A Real Day on the Via degli Dei: How a Waterproof Backpack for Hiking Kept Me Moving
🌤️ Section 1 : Starting the Day with a Waterproof Backpack for Hiking
The day began in Florence. We caught the earliest train to Bologna, sleepy but excited. After a quick coffee and snack, we headed to eXtraBO, the first official stamp point on the Via degli Dei. By 9:00 a.m., our passports had their first stamp.
We then hiked up a long stairway to Arco del Meloncello, the symbolic trailhead. Once you see the church (like the one in my photo), you're truly on the trail. From there, the scenery shifts: cobblestone becomes soil, city sounds fade, and you're deep in the forest.
🥾 Section 2 : Hiking Gear for Via degli Dei – What I Brought and Why
I carried a 20L waterproof hiking backpack, small but mighty. For a long trail like this, I didn’t want the weight to slow me down. What I packed:
-
Trail snacks & water (there are fountains along the way)
-
Trail passport + guide
-
A light jacket, phone, power bank
-
Bandana, paper map, emergency meds
No regrets. Especially when light rain hit mid-afternoon, and my gear stayed dry.
The app I used was AllTrails, but I always kept my eyes on trail signs. Near the second stamp point (a B&B near Sasso Marconi), the trail had been rerouted—if I’d only followed the app, I would’ve climbed the wrong hill. Good signage + local awareness = essential combo.
🏡 Section 3 : Staying in B&Bs on Hiking Trails – The Cozy Side of the Journey
That night we stayed at B&B Bellatmosfera in Brento. Possibly one of the best stays along the route.
💶 €55 for bed & dinner — a rich Italian meal made by the host’s husband (yes, including fresh pasta)
🐶 The hosts had dogs and cats roaming around
🛏 We booked by WhatsApp, one night in a 10-person dorm
🚿 Hot water and fluffy towels? Yes, please.
If you're hiking this route, I highly recommend booking ahead, especially during May/June. Many B&Bs also offer stamps, but ask them to take the booklet out for you—some keep it tucked away.
❓ FAQ – What to Know When Hiking the Via degli Dei
How difficult is the first stretch from Bologna to Brento?
It’s a long day: ~32km with 1000m ascent. Not technical, but steady effort required.
Do I need to bring food?
Yes. Breakfast + dinner may be covered at B&Bs, but trail snacks are on you. Some fountains are available, but carry at least 1.5L water.
Should I pre-book accommodation?
Highly recommended. Some places only accept WhatsApp bookings and fill up early.
Is 20L enough for a long trail hiking in Italy?
For light-packers, yes. If you're not camping, 20–30L is ideal.
🎒 Final Thoughts
This day reminded me why I chose a waterproof backpack for hiking: not for style, but for comfort, agility, and trust. No soaked clothes. No back pain. Just freedom.
If you're heading to Italy and thinking of hiking the Via degli Dei, pack smart, walk slow, and keep your head up — the best part of the trail is often just around the next curve.
