Lightweight hiking: from Ticino to Lucerne in six days

My next adventure is just around the corner: it’s late summer 2023. Over the next few days, I’ll be hiking 170 kilometres from Lago di Robièi in Ticino to Lucerne in less than a week. I’ll be bivouacking overnight, and with around 6,000 metres of ascent and 7,500 metres of descent waiting for me, my focus is on keeping my backpack as light as possible. I’ve discovered lightweight hiking a few years ago. Hiking with light equipment is not only easier on the joints, but also more comfortable. I love the feeling when I can barely feel the backpack.

A light backpack means a lot of preparation

Careful planning is essential when it comes to saving weight. I ask myself the following question: what do I really need when I’m out and about? The weather also plays a big role. My goal is to take only the essentials with me. However, when it comes to safety equipment, I never compromise. When packing, I reduce the weight by using very light items. My sleeping bag weighs only 677 grams. I have continuously optimised my equipment over the years, for example with two-in-one items: my hiking poles are my tarp poles and my plate can also be used as a pan.

The first stage is approaching and shortly after the Lago di Robièi, the cable car disappears from view and I am completely alone. It doesn’t bother me and I enjoy the Alpine nature. Towards the end of the stage, I look for a suitable place to set up camp. The ‘Big Four’ are essential for lightweight hiking: in addition to the backpack, this also includes a sleeping mat, a sleeping bag and a roof over your head. Instead of a tent, I opted for a very light tarp. When it comes to your sleeping bag, down is the lightest option. In addition, I bring an insulating, foldable mat and a bivvy sack. This gives me a few extra degrees of warmth at night. Before the sun sets, I build my ‘bed’ by a small lake between boulders. After this first, tough stage, I sleep like a baby.

The next day, the path leads me back down to the valley towards Bedretto and thus under the tree line. That’s why I asked the municipality in advance if I could bivouac. My sleeping spot today is once again by the water and I enjoy a cool bath in the small river. The third stage is a bit shorter and the path leads through a beautiful forest. Some larches are already turning bright orange. At the Capanna Piansecco hut, I treat myself to a cold drink before I retire from the day guests. I start my evening routine: tighten the tarp, inflate the sleeping mat, roll out the bivvy sack and, of course, cook. I can’t go without a little jazz music, plus a little dance before I crawl into the sleeping bag. From far away, I can hear boulders loosening and rolling down the mountain. A reminder to pay close attention to your surroundings when choosing a bivouac site.

Click here for the blog with Silas' packing list and even more tips on lightweight hiking.

From calm to hustle and bustle

I always point my tarp towards the east, so I’m automatically woken up by the sun on my face. On the fourth day, the last strenuous metres of altitude await. My destination today is the Lago di Lucendro. From the high mountains the path leads me through a windy valley. It is my favourite part of the tour in terms of landscape and I meet more animals than people here.

The next morning, I’m a little sad because I’m getting closer and closer to civilisation. From the idyllic alpine landscape, I find myself in lively Andermatt and decide without further ado to take the train to Brunnen. The planned section isn’t very appealing, as it is on asphalt and passes many houses. In Brunnen, I make my way to my last stop and find a place to camp in a forest.

The last leg takes me to Lucerne. The many stimuli overwhelm me. I find it difficult when I arrive. Alone in the great outdoors, I have sharpened my senses, developed sensitive hearing for even the quietest noise – here I hear construction noise, traffic, people chatting. I notice that my favourite place is where the Capricorn and Marmot say good night to each other. I feel most comfortable in the middle of nature and in the fresh air. The tour may have only just finished, but for me one thing is certain: I will plan my next adventure as soon as possible …