Your final Tour du Mont Blanc packing checklist—important climbing gear, clothes, and some luxurious extras, all whereas protecting your pack gentle and prepared for the journey.
It will also be intimidating figuring out what to pack for the Tour du Mont Blanc, particularly for those who’re carrying every thing your self, haven’t stayed in a mountain hut earlier than and try to blalance having the important gear for the TMB, with the load of carrying it.
Apart from our TMB Packing checklist, which you’ll store for straight right here, you can too take a look at our 6, 7 and 10-day TMB Self-Guided and Guided Excursions.
Or, for those who’re eager to plan it your self and wish additional data, then take a look at: Tour du Mont Blanc: How you can Plan for this Epic Trek.
The Tour du Mont Blanc packing checklist can even work for our Haute Route, Gran Paradiso and our Alta Through 1 climbing excursions.
My Expertise of Packing for the Tour du Mont Blanc
The TMB was my first actual long-distance hike. I had solely a obscure concept of what to pack since most of my different climbing journeys have been day hikes or simply an in a single day backcountry tenting journey.
Once I first laid every thing out on my mattress and tried to stuff it in my backpack, a 3rd of it didn’t match. The subsequent try, I managed to get it closed, however simply barely.
After strapping it up and staggering a couple of steps, I rapidly realized that if I used to be having a tough time making it throughout my bed room, I had no likelihood of constructing it 160km throughout mountain passes each day.
So I decreased it once more. I can’t emphasize how essential it’s to arrange your Tour du Mont Blanc packing checklist upfront and see for those who can carry your backpack!
It’s additionally an incredible concept to do some follow hikes with the equal weight of what you propose to deliver with you on the TMB. Not solely will your again and shoulders thanks, however it is going to additionally assist construct the muscle tissues that you simply want.
How you can Use Our Tour du Mont Blanc Packing Checklist:
Our TMB Packing Checklist assumes that you can be staying in mountain huts, and taking between 7 – 12 days to do the hike, as I did once I hiked the TMB.
Should you plan to sleep in a tent, in fact, you would wish tenting gear. You’d additionally must resolve whether or not you’d be cooking your individual meals or consuming at a close-by refuge.
It additionally assumes that you can be carrying your individual backpack. You’ll want a 45-60-L backpack. Should you pack actually gentle you may get away with a 45-litre backpack, which I used.
Should you don’t wish to carry your individual backpack, then I extremely suggest doing certainly one of our Tour du Mont Blanc Self-Guided Mountaineering Excursions.
We are able to manage baggage switch for you so that you simply simply have to hold your day backpack. Should you’re having your baggage transferred each day, a 20-35-L backpack is okay.
Take a look at this day climbing packing checklist for those who select that choice. You may also store our TMB checklist right here.
Tour du Mont Blanc Packing Checklist: Clothes for the Higher Physique
Base layer: for wicking sweat off your pores and skin. I LOVE Merino wool as a base layer as a result of it repels ordor however quick-drying polyester can even work and is cheaper. By no means put on cotton, you’ll be too scorching or too chilly.
Your base layer generally is a merino wool t-shirt or lengthy sleeve shirt that’s free sufficient which you can push the sleeves up if it will get too scorching. And you may really put on your Merino wool shirt a number of days with out washing it and it actually doesn’t scent, wicks away moisture and dries rapidly. It’s additionally actually delicate on the pores and skin.
Two shirts is sufficient if they’ve sleeves which you can roll up. In any other case deliver two lengthy sleeve and one t-shirt in your Tour du Mont Blanc packing checklist.
Mid-layer: that is for insulating and helps your physique retain warmth. I at all times deliver a light-weight fleece, even in summer time, since temperatures can drop in a short time. You’ll probably additionally put on it within the evenings for those who go outdoors the mountain huts, because the nights do get chilly within the Alps.
Outer layer: this can be a shell with a hood to guard you from wind and rain. There’s a great likelihood that it’s going to rain at the least as soon as when you’re doing the TMB. Climate can change rapidly, and it could possibly typically be chilly and windy within the French and Swiss Alps.
Sports activities Bra: Clearly, this one is for ladies solely. Women handle your women whereas staying comfy and search for one which’s breathable and fast drying to stop uncomfortable moisture from increase.
I’d suggest bringing 2 sports activities bra, plus 1 extra for carrying within the mountain huts after climbing.
You may see all these things in our TMB gear checklist on Amazon.
TMB Packing Checklist: Decrease Physique
Convertible Mountaineering Pants: These are my favorite important merchandise of climbing gear. They’re full size pants that zip off at both slightly below the knee and/or additionally zip off above the knee, turning them into shorts, relying on the fashion.
I nearly by no means hike in common shorts. These are far more sensible ought to the climate change because it very probably when you’re climbing the TMB. Plus, then you definitely solely must pack one pair, making your load lighter.
Waterproof Pants: As talked about, it is going to probably rain in your TMB hike, so deliver a light-weight pair that doesn’t take up a lot room.
Mountaineering Shorts: These are non-obligatory, since I nonetheless want the convertible climbing pants talked about above.
Mountaineering Socks: Socks are one merchandise you don’t wish to low cost out on. A very good pair of socks will assist stop blisters by wicking the moisture away. They’ll additionally assist regulate your foot temperature.
All it takes it getting a nasty blister as soon as so that you can be satisfied of the worth of a great pair of socks. Belief me, don’t be taught the onerous means. Convey 2 pairs of climbing socks, and one other common pair of socks for carrying within the evenings within the mountain huts.
Fast Dry Underwear: Convey 3 pairs of quick-dry underwear. By being fast dry, you save area by not having to deliver so many pairs.
Lengthy Underwear: You solely want these for those who’re climbing the TMB in June or September. A skinny pair created from Merino wool that simply match beneath your convertible climbing pants will do the trick.
Gaiters: You don’t want gaiters for those who’re doing the TMB in July or August, however they do turn out to be useful for those who’re doing it early season in June or mid-September when there’s more likely to be snow on the greater altitudes.
Mountaineering Boots: You’ll wish to spend money on a great pair of climbing boots. Your toes will thanks for it. I at all times purchase a 1/2 to 1 measurement greater, since your toes swell after a day of climbing. I like to recommend making an attempt them on close to the top of a day, when your toes are already swollen.
Because you’ll be climbing a number of days in a row, I like to recommend climbing boots over climbing footwear for additional assist and since you’ll be much less more likely to sprain an ankle.
Make certain you break in your climbing boots properly earlier than your Tour du Mont Blanc journey begins to stop blisters.
You could find all these things in our TMB gear checklist on Amazon.
Tour du Mont Blanc Packing Checklist Equipment
Duffel Bag/Gentle Shell Baggage: Should you’ve chosen the baggage switch choice on our Tour du Mont Blanc Self-Guided Tour, you’ll must put your climbing gear in a duffel bag or delicate shell baggage. The utmost weight is 33 lbs (15 kg). Should you’re carrying your individual stuff then you definitely don’t want to fret about this.
Mountaineering Backpack: 20-30L is okay for those who’ve chosen the baggage switch choice. In any other case, I’d suggest 45-60L for those who’re carrying every thing your self however staying in mountain huts. Search for one which has a built-in rain cowl. It’ll match higher than for those who purchase one individually.
Additionally, purchase one which has area between the pack and your again to stop again sweat. It may be uncomfortable and might have a big impact in your physique temperature. Test for extra recommendations on how to decide on the fitting climbing backpack. I’m a giant fan of Osprey and Deuter backpacks.
Mountaineering Poles: Whereas these are technically an non-obligatory merchandise in your Tour du Mont Blanc packing checklist, I extremely suggest them for multi-day hikes since they considerably scale back the load out of your joints, particularly when climbing downhill.
Plus, research present that they scale back muscle soreness (one thing you’ll positively have on the TMB after climbing for a number of days in a row) and scale back restoration time.
Search for anti-shock (to soak up extra of the affect) & retractable climbing poles as a way to carry them in your backpack once you’re not utilizing them.
Baseball/Suncap: You positively don’t wish to get sunstroke whereas climbing so deliver some sort of hat that can shield you from the solar.
You solely want the next three objects for those who’re climbing the TMB in June or September.
Neck Hotter/Buff: That is an non-obligatory merchandise in your Tour du Mont Blanc packing checklist, however I discover it actually helpful and carry a skinny one once I do the TMB, even in summer time.
Merino Beanie: When climbing within the French and Swiss Alps in June and September it may be cool within the mornings so I like to recommend bringing a Merino wool beanie that’s moisture wicking since climbing the TMB will make you sweat even whether it is chilly.
Mild Gloves: As it may be chilly within the mornings in June and September, and typically all through the day in June and September deliver a skinny pair of gloves to maintain your arms heat.
You may see all these things in our TMB gear checklist on Amazon.
Tour du Mont Blanc Packing Checklist: On the Mountain Hut
These TMB packing checklist objects are supposed for those who’re staying in a mountain hut and will probably be hanging out with different hikers. Should you’re doing our 6-day Luxurious Tour du Mont Blanc, you possibly can deliver no matter you want.
Indoor Sneakers: Mountain huts don’t enable common footwear in sure areas or in any respect within the hut. Convey a pair of flip flops, slippers, or one other pair of comfy footwear that don’t take up a lot room to be worn indoors solely. Some, however not all mountain huts will present these.
Pyjamas: You might be sharing a room with others. Even in case you have your individual non-public room, you can be sharing a rest room, so deliver one thing that you simply’re comfy with different seeing. I.e. depart the negligee at dwelling. Alternatively, you possibly can sleep in your clear climbing shirt, or lengthy underwear for those who’re making an attempt to pack lighter.
Sleeping Bag Liner: A sleeping bag liner serves as a barrier between you and the blankets. It may be very skinny, like a sheet. Don’t fear about being chilly because the mountain huts present blankets, and a few will present a pillow. Convey this even for those who’re staying in non-public rooms since some however not all lodging present linens.
Fast-Dry Towel: Most mountain huts don’t present towels, so that you want one you possibly can dry off with after a bathe, and use to dry your face.
Informal Shirt/Pants For Hanging Out within the Mountain Hut: Snug shirt and pair of informal pants or leggings. You’ll put on these after climbing and having dinner within the mountain huts. You may also put on your climbing garments in case you have sufficient extras, however you’ll positively need clear ones. And permit time for drying as properly.
Common Journey Adapter: You’ll want an adapter that works in Europe and that has a number of shops. Shops are in brief provide within the mountain huts, so select one means that you can cost a number of units on the similar time – i.e. yours and your climbing buddy.
Fundamental Toiletries: Toothpaste, shampoo, cleaning soap, and many others, however attempt to preserve it gentle and pack in a water-proof packing dice to stop leakages.
Journey Laundry Cleaning soap: Hand washing your clothes throughout your trek means you received’t must deliver as a lot and can lighten your pack. Search for biodegradable detergent to cut back your environmental affect on the delicate Alps.
Optionally available Gadgets for the Mountain Huts:
The next objects are non-obligatory however I discover make staying in mountain huts far more pleasurable.
Kindle Fireplace: Should you prefer to learn then deliver your Kindle and pre-load with books (like my e-book Courting Suggestions for Ladies with Recommendation From Cats 😉 since wifi within the mountain huts is probably not robust sufficient to obtain a great.
Card Sport: You’ll probably end up with time to calm down after climbing once you arrive on the mountain hut every day. Convey a card sport or different sport that doesn’t take up a lot area. Additionally invite different hikers to play. It’s a good way to attach.
Small Therapeutic massage Ball: I extremely suggest bringing a small one which you should use in your toes, aching shoulders, and legs. It doesn’t take up a lot room and feels soooo good.
Magnesium: That is an non-obligatory merchandise, however I discover when doing a multi-day hike, just like the TMB, that taking magnesium every day helps to cut back muscle soreness.
Muscle-Soreness Reduction Cream: Should you’re liable to muscle soreness or haven’t executed many multi-day hikes earlier than, then think about bringing one thing to assist relieve sore muscle tissues.
You may see all these things in our TMB gear checklist on Amazon and get the printable TMB Gear checklist by coming into your e-mail beneath.
Hydration & Meals on the Tour du Mont Blanc
You’ll get breakfast, though breakfasts may be small and dinner on our Tour du Mont Blanc Self-Guided excursions, and if dinner isn’t included, there will probably be close by eating places.
You may also order a packed lunch out of your mountain hut the night time earlier than to take with you the following day. You may also eat at a mountain hut en route whereas climbing, however I don’t suggest counting on this since chances are you’ll attain a mountain hut earlier than or after lunch time, or it could be full.
That’s why I like to recommend the packed lunch and bringing climbing snacks. You should purchase climbing snack in Chamonix earlier than the beginning of your trek and also you’ll have the ability to refill in Courmayeur, however in case you have favourite snacks which you can’t reside with out, then think about bringing them with you.
Water Bladder/Water Reservoir: I want climbing with this since I discover I drink extra, stopping dehydration and might hike and drink on the similar time with out having to cease and break my tempo. I like to recommend a 3-L one for the TMB.
Water Bottle: You may simply use water bottles to hike, or a mix of a water bottle and a water bladder (my choice), however at all times have at the least 2 water sources in case one leaks and you end up with out water.
Electrolyte Tablets/Powder: These keep in my First-Support package and I’ll continuously use it when climbing in scorching climate as a safety measure. Should you really feel light-headed, dizzy, or have low blood strain, these could make you’re feeling higher in a flash.
Vitality Bars: Vitality bars are an incredible meals supply on the path. I at all times preserve one or two as an emergency stash in my backpack. Additionally take a look at what I like to recommend for climbing snacks right here.
Nuts: Nuts, seeds, path combine are all good selections as they fill you up and don’t take up a lot room.
Security Gadgets for Your Tour du Mont Blanc Packing Checklist
Emergency Thermal Blanket: That is tiny, however might save your life for those who get stranded on the mountain since hypothermia is an actual danger for those who unexpectedly find yourself having to spend the night time on a mountain. I by no means hike with out one. See my submit the place I discuss why a survival blanket is a should when climbing.
Mini First Support Package: For day hikes you most likely don’t want a full-size First Support Package. I exploit a mini one which has the fundamentals. Discover out extra about what ought to be in your First Support Package.
Blister Prevention/Therapy:
Anti-Blister Stick: Convey prompt consolation to these spots that really feel like they will blister, particularly when doing a hike just like the TMB once you’ll be climbing a number of days in a row. Prevention is essential. You wish to use it earlier than it turns right into a blister.
Compeed Blister Cushions: I believe Compeed is the very best blister therapy in the marketplace! I at all times carry a couple of in my backpack.
You may see all these things in our TMB gear checklist on Amazon.
Navigation Necessities for Your TMB Packing Checklist
Good Telephone: Should you’re doing certainly one of our Tour du Mont Blanc self-guided excursions, you’ll want one to obtain your tour and the GPS tracks. Even for those who’re going by yourself, and never doing certainly one of our excursions, I extremely suggest downloading the GPS tracks of your day hike right into a climbing app equivalent to AllTrails, Gaia, or Mapy, earlier than you go climbing to make sure that you don’t get misplaced.
When you can deliver one other GPS machine, I want a smartphone since you can too use it to take photographs of your hike.
Paper Map: All the time deliver a paper copy of a map and an outline of your Tour du Mont Blanc climbing route. It’s high-quality to make use of climbing apps/digital variations, however deliver a paper one as a backup in case the digital model fails.
Miscellaneous Gadgets for Your Tour du Mont Blanc Packing Checklist
Head Lamp & Batteries: I at all times carry a headlamp in my backpack. Whereas the TMB is properly marked and it’s unlikely that you simply’ll want it whereas climbing, chances are you’ll want it within the mountain hut if it’s a must to stand up and go to the lavatory in the midst of the night time.
Bug spray: This can be a small merchandise to hold and is important in my e-book.
Rest room Paper: Should you’ve ever been with out bathroom paper whereas climbing and had a #2 rest room emergency, you’ll perceive why you need to at all times deliver a roll with you.
Plastic Luggage: You could have two selections, both bury your #2 enterprise, or perform your used bathroom paper. Sure, it’s pungent and gross, however do it anyway.
Sunscreen: Solar safety is actually essential.
Sun shades: A should on the path. I by no means go on a hike with out them.
Cooling Towel: A cooling towel is an non-obligatory merchandise for those who are inclined to overheat and are climbing the TMB in July or August.
Wipes: Cleaning wipes may be helpful if you wish to clean up however aren’t important. Search for ones which might be biodegradable. Most mountain huts have timed showers, however sometimes if it’s been a dry yr, you won’t have the choice to take a bathe, and wipes will make you’re feeling cleaner and get among the sweat off you.
Waterproof Telephone Case. Having a water-resistant case to your telephone on a hike generally is a nice asset for those who’re climbing in a moist space and have your telephone out loads for navigation.
Dry Bag: On your electronics and passport. Be aware, even in case you have chosen the baggage switch choice, you’re legally required to have your passport with you always (or EU ID for those who’re an EU citizen).
You may see all these things in our TMB gear checklist on Amazon.
Journey Insurance coverage
As quickly as your lodging and climbing tour have been confirmed, I like to recommend buying Journey and journey cancellation insurance coverage immediately.
I like to recommend HeyMondo because it contains mountain rescue and repatriation insurance coverage that are required and never coated by all insurance coverage insurance policies.
Additionally, in contrast to many insurance coverage insurance policies, it additionally covers pandemics in case we ever discover ourselves in a state of affairs like we had a couple of years in the past. Take a look at their website for the particular particulars, as not every thing is included.
Now you could have your final Tour du Mont Blanc packing checklist. Make sure to get your free printable TMB Packing checklist as properly. Joyful packing!
