Your cart is currently empty!
What to Pack for the Lycian Way in 2023
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission should you choose to make a purchase using my link. No worries – I love all of these companies, and you will too!
I’ve hiked sections of the Lycian Way before, but this April 2023 I’m hiking the entire Lycian Way from start to finish and I want to bring you along for the journey! As I’m excitedly packing and making preparations, I wanted to share my list of what to pack for the Lycian Way to help you plan your next hike.
If you want to learn more about my first experience on the Lycian Way click here!
Backpacking adds that extra stress of not wanting to pack too much while trying to make sure you’ll have everything you’ll need. Especially when trekking, you don’t want to be left cold, hungry, thirsty or lost, so it’s important to carefully consider what to bring-and not leave it all to the last minute!
If you’re preparing for the Lycian Way, or any similar trek, let this be your guide on what to bring-I’ll let you know what worked out for me when I come back in May.
I’ve broken packing down into four different categories: camping gear, food&water, clothes, and a miscellaneous category for all those random things you’ll need on your trek.
Camping Gear for the Lycian Way
Camping gear is not a must for a packing list for the Lycian Way.
Camping on the Lycian Way is optional, but for this trek, I’m choosing to camp most of the way, so I’ll need all the camping essentials.
Backpack
First, let’s start with my backpack. I’m choosing to bring a 60L pack, with open front zips. My favorite backpack is the Osprey Ariel Plus 60G:
This trusty pack has stood by me for many years, and with Osprey’s lifetime warranty, it hopefully will be for many years to come!
Tent
Next, I’m bringing a tent that’s endured much use and abuse over the years! I’ve had this tent since 2016 and haven’t needed a replacement yet. I go by the old saying if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Sleeping Bag
During the Lycian Way hiking season, the nighttime temperature is around 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit.
I’m opting for a cold-weather sleeping bag because I typically run cold. I’d much rather be sweating than shivering, so I’ve chosen 30 Degree blank bag.
Sleeping Mat
Hikers will typically pack a sleeping mat and sleeping pad, but for me, a mat does the job perfectly. I hate carrying extra weight, and don’t find pads to be very comfortable, so I’ll just be carrying a cheap sleeping mat.
I like the foldable aluminum waffle mats for lightweight packing and thermal insulation.
Food and Water for the Lycian Way
Packing food and water for the Lycian way is a little different than other treks because the Lycian Way has markets and restaurants on the route.
I’ve decided to only bring 3 days of food as a reserve, and try to eat as much as possible at stops along the way.
Since I’ll be buying all of my food in Istanbul, the options for freeze-dried backpacking food are very limited. Checking in the markets, the options are very basic, so I’ve decided on a menu as follows:
| Breakfast | 2 Eggs, Oatmeal, Instant Coffee |
| Snack | Granola |
| Dinner | 1 pack Raman noodles, 1 Pack Tuna |
In total, I’ll be bringing a carton of 6 eggs, a package of oatmeal, instant coffee packs, a package of granola, 3 packets of Raman noodles, and 3 packets of Tuna.
This should be enough food to last me until the next major market stop along the Lycian Way trail.
I’ve just purchased a new camping pot and pan set that I’ll be testing out for the first time on the trail.
This lightweight set takes up minimal space in my pack and is the perfect addition for my setup.
I’ll be bringing two Nalgene water bottles to refill at water fountains along the way.
Clothes on the Lycian Way
Knowing what clothes to pack on the Lycian Way is difficult because there are so many different things to do on the trail. You can visit charming villages, go to beaches, and of course hike-but that’s three different wardrobes! I’ve decided to pack a bit more clothes than I normally would, because I want to do it all.
My Packing List
- 1 Short
- 1 Legging
- 1 Pants
- 1 Crop Hiking Shirt
- 1 Tank Top
- 1 Fleece
- 1 Rain Jacket
- 2 Sports Bras
- 2 Socks
- 1 Swimming Suit
For shoes, I’ll be wearing the trusty Salomon Womens Speedcross 5 Trail Running Shoes!
Miscellaneous Things for the Lycian Way
What miscellaneous things should you pack for the Lycian Way?
Of course, there are always those extra comforts that end up in our bag even if they’re not actually “essential”, they sure feel essential.
Here are my non-essential essentials for the Lycian Way.
Camp Shoes
I know a lot of backpacking sites say camping shoes are a waist of space, but I love nothing more than taking off my shoes and relaxing into some squishy, soft crocs.
I love Crocs as camp shoes because they’re waterproof, slip-on, comfy, and quick dry. They are perfect for trekking and traveling because they make the perfect “shower shoes”. Crocs are my backpacking MUST.
Face, Hair, and Skin Products
Another nonessential but totally essential to me is toiletries.
Unlike your average backpacking hippie, if I don’t wash my face and skin-all hell breaks out, on my face. So breaking all hippie stereotypes, I always bring cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
Storing all this stuff can be a space waister, so I always use compression packing cubes. I love these ones from Amazon Basics!
Phone
A not-so-nonessential essential is my cell phone. What makes it so essential on the Lycian Way? The app TrailSmart.
This app gives all up-to-date information about water, markets, and campsites, as well as the most important information-the map!
The Lycian Way has some tricky sections where you can lose the trail, so make sure to download the offline maps.
For more information on the app TrailSmart click here!
Thanks for checking out my backpacking list on what to pack for the Lycian Way! I’ll be posting an update once I return from my trek in May 2023 to let you know what’s worked-and what didn’t.
To learn more about the Lycian Way you can check out my guide here!