Via Francigena Rucksack

Your Rucksack: Your Home on the Trail

On the Via Francigena, your rucksack becomes your “home on your back”: everything you need is in there, every day.

In everyday life, we're used to having everything at hand, even the unnecessary. On the trail, however, you need to shift your mindset: carry only the bare essentials. Every item has a weight and, kilometre after kilometre, you will truly feel it.

How much should the rucksack weigh?

As a general rule, your rucksack should weigh around 10–15% of your body weight.

• For a person weighing 70 kg → rucksack between 7 and 10 kg

It may seem like a lot, but it really isn’t, especially if you're not used to it. This weight also includes the empty rucksack, which is unlikely to weigh less than 1.4 kg, and at least one litre of water, which is essential while walking.

Choosing a rucksack

A common mistake is choosing a rucksack that is too large. The bigger it is, the heavier it is even when empty, and the more tempted you will be to fill it to the brim. For the Via Francigena, which is best done in spring or summer, a 40-litre rucksack is enough, especially if you are staying in accommodations rather than camping.

Furthermore, a full rucksack is more stable: the items inside do not shift around and do not cause discomfort while walking.

How to organise it

A few practical tips can make a real difference:

• Avoid hanging heavy items on the outside, as this can throw the rucksack off balance
• Ensure quick access to water, via side pockets or a hydration pack, so you don’t have to take the rucksack off every time
• Check the weight of the empty rucksack: some models already have many compartments and zips that add to the overall weight

How to wear a rucksack

Adjusting your rucksack properly is crucial. A correct fit prevents pain and fatigue while walking.

The main rule is simple:

• 70% of the weight on the hips
• 30% on the shoulders

The hips are naturally designed to support the body’s weight, whereas the shoulders are not. Adjusting your rucksack takes practice, but it becomes second nature after a few days.

It's easier to do than to explain in words: you can find many videos online demonstrating the right technique for putting on and adjusting a rucksack. The key is to understand just how important this practice is.

My experience

Throughout the entire journey, I used a 40-litre rucksack, without carrying a tent or camping gear, always sleeping in accommodations along the route.

With good organisation, I never lacked anything and never had any issues with my gear.

Below is the complete list of everything I took, along with the corresponding weights. It's not a perfect list, but a practical guide that worked well during a trek lasting over three months in spring and summer. The clothing and equipment are not designed for winter or extremely cold conditions.

By clicking on each section, you can see details of the contents and their weight. At the bottom, I've also included a section with the clothes and items I wore daily.