Tour du Mont Blanc packing list: the complete checklist

If you are staying in huts, the ideal pack for the TMB weighs between 7 and 10 kg, including water and food. Every gram counts over 166 km and nearly 10,000 m of ascent. Tick items off as you go: the list is saved in your browser.

Carrying and walking

• 30–40 litre rucksack with hip belt and rain cover
• Hiking boots, already broken in, with grippy soles
• Trekking poles (essential on descents and snowfields)
• Water bottles or hydration bladder: 1.5–2 litres

Clothing

• Waterproof, breathable jacket
• Lightweight overtrousers
• Light down jacket or warm fleece (evenings in huts are chilly)
• 2 technical T-shirts and 1 long-sleeved top
• Hiking shorts or trousers (ideally zip-off)
• 2–3 pairs of hiking socks
• Beanie, thin gloves, cap or sun hat
• Light clothes for the evening and sandals or slippers (often provided in huts)

Nights in huts

• Sleeping-bag liner (sheet bag), compulsory in most huts
• Earplugs and eye mask
• Head torch
• Microfibre towel and small wash kit

Safety and health

• First-aid kit: blister plasters, antiseptic, painkillers, elastic bandage
• Sunscreen and sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
• Emergency blanket and whistle
• Topographic map or app with offline maps and the GPX track
• Lightweight crampons or microspikes (early season only)

Documents and money

• Identity card or passport
• European Health Insurance Card and proof of rescue insurance
• Cash in euros and Swiss francs, bank card
• Booking confirmations (printed or saved offline)
• Phone, charging cable and small power bank

What you can leave at home

A sleeping bag (blankets are provided in huts), a stove and food for several days (you can restock almost every day), and spare clothes you don’t need. If you are camping, allow an extra 4–6 kg for the tent, sleeping bag, mat and cooking kit.