A great gear setup is essential to enjoy the Peaks of the Balkans trail. It's not only about the gear you bring, but also about the gear you leave at home. I've created a list of 10 items that I recommend every Peaks of the Balkans hiker carries for comfort and safety.
How I picked the 10 items
- Trail realities first. Every pick is a product that I've used on the trail and found to be essential to me.
- Weight-to-benefit ratio. Lighter is better, but also comes at a cost. I've tried to strike the right balance ultralight and price point.
- Availability. I've excluded very niched brand items and focused on gear that is accessible to most hikers globally.
With that framework dialed, let's walk stage by stage through the gear that makes life flow smoother on the trail.
1. Lightweight backpack (24 L)
The Peaks of the Balkans trail is a long trail and you will be carrying your gear for a long time. A lightweight backpack is essential to carry your gear comfortably. I recommend a backpack with a capacity of 24 liters. This is a good size for the trail and you will be able to carry most of your gear. It assumes that you are not brining a full camping setup but instead staying in guest houses.
Compact and durable 24 L hiking backpack - plenty of space for the POB gear. You can't go wrong with this Osprey.
$219.95
See on Amazon2. Collapsible trekking poles
Poles save knees on the stage descents and act as extra limbs when storms turn rocks slick. Carbon Z-style models fold tiny, lash cleanly to your pack, and still feel solid when you choke up on extended grips. They can pack down to be pretty compact and fit in most backpacks.
Lightweight, adjustable aluminum trekking poles, useful for balance and support on uneven terrain or long hikes. Light and sturdy from the legendary LEKI brand.
$119.00
See on Amazon3. Rechargeable headlamp
A headlamp is essential for navigating in the dark and for lighting up the trail. I recommend a rechargeable headlamp with a long battery life and a bright light. To avoid needing to bring too many cables, I recommend a headlamp with a USB-C charging port.
Ultralight USB-C rechargeable headlamp with up to 400 lumens, weatherproof (IP66), and multiple light modes - great for hiking in the dark or finding your way to the toilet at night 😅
$36.95
See on Amazon4. Ultralight sleeping bag liner
For the Peaks of the Balkans trail you might be alternating between your sleeping bag and a bad in a guest house. A liner can both add extra warmth and comfort, but also keep your sleeping bag clean and dry. When staying in guest houses you can use the liner to avoid sleeping on potentially dirty mattresses or bedsheets.
Very lightweight sleeping bag liner - does the job, easy to wash and dries fast.
$29.99
See on Amazon5. Sun protection: Hoodie
I've used a lot of different hiking tops through time but the sun hoodie has become my go-to for hiking these days. It's lightweight, breathable, and keeps the sun off your neck and face. It's also great for keeping you warm in the evenings when the temperature drops.
Lightweight hoodie suitable for outdoor activities - keeps the sun off your neck and face, good for hiking or travel. There are many alternatives, but Echo is the best I've found.
$56.00
See on Amazon6. Water purification
Water filtering is advised to avoid catching any sickness. Hiking time is valuable and I want you to really safe guard it - don't risk it. Water purification is easy and the Sawyer Squeeze is a great choice that will last you for quite a while.
Compact and battle proven water filter system - I've personally used one for more than 3000 miles.
$45.99
See on Amazon7. Power bank
Power banks are a great way to charge your devices on the trail. They are lightweight and can be used to charge your phone, camera, GPS, etc. I recommend a power bank with a USB-C charging port and a capacity of at least 10000mAh. Most of the guest houses have charging opportunities but it's always good to have a backup. I find Nitecore to be the best brand for lightweight and durable electronics.
Portable rechargeable power bank - handy for charging headlamps, phones, or small electronics while on the trail. Again, USB-C to streamline all your electronics.
$70.00
See on Amazon8. Hiking shoes
Footwear is a whole science on its own. Firstly, the Peaks of the Balkans trail is not technical and you can hike it in trail runners or hiking shoes. I've worked my way through a lot of different shoes and I've found that the Xero Shoes Scrambler Trail Low Men's Barefoot Hiking Shoe is a great choice. It's lightweight, comfortable and has a zero-drop sole. It takes a little to get used to the lack of arch support, so I recommend wearing them for at least four weeks prior to your hike.
Lightweight minimalist hiking shoes with a zero-drop sole and wide toe-box that support natural foot movement - good for hiking or trail walking with a barefoot-style feel.
$119.99
See on Amazon9. Rain protection
Rain protection is a must-have for the Peaks of the Balkans. You never really know when the rain shower will come rolling in. A rain poncho is a great way to protect yourself from the rain and makes it easy to still ventilate to avoid getting drenched in sweat instead.
Compact, lightweight waterproof poncho - helpful for emergency rain protection or can be folded as a nice pillow.
$21.99
See on Amazon10. Camp shoes
The best thing about getting to camp (apart from the shower) is getting into your camp shoes. I've always enjoyed flip flops to let my toes get a break. The king of the hill here is the Havaianas. They are affordable and comfortable.
Classic rubber flip-flop sandal - lightweight and easy to slip on. They will never break.
$26.00
See on AmazonPack it up and head out
With these 10 items you are well equipped to enjoy the Peaks of the Balkans trail. The gear is light and easy to carry, but also essential to enjoy the trail. I hope you find this list helpful and that you enjoy the trail!
