that its weight be in the range from 1.4 to 1.7 kg. Down sleeping bags are 2 times lighter and more expensive:)
Trekking poles - This is an optional, but highly recommended item. With trekking poles it is much easier to overcome long descents and rocky ascents. They will protect your knees from overload.

Shoes

Sneakers - Any comfortable trekking or running sneakers will do. Since it is hot in Turkey, it is better if the sneakers are “mesh” rather than “waterproof” (with a Gore-tex type membrane). Please note that in spring there is a short section (about 2 hours) where there may be snow on the East Lycian Way. But if the weather is normal, then he can walk in sneakers without any problems. And if the weather is bad, then we just change plans.
Lightweight Crocs or sandals - Useful for evenings in the parking lot, trips to the beach and camping showers. For most of the hike, the second pair of shoes will lie in your backpack as a dead weight, so it makes sense to take the lightest possible “change” or not take it at all.

Cloth

Rain protection - This can be a simple polyethylene raincoat, a fabric poncho or a membrane jacket. The main thing is that you have at least something. In spring and autumn, rains in Turkey most often come in the form of summer thunderstorms - it thundered quickly in the afternoon, waited an hour and the sun came out again and it became warm.
Windbreaker - Light jacket, preferably with a hood. Most likely you will rarely wear it, but you need to take it.
Fleece or thin sweater - Even by the warm sea it can be cool in the evening. In addition to the fleece, you can even take a warm hat just in case.
A casual T-shirt or shirt - Something quick-drying. A thin shirt is good because it protects your hands from excess ultraviolet radiation.
Shorts - Most likely, in hot weather it will be more comfortable to walk in shorts.
Running trousers or sweatpants. Not jeans! Any light synthetic material.
Socks - Take 3-4 pairs. It is better if the socks are sports (tightly fitting the leg).
Headdress - Panama, cap, buff - any protection from the sun.
Swimsuit/swimming trunks - You will definitely be swimming, be sure to take it.
Towel - Take a light microfiber sports towel.

Food department

Bowl - It should be convenient to eat not only pasta, but also soup. Avoid flat disposable plates.
Mug - There will be a lot of tea! If you like brewed coffee, discuss this issue with the instructor in advance.
Spoon - If it is plastic, then it makes sense to take a spare one, because they break frequently.
Swiss Army Knife - Optional item. Needed exclusively for slicing sausage at lunch.
Water bottle or drinking system. One and a half to two liters per person. Springs or drinking water taps will be available at all overnight sites. But in between (including at lunches) we drink water stored in parking lots.

Electronics

Smartphone - Before flying to Turkey, download an offline map (I recommend Maps.me), write down the instructor’s number and top up your mobile phone so that you have enough for roaming if necessary. There is a connection on the route!
Powerbank - But there are no outlets on the Lycian Way - rely only on your own strength.
Headlamp - At least one for two.

Miscellaneous

Elastic knee pads - relieve some of the load from the knees. I highly recommend it.
Personal first aid kit - a lot of band-aids + medicines for your chronic diseases.
Sunscreen - a small tube is better, but with a high SPF factor.
Toilet paper - it’s convenient for “washing” the plate after dinner:)
International passport
Money - on average you need to have cash (in Turkish lira) equivalent to 50-80 dollars per person. It is better to change currency not at the airport, but in the city. There are also ATMs in cities. But there are no terminals in rural stores.
Medical insurance - required abroad. We can arrange it for you.
Yummy - take a couple of Snickers or a bag of nuts. Just in case.

Unnecessary

Items that you will not need during your hike (for example, clean clothes for the plane) are best left in storage at your hotel in Antalya.

You should not take axes, saws, or hunting knives on a hike along the Lycian Trail. Paper books, photo tripods and solar panels are quite useful things in themselves, but there is simply no time to use them on a hike.

How much will the backpack weigh?

The answer to this question is 80% up to you. The instructor will only give you about 6 kg of food. And everything else is entirely in your hands. According to statistics, in most cases, men’s backpack at the start weighs about 18 kg, and women’s backpack weighs up to 15 kg. But if you try and choose light equipment, then you can easily fit in 12 kg.

Kirill Yasko, 09/24/2019

P.S. Upcoming hikes in Turkey