Pack Smart for the Path of the Gods (Positano to Nocelle): 10 Essentials You’ll Be Glad You Brought

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Sunlit cliffs, turquoise water, and ancient stone steps at your feet. The Path of the Gods is stunning, and the Positano to Nocelle section packs a punch. It climbs fast, gets hot, and has limited shade.

Pack smart and your day stays safe, light, and fun. This guide focuses on the real needs of this route, from grip on rocky steps to heat management. Below is a simple list of 10 must-pack essentials, along with quick packing tips for 2025 hikers. Each item is chosen for steep stairs, uneven limestone, bright sun, and limited water refills.

Here’s some inspiration and essentials to keep you fueled, hydrated, and comfortable on the trail.

Best gear for the Amalfi Coast hike

Think light, simple, and reliable. The Positano to Nocelle stretch is stair-heavy, rocky in spots, and often bright. Aim for a 10 to 15-liter daypack, no more. Keep only what you will use. Trust me, we did this trail, and the stairs stretch alone will make you very thirsty!

If I’m traveling really light, I’ll take a sling hiking bag that I can easily spin from the back to the front to grab my camera gear. I use my iPhone to shoot photos and video, but I also love to travel and shoot with my Insta360 Go 3S. I absolutely love this little tiny camera. It captures excellent video and is super lightweight. The package deal for the Insta360 Go 3S on Amazon includes a selfie stick, which I use all the time. It holds the camera in its case, keeping it very steady and making it easy to shoot video from all different angles.

Hydration that lasts on steep steps (carry at least 2 liters)

This route feels hotter than expected. The sun reflects off pale rock, and midday heat builds fast on the steps. Pack a 2-liter hydration bladder or two 750-milliliter bottles. I carry a trail Hydro Flask that’s lighter weight than the normal brand, or I’ll wear a running vest with a bladder like this one. Add electrolytes for sweat loss. Refills are limited between the Positano steps and Nocelle, so top up before you start. Some guides mention springs, but they are not consistent. If you want background on the path and services, see this overview from Experto Italy: Hiking the Amalfi Coast: the Path of Gods.

Lightweight rain jacket that packs into its own pocket

Choose a breathable, waterproof shell under 10 ounces. The rain jacket should fit into its own pocket or a small sack. Handy in shoulder season and on gusty cliff sections. Stash it near the top of your pack for quick grabs if clouds build. My husband John and I did this hike in September and weren’t cold at all, even when the clouds rolled in, but if I hadn’t had long sleeves on, I would definitely have wanted a lightweight jacket to protect me from the sun.

Collapsible trekking poles for stair-heavy climbs

Folding or telescoping poles add balance on long stair runs and rocky bits. Aluminum is durable, and carbon is lighter. Shorten poles for uphill steps. When not needed, strap them to the side of your pack. This is really optional, but it could come in handy for the trek down or if you’re continuing the whole Amalfi Coast hike on the Path of the Gods. 

Mini first aid and blister kit for rocky terrain

Keep it tight and simple with a zip pouch like this Rhino Rescue Small First Aid Kit, which comes in a waterproof zipped case that attaches to your pack. Pack adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, ibuprofen or similar, tweezers, and a few gauze pads. Add blister care, either moleskin or hydrocolloid. Blister prep is the most common need on this route. Even having just a couple of Band-Aids in your pack will make a big difference if you develop a blister!

SPF 30+ sunscreen and SPF lip balm for sea-cliff sun

Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Water-resistant is best. Reapply every two hours. Bring SPF lip balm so wind and salt air do not crack your lips. A small, travel-size bottle saves weight. I also love using brush-on sunscreen powder like this one from Colorscience: Brush-On Mineral Powder for sensitive skin.

Offline maps saved, and a compact power bank for safety

Save offline maps in AllTrails or Maps.me before leaving Wi‑Fi. Pair your phone with a 10,000 mAh power bank; this one comes with short cables. You will want a battery for photos, buses, and navigation. Airplane mode helps your charge last.

High‑energy snacks that will not melt in the sun

Mix salty and sweet for an energizing boost while hiking—nuts, trail mix, energy bars, and dried fruit travel well. Add salty crackers to help with sweat loss. Skip chocolate in summer heat. Keep snacks in your hip belt pocket for quick access on the steps. The GetUp Caffeinated Granola Bites are a good option that pack well and can give a quick energy boost.

What to wear on the Path of the Gods trail

Clothing should be simple, breathable, and ready for stairs and sun. A light, wicking top works well. In spring or fall, add a thin layer for breeze on the ridge. The three clothing items below complete the 10 essentials.

Grippy hiking shoes with rock protection for limestone

The steps can be dusty and polished. Uneven stone hides edges that bite feet. Choose low-cut hiking shoes or trail runners with sticky rubber and a rock plate. Avoid smooth-soled sneakers or brand-new shoes that are not broken in. John loves the On Cloudsufer Trail Shoes. He says they’re comfortable for long hikes, and they have a good amount of cushion, so hiking downhill doesn’t jar his knees. I usually wear Hokas because I’ve had bunion surgery and need a very wide toe box.

Quick‑dry, cushioned socks to prevent blisters

Go with merino wool or synthetic socks that wick sweat and dry fast. Medium cushion helps on long stair sections. Pack a spare pair if your feet run hot. Skip cotton, which stays wet and rubs.

Sun hat and polarized sunglasses for sea glare

A wide-brim hat or a cap with neck coverage keeps your face and ears shaded. Polarized lenses cut glare from the Tyrrhenian Sea and pale rock. Add a simple retainer strap to keep sunglasses from slipping on sweaty climbs.

Packing tips for Positano to Nocelle hikers

Dial in your pack and timing, and your legs will thank you.

Start early to beat the heat and crowds

Begin before 8 a.m., especially from late spring to early fall. Shade is limited, and the stone heats up by late morning. Check the local forecast and air quality the night before. If it will be very hot, start at first light.

Pack a 10 to 15-liter daypack the smart way

Pick a breathable daypack with a hip belt. Place the heaviest items close to your spine. Keep snacks and your phone in the hip or top pocket. Put the rain jacket at the top for fast access. Keep your total carry under 10 percent of your body weight so stairs feel smoother.

How to get back from Nocelle without stress

From Nocelle, you can ride the local Positano–Nocelle bus from the village stop. You can also descend the long staircase to Arienzo and Positano if your knees feel up to it. Bring small cash for tickets and a lemon granita stop. Build in buffer time, since bus schedules can shift. For a step-by-step look at the stairs back, see this guide: Nocelle to Positano: Descending 1,700 Steps Into Amalfi Coast Magic.

Stay safe and leave no trace

Stay on marked paths and yield on narrow sections. Watch for loose gravel on steps. Pack out all trash, including snack wrappers and tissues. Keep music off speakers and respect homes and farms that line parts of the trail.

LFM Travel Tip

These 10 essentials keep your pack light, your feet happy, and your hike safer. Check the weather, start early, and drink often. Save this checklist for your Amalfi trip and share any smart tweaks you find along the way. Ready to earn that cliffside gelato back in Positano? I know we are!