Samaya x Benjamin de Molliens
800 KM AND 49,000 M OF POSITIVE ELEVATION GAIN SOLO
From his arrival at COP26 in Glasgow by sailboat to his triple-zero expeditions (0 waste, 0 new equipment, and 0 carbon footprint), Benjamin de Molliens is known for his outdoor sports adventures and his ecological commitment. For Samaya, he looks back on his latest expedition.
Your trek across Switzerland is part of a larger project based on the most carbon-neutral travel possible. What does all of this entail?
Benjamin de Molliens: As part of my "Expedition 0" project, I set out to cross Switzerland with a Samaya OPTI1.5, from the French border to the Austrian border, throughout the month of July 2023. Expedition 0 consists of itinerant sports adventures, mainly solo, for which I try to respect the ecological principles I have set for myself as much as possible: producing zero waste, not buying new equipment, and having the lowest possible carbon footprint. I use these outdoor sports adventures, and the sense of wonder they provide, to capture people's attention and raise awareness about all these issues.
Setting off for so long, you need appropriate equipment. How does equipment management fit into your thinking?
BM: For equipment, I impose a rule on myself never to buy new gear. I look for high-quality, highly technical equipment, particularly through rentals, a system that is developing tremendously.
What route did you want to take?
BM: I left from and returned to my home in Marseille by train. As for the part on foot, I started in Saint-Gingolph on the shores of Lake Geneva, on the Alpine passes trail, up to Saint-Maurice. According to my measurements, I covered 815 km and 49,000 meters of positive elevation gain over 26 days, being self-sufficient for sleeping and restocking every two days in villages. By taking this route, I wanted to show that we don't need to go very far to experience a change of scenery. I was in a country right next to my own where one part spoke French, another Italian, and the last German. It was great to see how the approach to the mountains, the traditions, and the architecture varied depending on the region.
Over a month-long trip, you must have faced certain difficulties, whether physical issues or external conditions. How do you deal with them?
BM: Indeed. I am thinking particularly of the moment when I went from being in great shape to feeling sickly. The first 10 days had gone very well; I was walking well, 38 kilometers on average, and my body was working well. I had friends join me to make a documentary over a very short period of time. The pace became very intense, it required a lot of energy from me, I put a lot of pressure on myself, and I wasn't eating properly anymore. The day we stopped and the group was able to take their return train, I fainted as the pressure subsided. I woke up with a woman holding my legs in the air; I was completely feverish and sick—it was surreal. Instead of slowing down, I continued on my way each day, maintaining the fever. I eventually reached a valley and stopped at a small mountain hut to find some Doliprane. A local, seeing me in this state, took me to the village below so I could rest. It was the day of Swiss National Day, and once I felt better, I joined in the festivities. I found myself in the middle of 300 Swiss people, eating polenta in a barn and singing bawdy songs. It was magical.
Once back on your feet, you set out to conquer a beautiful summit. The bad weather didn't stop you?
BM: Indeed, the adventure was coming to an end and I wanted to reach a 3,000-meter peak. Some bad weather was forecast, but I set off anyway. I found myself in the heart of a huge snowstorm, in trail running shoes and shorts, wearing a headlamp. It wasn't great. I came across an alpine farm. A couple opened up to me and were shocked to see me there at that hour in that outfit. After a wonderful evening spent setting the world to rights all together, I continued my journey the next day, in the storm for a large part of the day. I finished this adventure on a magnificent 3,000-meter peak, with a very beautiful ridge traverse.
When you weren't staying with locals, were you warm in your tent?
BM: Exactly! I spent a total of fifteen nights in the Samaya OPTI1.5. It was super easy to set up. Once I staked the corners into the ground, all I had to do was tension the guy lines with the poles; it was very intuitive. A friend joined me and we were able to use the tent in its configuration with the awning open thanks to the second pair of poles—it was great. I had a few nights with heavy rain. I am still amazed that such a lightweight tent can be so waterproof.
