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know before you go:
Packing list

During the summer, daytime temperatures along the trail typically fluctuate between 60 and 75°F, with occasional dips into the 40s or spikes into the 80s. Evenings generally hover around the 50s. Given that the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) traverses the Alps, weather conditions can swiftly shift, encompassing anything from scorching sunshine to extended periods of rain, and even sporadic snowfall. It's essential to come prepared with rain gear and insulating layers to adapt to these variable conditions.

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Packing for Tour du Mont Blanc

Layering is essential for maintaining comfort during an active trip. To achieve maximum comfort with minimal weight, it's important to have versatile layers that can be mixed and matched to provide the right amount of insulation, ventilation, and weather protection. While cotton may be suitable for warm weather, it becomes problematic when wet as it drains heat from your body, so opt for clothing made of wool or synthetics. Additionally, try to pack only what's necessary to minimize weight.

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Before embarking on your daily hike, you'll have the opportunity to leave non-hiking clothing, gear, and toiletries in a duffel bag, which will be transported to your lodging for the next evening. However, there is a 33-pound weight limit for your duffel bag, so please pack carefully.

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When selecting a duffel bag for this purpose, consider one with a capacity of approximately 95 liters. It should be crafted from rugged waterproof material and feature a durable zipper that can be secured with a luggage lock. For added protection, you may also want to pack your clothing and gear in large garbage bags before placing them in the duffel to ensure everything remains dry.

additional Tips

  • Make sure the hiking boots you pack are well broken-in.

  • Bring some moleskin or other remedies to help with blisters. Thin liner socks made of silk or synthetic fibers worn under regular hiking socks can minimize the risk of blistering. Test your sock combination ahead of time.

  • Trekking poles are highly recommended for hiking the TMB. They’ll help you maintain solid footing on the downhill, and when rain causes the trail to become muddy and slippery.

  • Locals tend have an umbrella on hand for quick afternoon downpours because sometimes it’s quicker than taking out and putting on all your raingear. Consider adding one to your daypack.

  • If you’re bringing a hydration reservoir system, you might want to bring a water bottle as well. You can fill it with your favorite electrolyte or energy mix and alternate between that and water.

  • Be sure to pack essential items such as your tour documents, passport, money, eyewear, medications, camera, hiking boots and a change of clothing in your carry-on baggage in case your luggage is delayed.

  • Bring a small ditty bag that includes a Ziploc bag with toilet tissue, spare Ziploc bags to dispose of soiled tissue, a small bottle of hand sanitizer and/or wet wipes. Women should include any necessary feminine hygiene products. Your ditty bag will be carried in your daypack while hiking.

Gear List

Travel Equipment

  • Duffel bag (1 piece per person/33 pounds max)

  • Luggage tags

  • Sleeping bag liner (optional)

  • Electrical adapter plug and converter

 

Travel Clothing

  • Wicking, quick-dry boxers or briefs

  • Wicking, quick-dry sports bra

  • Synthetic or wool T-shirt

  • Long-sleeve, travel-friendly shirt

  • Lightweight, travel-friendly pants

  • Swimsuit (optional; for hotel pools)

  • Casual shoes

  • Midweight wool or synthetic socks

 

Hiking Gear

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary.

  • Day pack (36–50L)

  • Day pack rain cover

  • Waterproof hiking boots

  • LED headlamp with extra batteries

  • Trekking poles (highly recommended)

 

Hiking Clothing

  • Wicking, quick-dry boxers or briefs (3)

  • Wicking, quick-dry sports bra

  • Long underwear tops and bottoms (lightweight, synthetic)

  • Synthetic T-shirts

  • Midweight fleece or soft-shell jacket (2)

  • Midweight down or synthetic parka with hood

  • Hiking pants (convertible, quick-dry, lightweight)

  • Hiking shorts (quick-dry, lightweight)

  • Hiking socks (synthetic or wool)

  • Liner socks (optional, synthetic)

  • Long-sleeve shirts (synthetic, lightweight)

  • Insulated jacket and/or vest

  • Fleece pants (optional)

  • Fleece/wool gloves

  • Fleece/wool hat

  • Fleece/wool jacket or sweater

  • Fleece/wool liner gloves

  • Gaiters

  • Lightweight waterproof/breathable rain jacket (with hood)

  • Lightweight waterproof/breathable rain pants

  • Sun-shielding hat or cap

  • Sunglasses

  • Bandana (optional)

 

Personal Items

Many of the following items are optional; tailor the list to suit your personal needs.
 

  • 1-liter water bottles (2)

  • 2-liter hydration reservoir (optional)

  • Water bottle insulating sleeves

  • Reusable container for lunch items if not purchasing on the trail

  • Watch with alarm

  • Compass (optional)

  • Signaling whistle (optional)

  • Headlamp with fresh batteries

  • Camera (optional)

  • Spare camera battery and spare camera memory card (optional)

  • Compact travel umbrella (for quick-passing showers; optional)

  • Sit pad (optional)

  • Sleep sheet/sleeping bag liner (optional)

  • Camp towel

  • Insect repellent

  • Knee supports (optional)

  • Shower sandals (optional)

  • Pocket knife or multi-tool

  • Personal first-aid kit (lightweight)

  • Eye shade

  • Ear plugs

  • Clothesline, sink stopper and washing detergent packets (optional)

  • Journal

  • Pen

  • Book

  • Cash/credit card

  • Cell phone in waterproof case

  • Large garbage bags to keep items dry (5; optional; white recommended)

 

Toiletries

Many of the following items are optional and specific to travel; tailor the list to suit your personal needs.

  • Toothbrush

  • Toothpaste 

  • Toilet paper

  • Personal wipes

  • Women’s hygiene items

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Sunscreen

  • Lip balm

  • Shampoo and conditioner

  • Biodegradable soap

  • Deodorant

  • Dental floss

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Skin lotion

  • Spare eyeglasses or contact lenses

  • Prescription medications; medications for traveler’s diarrhea, altitude sickness, malaria

 

Food

All breakfasts and most dinners are provided  at our lodging each day. You’ll want to bring/buy your own snacks, drink mixes and energy foods. 

  • Lunch food if not purchasing at restaurants along the trail.

  • Energy bars

  • Energy gels

  • Electrolyte replacement drink mix

  • Snacks (cookies, GORP, Snickers, etc.)

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List written by Steve Burke and the REI Adventures team.

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