Just wondering if anyone who has experience of camping and hiking for a week when working within the limitations of flight weight restrictions? Its a silly question, but how much is 20Kg? I have never weighed all the gear necessary for this trip, indeed i don't yet own it all... However, im going to be using a light tent; 3kg max. I could wear my heavy boots on plane, but then still need all my clothes, ice axe, crampons (no ropes) and other camping bits.
Has anyone found 20kg to be a problem or is this more than i think?
Any hot tips, just generally for a Alpine newbie to make the most of my trip this July? I imagine transfers from Geneva are a hot topic in themselves, but unless anyone knows any better im going to go for a alpybus scheduled transfer at about £20-£25 as they run late enough for my scheduled arrival of 20.45.
Oh and im planning on taking a stove without fuel to avoid any problems there, after a previous experience barbecuing a tin of soup after a stove confiscation!
You should (gear willing) pop in well under 20Kg - I recently (last two weeks) went to a similar area and took 13kgs, including 5 days food.
A number of different transfers operate Geneva- Cham - including these, Alpy, and there are scheduled Swiss services.
In Chamonix there are a few (and one in particular but the name eludes me) outdoor shops selling screw in cartridges - which I assume you want? There are a few campsites too.
I've done it quite a few times, with kit for 2 weeks climbing, camping and some food. You just have to plan it and buy a set of weighing scales, it's easier if you are sharing with a friend or two, then some of the group kit can be distributed ie ropes, tent, cooking stuff etc. wearing your big boots on the plane is an answer, especially if you're running out of space in your kit bag. what worked best for me was having a big kit bag for the hold and my climbing sack as hand luggage with some bits and pieces in (but no bulk otherwise they'll insist it goes with the hold luggage). If your not taking climbing hardware and ropes etc then you shouldn't have any problems getting under 20kgs. If your putting a big backpacking rucksack in the hold, then obviously tape up all the dangly bits with parcel tape.
BTW You don't have to declare your axe, just pack it inside your hold luggage.
Let us know how you got on when you get back. I'm doing pretty much the same thing for 9 days at the end of August / beginning of September.
As far as weight goes you should be fine. 20kg is a pretty heavy pack! But I agree with Professor Pat. Check on the bathroom scales once you've packed just to make sure.
Thanks for all the advice, i reckon i should be fine, just a bit scary given the weight penalty for up to 3kg too much is £42!
Im flying alone but meeting up with a few other guys and a gal when i arrive, or rather on the Sunday in Argentiere. Thinking i will spend a night in a cheap chamonix hostel given my late arrival time rather than trying to set up my tent when im shattered in the dark.
I will be sure to let you know how it goes, i cannot wait!
Ive used the coach a couple of times,little weight restriction,cheap if you can catch a special offer (I paid £49 and £68 return) drops you right in the center of Chamonix and travels overnight saving two nights accomodation.
Ive also flown a couple of times for the Swiss alps,infact im flying out Friday for a week of walking in the Bernese oberland but not using camping or mtn huts but a little flat which is costing 180 ch (£110 for 6 nights,)cant wait.
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